Port Antonio | Jamaica

Port Antonio is a historic coastal town and the capital of Portland Parish on Jamaica's northeastern coast. Known for its lush, tropical environment and "off-the-beaten-path" atmosphere, it is widely considered the birthplace of Jamaican tourism.

Historical Timeline

Port Antonio was originally a minor Spanish settlement known as Puerto Anton. In the 1880s, it became the world’s banana capital when American businessman Lorenzo Dow Baker began shipping fruit to the U.S. This trade spurred the construction of the island's first luxury hotels, such as the Titchfield Hotel. In the 1940s and 50s, the town gained Hollywood fame after movie star Errol Flynn was "blown into" the harbor by a storm; he eventually settled there, cementing the town’s reputation as a playground for the rich and eccentric.

Demographics & Population (2026)

As of 2026, Port Antonio maintains a steady, moderate population compared to Jamaica's larger urban hubs.

Population: Approximately 14,400 residents.

Character: The town remains less commercialized than Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, preserving a more authentic, community-focused Jamaican lifestyle.

Ethnicity: Reflects the national average, predominantly of African descent (~76%), with mixed, Indian, and Chinese minorities.

Urban Layout & Districts

Titchfield Peninsula: The historic core, featuring colonial-era architecture, the Christ Church, and the ruins of Fort George.

Port Antonio CBD: The busy commercial heart near the West and East Harbours.

Errol Flynn Marina: A modern waterfront development accommodating world-class yachts and offering public park spaces.

Drapers & San San: Residential and resort areas to the east, home to some of the parish's most exclusive villas and beaches.

Boundbrook: A district primarily known for its industrial and residential mix.

Top Landmarks & Attractions

Blue Lagoon: A 200-foot deep natural lagoon famous for its shifting shades of blue, where fresh spring water meets the sea.

Frenchman’s Cove: Widely regarded as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, featuring a clear stream that flows across white sand into the ocean.

Rio Grande Rafting: The original bamboo rafting experience, where passengers are guided down the river on 30-foot rafts.

Reach Falls: A cascading waterfall set within a lush rainforest, featuring a hidden "rabbit hole" underwater cave.

Boston Bay: The spiritual home of Jerk seasoning; a must-visit for authentic Jamaican jerk pork and surfing.

Trident Castle: A stunning white palace-style villa on the coast, frequently used for high-profile weddings and film shoots.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Air: Served by Ken Jones Aerodrome (SAJ), primarily for domestic charters and private flights.

Sea: The Errol Flynn Marina handles international yacht arrivals and smaller cruise ships.

Road: The coastal highway connects Port Antonio to Kingston (south) and Ocho Rios (west).

Communication: As of 2026, the town benefits from expanded VoWiFi and 4G services from providers like Flow and Digicel.

Current Status (January 21, 2026)

Weather: Port Antonio is currently partly sunny with a temperature of 27°C (feels like 31°C). There is a 40% chance of light rain during the day.

Cultural Note: The Jamaican music industry is currently mourning the loss of legendary musician Cat Coore (of Third World), who passed away on January 18, 2026.

Local Events: January features various New Year goal-setting workshops and regional community festivals.

Climate & Air Quality

Climate: A tropical rainforest climate. Port Antonio is significantly wetter than the rest of Jamaica, receiving roughly 3,000mm of rainfall annually, which accounts for its intense greenery.

Air Quality: Excellent, given the lack of heavy industry and the abundance of surrounding forest and ocean breezes.

Local Cost Index (USD/JMD)

Shared Transfer to Kingston: ~$49.00

Blue Mountains Day Tour: ~$90.00 – $150.00

Bamboo Rafting (Private): ~$140.00 – $220.00

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity: Port Antonio was once the most important port in the world for the United Fruit Company, making it a key site in the global rise of the banana. A local legend persistent since the 1950s claims that Errol Flynn once "won" the Titchfield Hotel in a high-stakes poker game, though historians generally view this as part of the "Flynn Mythos" that still draws curious travelers to the town today.