Portland, Jamaica is located on the northeast end of the island and experiences the highest average rainfall. The parish is filled with some of the most mesmerizing beaches, waterfalls and breathtaking natural sceneries you will find on the island. Portland is also home to the Blue Mountains, the highest mountain peak on the island at 2,256m above sea level. Portland has been featured in many Hollywood films due to its natural beauty.
Here’s Showcase Jamaica’s list of things to do in Portland, Jamaica. Hope you enjoy our selections below.
Somerset Falls
Somerset Falls is a series of cascades meandering through the lush backdrop of ferns and other plant life into several natural pools in Hope Bay, Portland. The water for this majestic falls comes from the Daniels River pouring down the hillside. The property was once an indigo and spice plantation during Spanish colonisation. Today amenities include a restaurant, bar, souvenir shops, and bird aviaries. Included in the admission fee is a guided tour through a cave-like grotto by boat to the Hidden Fall – a 32 foot teardrop cascade.
Frenchman’s Cove
This postcard-perfect beach is located in Port Antonio, Portland. Frenchman’s Cove offers the unique combination of a lazy river and beach in one. This stunning beach was captured in the movie “Knight and Day” starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. A swing, a cold refreshing dip in the river or sunbathing on the golden sands of the beach with a bar and grill a stone throws away help Frenchman’s Cove to be one the must see stops in Jamaica.
Boston Jerk Centre
Boston Jerk Centre in Boston, Portland is definitely the place to get the taste of the original jerk flavour. Known as the birthplace of jerk, which is said to have originated in the 1940s in Boston, Portland. Jerk originally started as being about pork, and breadfruit, but today, it has grown to include not only chicken, but fish, lobster, and conch soup.
Winnifred Beach
Winnifred Beach, another gem in the parish of Portland. This community-run free beach is just what the doctor ordered. As with most Jamaican beaches, Winnifred boasts crystal clear blue waters with golden sand. As mentioned entry is free but visitors are asked to make a donation towards the beach’s upkeep. The beach is also lined with shops selling local cuisine as well as various craft items.
Reach Falls
Reach Falls located in Manchioneal, Portland is fed by the Driver’s River and is a luxurious eco attraction hidden in the Montane Forest on the John Crow Mountain Range. It features a natural heart-shaped jacuzzi that massages the whole body. The beautiful cascading Falls have also been featured in a few movies.
Boston Bay Beach
Boston Bay Beach is located in the Eastern end of the island in the parish of Portland. This amazing white sand beach with crystal clear waters is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. A stone throw away from the popular Boston Jerk Centre, makes it a perfect spot to just chill and relax on the beach. It’s also one of the few beaches in Jamaica where you can surf! Can’t surf? Want to learn? Then you’re in luck as they also offer surfing lessons. You can also enjoy other water activities such as windsurfing and snorkelling.
Blue Lagoon
Once thought to be bottomless, this natural lagoon located roughly seven miles east of Port Antonio is approximately 180ft – 200tft. This picturesque location with turquoise blue waters and surrounded by lush greenery was made popular by the 1980 film Blue Lagoon (starring Brooke Shields), from which it derived its name. The magical water of the lagoon is a mixture of salt and fresh water from the many underground springs that feed it. The water often changes colour from turquoise to sapphire and then to deep royal blue. You can take a guided tour of the lagoon via bamboo rafting or a boat ride and learn about the history of the lagoon.
San San Beach
San San beach is approximately seven miles from the town of Port Antonio, the bustling capital of Portland, Jamaica. The beach, which is privately owned, boasts a marvellous white sand beach, with crystal clear, blue shallow waters. It has approximately 1 ½ miles of pure white sand. Visitors pay an entrance fee, in exchange for a serene atmosphere, as there are usually few other visitors at the beach. There are lifeguards on duty, restroom facilities as well as a shower area for that before or after a dip in the tranquillising waters. The shallow and calm waters of the beach make it ideal for a family trip with small children.
Fish Dunn Falls
Fish Dunn Falls is located in the quaint community of Silver Hill in Portland. The powerful and majestic falls apparently got its name because that’s the area where fishes can’t swim past. Beware the water is extremely cold and deep, as the falls is located in the middle of a mountain range. You can read more about the Falls in our article here.
Rafting on the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers in Jamaica. It is also where bamboo rafting first started on the island. Raft Captains are skilled and licensed to take you down the river on the 25-30 feet long rafts, while you relax and absorb the natural beauty around you. As you continue down river, your Captain will tell you about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the history of the river itself. You’ll even get the opportunity to be the captain for a minute or two.
Turtle Cove
Turtle Bay Cove is a hidden gem located in the Manchioneal, Portland. Not to be confused with Turtle Bay Beach (see below). The Cove is also sometimes referred to as a sinkhole due to the small pool-like area. At low-tide the water is very shallow but gets very deep in hightide. The name Turtle Bay Cove came because turtles were known to have frequented the area back in the day to lay their eggs. Fun fact this is the only place in Jamaica where the sea forms a waterfall. This is due to the tide coming in and the waves crashing over the rocks forming a temporary waterfall.
Monkey Island
Monkey Island or Pellew Island is a small uninhabited Cay just off the coast of Portland. The Cay features a small shady white sand beach with a hanging swing. You can take a tour to this small yet beautiful cay from two main points; Blue Lagoon and San San Beach. From Blue Lagoon you can take a boat ride or Bamboo raft over. If you’re at San San beach you can go by kayak, some persons have been known to even swim across from San San beach. The turquoise crystal waters are pretty shallow and are perfect for a very chilled and relaxed day
Turtle Bay Beach
Turtle Bay Beach is another hidden gem located in Manchioneal, Portland. The name comes from the large turtle-shaped rock protruding from the sea. And yes, I assure you this is Jamaica. The waves can get a little rough, so it may not be ideal for a swim but you won’t mind after taking in the picturesque scenery around you. Chances are you’ll also have the place to yourself!
There you have it, Showcase Jamaica’s pick of things to do in Portland, Jamaica. Did you like our selections or did we leave out your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
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