12. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. How funny that they changed the name from Blue Hole to Blue Lagoon after the movie , Portland looks so beautiful, Im not sure all the spicy food would suit my digestion. Seafood spots like Anna Banana will satisfy any seafood craving from delectable steamed fish to freshly caught lobster. Trail litter an issue, especially at the top. As we emerged from the Elfin Forest at the peak I felt triumphant and fatigued at the same time. The driest month is generally March, whereas October is the wettest with May and June having frequent downpours. We spent 3 days doing all different hikes with Roger. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Awestruck! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Was awesome. 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Just call the number below and reference the product code: 151988P1, Blue Mountain Tour with Hotel Transportation, 4-Hours Bike, Hike & Waterfall Tour in Blue Mountain with Lunch and Pick Up, Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour from Ocho Rios, Blue Mountain Coffee and Sightseeing Tour, Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston, Stepping High Mountain Tour and Blue Hole Mineral Spring from Negril, Blue Hole and Martha Brae Full-Day Tour from Montego Bay, Blue Hole Mineral Swim, Negril Ricks Cafe, & Herb Farm Combo Tour, Dunn's Falls, Bob Marley's Nine Mile, and Optional Mystic Lagoon with Transport, Private Tour from Montego Bay to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole, Blue Mountain Coffee Tour From Runaway Bay, Mystic Mountain All In with Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios, Blue Hole and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios, Peak can be climb at sunrise or Sunset, based on the time of your experience the schedule is adjusted. There are private property signages and few 'keep on trail' sign boards that will keep you on the track. Discover and book Blue Mountains Peak Hike on Tripadvisor, Hotels with Private Beach in Port Antonio, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Port Antonio, Historical & Heritage Tours in Port Antonio, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Port Antonio, Sandakan and Orang Utan Sanctuary from Kota Kinabalu, Kona-Kohala Coast Sunset Sail by Catamaran from Waikoloa, Annapurna: 2 Days 1 Night Poon Hill Trekking, Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour, Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, Drach Caves, Porto Cristo & Pearl Shop Mallorca Half Day Tour, Professional Surfing Lessons at La Pared Beach in Luquillo. It was my favourite hotel, really intimate and relaxed! Sheltered, white sand beach with calm waters perfect for swimming. We spent one day with Roger and enjoyed this experience very much! He also cooked AMAZING natural food for us!!!! Lastly, the Sambo Hill Hiking trail that leads to the Blue and John Crow Mountain range if you are up for an adventure. For more information read our privacy policy. There are a lot of fish here too so I recommend snorkelling if you can. If youre new to Airbnb you can sign up here and save $40 on your first booking. We got on a raft with Anthony for $25 USD each and for two hours had a delightful ride as we had a few adult beverages. Its thought that the jerk pits used to cook this spicy dish were originally a way for escaped slaves to cook without smoke being detected by potential captors. Portland, north of the Blue Mountains, is generally considered the most beautiful of Jamaica's parishes - a rain-drenched land of luscious foliage, sparkling rivers and pounding waterfalls.Eastern Jamaica's largest town, Port Antonio, is an attractive destination in itself, but most visitors prefer to base themselves along the exquisite coastline heading east, containing . The Blue and John Mountains National Park is managed by the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT); a registered charity. Its one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. Hi Roger. He was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable in the history of the area as well as knowing all about the birds and plants. I would definitely rate this one hard. These days, the Boston Jerk Centre is a good spot to find authentic jerk chicken, pork, beef, goat and fish. For me, this is a moderate to HARD hike but the trail and PEAK is beautiful! Somerset Falls is another cascading waterfall in the Portland parish. There are pockets of hot water from the Caribbean sea and cold water from the springs. We've traveled to 35 countries on 6 continents with our children since they were 10 weeks old and share tips to make it easier and affordable. During our trip to Portland, my husband and I did the river walk tour to the Reach falls in Manchioneal. There are a few restaurants on the beach in case you get hungry. Fantastic Blue Mountain experience with Roger. Although public transportation is possible, the best way to get there and to get around is with a private vehicle or to hire a private driver through a service such as Jamaica Getaway Travels. But mom and dad are people too so we also write about solo travel, baecations and girlfriend getaways. Blue Mountain Peak. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This was the very first time rafting. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 15 min to complete. Blue Mountain peak is the highest mountain in Jamaica, standing at 2,256 metres. Portland summits. So sad Jamaica I hope someone will make a stand to protect this Beautiful place. Eastern Portland is one of the few locations in Jamaica that gives you access to mountains, rivers, beaches, and this edgy (almost otherworldly) terrain where pristine waters arent the only star of the show. Blue Mountain Peak - Wikipedia The Blue Mountain is the home of the world-famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee which is hailed as the best coffee in the world. Ryazan has a Bachelors Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. Reach Falls You cannot visit Portland, Jamaica without going to Reach Falls. Do you get to swim? The BushBar at Geejam Hotel offers a more formal dining experience with expansive views of the forest and ocean. This three-bedroom stone cottage overlooks the mountains and is just 4.3 miles from Port Antonio by car. As the saying goes, you havent seen the real Jamaica until you visit Port Antonio and the Portland Parish. You can find various varieties of ferns and birds and freshwater pools blanketing the surrounding area of Reach falls. 7,402 ft / 2,256 m prom. Thefort barracks are now in the grounds of Titchfield High School. I aim to build a great resource of travel tips, visa, guides for travellers. Blue Lagoon (Port Antonio) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Port Antonio Hotels with Air Conditioning, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Port Antonio, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Port Antonio, Historical & Heritage Tours in Port Antonio, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Port Antonio, Portland Experience-Rio Grande Rafting Jamaica, Walking Night Tour - Ghost Stories and Legends of Prague's Old Town, Giant's Causeway with the Titanic Exhibition and the best of Northern Ireland, Hoi An- Sunset Boat Trip on Thu Bon river (Private), Paricutin Volcano, natural wonder of Michoacan, from Morelia, Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour in San Francisco. The Portland region became popular with wealthy American tourists up to the 1940s and 50s when it became a glamourous tropical hideaway for Hollywood stars. The pure, Strawberry Hill is made for romance. Cruised past monkey Island but our guide did not stop which was a shame as we would have liked to get out, which other boats were doing so, apart from that our overall experience was an enjoyable one. Enjoy this 10.2-mile out-and-back trail near Penlyne Castle, Saint Thomas. As the name states Frenchmans Cove is a cove so its not the widest beach. We hiked from Whitfield Hall Hostel to the peak (about 7 miles). While there is a Blue Hole in Ocho Rios, this one is different. The Folly lighthouse and the Folly Mansion ruins are located in the Folly Point peninsula in Port Antonio. . He showed me historical sites (abandoned mills over a hundred years old) and a beautiful garden at the very top of one of the peaks. Geejam Hotel is also popular for its rock star vibe and The Trident Hotel is another popular choice for its oceanfront location. Note that many (smelling) boats might be disturbing, so take a swimm in the late afternoon when most boats are gone. One must traverse this beautiful coastline to reach Portland Parish on Jamaicas eastern seaboard. Off Road drive to the entrance of the path to the Peak on a Jeep Hike to the Peak (3 to 4 hours each way) Drive back Cook some local food Hang out and chill with the locals . Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! You May Be Interested in Reading This Packing List for Jamaica. This will NOT be passed on to any 3rd party. Meaning the big river, the Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers in Jamaica. This was my first hike ever and seeming it was in my home country and I didn't need to worry about wildlife I thought it was best to do my hike here. Located in North East Jamaica, Portland is close to Kingston, the capital. It is situated to the north of St Thomas and the east of St. Mary. Blue Mountain Peak is the highest mountain in Jamaica and one of the highest peaks in the Caribbean at 2,256 metres (7,402 ft). I plan to take it on again once Im more fit. Kanopi House looks so cute! Home Travel Tips & Itineraries 13 Best Things to do in Portland Jamaica for families and couples. Sitting under an almond tree, with the leaf spread over me like an umbrella.. For a cozy mountainside retreat, the Fan Villa awaits. Ecclesdown and Hardwar Gap in the Blue Mountains are two prime locations to view much of the islands tropical scene, including the largest butterfly in the western hemisphere, the giant swallowtail. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Climbed this last Wednesday 12/22 morning at 2:30am. He even knew which movies were filmed where. Let me tell you something friends, the soreness that I feel today is worth it. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7e84b1d558384931 You can even have a go at piloting the raft yourself for a few minutes, supervised by the captain of course. Blue Mountain Peak. 3,788 likes, 50 comments - PORTLAND , JAMAICA (@portland876) on Instagram: "The person that sent you this wants to travel with you to JAMAICA @BlueMountainTour . It was great having a guide that we felt so comfortable with. The summit felt to be in the mid 30s with a 25 mph wind. We visited monkey island and had chance to relax here for a time. The famed Blue Mountain is close enough to the capital to make it one of the most popular weekend trips in Jamaica, but this picturesque corner of the country deserves a few days to take it all in. It is all uphill to the summit and all downhill on the way back. Leave the beaches of Ocho Rios behind and discover a different side of Jamaica on this all-levels Blue Mountain bike tour. I wouldn't pay more than $4,000 Jamaican for the ride/tour though. Oh my goodness, this is a MUST! Are you wondering what are the things to do in Portland Jamaica? If you want a boat ride then pay at the lagoon, WOW . a wow moment. If you have the time, ask for a tour of the recording studio and the lush landscaping that the property has to offer. 10 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Portland Parish, Jamaica - Trip101 Jamaica Bobsled & Dunn's River Falls Adventure Tour from Port Antonio. It do get a bit cold, chilly the higher you go and the time of day. There are two options, you can do a 90 minute round trip raft which only covers part of the rio grande or you can take the two hour one way route. Jamaica looks like a gorgeous place to visit! You cannot visit Portland, Jamaica without going to Reach Falls. . The national park covers over 100,000 acres (41,000 hectares) in eastern Jamaica and includes Jamaica's highest point - the Blue Mountain Peak at 2,256m. Kanopi House is definitely one of the best Port Antonio hotels and staying here is great fun. This Jamaican boutique hotel overlooks a quiet bay with direct access to the Blue Lagoon. 9 Fun Things To Do in Portland, Jamaica - Luxury Columnist Not sure of the boat ride cost, but swimming is free. He took us for a boat ride around the lagoon. The Trident Hotel has two restaurants on site and even if you arent staying there you can dine. So we are wanting to go to kanopi house for part of our honeymoon! You can swim in the natural pools of crystal clear water to get there or walk along the path. The lagoon is free. No mosquitoes nor flies! If you do want a luxury hotel youll want to stay at Trident hotel. Still it has air condition and WiFi, which you wont in all hotels in Portland, Jamaica. Best things to do in Portland Jamaica: Visit John Crow Mountains. This place was amazing. Roger was an awesome host and tourguide, with great knowledge about the area and the birds and plants. We were there on New Years Eve and went for a swim near midnight. Did a video review for anyone interested: look for Sailing Knotty Maria on YouTube or follow this link: https://youtu.be/cwA78g-SG1w. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rafting down the Rio Grande is a must do attractions in Portland, Jamaica. Gorgeous photos as usual! Thanks to it being a major banana port before, people were able to see just how gorgeous this town was, as it still is to date. Only your group will participate, Myself and 2 friends went hiking in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica with Roger Thompson. If driving, recommend parking at the police station downhill and paying someone local to drive you up to Whitfield Hall (trail head) in a 4x4. Her work has been featured and published on Huffington Post, Readers Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet and many more. We went on a boat around the lagoon, cruised passed the homes of the rich and famous. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. And very dark this map was very essential to me. From hidden gems to unique experiences, weve got you covered.Join us onFacebook,Instagram,PinterestandTwitter. 7. Explore Turtle Bay in Manchioneal, Portland. Drive back Are there options for collections from Montego Bay hotels: The Riu? John Crow Mountain. 17 Best Things To Do In Portland Jamaica| Activities & Tours [2023] Please note its closed on Mondays so plan accordingly. from $308 per adult. Photo: Marcin Sylwia Ciesielski/Shutterstock. Portland is one of them! Roger can be contacted on 1-876-467-5036. Originally discovered by runaway slaves, this series of cascades is tucked away in Montane Forrest on the John Crow Mountain Range. The Blue Lagoon of Portland was one of the filming locations of the famous 1980s movie The Blue Lagoon. Dont miss out. If you want a unique experience that highlights a part of Jamaica most tourists don't see, this is the guy! HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS: I hope that this list of the best things to do in Portland Jamaica helps you to plan and enjoy your visit to the region. No guide needed if youre doing a daytime hike. The area to swim is not very well-maintained or easy to navigate. Im Ryazan Tristram! If you prefer waking up to the sounds of the Caribbean Sea, Geejam Resort will give you direct access to a private beach on the San San Estate. The view is INSANE. Youll find quite a few to choose from. 1. The trail is easy to follow, but definitely challenging. We were treated to the mineral pool then lazed and swam in the lagoon while my Cuz stayed on the raft chilaxing great two hours on a Saturday afternoon. [1] From the summit, accessible via a walking track, both the north and south coasts of the island can be seen. 6+ hours. Join me as I explore the UK and beyond! Some construction may hinder the experience a bit however once you get pass that a magical oasis awaits. For coffee lovers, a day trip to the Blue Mountain Estate will be the perfect way to learn the history and process behind the world-renowned coffee. Blue Mountains Peak Hike cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Portland Jamaica Attractions | Wah Deh Gwaan You can climb a rope, sit on a swing, get to the fresh area pool (with water coming from the mountains, be aware, very slippery). It is the longest mountain range on the island and the highest point is Blue Mountain Peak at 2,256 metres / 7,402 feet elevation. When you order they will bring a table and chair right to you so you can stay on the beach and enjoy the breeze. It is around 1.5 hours drive from Boston Bay and you would need a Maroon tourist guide to accompany you for the whole duration of your trip. This was an hour before sunrise so we sheltered in the lean to at the top until the sun came up. What is the Blue Mountains Peak Hike cancellation policy? You pay for boat ride on the lagoon or tours around the area on a boat or bamboo raft. On a clear day we were told you can see Cuba from the peak. It is a nice area to swimm around. Such a wonderful place and people who do not know what they have the water is full of boats. Its popular to swim in and some even paddle towards the falls from the opposite side of the lagoon. We offer these tours waterfall, coffee farm, a guided hike to the peak as well as many more tours around the Island. Either way if you have service on your cell phone youll be able to use GPS to get to your final destination. If the Blue Lagoon looks familiar to you thats because it was featured in the movie of the same name starring Brooke Shields. Peak was cool, Stayed at Jays Guest House. Performance & security by Cloudflare. per adult. Print/PDF map. He is a master driver and knows the mountains well so do not be scared of the windy roads. No question a worthwhile hike thru lush forest higher up and steep coffee plantations down lower. The path is simple and clear. Hard 4.6 (63) Penlyne Castle, Saint Thomas, Jamaica. I think u dont need a guide if day hiking but since we started before day break, we decided to have one who knows the mountain well. The Holywell Nature walks is located at the feet of the Blue and John Crow Mountains facing Kingston. I highly recommend doing this as the pathway is gorgeous. . We started hiking about 1:45 a.m. and reached the summit about 5:30, maybe 20 minutes before sunrise. Frenchmans Cove is still a hit with stars today, such as a famous Jamaican runner ;-). I highly recommend doing this as the pathway is gorgeous. Our secluded and private hotel property offers guests mountainside accommodations offering breathtaking views from our villas, cottages and studios. You can go rafting here as well although its not an official rafting site, rent a kayak or swim in the water. Check out this 16.4-km out-and-back trail near Penlyne Castle, Saint Thomas. Parish Profiles: Portland - Jamaica Information Service The Frenchmans Cove also offers villas if you wish to stay within the estate. Copyright 2023 The Traveling Child, LLC. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Jamaica, Reach Falls is a hidden gem. The region is loved for its biodiversity which includes 200 species of resident and migrant birds and more than 800 species of endemic plants. WhatsApp, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Roger helped us with everything we needed. You May Be Interested in Reading: Travel Safety Tips You Dont Want to Skip. If kids live there, kids can visit! 94% of travelers recommend this experience. In a parish characterized by hidden waterfalls and remote locations, renting a car will give you the convenience of exploring at your own leisure. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points. The John Crow mountain is also the home of the endangered largest butterfly in the western hemisphere known as the Giant Swallowtail (Papilio Homerus). My friends dont much like boat rides but they enjoyed their experience!! The Frenchmans Cove in Port Antonio is the picturesque and quintessential scene of the tropical paradise of Jamaica. Good company and vibes makes the trip worthwhile. Unfortunately the peak was blanketed in heavy cloud cover and there was virtually no view, but the experience was still awesome overall. Join her in travelling around the UK and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history and culture. Frenchmans Cove Beach is another must-see if youre visiting Portland. Reach Falls is a beautiful waterfall that was discovered in the Montanne Forest by runaway slaves. The delicious spicy cuisine originated here and made its way to Kingston and all over the world. Each time Ive visited Portland my hotel or Airbnb have provided breakfast so Ive never purchased breakfast here. A real bucket list hike in Jamaica. The annualBoston Jerkfest is held in June and features a cook-off, rum and beer tastings as well as live music. Whether it is chicken, pork, beef, goat, lamb or fish! It has all the best jerk shops in Portland and you wont be disappointed! The place where he learned how to mix drinks in the film is called Dragon Bay Resort and was once a luxurious hotel. The Holywell Nature walks has five walking trails to enjoy with various levels of hiking difficulties. An early morning trip is best to avoid the crowds and truly enjoy the clear, warm waters. Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park - Visit Jamaica I had an amazing trip to the Blue Mountain Peak with Roger guiding me. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. We stayed in, I hope the attractions in Portland, Jamaica listed has convinced you there is more to Jamaica than, Your Guide to Visiting St. Elizabeth Jamaica, 8 tips to guarantee a great Airbnb experience. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. The beach is mainly used by the Fairy Hill local community nearby. My brother and I were hiking fast and reached the summit at 5:30. Made from slender bamboo rafts bound together, with an elevated passenger seat, its a comfortable way to see the lush parish of Portland. Fort George was built in 1729 to defend the town against the maroons and also against foreign invasion. Its best to eat at Frenchmans Cove the day you spend some time there as there is an entry fee.