Moore Town is a Maroon Village that is located on the banks of the Wildcane River; around 11 miles south of Port Antonio. It was founded in 1739 once the Maroons signed a peace treaty with the English and gained their liberty as well as 500 acres of land. The community is still governed by a Colonel and a Council consisting of 24 members. The grave of the Right Excellent Nanny- leader of the Maroons is sited at the end of the Village. Nanny was known as an outstanding Military leader by the Maroons and the British settlers, who became, during her lifetime and after, an icon of unity and strength for her people during times of crisis. The grave is marked with flying flags and often with fresh flowers. Just south of Moore Town is a further little Village, Cornwell Barracks, which is another Maroon settlement.

Somerset Falls are located around 9 miles to the west of Port Antonio; these falls are easy to get to on the main coastal road. The falls are on an ex-indigo and spice plantation. Here, the waters of the Daniels River decant down a deep gorge through a verdant tropical rainforest. You can take a short ride in an electric gondola to the hidden falls that drop some 33’ into a small but deep pool. You can also buy food and beverages at the snack bar. There is also a small menagerie, fish farm, and rest rooms.

The Historic ruins of Fort George are sited on the Titchfield Peninsula in Port Antonio; it is an old British Fort that was built in 1729, which once protected the harbour. Two cannons still sit on top of the fort’s walls that look out to sea and Navy Island. The fort now houses the Titchfield High School, which was founded in 1786; the main building of the School was formerly a Military barracks.

Navy Island was once a British Navy base; it separates the twin harbours of Port Antonio and was once owned by the great actor Errol Flynn. Access to this little Island is by ferry (around a 7 minute ride) which departs from West Street regularly. The Island has beautiful white sand beaches and glorious clear waters, a haven for water sports enthusiasts. There is a good selection of secluded spots and local entertainment, restaurants, and accommodation.

The Folly Great House is nothing but a ruin and is located on Folly Point is at the east tip of the East Bay of Port Antonio. The house was constructed in 1905 by the American millionaire Mitchell who was married to a member of the Tiffany family. The Mitchell’s lived an opulent lifestyle, and had several pets including peacocks and monkeys, with the monkeys being allowed to wander free on the Island offshore now known as Monkey Island.

The Mitchell’s lived there until 1912, when Alfred Mitchell died. The property was sold to the Jamaican Government in 1934 and shortly after, the entire structure began to collapse. It’s believed that seawater was used in the concrete mix of its foundations. On a hill past Folly Great house, there is a two storey house that was built and occupied by Mitchell while the 60 room mansion was under construction and has outlived the expensive mansion. The Folly Point Lighthouse is sited at the end of the point, it was built in 1888 and the light is able to be seen for a distance of thirteen miles.

Pellew Island (popularly known as Monkey Island) was once a loving wedding present from the Baron von Thyssen to his second wife Nina Dyer (a top British model in the 1950’s) who later divorced the Baron and remarried His Highness Prince Sadruddhin Aga Khan and became the Princess Aga Khan. This uninhabited Island is great for swimming and snorkelling and the beach is perfect for watching the sun go down.

The Crystal Springs Resort is located in Buff Bay and covers some 158 acres. It comprises of a working farm, botanical garden, bird sanctuary, and restaurant around an unspoiled mountain stream. Here you’ll find over 15,000 varieties of plants, one of the largest orchid collections in the Caribbean and bird watching tours. Accommodation on the hill above the garden is available in the form of campsites and cottages; also, there are open air music shows on occasions.

Dive sites near Port Antonio include:

Alligator Head/ Alligator Long: This site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers; it is known for its sea fans, sponges and huge tubes. Depths are from 50’ to 160’. Alligator Long is furthermost point; defined ridge extends for 20-minute dive at 80'-90', large school of adult spade angelfish.

Alligator West: This site is suitable for beginners, as this area has calmer waters. There are coral formations and plenty of colourful fish. Depths are from 60’ to 160’.

Bluehole: This site is suitable for beginners, shallow dive located near the Blue Lagoon. There is mineral build up at surface from freshwater spring, thermocline, with spotted eagle rays, coral overhangs and canyons. Depths are from 35’ to 80’.

Fairy Hill: This site is suitable for Intermediate level divers and features a single pinnacle covered with corals. Depths are from 50’ to 120’.

Trident Wall: This site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. Wall around 250’ in length, levels out to outcroppings of corals, reefs, Barrel, vase sponges and black corals. Depths are from 60’ to 120’.