Caribbean Jamaica Why You Should Skip Negril And Go Straight To Port Antonio

Why You Should Skip Negril And Go Straight To Port Antonio

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There is no doubt about it that Negril was our least favorite place in Jamaica, and if we knew then what we know now, we would have skipped it and headed straight to Port Antonio. Porty, as the locals call it, is such a magical place and we are seriously considering settling down there one day. If you want to experience the real Jamaica, outside the walls of an all-inclusive resort and away from mass tourism, you will love Port Antonio and here is why.

1. The Beaches Are More Beautiful

Don’t get me wrong, I am sure Negril’s Seven Mile Beach used to be very beautiful at some point. But now, all that is left is hundreds of annoying hustlers trying to sell you everything from massages to expensive tours, and sunburned tourists laying on plastic beach chairs under colorful umbrellas. Not to mention all the development on the beach. It’s so bad that there is barley a spot you can just sit down and relax for free. Luckily, we went during low season and there were a few properties that were closed so we just sat on their part of the beach, but I can’t even imagine how it is during high season. Needless to say, we felt very uncomfortable there.

Winnifred Beach - No Resorts, No Hustlers. Just Beach.
Winnifred Beach in Port Antonio – No Resorts, No Hustlers. Just Beach.

Port Antonio on the other hand has a handful of undeveloped beaches where anyone, not just the ones with a big fat wallet, can enjoy the beautiful turquoise blue water without being harassed every few minutes.

2. Hustlers Are Pretty Much Nonexistent

Sure, even in Porty there is a few people here and there who try to sell you stuff but as soon as you say “No, thank you”, they drop their hustler act and you can have a genuine conversation with them. People gotta eat but overall the locals of Port Antonio do not depend on tourism as their bread and butter.

3. The Locals Are Friendlier

Since people here don’t depend on tourism, they are naturally friendlier and more genuine towards strangers. We had more than a handful of positive interactions with locals in Port Antonio. We played dominoes with them, were invited to dinner and got sightseeing recommendations to amazing places very few travelers will ever lay their eyes upon. Port Antonio is a place stuck in time and the locals here move at a very slow, relaxed and nonchalant pace. So do as the locals do and take it easy mon!

See also: Photo Essay: The People of Jamaica

4. There Are More Things To Do

Nobody likes relaxing on the beach more than we do, but even we get tired of the beach at some point. Luckily, there is plenty of things to do. You can hike the surrounding Blue Mountains, float down Rio Grande on one of the infamous bamboo rafts, explore the nearby waterfalls, swim in the mineral water at the Blue Lagoon, surf at Long Bay, get lost in one of the remote villages nearby or wander the lively streets of the town center. Trust me, there is something to do for everyone.

All that Negril has to offer besides a seven mile long beach is … umm nothing really. Unless you are into all-inclusive resorts, overpriced bars and restaurants, and souvenir stores.

Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio
Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio

5. Everything Is Cheaper

Everything from accommodations to food costs at least 30 – 50% more in Negril than it does in Port Antonio. Vendors in Negril know that those all-inclusive travelers don’t care and will pay whatever, as long as it is cheaper than what they would pay back home.

However in Port Antonio, you pay what the locals pay. People are usually honest about their prices here and do not charge you more just because you are a tourist. Of course there are exceptions to the rule but overall you don’t have to worry about being ripped off.

See also: How Much Do Things Cost in Jamaica

6. It’s The Birthplace Of Jerk Chicken!

Need I say more?!? Okay, maybe a little bit more. There is no way you can come to Jamaica and settle for jerk meat that is grilled in a half-cut oil drum. Though it is still tasty that way, there is nothing like the jerk meat you’ll find in Boston Bay, Port Antonio where the jerk meat is grilled on pimento wood, i.e. the authentic way. Trust me, it makes a huge difference and that alone makes it already worth visiting Porty.

See also: 15+ Must Eat Dishes in Jamaica

Boston Bay Jerk Center
Boston Bay Jerk Center

7. Less Tourists And No All-Inclusive Resorts

Port Antonio’s remote location on Jamaica’s northeast shore makes it a bit more difficult to reach for the average tourist, which is why Port Antonio is still mostly undeveloped. You won’t find any all-inclusive resorts here, nor will you have to share your spot on the beach with thousands of others. Matter of fact, during the week you will most likely be one of the only people on the beach.

8. Grass Is Greener On Porty’s Side

Port Antonio is the perfect panorama picture of natures finest work, with tropical jungles, lush green mountains and a crystal clear blue ocean. Porty is a haven for nature lovers and people who can appreciate Porty’s green beauty. So yes, I will say it again, the grass is greener on Porty’s side.

Jamaica is home to a wide variety of beautiful plants.
Jamaica is home to a wide variety of beautiful plants.

Sorry to everyone that loves Negril but Port Antonio offers the more authentic Jamaican experience of the two. If you are looking for all inclusive resorts, overcrowded attractions, hustlers and you love doing exactly what guidebooks tell you to do, by all means go to Negril but if you want to experience the real Jamaica, skip Negril and go to Port Antonio!

See also: 10 Travel Tips for Jamaica

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Comments

  • Sad to see that you couldn’t big up Porty without trashing Negril… and since I know both places very well, I also know that your stated perspective of Negril is very narrow. Negril and the area surrounding it has a ton of street food, awesome meals can be had for low money but also the option for fine dining in gorgeous cliff locations or with toes in the sand are plentiful. Yes, Negril is a tourist town and over the years, it has surely been affected by international tourists, but it has something for everyone from the budget tourist to the super rich. Your description of the beach having once been beautiful is actually false, in reality, Negril’s 7 mile beach was beautiful and it remains so. There are plenty of places to stay where you can avoid those vendors who walk in the hot sun selling fresh fruits, jerk pork, steamed lobsters, calabash bowls, sun hats, art, beef patties, fresh squeezed orange juice, delicious banana bread and chocolate cake, or a stick of high grade local ganja… or, you can embrace the experience, say no thank you to the trinkets or foods you don’t want and drop asleep listening to the waves lap against the pristine shore line and the thumping bass of the reggae music in the air. Every parish is unique, it’s not necessary to disparage one to bring the beauty of another to light.

  • I’ve traveled to Jamaica for over 22 years, twice a year. Port Antonio is Lovely and has more of a neighborhood feel. Where their Beaches are Beautiful, the water is rough and smells like fish to me, which I don’t care for. I agree there are fewer tourist there and lot’s to explore however, it does close down early. I have driven the beautiful back roads and been able to play the Jamaican version of Bingo till the Wee hours of the morning at the neighborhood bar. Have never found Port Antonio to be cheaper than Negril, Food or Lodging and I stay in a Inexpensive Condo in walking distance of the Boston Jerk Center. Negril offers things Port Antonio does not. Live Reggea entertainment all the time. A 7 mile Beach which has been voted one of the best in the world that offers calm warm water. The West End overlooking the Cliffs that has neighborhood Bars as well as great food establishments of all types (Large or Small) Food and accomodations for every size Wallet. I have never stayed in an All Inclusive anywhere. Plenty of affordable places in Negril. As for the locals on the beach that may offer you there products, I agree, a simple polite No Thank You has always sufficed and is part of the Ambience. Having said this, I love both Negril and Port Antonio.

  • If you feel the need to promote Port Antonio do so without disparaging Negril. It doesnt sound as if you know enough about the town to be constructive. Negril has excellent scuba, some of the best restaurants and not to mention the historical fixture in Rick’s Cafe. I completely understand if you feel bothered by vendors but, thus is how they make their living..tourism is after all the main source of income for the island.

  • Though there is truth to your points, I LOVE Negril! They’re both great places to get away, but the preference I guess would vary person to person as they’re 2 completely different experiences (as pointed out here).

  • Jazzy, thanks for sharing your travel experiences. I, especially loved info on Port Antonio; my cupa tea.
    At the risk of sounding selfish, pl keep the excitement low :0, can’t have everyone in the know. One love.

    Charm

    • hahahahhaah!!!! It’s pretty difficult to keep my mouth shut about Porty I love it there! However, I will try not to write any more articles on Porty to keep it on the hush hush! Lol!

      One Love,
      Jazzy

  • hello

    Do you think FAIRY HILL is good place for accommodation. We was to be nearest nice beaches but we fear that in FAIR HILL will be too quietly for us.

    Do you recommend to found place to sleep in PORT ANTONIO or FAIR HILL.

    We would like easy to get to nice beach but also we want be near to bars and shops

    Big Thanks
    Tom

    • If you want to stay near the beaches than Fairy Hill is a good place to be. Port Antonio is only a short route taxi drive away in case you need something.

  • Lynda Wooding

    been there luved it

  • Negril is an adventure. Different strokes for different folks. I like it because it’s a FUN place. If you are cheap, and don’t like fun….please stay away.

  • Dale Borchelt

    You are right about Port Antonio, but wrong about Negril. I have been a travel agent for 24+ years and I want you to STOP telling people about my place, Port Antonio. I want it to remain the way it is.

    • Hey Dale,

      What did we get wrong about Negril?

      And yeah maybe we should keep porty a secret, I don’t want it to turn into another touristy and resort heavy parish either ;)

      • Marsha king

        If someone ask you if you want to buy something and you say no…that does not equate harassment. Would you rather they tried to kill you rather than make an honest living? Why travel to an island…spend thousands on airfare and hotels for the white man but have a problem with someone making an honest living. The locals should start ignoring folks like you….they are not circus animals for your enjoying to stop and chat with you. I was just in Negril and people were very nice…and I am Jamaica and do need kissing up to…leave our people ALONE.

  • I’ve spent a lot of time in Negril over the years and I am comfortable there, know many people…so the harassment isn’t terrible for me. However, I MUCH prefer Porty (and Treasure Beach, and most anywhere else except maybe Ochi or MoBay). It’s far more relaxing to let my guard down and just hang out with people whose sole income is not visitors.

    Also, Porty is as you say, amazingly beautiful. So lush, with the mountains coming right to the sea…everything green and blue. Thanks for the blog.

  • Interesting article, I’m in Jamaica every other month for years now. I don’t stay at all inclusive hotels. In regards to Negril Beach hmm…(harassed?)I’m not bothered by people who offer fruits, juice, tours or crafty items. It’s a pleasure to have someone stop by with fresh patties or fruits. I’ve never been harassed. A simple no works just fine. Meals also cost between 3.50 to 5.00 JA. I also believe there are more things to do in Negril than PA. I arrived in Port Antonio one night at 9 pm and couldn’t find a place that was open to eat, everything was dark unlike Negril full of life. I ate a cup of noodles for the first time in Ja!:( because nothing was open in Pa!! In Negril there are places to eat at 24 hours a day! Delicious fish,callaloo, breadfruit, fish fritters, festivals, ackee,jerk, etc..
    The water in Negril is calm and warm you can swim at night as well. In Pa the waves are wonderfully loud and high, nice to hear while u sleep at night. I also was unable to find a place under 60. a night in Pa. Even after checking hostels and guesthouse. In Negril places to stay at start at 15. a night and you have plenty to chose from. There is plenty of space on the 7 mile beach. Not crowded at all. I have plenty of pictures to shows how ample and peaceful Negril is.

    • We are not bothered by the selling of fruits or food either however, it’s everything else and the constant disruption every few mins. Even saying no thank all the time can become annoying at least for us it is. It’s interesting because we had the complete opposite experience we found food to be cheaper in PA with way more cheaper restaurants than a few sprinkled here and there like in Negril. Also there are calm beaches in the PA area such as Winnifred beach, Frenchman Cove or even the Blue Lagoon. You can also head to Reach Falls or any of the waterfalls in the area (Nanny Falls or Somerset falls) if you want calmer waters. I will admit that Long Bay and Boston Bay has strong waves.

      We prefer the quite, absent nightlife, sleep early kind of town and a place that doesn’t completely cater to tourism and that is what PA is and that is why we fell in love with it (the people played a big role too) You seem to like the opposite (nothing wrong with it) and that is why you like Negril better! Everyone has different taste buds and PA is our perfect cup of tea!

      And if others are searching for the same environment, PA is the better choice over Negril in our opinion!

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