DAY TRIPS

Most of the following sites can be reached by bus tours that leave the main hotels around Port Antonio, or hire a taxi, or ask David Escoe for exact directions.

REICH FALLS

Pronounced "reach", the Falls present an unspoiled freshwater river with many waterfalls and pools of cool crystal blue in a lush jungle setting. A guide helps you explore up or down stream for 2 hours. Great for children and adults. Wear non-slippery shoes. Jerk Chicken and cold drinks available.

NONESUCH CAVE and ATHENRY GARDENS

A well-lit guided tour through a large underground cave, millions of years old. Quartz, fanciful formations, fossilized sealife. The tropical garden contains a wide variety of flora and is set in a 185 acre banana plantation. There is a spectacular vista of Port Antonio from a second story lookout. good for children and adults. About 4 miles north of LONG BAY, turn left on Sherwood forest road. This bumpy, windy road in the foothills of the Blue Mountains gives a good sense of what interior Jamaica is like. The road ends in Port Antonio. About 3-4 hours including driving time.

RIO GRANDE RAFT TRIP

Movie star Erroll flynn creted this marvelous glide down a wide mountain river for his Hollywood guests in the 1940's. Drift lazily along on a two-seat bamboo raft poled by an experienced guide. Around every bend is a delightful new view. Bring your bathing suit, sunscreen, and small Jamaican bills to buy cold drinks, handcrafts, hats jewelry, lunch on the beach, etc. (also bring money for tipping: You will see why when you experience it for yourself - Your car will be driven to the river's end to pick you up.) Drive west of Port Antonio, look for signs. About 5 hours altogether.

BEACHES

Choose from many outstanding, scenic spots. All are along the road to Port Antonio. Most have nominal admission fees.

THE BLUE HOLE

Magical lagoon swimming in clear bottomless water. A natural phenomenon. Damaged by Hurrican Gilbert but gaining popularity once again. Protect your valuables here. Also vendors are thick here.

DRAGON BAY

Excellent private beach, restaurant and swimming pool. The outdoor scenes from "Cocktail" were shot here at the beach bar now renamed for Tom Cruise. Good beach for toddlers. We (Viviane & Willard) like Dragon Bay.

SANSAN BEACH

Protected swimming inside reef. Rent snorkeling gear, wind surfers, sailfish here. Daily trips for experiences scuba divers to one of the biggest reefs in the area. Bring your underwater camera. Lunch bar.

FRENCHMAN'S COVE

Beautiful protected park setting. Rent chaise lounges. Waiters serve drinks or full meal on the beach complete with withe tablecloth. Freshwater river flowing into the azure cove invites you to play Tarzan.

FAIRY HILL BEACH

Between Boston and Sansan, turn right at the basket stand. Snorkeling and lagoon swimming with more privacy than the others (except weekends). A freshwater stream for rinsing off. A short, steep, very bad road, but worth the trip. Idyllic. Vegetarian meals served at the top of the hill.

BOSTON BEACH

Funky atmosphere. Good swimming. Surfboards for rent, spicy barbecued chicken and pork (called Jerk) were invented here and are sold at the many food stands just up the road from the beach. Try the corn bread! And buy a bottle of sauce to take home. Music groups entertain here many weekends. Also a good place for snorkeling.

CULTURAL SPOTS

*ask David Escoe for directions

BROWNMAN, BLUE and THE LOCALS

We recommend taking the time to meet Long Bay's locals. The locals are a colorful group; for the most part dignified and reserved, but most friendly and and kind when you stop to chat. Brownman or Blue will be very happy to take you for a walk in the hills and teach you about plants, flowers, birds, the landscape, etc. for a small fee.