Making the most of Port Antonio
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The few small ships visiting Port Antonio tie up at Ken Wright Pier in West harbour. Port Antonio's heart is an interesting 15-minute walk east; take care around traffic.
Take a printable map with you.
The fenced wharf excludes vendors and unlicensed taxis, and no bus runs from the piers to town. Visitor information is available at Tourism Product Development Company in Errol Flynn Marina and Jamaica Tourist Board at City center Plaza on harbor Street. Both are open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm.
Port Antonio, 68 miles east of Ocho Rios, has been Portland's capital since the parish was formed in 1723. Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1855-1919) called it the most exquisite port on earth. Formerly Jamaica's main banana port, it still has the rakish, tropical languor of a maritime harbour and little of Montego Bay's or Ocho Rios's bustle; goats asleep in veranda shade capture the mood.
Getting around
Do not be nervous about Jamaican local buses: they cost 10 times less than tourist taxis. Avoid being overcharged by tourist drivers; local route taxis are an interesting and much cheaper way to travel.
Nearby places
Consider excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the cheapest, but save limited time on making arrangements and reduce the risk of missing the ship, especially given local road conditions. Prices and excursions differ between cruise lines. Typical options include swimming and snorkeling, a Rio Grande bamboo-raft ride, Nonsuch Cave fossil sea life, or Athenry Gardens, a tropical paradise with spectacular views. Check with your ship's shore-excursion…
Money
About 70 Jamaican dollars (JMD) equals 1 US$.
Many Jamaican ATMs take international bank cards.
Staying connected
Most Jamaicans speak Jamaican Creole, known locally as Patois, and English is widely spoken.
For police assistance, dial 119.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1600 and Sat 0800-1300. Some Kingston shops close half day Wednesday, and elsewhere in Jamaica on Thursday.