Port Antonio, the capital of Portland Parish on Jamaica's northeastern coast, is located approximately 100 km from Kingston. With a population of 12,285 in 1982 and 13,246 in 1991, it is the island's third largest port, renowned for its banana and coconut shipping, as well as its significant role in tourism.
Originally a quiet coastal town, Port Antonio experienced a transformation in the 1880s when Lorenzo Dow Baker initiated the banana trade in Jamaica and promoted the town as a luxurious getaway for wealthy American travelers. This led to Port Antonio, affectionately known as "Porty," becoming a bustling "boom town." At its peak, the banana trade and associated tourism saw more weekly sailings from Port Antonio than from the prominent English port of Liverpool.
Hollywood further glamorized Port Antonio in the 1940s and 50s, depicting it as a tropical paradise in movies such as "Club Paradise" and "Cocktail." The town's allure was heightened by the arrival of movie star Errol Flynn in 1946, when his yacht, “Zaca,” was forced ashore in a storm. Captivated by the area's beauty, Flynn purchased nearby Navy Island, formerly an 18th-century British Navy base.
Port Antonio's blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance makes it a captivating destination for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.