Port Antonio, Jamaica City Guide

Overview of Port Antonio Port Antonio’s History Port Antonio Bed and Breakfasts Port Antonio Beaches Scuba - Fishing - Bird Watching Port Antonio Places of Interest Jamaica’s Ecotourism Port Antonio Cuisine and Dining Port Antonio Connection Bed and Breakfasts in Port Antonio, Jamaica

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Port Antonio’s History

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Few people knew of the existence of Port Antonio, a well kept secret, until Lorenzo Dow Baker started the banana trade in the late 1800’s. Recall the Jamaican folksong sung by Harry Belafonte “Day-O,” about dock workers loading the boats with bananas and wanting to go home after a long night. These same boats brought wealthy tourist from America and before long Port Antonio (“Porty”) was no longer a quiet little community. It became the hot spot for the rich and famous. Hollywood movies further popularized it during the 1940’s and 50’s, drawing national attention to this bed and breakfast jewel. Port Antonio is now known around the world as a Jamaican getaway for all types of travelers, especially bed and breakfast enthusiasts who are looking for an authentic Jamaican hospitality.

Port Antonio’s cultural background is a combination of Spanish, African, Indian and now expatriates from around the world, especially popular with the English. In 1517 the Spanish brought slaves to Jamaica, many of whom later escaped or were released from Spanish rule, becoming known as Maroons, the name derived from the Spanish word “cimarrones,” meaning “wild ones.” In time these African descendants intermingled with the native Taino Indians, their cultural heritage now possibly the most prevalent and well-known “Jamaican” cultural group. . Their influence is prevalent in the music, art, and fashion, all recognizable as uniquely Jamaican

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