On first impressions, Port Antonio might seem like just a small, sleepy town.

But a quick tour around and a browse through its history will show that it's long been a playground of the rich and famous.

Indeed, the local Marina is named after one of its long-time residents, swashbuckling movie star, Errol Flynn.

And celebrities from the Kardashians to Justin Bieber have been spotted recently lounging in the Blue Lagoon and no doubt staying at the uber-luxurious Geejam or Trident hotels.

Appearances can be deceiving as Porti proves, but it really is an unpretentious slice of paradise.

So here are our top five things to do in Port Antonio.

Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon

The stuff of myth and legend and once said to be bottomless, this is a proving ground for freedivers looking to test themselves and those who simply want to drift through the waters of an impossible blue.

The lagoon alternates between bands of warm seawater that swirls to mix with the cold water pumping from a nearby freshwater river teeming with fish.

Pictured in the famous film Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise, the Blue Lagoon is easily one of Jamaica's most breathtaking attractions.

In August 2022, restoration works started at the Blue Lagoon so the site has been temporarily closed to the public. The project is expected to be completed in early 2023.

Call ahead of time to confirm opening hours before you book a visit to this water attraction. 

Get to Blue Lagoon: Driving east, pass through the town of Port Antonio and head to Drapers and San San Beach. Pass the beautiful villas that sit on the edge of the water and you’ll happen upon the entrance.

Spend a day at Frenchman’s Cove


This unique beach, voted one of the world’s best, is attached to a hotel property but is open for public access for US $10.

You’ll see exactly why it's one of the best in the world before you even hit the beach, as you walk through the lush vegetation of the beautiful property and cross a stunning river that you follow down to the sea.

Step out onto a white sand beach and breathe in the beauty.

To the right, the river makes its way to the cove, creating its own crystal clear, unique swimming hole with a tiny beach of its own and rope swings for you to leap into the water below.

Refreshments are on sale with a fully-catered beach service, bringing your food and drinks to you as you lounge in the beach chairs.

Rafting down the Rio Grande

Originally used to ferry banana crops from plantations to market, rafting down the Rio Grande became a fun way to spend the day thanks to the swashbuckling star of the silver screen, Errol Flynn.

The 2.5-hour trip begins near the top of the river on a homemade bamboo raft and is guided by your captain through some of the most picturesque scenery.

It ends when you reach the mouth of the river, right on the coastline with the Caribbean Sea.

Local tip: Organize lunch to be prepared for you to enjoy midway or pack a cooler.

This is a day-out experience for the whole family!

Visit Monkey Island

Monkey Island got its name from the colony of monkeys that lived there belonging to Alfred Mitchell's explorer son-in-law, Hiram Bingham.

The island, just offshore of Mitchell's mansion now called the Folly Ruins, became the playground for the animals as Mitchell did not keep them inside the home.

The island features a small shady beach with a swing, perfect for spending the afternoon escaping the summer sun.

At low tide, it's said the water is so shallow that you can walk to the island from the coast. 

Stay at Goblin Hill for a night or two

Perched on top of a bluff with sweeping views of San San Bay and Monkey Island (Pellew Island), this classic hotel in Port Antonio is spread over 11 acres.

Goblin Hill features one and two-bedroom cottages, tennis courts, a pool, and an in-house bar/restaurant.

Tel: (876) 993-7443

Make the trip

If you're arriving in Jamaica at the Norman Manley Airport, Port Antonio (the capital town of Portland) is a relaxing, picturesque two-hour drive away.

You should make the trip!