5 really good reasons to visit Portland Jamaica

No memories of a visit to Portland, Jamaica just yet? This needs to change quickly!

If you’re a nature lover, you will fall in love with Portland. This breathtakingly stunning parish is located on the northeast end of the island and is often lauded as Jamaica’s best-kept secret, primarily because of its unmatched natural beauty.

It is home to the ‘Jamaican Riviera’, and features the lush Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Portland also boasts some of Jamaica’s most pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls, enchanting river tours, and strong cultural history.

Here are five really good reasons not to miss out on visiting Portland, Jamaica.

rafting in Jamaica

A rafting experience in Portland is like no other.

The raft is made of bamboo and is steered along the waters by a professional rafter.

You can go rafting on the beautiful Rio Grande, the most famous river in Portland, which offers majestic views of the valleys and mountains, and out onto the famous Blue Lagoon itself, the cinematic setting for several Hollywood films.

The beaches are always Instagram-ready.

If you are looking for white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and a nonchalant vibe, then Portland is the ideal place for a beach day with your friends or that special someone.

The most gorgeous beaches in Portland are Winnifred, San San, and Frenchman’s Cove which has a rope swing made infamous by many on Instagram and TikTok and has appeared in numerous articles as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Reach Falls

Waterfalls straight out of a movie. Literally.

The waterfalls in the parish of Portland are sure to take any lucky visitor’s breath away from the moment they first see the cascading waters of this region. One waterfall you definitely must visit is Reach Falls.

This attraction offers a little bit of comfort, relaxation, and adventure with a waterfall flowing into beautiful emerald river pools.

Don’t miss out on climbing up through a cave or jumping into the famous ‘Rabbit Hole’.

Reach Falls has been featured in memorable scenes from Hollywood films like Tom Cruise's “Cocktail” and the remake of “Lord of the Flies”. Other notable falls to explore in Portland are Somerset Falls, Nanny Falls, McKenzie Falls, Scatter Falls, and White River Falls.

A taste of the Blue Mountains.

For all nature lovers and travelers, an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the highest mountain range in the Caribbean, the Blue Mountains, would be quite delightful.

The Blue Mountains are the main source of the world-famous coffee which grows in the cool atmosphere and also offers many hiking and hostel experiences as well as the opportunity to take a sip of the gourmet brew while taking in the spectacular mountain views.

jerk

Food to spice up your life.

For the foodies who crave fresh, delicious seafood and other authentic Jamaican culinary experiences, a visit to Portland would be an awesome experience.

Boston Bay is home to one of the most famous spots to have a genuine Jamaican street food experience including the must-try jerk dishes. The sizzling aroma of jerk pork, chicken, fish, lobster, fresh-boiled corn, and soup is tempting enough to excite any food lover’s taste buds.

These are only five reasons to visit Portland, but there are hundreds more.

Home to glamourous movie stars, marlin tournaments, eco-friendly yoga retreats, and recording studios for award-winning music albums, one thing is certain; a Portland trip will be well worth it and is waiting for you to discover all it has to offer.