Things to do in Portland, Jamaica
Surfing at Boston Bay
Boston Bay is home to Jamaica’s only true surf break, a small cove where waves roll in steady and locals are out early. It’s the kind of place where learning to surf feels natural, guided by experienced instructors who work with the tide and your pace.
After, head across the road to Boston Jerk, home of the original jerk. Charcoal pits smoke all day, and the pork and chicken are as much a part of the experience as the waves themselves.
Boston, Portland, JA
Frenchman’s Cove
Spend a few hours at Frenchman’s Cove, one of the most coveted beaches in all of Jamaica. What makes it distinct is the freshwater river that flows directly into the sea, giving you two completely different experiences in one place.
Start in the cool, shaded river, then move out to the ocean when you’re ready. The beach is well-kept, easy to access, and ideal for a relaxed day by the water, one of the more effortless things to do in Portland.
San San, Portland, JA
Scuba Diving
Portland, JAWith Lady G’Diver, the reef isn’t a tourist stop, it’s a world of its own. Led by one of the islands’ most respected dive masters, guests explore vibrant coral gardens, reef walls, and underwater life with depth and care. Visibility often stretches past 70 feet, with dive sites ranging from shallow explorations to dramatic 300-foot drop-offs. Whether it’s a quiet night dive or a photography-led descent, each experience offers a rare chance to feel the pulse of Jamaica below the surface.
Reach Falls
Manchioneal, Portland, JAEscape to the cool, emerald pools of Reach Falls, located about an hour east of Port Antonio. The scenic drive along the coast is part of the experience, and well worth it once you arrive at this hidden rainforest gem.
Spend the afternoon swimming beneath gentle cascades, where clear water flows into natural pools surrounded by lush greenery. Wander along the river to discover smooth rock formations and small limestone caves tucked behind the falls. It’s a refreshing, peaceful escape, and one of those places that feels completely worth the trip.
Rio Grande Rafting
St. Margaret's Bay, Portland, JADrift along the Rio Grande on a handcrafted bamboo raft, guided by a local raft captain through Portland’s lush tropical terrain. The journey moves at nature’s pace, winding past towering bamboo, breadfruit trees, and hidden bends of the river.
Midway, stop at Belinda’s, an off-the-map riverside kitchen where traditional Jamaican dishes like escovitch fish and bammy are cooked over a coal fire and served with a side of local fare.
Blue Lagoon
Fairy Hill, Portland, JAOne of the most recognized natural attractions in Portland, Jamaica. Known for its deep blue color and cooler temperature, the lagoon is fed by a mix of freshwater springs and the sea.
You can explore by raft or boat, or swim along the edges where the water is calm. It’s a simple, accessible stop and one of the most popular things to do in Portland, Jamaica for a reason.
Somerset Falls
Hope Bay, Portland, JAUpon arrival at Somerset Falls, enter through the garden and take a short guided boat ride along a narrow river, moving through dense greenery to a small waterfall set within the rocks. It’s quiet, shaded, and naturally cool.
An easy way to experience a waterfall in Portland, Jamaica, without needing to plan your day around it, simple, close, and worth doing while you’re here.