Things to do in Northern Jamaica
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Roof Club
This is Port Antonio’s infamous hang-loose, rough-around-the-edges reggae bar. Young men and women move from partner to partner. You’re fair game for any stranger who wants to try to extract a drink from you. It’s relatively dead midweek, when entry is free. But on weekends it hops with Crazy Saturdays, as well as on Thursday – ‘Ladies Nite.’
reviewed
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Survival Beach Restaurant
In addition to the usual local fare, natural juices and the best jelly coconut in town, this choice shack serves a tasty dish made with coconut milk, pumpkin, Irish potato, garlic, scallion, thyme, okra, string beans and three kinds of peas, served with sides of cabbage and callaloo. Just ask for the vital I-tal stew (US$5). Tip from Oliver the owner: call in advance.
reviewed
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Coconuts
Whether you stop in for a ‘ménage à trios’ plate (coconut shrimp, conch and chicken samosas), have a jerk chicken quesadilla or dig into a steak, the terrace at Coconuts invariably keeps you here longer than you intended. And why not? The view of the bay is stellar, and the drink specials ease you into the evening, when Coconuts becomes a lively bar.
reviewed
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Little Pub
The touristy venue Little Pub is an old favorite, replete with sports TV and the occasional eclectic floor show to amuse you while you sit at the bar. A resident band plays here six nights per week. The live-entertainment schedule changes night by night, and includes an Afro-Caribbean musical, karaoke, and a weekly cabaret on Friday.
reviewed
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Ocho Rios Dolphin Swim
Varies (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
lt;pgt;This is a great Ocho Rios intermediate package where you swim in the deep for half an hour with one dolphin after an introduction and briefing from…Not LP reviewed
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Anna Banana’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Overlooking a small beach on the southern lip of the harbor, this breezy restaurant-bar specializes in hearty Jamaican breakfasts, jerk or barbecued chicken and pork and, for dinner, large plates of conch and lobster prepared the local way. The curried goat is particularly good. There are two pool tables, darts and friendly, accommodating service.
reviewed
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Lady G'Diver
Good scuba diving abounds: the shoreline east of Port Antonio boasts 13km of interconnected coral reefs and walls at an average of 100m to 300m offshore. Alligator Head is known for big sponge formations and black corals. Hammerhead sharks are common at Fairy Hill Bank. For dive tours, instruction and equipment, contact Lady G'Diver.
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Frenchman's Cove
This small cove, just east of Drapers, 8km from Port Antonio, boasts one of the prettiest beaches for miles. A stream winds lazily to a white-sand beach that shelves steeply into the water. Bring insect repellent. There's a snack bar serving jerk chicken and fish, alfrescoshowers, bathrooms and a secure parking lot.
reviewed
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Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours
The most popular horseback adventure Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours offers a three-hour horseback tour that passes through several old sugar plantations and ends up on a private beach. The tour culminates with a bareback ride into the sea. Chukka Caribbean also operates a number of other recommended tours.
reviewed
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Passage to India
On the rooftop of a duty-free shopping center, Passage to India offers respite from the crowds below in addition to very good northern Indian fare. The naan is crisp, the curries sharp, and the menu divided into extensive chicken, mutton, seafood and vegetarian sections. Tandoori options are also on offer.
reviewed
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Blue Runnings
On the periphery of Island Village is this pleasant place with a shady, peaceful patio. Jamaican fare such as jerk pork or chicken, steamed fish and a wholesome vegetarian platter (US$6) is served by day; in the evening the darkened, candlelit tables make for a romantic place to imbibe the local poison.
reviewed
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Rafters Village
Rafting trips begin from Rafters Village, about 1.5km south of Martha Brae. There you'll find an itinerant mento band and a picnic area, bar, restaurant, swimming pool, bathrooms, changing rooms and a secure parking lot. Your captain will pause on request so that you can take a dip or climb a tree.
reviewed
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Scotchies
Widely regarded as the best jerk shack in Jamaica (hence the world), this roadside yard with thatched-covered tables doles out impeccable portions of chicken, pork and fish accompanied by sides of yams, festival or breadfruit. Cool your tongue off with a Red Stripe…and then go back for more.
reviewed
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R Stewart
In Drapers you’ll find the roadside gallery of renowned self-taught artist R Stewart, who more than likely will be working on his latest canvas at the edge of the road. His whimsical, masterful depictions of Jamaican life regularly inspire impulse buys from passersby.
reviewed
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Jamaican Canopy Tour from Ocho Rios
2 hours (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
lt;pgt;Fly like a bird through the trees and jungle canopy on this zipline adventure in Jamaica! Safely in your harness, you'll soar through a series of…Not LP reviewed
from USD$98.99 -
Ocho Rios Dolphin Encounter Program
Varies (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
lt;pgt;In this 20-minute program, children and adults alike, will enjoy the company of their new dolphin friends in Ocho Rios. Learn about dolphins in the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$86.99 -
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Christ Church
Following William St south to Harbour St, you can turn left to peek inside Christ Church, a red-brick Anglican building built in neo-Romanesque style around 1840 (much of the structure dates from 1903). The singular item of note is the brass lectern donated by Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker.
reviewed
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Jamaica Explorations
Jamaica Explorations at Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a tour coordination company that aims to promote ecocultural tourism in Portland and the Blue Mountains. Tailor-made guided soft-adventure tours include walking, hiking and cultural excursions to the Maroon village of Charles Town.
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Woody’s Place
This pleasant spot – with an outdoor patio and an indoor counter that doubles as a local meeting place – prepares tremendous hotdogs and burgers, grilled cheese and Jamaican dinners to order. Vegetarians are catered for by a veggie burger heaped with stewed callaloo.
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Centre Spot
This unassuming hole-in-the-wall place whips up local favorites such as curried goat; specials include the ever-popular cow head (no explanation supplied). For breakfast, if you’re hungry consider the porridge – a cup of the cornmeal or peanut variety really sticks to your ribs.
reviewed
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Your Place
This roadside newcomer has a small indoor dining area and an outdoor patio, both of which are great for enjoying its chicken (barbecue or stewed) or fish dishes. Be sure to order a side of festival (a fried biscuit shaped like a sausage), which is particularly good here.
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Heritage Beach Horse Ride
2 hours 30 minutes (Departs Ocho Rios or Runaway Bay, Jamaica)
by Viator
lt;pgt;Ride through the waves on horseback! Discover the rich history of Jamaica as you ride on through the countryside. Stop at the beach, where you'll have…Not LP reviewed
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Club la Best
The newest, liveliest spot in Port Antonio, La Best assumes a different identity depending on the evening. Fridays are dancehall and ladies’ nights, Sundays groove to a mellow blend of reggae and old-school R&B, and periodic live shows occur Saturdays.
reviewed
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Enchanted Gardens
The 8-hectare Enchanted Gardens are an Edenlike setting featuring a lush landscaped park with 14 waterfalls, huge pools, a fruit orchard and separate fern, spice, cactus and lily gardens. It also has a walk-in aviary. Guided tours are offered.
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Norma’s at the Marina
Fronting a lovely white-sand beach, this quality restaurant can be a forlorn place – but some might find the solitude blissfully peaceful. Steaks, chops and fish prepared in the continental style are served at outdoor tables overlooking the Errol Flynn Marina.
reviewed