Set on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful bays, Port Antonio is surrounded by the Blue Mountains. The town dates back to the 16th century, and is surrounded by sea rich in game fish. Sights include Mitchell’s Folly, a two-story mansion built by the American millionaire Dan Mitchell in 1905, and the ruins of the 60-room Great House. Rafting is available on the Rio Grande, comprising two-hour trips on two passenger bamboo rafts, which begin high in the Blue Mountains at Berrydale, sail past plantations of bananas and sugar cane, and end up at Margaret’s Bay. The scenic Somerset Falls nearby are a popular picnic spot. Beaches in the Port Antonio area include San San and), while the Blue Lagoon is a salt-water cove offering fishing, swimming and water-skiing and is considered one of the finest coves in the Caribbean.
Things to See & Do
* Mitchell’s Folly
* Fishing
* Somerset Falls
* Rafting on the Rio Grande
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Jamaican Dollar (JMD; symbol J$)
Language – English
Land Area – 10,991 sq km sq km
Population – 2,700,000 (Jamaica)
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code – 1 + 876
Port Location –Transport Links – International flights are available from Norman Manley International (KIN) (Kingston) is 18km (11 miles) southeast of the city, and Montego Bay (MBJ) (International) which is 3km (2 miles) north of the city. Ocho Rios and Montego Bay are the main ports of call for cruise ships.
There is a reliable bus service in Kingston and Montego Bay; less reliable for trans-island travel. Coach and minibus tours can be booked at most hotels. Taxis are the cheapest and quickest way of getting around the island. Most major towns, as well as airports, have rental car facilities.