Car Rentals
Most travelers rent cars before they arrive in Port Antonio, but there are a couple of options in town. Once you have a rental car, you’ll find the driving much easier than in the communities of Montego Bay or Ocho Rios.
Finding your way around Port Antonio is fairly easy. The North Coast Road becomes West Palm Avenue as it enters town along the waterfront, an area that faces West Harbour. Divided by a small peninsula, West Harbour soon gives way to East Harbour and West Palm Avenue becomes West Harbour Avenue and, finally, Allen Avenue, tracing the waterfront through town.
The road continues east through the city past many of the area resorts, starting with Trident and the nearby Trident Castle, built by an heiress and today used by guests of Trident Resort. Farther south lies the Blue Hole, one of Jamaica’s loveliest swimming spots and a great place to spend a lazy afternoon. Continuing south is Boston Bay, home of some of the best jerk chicken in Jamaica.
CAR RENTAL AGENCIES
Eastern Rent-A-Car, Harbour Street
876-993-3624,
Waves Enterprises, Boundbrook Avenue
876-993-3206
Taxis
You won’t find as many taxis here as in the main resort destinations, but they are still the most popular mode of visitor transportation.
Taxi rates are by car, not by passenger. Fares average about US $5-7 for 10 miles. If you accept a driver’s offer of his services as a tour guide, be sure to agree on a price before the vehicle is put into gear.
Bus Service
Bus travel in and around Port Antonio is popular among locals but can be crowded and slow. The minibuses are not air-conditioned. Buses will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers. To catch one, stand by the side of the road with your arm outstretched; pat down with your hand when you see an oncoming bus. Bus fare is about US $1 for 30-40 miles.
Guided Tours
VALLEY HIKES
5 Smatt Road, PO Box 89
Port Antonio, Portland
876-993-3881, fax 876-993-4962
E-mail [email protected]
This tour company offers a variety of guided hikes for travelers of all levels of fitness. Along with bird watching, tours take visitors to historic sites such as Mooretown, to working banana plantations, and to local waterfalls.
BLUE MOUNTAIN BICYCLE TOURS
Main Street, Ocho Rios
876-974-7075 or 974-7492, fax 876-974-0635
