Port Antonio Outdoor Activities: Top 5 Adventures & Things to Do

Thinking of visiting Jamaica? Well, so you should. When folks dream up images of Jamaica, very often they picture sandy shores, reggae music, and a carefree lifestyle. It’s almost the perfect scene, that. What gets missed quite a bit, that, is the super-rich natural beauty you can explore. Let’s zoom in on one particular jewel: Port Antonio. It’s not like those huge tourist traps; it offers a more laid-back and authentic vibe, kind of, for adventurers, maybe, looking to connect with nature. Seriously, that area is jam-packed with thrilling outdoor things you might want to get into. Let’s check out, arguably, what might be the top five must-do activities you’ll want to experience when you get there.

1. Rafting on the Rio Grande

Rafting on the Rio Grande? It’s, like, nearly an iconic Jamaican experience, very iconic. Back in the day, it was used to haul bananas to the coast. What it is now is a super chilled and lovely way to soak up the views. So, you can settle back on a bamboo raft with a skilled guide, maybe, who steers you down the gentle river. Think about it: the sun’s warm on your face, right, you pass by bright green jungle scenery, and you listen to all the cool sounds of the birds. As a matter of fact, a lot of people go for the sunset trip. That offers some unbelievable light, almost, on the water and the surrounding trees. That particular adventure usually winds up being pretty romantic, that, especially for pairs. Truly unforgettable, and pretty different than anything back home, at least, in many instances.

That tour takes around two to three hours, right, offering so much scenery, that. Keep an eye out, though, for the wildlife – there are cool birds to see, very colorful. As a matter of fact, it can all make for a very tranquil escape, away from tourist crowds, naturally. What you also find is that guides are full of cool stories about the region. So that gives you a bit of a culture lesson, so to speak. And that trip down the Rio Grande, more or less, provides some uniquely awesome memories, for sure.

Read our full review: Rio Grande Rafting Port Antonio Full Review and Details

2. Exploring the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon… that’s definitely one spot you don’t wanna skip. Very often folks say it’s bottomless, although it’s closer to being around 200 feet at its deepest. It’s kind of fed by both the sea and underground springs, and this gives it the kind of unbelievably bright blue color that you kinda have to witness for yourself. A little bit of trivia: Brooke Shields used to film there a lot when she was making “Blue Lagoon” way back when.

What can you get up to? Swimming’s, like, an obvious one, but you can also grab a boat tour of the lagoon, too. Many people decide to hang for an afternoon. So that gives you the opportunity to soak up the scene from the water or the shores. It’s also good to point out that local spots around serve up delicious Jamaican food, for instance, you might like some spicy jerk chicken or fresh seafood right on the waterfront. Sounds very dreamy and relaxing, yeah?

Spending time in this lagoon gives, more or less, a connection to the best of Jamaican nature. So it is quite soothing and is usually an experience hard to top, so that is often true. Plus, those pictures of the luminous waters? Very eye catching, alright.

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3. Relaxing at Frenchman’s Cove

Searching for paradise? As a matter of fact, Frenchman’s Cove very well could be that location. Picture that spot: clear, light turquoise waters that meet, arguably, the softest white sand, that. It’s usually thought of as one of the globe’s awesome beaches and the kind of spot where you kinda lose all track of time. Honestly, it is really pretty breathtaking, definitely something to get excited about if beach scenery excites you.

What makes Frenchman’s Cove different, arguably, is the river flowing gently into the sea. It offers both fresh and saltwater swimming, depending on which you like best. You also have shady trees hanging over much of the beach, offering perfect breaks, at least, from the heat. That helps ensure you have a very pleasant and lengthy experience.

Very frequently, that beach isn’t super packed, that, adding a real sense of peace and privacy. As I was saying, you are able to easily while away hours swimming, just chilling out, or drinking a cold Red Stripe from, potentially, a local vendor, very naturally. A little paradise goes a long way, right?

Read our full review: Frenchman’s Cove Full Review and Details

4. Hiking in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park

Feel the need to ramp up the activity levels? Basically, then hit the trails at Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. That’s another spot for the outdoor fan. So you get the mix of super diverse plant life, views to die for, and the kind of tranquility you’ll rarely see back home. It gained the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So it speaks for itself, basically, just what type of untouched beauty you might find there. We want beautiful views, no?

Those trails, it must be said, may pose something of a challenge. Still, arguably, they come with amazing rewards. Word has it, if you get to the higher peaks, the views across both the north and south coasts of Jamaica become mind-blowing. A matter of fact, you also have a solid opportunity for spotting a ton of different bird species, a variety unique to this park.

This type of hiking can bring you very up close to the authentic natural environment. So it might be nice to take a picnic and make it a day-long outing. As I was saying, nature is awesome, and that region in Jamaica really is, just, an unforgettable location, you know.

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5. Somerset Falls Adventure

Then there’s Somerset Falls, offering something kind of different, yet another must-see. It might not be very well known to tourists, which definitely makes it all the more rewarding. Think about sitting back on a former indigo plantation. Very atmospheric, and yet a cool blend of history and scenery. As a matter of fact, many folk have mentioned the falls offer what could almost be something akin to a magical experience, honestly. As a matter of fact, there can also be a calming experience found there too.

Just so you know, there’s the option to hop on a boat trip up the river. The tour is supposed to get very up close and personal with the waterfalls in super-dense rainforest. You should plan to take snaps of Hidden Falls. So you have a cool spot to capture great photos, truly memorable moments.

This kind of experience tends to feel pretty adventurous but not as overwhelming as other outdoors activities. And yet this little natural enclave may wind up a very big plus when exploring near Port Antonio, to be honest. Very nice.