For all the water based activities, we definitely recommend wearing water shoes.
Errol Flynn supposedly initiated rafting on the Rio Grande during the 1940's.The scenic 6-mile trip takes two and a half hours. Rafting first developed as a means of transportation on the river as the rapids prevented the use of boats. Raftsmen spend many years as apprentices. Trips are available 9.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m. and cost US$ 72.00 per raft. Rafting offered by individuals may be a little cheaper but the raftsman is probably not insured. We did this on our last trip and it was incredible!
Reach Waterfalls - (sometimes improperly spelled Reich). Known as one of Jamaica’s most beautiful natural waterfalls, a series of cascades tumble over limestone tiers from one pool to another. A half mile hike upriver leads to Mandingo Cave, which has a whirlpool and is worth the hike. The well paved road up to the falls is half a mile south of Manchioneal in Hector's River. It's a spectacular one-mile drive as you follow the valley of the Driver's River into the foothills of the John Crow Mountains. They are open 8:30am-4:30pm Wednesday through Sunday and on Monday or Tuesday only if it's a holiday. Admission (which includes a short tour) for locals is J$150 for kids 4-12 and everyone over 12 pays J$300. For visitors the fee is US$5 for kids 4-12 and US$10 for adults. There is a life guard and changing area. Bring your own food & drinks. We highly recommend seeing this place, and would love you to join us on our return visit!
Boston Beach - is 20 minutes east of Port Antonio and conveniently located near the famous Boston Jerk Centre. It is highly popular among surfers and bodysurfers as tides are often high. Most of the little beach has been all but washed away but, if you fancy a little surfing, then Boston Beach is your best bet in Jamaica. Boston was once owned by Roger Moore.
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| Frenchman's Cove |
Frenchman's Cove - This small private cove, boasts one of the prettiest white sand beaches for miles. A stream winds along to the white sand beach so you can enjoy fresh and sea water. There is a snack bar and a secure parking lot. There is a small fee (J$200 or about US$3.00) to use this beach and most area hotels provide passes. There are outside showers and changing facilities. You can rent beach chairs and buy food. The beach is closed on Tuesdays, keep this in mind if you decide to stay longer!
Boston Beach Jerk Center - Boston is the home of jerked pork, a spicy snack which originated with the Maroons who hunted wild boar in the Portland mountains and smoked it over open fires. You will see and smell the jerk pork and chicken being smoked over pimento wood in the family-run jerk stalls. They are open every day, late into the evening. Be sure to ask the prices BEFORE you order to avoid paying inflated "tourist" prices (and comparison shop from one vendor to another). Come hungry. You won’t regret it!
Other suggestions:
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| The Blue Lagoon |
San San Beach - This private beach, one mile away from Frenchman's Cove. It is open 10am to 4 pm daily. Some villas and properties in the San San area have arrangements to use the beach at no cost; others pay a US$8.00 admission fee. There are some reefs a few yards from the shore that offer good snorkeling. The whole marine life area around San San Beach is protected by law. No fish shooting, fishing or fast boats are allowed here. Offshore is the tiny Pellew Island. Watch out for spiny sea urchins if you swim out to the island.
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| Pellew Island as seen from San San Beach |
Pellew (a.k.a. Pelew or Monkey) Island - Pellew Island is one of Jamaica’s many small, near-shore islands. Located just off the San San coast near Port Antonio and originally part of Cold Harbour Estates, it was purchased in 1953 by Baron Heinrich Thyssen as a Valentine’s gift for his fiancée, and has been privately owned ever since. The island sits at one end of a coral reef, which protects the San San Bay. It is surrounded by healthy sea grass beds and wonderful swimming areas. Jamaicans and visitors alike visit the island by boat, laze on the small beach, snorkel at the nearby reef and generally enjoy the gorgeous setting. The current owner plans to construct four villas on the island which could unfortunately result in loss of public access to the beach.
Long Bay - About 25-30 minutes from Port Antonio, Long Bay Beach is a long, crescent-shaped bay that has white sand, a palm-fringed beach, deep turquoise water, and strong breezes that make it a consistent surf spot on the island. It’s good for swimming, especially if you would like a little bit more excitement than most of the very placid beaches, but watch out for a very strong undertow. It is best not to swim out further than you can stand. There are a number of rustic, beachside bars that offer refreshments and reggae music, particularly the Chill Out bar & restaurant (open-air, good food and view of the ocean).
Somerset Falls - (seen in title image) Nine miles to the west of Port Antonio, these falls are well-marked and easily accessible on the main coastal road. A deep gorge on the Daniel’s River just east of Hope Bay provides the beautiful setting on the former indigo and spice plantation. A short boat ride leads to a hidden waterfall that plunges 33 feet into a small pool where one can swim in the cool water. The property has a small menagerie, a fish farm, a snack bar and rest rooms. Dive into Hidden Falls from the rocky ledge.