Star San’s Guide to Portland🏝🇯🇲
Lagoons
When staying on the property, the neighbouring world‑famous Blue Lagoon will feel almost like your private oasis. This mesmerising, emerald‑coloured body of water is surrounded by lush vegetation and attached to a natural mineral spring. The fresh, cool spring and the warm Caribbean sea beset by a grove of tropical trees meet to form an unmatched, truly enchanting experience. With a cool thin layer of spring water atop and warm seawater underneath, get ready for the most refreshing, invigorating swim. Or, arrange a boat or bamboo raft tour around the lagoon and out into the neighbouring attractions, like Monkey Island.
| Travel Time: 2 min walk.
| Features: Lagoon, Mineral Bath, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: Free.
| Location: can be seen from the property.
Blue Lagoon
When staying on the property, the neighbouring world‑famous Blue Lagoon will feel almost like your private oasis. This mesmerising, emerald‑coloured body of water is surrounded by lush vegetation and attached to a natural mineral spring. The fresh, cool spring and the warm Caribbean sea beset by a grove of tropical trees meet to form an unmatched, truly enchanting experience. With a cool thin layer of spring water atop and warm seawater underneath, get ready for the most refreshing, invigorating swim. Or, arrange a boat or bamboo raft tour around the lagoon and out into the neighbouring attractions, like Monkey Island.
| Travel Time: 2 min walk.
| Features: Lagoon, Mineral Bath, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: Free.
| Location: can be seen from the property.
Beaches
This famous, picturesque location is one of our favourites, with a beautiful white sand beach that is connected to a pristine river. Enjoy a variety of swimming experiences from the clear, cool river to the turquoise, warm Caribbean sea. Or bask on the white sand beach while you enjoy a full spread of Jamaican appetisers, entrees, desserts, and cocktails, served directly to your lounge or table area.
| Travel Time: 5 min drive.
| Features: Beach, River, Food and Drink available for purchase.
| Fee: 12 USD for Adults, 6 USD for Kids (11 yrs and under).
73 recommandé par les habitants
Frenchman 's Cove Beach
This famous, picturesque location is one of our favourites, with a beautiful white sand beach that is connected to a pristine river. Enjoy a variety of swimming experiences from the clear, cool river to the turquoise, warm Caribbean sea. Or bask on the white sand beach while you enjoy a full spread of Jamaican appetisers, entrees, desserts, and cocktails, served directly to your lounge or table area.
| Travel Time: 5 min drive.
| Features: Beach, River, Food and Drink available for purchase.
| Fee: 12 USD for Adults, 6 USD for Kids (11 yrs and under).
San San Beach is our first choice when you want peace, quiet, and a little more privacy. This beach boasts a gorgeous 1.5 mile stretch of fine white sand, and the clear, warm turquoise blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Located across from a beautiful coral reef, it has some of the calmest waters in Portland. Relatively shallow from the shore, it is perfect for relaxing with friends and safe for kids to swim. However, if you are in the mood for adventure, it is ideally located 200 metres from the reef and Monkey Island. Making it a popular entry point for snorkelers, scuba divers who want to explore, and ambitious swimmers alike.
| Travel Time: 5 min drive.
| Features: Beach, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: 12 USD for Adults, 6 USD for Kids (12 yrs and under), free for Small Children (3 yrs and under).
17 recommandé par les habitants
San San Beach
A4San San Beach is our first choice when you want peace, quiet, and a little more privacy. This beach boasts a gorgeous 1.5 mile stretch of fine white sand, and the clear, warm turquoise blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Located across from a beautiful coral reef, it has some of the calmest waters in Portland. Relatively shallow from the shore, it is perfect for relaxing with friends and safe for kids to swim. However, if you are in the mood for adventure, it is ideally located 200 metres from the reef and Monkey Island. Making it a popular entry point for snorkelers, scuba divers who want to explore, and ambitious swimmers alike.
| Travel Time: 5 min drive.
| Features: Beach, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: 12 USD for Adults, 6 USD for Kids (12 yrs and under), free for Small Children (3 yrs and under).
This gorgeous white sand beach is our favourite place for an authentic Jamaican beach experience. Swim in the clear, warm, Caribbean Sea, or join a pick‑up game of football (soccer) or cricket. Enjoy local reggae music and a variety of original Jamaican drinks, as well as sweet and savoury snacks offered by vendors. Another pleasant detail ‑ entry is free of charge.
| Travel Time: 5 min drive.
| Features: Beach, Food and Drink available for purchase, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: Free. But, give a small donation if you’re feeling generous.
75 recommandé par les habitants
Plage de Winnifred
This gorgeous white sand beach is our favourite place for an authentic Jamaican beach experience. Swim in the clear, warm, Caribbean Sea, or join a pick‑up game of football (soccer) or cricket. Enjoy local reggae music and a variety of original Jamaican drinks, as well as sweet and savoury snacks offered by vendors. Another pleasant detail ‑ entry is free of charge.
| Travel Time: 5 min drive.
| Features: Beach, Food and Drink available for purchase, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: Free. But, give a small donation if you’re feeling generous.
Monkey Island is our favourite place for small groups. This picturesque tropical oasis has a small, well‑shaded white sand beach attached to a beautiful coral reef. Relatively shallow from shore, it is perfect for relaxing with friends and safe for kids to swim. Bask in the warm, clear turquoise blue water with your group and enjoy your beverages. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a dive and explore the gorgeous, pristine coral reef. Getting to the island is a captivating experience in itself. Ferrying a boat, bamboo raft, or kayak from Blue Lagoon will take you on a short tour of the San San shoreline. Boasting incredible coastal views of the water, several beaches, lush vegetation, and some of the largest, most beautiful, and unique residences in the country.
| Travel Time: Accessible via ~5 min boat trip. You may hire boatmen by the blue lagoon pier ‑ 2 min walk from the property.
| Features: Beach, Coolers and Food permitted.
| Fees: *Fee for transport to and from the beach.
| Location: Across from Blue Lagoon and San San Beach shoreline.
| Tips:
* Try and get there earlier than later. The beach has limited space sometimes. However, if you get there a little earlier, you may have it to yourself.
* If you want to venture through the seagrass and out into the deeper part of the beach, please wear shoes (sandals, water shoes, or Crocs will do). There are sea urchins in the seagrass.
Pellew Island aka Monkey Island
Monkey Island is our favourite place for small groups. This picturesque tropical oasis has a small, well‑shaded white sand beach attached to a beautiful coral reef. Relatively shallow from shore, it is perfect for relaxing with friends and safe for kids to swim. Bask in the warm, clear turquoise blue water with your group and enjoy your beverages. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a dive and explore the gorgeous, pristine coral reef. Getting to the island is a captivating experience in itself. Ferrying a boat, bamboo raft, or kayak from Blue Lagoon will take you on a short tour of the San San shoreline. Boasting incredible coastal views of the water, several beaches, lush vegetation, and some of the largest, most beautiful, and unique residences in the country.
| Travel Time: Accessible via ~5 min boat trip. You may hire boatmen by the blue lagoon pier ‑ 2 min walk from the property.
| Features: Beach, Coolers and Food permitted.
| Fees: *Fee for transport to and from the beach.
| Location: Across from Blue Lagoon and San San Beach shoreline.
| Tips:
* Try and get there earlier than later. The beach has limited space sometimes. However, if you get there a little earlier, you may have it to yourself.
* If you want to venture through the seagrass and out into the deeper part of the beach, please wear shoes (sandals, water shoes, or Crocs will do). There are sea urchins in the seagrass.
Boston Beach is our first choice to experience an authentic, one‑of‑a‑kind Jamaican beach community. Nestled within a cove between San San and Long Bay, the beach and surrounding area are legendary for their natural features, range of activities, and rich history. Relax on the pristine white sand beach while you sip your beverages under the lush emerald green jungle canopy looking out onto the sea and surrounding white limestone cliffs. Or go for a swim and enjoy the clear, warm, turquoise‑blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Feeling adventurous? This beach is one of the few in Jamaica known for surfing. Never been on a surfboard before? No problem ‑ surfboard rentals and lessons are available on the property. Boston Beach is also the home of the world‑famous Jamaican Jerk seasoning and cooking method. You may order meals and beverages from the Boston Beach Restaurant and Bar to your lounge or table area. Or walk/drive around the surrounding jerk centre, home to many different pop‑up jerk kitchens, a smoothie shop, and cafes. No waves today? The Boston BMX and Skate Park is only a 2 min drive from the beach.
| Travel Time: 15 min drive.
| Features: Beach, Food and Drink available for purchase.
| Fees: Entry: 3 USD/person, Surfboard Rentals: 14 USD/hr (from private vendors).
Boston Beach, Jamaïque
Boston Beach is our first choice to experience an authentic, one‑of‑a‑kind Jamaican beach community. Nestled within a cove between San San and Long Bay, the beach and surrounding area are legendary for their natural features, range of activities, and rich history. Relax on the pristine white sand beach while you sip your beverages under the lush emerald green jungle canopy looking out onto the sea and surrounding white limestone cliffs. Or go for a swim and enjoy the clear, warm, turquoise‑blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Feeling adventurous? This beach is one of the few in Jamaica known for surfing. Never been on a surfboard before? No problem ‑ surfboard rentals and lessons are available on the property. Boston Beach is also the home of the world‑famous Jamaican Jerk seasoning and cooking method. You may order meals and beverages from the Boston Beach Restaurant and Bar to your lounge or table area. Or walk/drive around the surrounding jerk centre, home to many different pop‑up jerk kitchens, a smoothie shop, and cafes. No waves today? The Boston BMX and Skate Park is only a 2 min drive from the beach.
| Travel Time: 15 min drive.
| Features: Beach, Food and Drink available for purchase.
| Fees: Entry: 3 USD/person, Surfboard Rentals: 14 USD/hr (from private vendors).
River Tours
The Rio Grande River tour is one of the most popular excursions in Jamaica. Embark on your personal bamboo raft with a friend/partner and your designated captain, and enjoy a 2‑3 hr ride through one of the largest and most beautiful rivers in the country. You are surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife, along with the backdrop of our famous Blue Mountain range. Trust us, you will want to have your camera ready.
| Travel Time: 30 min drive.
| Features: River Rafting, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: 90 USD per Raft‑ carries 2 Adults. Kids < 10yrs can join Adult Chaperones for free.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Rio-Grande River
The Rio Grande River tour is one of the most popular excursions in Jamaica. Embark on your personal bamboo raft with a friend/partner and your designated captain, and enjoy a 2‑3 hr ride through one of the largest and most beautiful rivers in the country. You are surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife, along with the backdrop of our famous Blue Mountain range. Trust us, you will want to have your camera ready.
| Travel Time: 30 min drive.
| Features: River Rafting, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: 90 USD per Raft‑ carries 2 Adults. Kids < 10yrs can join Adult Chaperones for free.
Waterfalls
Reach Falls is one of our favourites, and a popular destination offering a variety of activities. Swim in the beautiful, pristine waterfalls, caves, and pools, have a scenic picnic or get a full tour of the falls from a designated guide. This experience is for any type of visitor ‑ quenching a thirst for comfort, relaxation and adventure all in one place.
| Travel Time: ~50 min drive.
| Features: Waterfalls, Rivers, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: 10 USD for Adults, 5 USD for Kids (12 yrs and under).
41 recommandé par les habitants
Reach Falls
Reach Falls is one of our favourites, and a popular destination offering a variety of activities. Swim in the beautiful, pristine waterfalls, caves, and pools, have a scenic picnic or get a full tour of the falls from a designated guide. This experience is for any type of visitor ‑ quenching a thirst for comfort, relaxation and adventure all in one place.
| Travel Time: ~50 min drive.
| Features: Waterfalls, Rivers, Coolers, and Food permitted.
| Fee: 10 USD for Adults, 5 USD for Kids (12 yrs and under).
Restaurants
Roots 21 is one of the best establishments to get an authentic Jamaican dining and entertainment experience in one place. Located in the heart of Port Antonio, they specialise in exceptional Jamaican and seafood cuisine, along with delicious vegan options. Also known for its cocktail bar and live DJ, it is the perfect place to dine in groups, as a family, with a partner, or hang out and meet new people. Choose your dining experience ‑ the lower dining room is close to the bar and music, providing an exciting, casual, social atmosphere. Or make your way to the upper dining room for a quiet, intimate ambiance. Enjoy beautiful ocean and countryside views, outstanding local cuisine, and music at one of Jamaica’s most popular restaurants. Trust us, the experience will make you come back every time you’re in the Portland area.
| Travel Time: ~30 min drive.
| Opening Hours: Mon ‑ Wed : 11am ‑ 10pm, Thurs ‑ Fri : 11am ‑ Midnight, Sat : Noon ‑ 10pm, Sun : Closed.
| Reservation Number: 876‑398‑7722.
| Weekly Specials:
‑ Rum and Wings Tuesdays: 1 serving of wings, 1 flask of rum and 1 chaser for $1,500 JMD (~$ 9.61 USD).
‑ Seafood Fridays: All seafood comes with 1 complimentary side order and 1 complimentary soup, all flasks come with 1 Red Bull, all bottles come with 3 Red Bulls.
| Recommended Dishes: Starters: Seafood Soup, Honey BBQ Wings; Vegan: Pumpkin Talkari, Irish Choka. Entrees: Oxtail; Fish: Steamed, Escoveitch, Fried with Chips; Shrimp: Fried, Curried; Garlic Lobster; Vegan: Burgers, House Salad. Sides: Bammy.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Roots 21 Bar & Kitchen
19 West Palm AvenueRoots 21 is one of the best establishments to get an authentic Jamaican dining and entertainment experience in one place. Located in the heart of Port Antonio, they specialise in exceptional Jamaican and seafood cuisine, along with delicious vegan options. Also known for its cocktail bar and live DJ, it is the perfect place to dine in groups, as a family, with a partner, or hang out and meet new people. Choose your dining experience ‑ the lower dining room is close to the bar and music, providing an exciting, casual, social atmosphere. Or make your way to the upper dining room for a quiet, intimate ambiance. Enjoy beautiful ocean and countryside views, outstanding local cuisine, and music at one of Jamaica’s most popular restaurants. Trust us, the experience will make you come back every time you’re in the Portland area.
| Travel Time: ~30 min drive.
| Opening Hours: Mon ‑ Wed : 11am ‑ 10pm, Thurs ‑ Fri : 11am ‑ Midnight, Sat : Noon ‑ 10pm, Sun : Closed.
| Reservation Number: 876‑398‑7722.
| Weekly Specials:
‑ Rum and Wings Tuesdays: 1 serving of wings, 1 flask of rum and 1 chaser for $1,500 JMD (~$ 9.61 USD).
‑ Seafood Fridays: All seafood comes with 1 complimentary side order and 1 complimentary soup, all flasks come with 1 Red Bull, all bottles come with 3 Red Bulls.
| Recommended Dishes: Starters: Seafood Soup, Honey BBQ Wings; Vegan: Pumpkin Talkari, Irish Choka. Entrees: Oxtail; Fish: Steamed, Escoveitch, Fried with Chips; Shrimp: Fried, Curried; Garlic Lobster; Vegan: Burgers, House Salad. Sides: Bammy.
Soldier Camp Eatery feels like a refreshing journey, back in time, to a simpler Jamaica. The short, rural drive outside Port Antonio will take you to a small, eclectic, outdoor bamboo dining and bar area adorned with international flags. You will be greeted by the charming and informative owner/chef ‑ ‘Soldier’; who will seat you, tell a brief history of the establishment, and hand you the daily menu. The Jamaican‑Born, U.S. Marine veteran ‑ ‘Soldier’ founded the restaurant after retiring from the service and returning from NYC. He put together a daily changing menu of delicious Jamaican cuisine, including outstanding vegan and seafood options. The bar also has a variety of beer, wine, and Jamaican cocktails. Dine under the rustic, clear canopy of stars and tropical trees and enjoy what is definitely the most recommended restaurant in Portland ‑ by foreigners and locals alike.
| Travel Time: ~35 min drive.
| Opening Hours: Tues ‑ Sun : 5 ‑ 11pm. Sun and Mon are reservations only.
| Reservation Numbers: 876‑351‑4821 / 876‑715‑2083 / 876‑773‑5704.
| Recommended Dishes: Entrees: CrayFish, Curried Coconut Shrimp; Lobster: Grilled Garlic, Coconut Curry; Fish: Fried, Steamed, Escoveitch; Chicken: Fried, Brown Stew; Curried Goat, Jerk Pork, Ackee and Saltfish; Vegan: Red Peas with Coconut Milk, Steamed Veg. and Veg. Chunks (separate or as one dish). Sides: Fried Bammy, Roti.
| Tips:
* Check what is being served on the menu for that day, the options change depending on the day of the week.
* Call ahead to make seating reservations and menu orders ‑ especially if you are in a group, the restaurant is popular and has limited seating.
* You may call ahead to make special requests to customise your meal/s eg. style of cooking (curry, brown stew etc.), level of spice and so on.
* If you can guess all the flags, you may get a surprise reward from the restaurant. And it is appreciated if you bring one for them to put on display.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Soldier Camp
Soldier Camp Eatery feels like a refreshing journey, back in time, to a simpler Jamaica. The short, rural drive outside Port Antonio will take you to a small, eclectic, outdoor bamboo dining and bar area adorned with international flags. You will be greeted by the charming and informative owner/chef ‑ ‘Soldier’; who will seat you, tell a brief history of the establishment, and hand you the daily menu. The Jamaican‑Born, U.S. Marine veteran ‑ ‘Soldier’ founded the restaurant after retiring from the service and returning from NYC. He put together a daily changing menu of delicious Jamaican cuisine, including outstanding vegan and seafood options. The bar also has a variety of beer, wine, and Jamaican cocktails. Dine under the rustic, clear canopy of stars and tropical trees and enjoy what is definitely the most recommended restaurant in Portland ‑ by foreigners and locals alike.
| Travel Time: ~35 min drive.
| Opening Hours: Tues ‑ Sun : 5 ‑ 11pm. Sun and Mon are reservations only.
| Reservation Numbers: 876‑351‑4821 / 876‑715‑2083 / 876‑773‑5704.
| Recommended Dishes: Entrees: CrayFish, Curried Coconut Shrimp; Lobster: Grilled Garlic, Coconut Curry; Fish: Fried, Steamed, Escoveitch; Chicken: Fried, Brown Stew; Curried Goat, Jerk Pork, Ackee and Saltfish; Vegan: Red Peas with Coconut Milk, Steamed Veg. and Veg. Chunks (separate or as one dish). Sides: Fried Bammy, Roti.
| Tips:
* Check what is being served on the menu for that day, the options change depending on the day of the week.
* Call ahead to make seating reservations and menu orders ‑ especially if you are in a group, the restaurant is popular and has limited seating.
* You may call ahead to make special requests to customise your meal/s eg. style of cooking (curry, brown stew etc.), level of spice and so on.
* If you can guess all the flags, you may get a surprise reward from the restaurant. And it is appreciated if you bring one for them to put on display.