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The Nonsuch Caves and Athenry Gardens are located at the entry to the Rio Grande Valley. It was once a coconut plantation and agricultural research station. The caves have stalagmites, stalactites, fossilized marine life, and proof of the Arawak culture. The caves date back around 1.5 million years and have nine separate chambers. Explore its mutedly lit underground splendour by following railed stairways and concrete walkways on a half hour walk. The Athenry Gardens offer fantastic views over the Island and the sea, packed with coconut palms, flowers, and trees, guided tours are available.
The blue lagoon is located around a mile east of San-San Beach and it is the most well-known place in Portland and it is said that the lagoon is bottomless - Jacques Cousteau went as deep as 200 feet and still could not find the bottom. It is known locally as the ‘Blue Hole’, the lagoon and the surrounding land come under the Jamaica National Trust. The water in the lagoon changes colour as the sun moves around. Even though there's not much beach to mention, there is a water-sports centre, changing rooms, and a relaxing mineral pool. Blue Lagoon Beach is famous for the movie Blue Lagoon starring Brooke Shields. Good, reasonably priced Jamaican food is served at a delightful waterside terrace restaurant; it's open daily for lunch and dinner and has live jazz music on Saturday nights.
Turtle Crawle Bay is located around 1 3/4 miles east of Port Antonio; on a promontory that juts out into the sea stands Trident Castle. The fake castle lay uncompleted for many years due to lack of funds during the 1980’s, creating a rancorous legal battle, which has since been resolved. Initially, this rococo structure was the conception of Baroness Fahmi, Port Antonio's most glitzy resident. She sold it to the architect, Earl Levy. It is now a luxurious addition to the nearby Trident hotel, having six bedrooms, a music room, dining hall and suitably elaborate décor. The owners use it as a weekend retreat, but it is available to rent at inevitable Royal prices for family reunions, weddings and receptions.
Boston Bay Beach is located just outside of Port Antonio; this small beach is just right for small fishing trips and surfing. Snack stands dotted around the beach serve delicious traditional jerk pork. The author Roger Moore once owned this beach and donated it to the Jamaican Government. Another beach around a mile from here is Winnifred Beach, which has streams running into the sea and is good for swimming.
Long Bay is located further down the coast around 5 miles from Boston Bay Beach. There is a crescent shaped sandy beach around half a mile long, that is perfect for picnics and relaxing. Long Bay is a popular site with windsurfers in the winter, who see it as one of the most dependable places for surfing along the northern shore.
The Boston Jerk Center is located near Boston Bay; it is renowned for jerk pork, genuine Maroon culture cuisine that is native to Port Antonio. Visitors can sample the spicy jerk pork, chicken or lobster with ‘festival’ (tasty cornmeal bread), and the refreshing ‘jelly’ coconut water.
Frenchman's Cove is located east of Port Antonio and purported to be one of the most beautiful small beaches in Jamaica. It is on the Frenchman’s Cove Hotel site, during the 1960’s; it was one of the most costly hotels in the world, where Royalty and Hollywood stars mingled. There is a small entrance fee of around US$3 to enjoy this spectacular spot, where you can swim, body surf or just relax and sunbathe.
The fishing village of Manchioneal is named after the poisonous ‘manchineel’ tree, though they have been cut down. There is a wide sandy beach here with several jerk stalls selling their wares. Heading inland around 1 3/4 miles is the remote Reach Falls - fed by Driver's River, where you can dive into crystal clear pools, relax there and swim, or climb the waterfalls with a guide.
Mandingo Cave is located around half a mile up river, set amidst lush flora. There is a whirlpool in the cave has which can be explored, but do be especially cautious as it has rather deep pools, and could be dangerous.
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