Port Antonio Jamaica

Located on the north eastern coast, Port Antonio was originally settled by the Spanish. This town is the capital of the parish of Portland and is often referred to as the “cradle of tourism” in Jamaica. The port of Port Antonio is the third largest and was famous for shipping bananas. Tourism started in Port Antonio when banana was king, Captain Lorenzo Baker came to the island to collect “green gold” on the boats and brought back visitors after exporting the bananas.

The town was considered sleepy and coastal until Captain Lorenzo Baker started his banana trade in 1880’s. With the influx of persons coming in, there was a need for accommodations, Captain Baker then build the Titchfield Hotel and Cottages in 1890. The Titchfield Hotel was the first hotel to cater to overseas visitors and in 1905 it offers modern conveniences such as plunger elevator.

The town had grown tremendously by then and became a well recognized vacation spot for the wealthy merchants, some of whom build winter homes all over the town and converted Port Antonio into the playground for the rich. Port Antonio today is said to be so low keyed that when the famous persons visit, they are well hidden from the spot light and will be here for months without notice. This town which is peaceful, has a unique charm and picturesque of natures beauty. All around the town, you can find old buildings which are elegant that silently beckon and remind you of the rich history.

Some of the wealthy visitors to Jamaica is attracted to this town and was further highlighted as movies in the 1940’s and 1950’s this paradise town was featured in the “the cocktail and club paradise” films. Port Antonio was also added to fame when Errol Flynn the movie star, arrived on his yacht, he loved it so much that he bought the neighboring Navy Islands. The Navy Islands was a British base for the navy in the 18th century. Port Antonio also had visits from the some members from the royal families, great musicians, movie stars and well recognized politicians.

Port Antonio, although not so populated like the other towns, the streets are always buzzing with activities. Typical of the last century is the De Montevin Lodge Guest House, the Parish Church and the Court House. Built more recently are the Bonnie View and Trident Hotels and the Jamaica Palace. The historic Georgian building of the Parish Council and Courthouse was built in 1895 is one of Port Antonio’s historical building.

The Marina at Port Antonio extends a half a kilometer along the west harbor; it houses the Marine Police, Cruise Ship Pier, Coast Guard Stations, the Customs Office and the Immigration Office. The Marina has an attractive landscape with wooden promenade and gazebos host a lot of recreation activities, souvenir shops, restaurant, bar, boutiques, swimming pools and is also a berthing place for small yachts.

Some of the popular places in Port Antonio are Folly Mansions Ruins, The Frenchman’s Cove Beach which is secluded, the Blue Lagoon, with its depth at 200 feet (this is said contributes to the color), the Boston Bay, Rio Grande River and Reich Falls.

You can visit the Navy Island by hiring a boat from the Marina; this island was formerly known as Lynch’s island. This island was once owned by movie star Errol Flynn, it is now owned by the ports authority of Jamaica.