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Port Antonio has been a hot spot for tourists since Errol Flynn came here more than fifty years back and started entertaining many celebrities in his home in Navy Island, just off the coast of Port Antonio. It will need more than just one vacation to enjoy all the fun and activities found in this warm, exotic location.
Here are the top ten attractions that are not to be missed:
1.Blue Lagoon- is a must see place while in Port Antonio. It is a mineral pool of shimmering, deep emerald green water that changes color throughout the day. A fascinating Jamaican flora overlooks the mystifying lagoon from the surrounding hills. There is a water sports center, changing room and a lovely terrace restaurant serving mouthwatering Jamaican Jerk cuisine. According to the locals, the lagoon is bottomless, but it is actually 180 feet deep. It is a great spot for kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, spring bathing, swimming or just relaxing. The villas at the lagoon have extraordinary architecture. They are a photographer’s delight.
2.Frenchman’s Cove- is a very popular beach resort with the locals as well as visitors. It has one of the most gorgeous beaches of the island with white sands and a refreshing cold freshwater stream, with a picturesque lagoon, flowing into the sea. It is a favorite wedding spot. A sea-bordering cliff has magnificent Jamaican stone houses or villas with luxurious Caribbean-style furnishings and panoramic vistas.
3.Navy Island- was once a secret hideaway of the legendary Errol Flynn who hosted quite a few wild Hollywood parties here. Sandwiched between Port Antonio’s two harbors, the island is accessible by ferry. It nestles a few quiet and peaceful beaches, which are tickled by gentle surf and are ideal for sunbathing, picnics, daytrips, snorkeling and scuba diving.
4.Scuba diving-
a)Trident Wall: is an excellent scuba diving spot very near the shore for advanced divers. This place has sunken wrecks, vertical walls and caves to explore and a black coral reef.
b)Alligator Head: is for intermediate and advanced diving enthusiasts. Those taking the plunge find the place teeming with a wide variety of tropical fish and numerous sea fans, corals, sponges, hawksbill turtles and tubes.
5.Rio Grande Rafting- is a major attraction for locals and visitors. This famous and unique rafting trip on the Rio Grande River is enjoyed the most during the afternoon when the banks come alive with activity of the local residents. It is a 2-hour trip on a long bamboo raft, which were originally built to transport bananas. The experienced raft captains skillfully guide the rafts down the river through jungle valleys with amazing sights and make the trip even more enjoyable with their knowledge about the local flora and fauna.
6.Hiking and Biking-
a)Valley Hikes: offers guided hikes in the Rio Grande valley. The trails traverse spectacular forest canopy and the trained guides shed light on the array of plant and animal life that are encountered along the way.
b)White River Trail: This 10-hour hike with spellbinding views starts at Millbank and ends at the White river that has a spectacular view of the seven falls upstream of the White river. One can come across the swallowtail butterflies along the trail.
c)Blue Mountain Bike Tours- Mountain bikers will discover interesting terrain throughout the Blue Mountains starting at 5000 feet and can glide down through luxurious tropical rain forests, brilliant waterfalls and excellent coffee plantations. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments along with biking equipment are all available for such an excursion.
7.Non Such Caves- These old caves are dramatically lit and filled with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites in nine separate chambers with railed stairs for easy access. They are a treasure of millions of years of history and nature’s breathtaking creativity. Bats hang from the ceiling in this Gothic-scale cathedral chamber. The magnificent botanical gardens in the center of a flourishing coconut plantation hold many native and exotic species.
8.Crystal Springs Resort- This 150 acre eco-park is the home for one of the largest orchid collections of the Caribbean with over 15,000 varieties of plants. This delightful property also includes a bird sanctuary that holds bird watching tours and a picnic park. Several exotic birds sighted include Jamaican mango, Jamaican parakeet, white-chinned thrush, sad flycatcher, loggerhead kingbird, ruddy quail dove, northern mockingbird, black-throated green warbler and Jamaican becard.
9.Deep-sea fishing- Port Antonio is the home of the Blue Marlin Tournament, which draws trophy fishermen from around the world each year in October. Some of the best fishing can be done just one mile from Port on the Caribbean. Many charter crafts with friendly staff are available for hiring. The Frenchman’s Cove is also a great spot for fishing, (with a few tips from the local anglers, of course) with yellow and black fin tuna, wahoo, bonita, kingfish and blue and white marlin in abundance.
10.Fine dining- Port Antonio has menus that fit all tastes. The Jamaican jerk-style food prepared with a variety of herbs and spices is a must for every visitor.
a)Mille Fleurs continental Cuisine- is surrounded by lush tropical greens, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and is a romantic favorite. The delicious menu includes spiced, roast or grilled fish with coconut sauce and tamarind, grilled lobster and chicken in plum sauce.
b)Blue Lagoon- is a casual eatery overlooking the lagoon that serves authentic Jamaican dishes including jerk chicken, twice-fried plantains, and vegetarian pizza. The fun part is- no silverware is allowed, everything is eaten with fingers.
However, some of the freshest and the most tantalizing cuisine are found in the little roadside restaurants.
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