Our top five things to do in Portland

Portland is one of my absolute favourite parishes in Jamaica, it was my go-to spot for a proper, away from it all, unwind when I lived in Kingston. If you’re looking for somewhere truly off the beaten track for your holiday, away from the tourist crowds and all-inclusive resorts then read on ...  Portland is the Jamaica of years gone by, before the concrete hotels took over the coastline. Port Antonio is the main town in the area—a pretty, sleepy place with real charm, home to the lovely Errol Flynn Marina, some great little bars and restaurants, and just enough going on to keep things interesting without feeling touristy. If you’re after authenticity, beauty, and a deep connection with nature, Portland is your place. Here are my top five things to do while you’re there.

Frenchman’s Cove

Frenchman’s Cove is straight out of a dream. Imagine soft white sand, the gentle swaying of palm trees, and a river that winds down from the hills to meet the sea—cool, fresh water flowing into the warm Caribbean. It’s one of the most stunning beaches you;ll ever visit. You can float in the river or swim in the sea, depending on your mood. There’s a beach bar too, serving up delicious cocktails. There is a small entry fee for access and loungers, so come prepared for that. Then lie back, soak up that Frenchman's vibe and relax. This is the Caribbean as it should be.

Reach Falls

Forget Dunns River Falls with the tourist crowds head instead to Portland, Reach Falls is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. Nestled in the rainforest, the falls offer a guided tour that takes you upstream, walking through the river itself. It’s an immersive experience through pristine nature, and the views are incredible. If you’re feeling brave, you can leap from the falls into the natural pool below—an exhilarating moment. Fun fact: parts of the movie Cocktail with Tom Cruise were filmed here.

Street Food 

Portland is the birthplace of jerk, Boston Bay, just 9 miles out of Port Antonio is the 'home of jerk' - but there are many wonderful restaurants and jerk stands in Port Antonio Jerk that are the real deal. Smoky, spicy, and full of flavour, this is hands-down the best jerk you’ll ever taste. You’ll find chicken, pork, fish and even vegan and vegetarian options —ll cooked the traditional way over pimento wood. Be warned: the hot options are really hot, so choose wisely! We recommend washing it all down with a cold bottle of Ting. It’s a must-do for foodies.

Rafting on the Rio Grande

For something more serene, take a traditional bamboo raft down the Rio Grande. Departing from Port Antonio, this slow drift through lush forest is pure peace. Your raft captain will point out different plants and wildlife along the way—look out for hummingbirds, butterflies, and tropical flora. It’s a quiet, soulful experience, but don’t forget the mosquito repellent! Perfect for anyone needing a moment to reconnect with nature.

Errol Flynn Marina

Named for the iconic Hollywood movie star who got ship wrecked at Port Antonio in the '40s (or so the story goes) and fell in love with the place, making his home here. Enjoy a stroll along the Marina, have a Red Stripe (or two) whilst watching the sun set and treat yourself to a Devon House Ice Cream. 

Ready to step into your Portland getaway? Contact us and let's get planning!