Port Antonio
Port Antonio is a town on Jamaica’s northeast coast, known for the Rio Grande, nearby beaches and the green hills of Portland Parish. It suits travelers looking for a quieter base with time for river trips and coastal outings.
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Port Antonio is the capital of Portland Parish on Jamaica’s northeast coast. The Blue Mountains, beaches and river valleys shape trips around the town. Visitors come to see the countryside, spend time by the water and raft on the Rio Grande. Frenchman’s Cove is one of the nearby beach destinations, and the town can be a base for day trips into the parish.
Port Antonio suits travelers who want a slower pace than Jamaica’s larger resort areas. Attractions are spread out, so plan how you’ll get between them. Jamaica’s drier season runs from December through April. Allow two or three days for the town and nearby coast; stay longer if you want more time for the Rio Grande and the surrounding countryside. The town’s history is tied to the banana trade, but a trip here is more about exploring the coast and inland scenery than visiting a large resort area.
Port Antonio in five
- Carry Jamaican dollars for small purchasesJamaica’s currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD). Carry cash for places that do not accept cards.
- Check the Knutsford Express scheduleCheck the company’s current schedule before setting out. Port Antonio is not on Jamaica’s main airport rail or bus links.
- Arrange your Kingston transfer before arrivalPort Antonio is on Jamaica’s northeast coast. Confirm your driver and pickup point before leaving Norman Manley International Airport.
- Pack an adapter for type A or B socketsJamaica uses 110-volt electricity. Check that your device supports 110V before plugging it in.
- Check entry rules for your passportVisa requirements depend on your nationality and travel purpose. Confirm current rules with Jamaica’s Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency before booking.
Need to know
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD)
- Entry
- Visa-free entry for some passports; check rules by nationality Read more
- Emergency
- 119 police; 110 fire
- Tipping
- Common in restaurants; check whether service is included
- Time
- UTC−5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryWarm, dry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchDry season
- AprilShowers increase
- MayRainy season
- JuneRainy season
- JulySummer showers
- AugustHurricane risk
- SeptemberHurricane risk
- OctoberRainy season
- NovemberShowers ease
- DecemberDrier season
Right now in Port Antonio
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 69%
- Wind
- 16 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 86%
Port Antonio
03:41 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°25°86%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Tue27°24°94%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Wed29°23°76%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Thu29°24°89%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 89%.
- Fri29°24°89%Friday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 89%.
- Sat30°23°36%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 36%.
- Sun30°22°76%Sunday: Fog. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 76%.
Updated 11:50 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 159 JMD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Reach Fallsabout 1 hour by roadVisit the waterfall and pools in the forest east of Port Antonio.
- Blue Mountainsabout 2 hours by roadHead inland for mountain scenery and coffee-growing country.
- Boston Bayabout 30 minutes by roadVisit the beach and try the jerk cooking associated with the area.
Before you go to Port Antonio
Rules for Port Antonio, checked
- Check Jamaica’s entry requirements with the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency for your passport and travel purpose.Source
- Check Jamaica Customs’ rules before bringing food, plants, animals or restricted goods into the country.Source
- Ask whether the restaurant has added a service charge before leaving a tip.
Plan around Port Antonio
Port Antonio FAQ
How many days do you need in Port Antonio?
Allow at least two days for the town and nearby coast. Add time for day trips to places such as Reach Falls or the Blue Lagoon.
How do you get to Port Antonio from Kingston?
Travel by road from Kingston. Arrange a driver or check the current Knutsford Express schedule before setting out.
Is Port Antonio worth visiting?
It suits travelers looking for a quieter base on Jamaica’s northeast coast, with nearby beaches and waterfalls. It is a poor fit for a trip focused on Kingston nightlife.
Can you visit the Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio?
The Blue Lagoon is in the Port Antonio area. Confirm access and current arrangements locally before making the trip.
Do you need a car in Port Antonio?
A car or hired driver makes it easier to reach sights outside town. Check transport options for each stop if you plan to rely on local services.
What currency is used in Port Antonio?
Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD). Carry cash for purchases at places that do not accept cards.