10 Best Things To Do In Port Antonio, Jamaica

1. Swim with the turtles at Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is a must-visit landmark in Port Antonio and it is a popular family vacation spot. The location is only a couple of miles to the west of the city, where it is nestled in the lush jungle. It was originally called the ‘Blue Hole’, but people have unofficially renamed it ‘Blue Lagoon’ as that famous Hollywood flick was shot here. The place has zero admission charges, but it would be a nice idea to rent a boat here and tour the entire lagoon. Also, you should not miss the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the sea turtles in the emerald green/blue waters.

2. Try some Caribbean specialties at Wilkes Cuisine Seafood

Wilkes Cuisine Seafood is a famous restaurant and bar in this neighborhood. Being situated next to East Harbor, this place boasts a fantastic seaside location. Don’t go just by the rustic looks of this place–they serve delicious American and Caribbean cuisine. Steamed fish, curried goat, and grilled lobster are just a few of the island’s specialties served here. The pricing as well as the portion size are reasonable here. Thus, Wilkes Cuisine Seafood is a worthy place to visit.

Wilkes Cuisine Seafood

Address: Wilkes Cuisine Seafood, Folly Rd, Port Antonio, Jamaica

Website: Wilkes Cuisine Seafood

Opening hours: 10am - 9:30pm (daily)

3. Check out the amazing Folly Ruins

Folly Ruins is a century-old structure in the city that has at least two famous legends associated with it. The common story is quite hilarious–it tells of an act of folly by a man, who had mixed cement with the seawater for his convenience during the construction of this mansion. However, the true story also shows some evidence that the builder had mixed the concrete with saltwater. The seawater didn’t decay the mansion immediately, but it slowly carved a captivating ruin. Visit this spot to admire the unique architecture.

4. Hang out with friends at Errol Flynn Marina

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Errol Flynn Marina is located on the western shore of the peninsula near the market and it’s the major marina of the city. You will see here plenty of boat rentals, upscale restaurants, cafés, a fishing pier, as well as a little beach. It is considered as the favorite hangout place for the locals and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit here on the evenings.

Errol Flynn Marina

Address: Port Antonio, Jamaica

Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)

5. Buy some Caribbean souvenirs from Musgrave Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This place is popularly known as the ‘market’ and it is just a few steps away from Errol Flynn Marina. It is your usual Caribbean bazaar, where the tourists as well as the locals would gather for their needed supplies. This lively flea market sells almost everything, like clothing, food, spices, handicrafts, and more. Other than that, you will also encounter freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, as well as seafood and Jamaican Rumona (rum-based whiskey). Our pro tip - do your best bargaining at Musgrave Market.

Musgrave Market

Address: West Street, between Port Antonio Square and Main Square, Port Antonio, Jamaica

6. Hike to Folly Lighthouse

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This historic brick tower is situated at the end of the Folly Peninsula on the mouth of East Harbor, which lies a little over a mile away from the highway. Thus, you would have to trek a rocky path to get here, which will also cross Folly Ruin. This lighthouse was built in the year 1888 and it still works to this day. Although this attraction is not open for tourists, you can take as many photographs as you want in the area.

7. Try some delicious organic jerk dishes at Boston Jerk Centre

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Jerk is a native Jamaican style for meat cooking, which involves some special seasonings, unique spice mixes, dry and wet marinating, and oven cooking. No one should miss a chance to try these recipes while they’re in this country, and we cannot offer you any better authentic jerk restaurant than this one. Being at a short drive from Port Antonio, Boston Jerk Centre is located in Fairy Hill.

Boston Jerk Centre

Address: Boston Jerk Centre, Fairy Hill, Jamaica

Website: Boston Jerk Centre

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun - Thu: 10am - 7pm

8. Head to Village of St. George for some upscale shopping

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Village of St. George is a little shopping complex in San Antonio. It’s a three-storey open mall in downtown, which features boutiques, jewelry shops, salons, nightclubs, bookstores, and a lot more upscale shops. The mall was built in the middle of the 90s and its architecture reflects more than one style of European art forms. The building alongside is also a shopping mall (Royal Mall) so do remember to visit that as well if you’re coming here.

Village of St. George

Address: Fort George St, Port Antonio, Jamaica

9. Catch a glimpse of the early 20th century at Titchfield Peninsula

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Titchfield Peninsula is another peninsula in port Antonio (the other being Folly Peninsula) and it breaks up East and West Harbors. Errol Flynn Marina is set on this peninsula. This entire peninsula is noted for its architectural style, which dates back to the Victorian period. So, take a tour of the Titchfield Peninsula, and admire this little English colony in the Caribbean.

10. Take a souvenir back home from Port Antonio Craft Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Port Antonio Craft Market is a little flea market inside of that big bazaar, and as the name indicates, it’s specialized in crafts. Caribbean handicraft is famous all over and it would be a fine idea to shop for some souvenir from this market. Here you will get handlooms, woodcraft, clay art, tableware, straw hats, handmade shoes, bags, and more. And since it’s a unified market, the pricing should also be somewhat lower than what stores would charge you.

Explore Port Antonio's paradise

Although it’s impossible to sum up this remarkable place in just a few headings, we have gathered the most popular attractions here on this list, which includes lagoons, ruins, as well as souvenir markets. So visit this little piece of paradise and check out all these best things to do in Port Antonio, Jamaica.