The real attraction of Port Antonio is its pure beauty--best enjoyed just walking through its garden-like setting hand-in-hand. When the two of you want to get out and explore, you'll find a small town atmosphere in this area and attractions which are mostly focused on the region's beauty.

=especially romantic attraction

Blue Lagoon
One mile east of San San Beach
876/993-8491
Hours: daily
Admission: fee
This beautiful sight is one that has to be seen to be believed. The cool, spring fed waters cry out to swimmers. Floating docks encourage you to sun a little or you can lay out on the small beach. After a swim, the lagoon-side restaurant serves up Jamaican dishes in a casual atmosphere. Note: at the present time, the restaurant at Blue Lagoon is closed and access to Blue Lagoon is via boat.

Boston Beach
Hours: daily
Admission: free
Boston Beach is known as the home of "jerk" and is a great place to head for a casual lunch. After a spicy meal of jerk pork, take a dip in the sea (though be wary of waves, which are often high enough for surfers).

Frenchman's Cove
Port Antonio
Hours: daily
Admission: free
One of the best beaches on the island, this stretch of sand is very popular with locals.

Navy Island
Hours: daily
Admission: fee
Spend a day on the island once owned by actor Errol Flynn. It's just a seven minute boat ride from the mainland to this hideaway which is home to several small cottages, a bar, and a watersports operator. The ferry operates around the clock.

Nonsuch Caves and Athenry Garden
Hours: daily
Admission: fee
The three-acre Athenry Gardens are home to the Nonsuch Caves, filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Rio Grande Rafting
Hours: daily, except Christmas and Good Friday
Admission: Fee
This river ride was the first in Jamaica and still one of the most famous. Wear your swimsuit if you'd like to take a dip in the river.

Be prepared for entrepreneurs to offer you everything from Red Stripe ("one for you and one for your captain?), overpriced Pepsis, carved bamboo cups, flowers, birdfeeders made of carved coconut husks, whistles made of bamboo canes, and more. If you'd like to do a little shopping, just ask your captain to pull over at one of the stands.

The ride is especially recommended in late afternoon (rafts stop about 3pm) when you'll enjoy the sounds of frogs and crickets, sometimes deafening, from the river banks. In the late afternoon the banks come alive with the activity of the rural residents who use this waterway for everything from clothes washing to bathing to fishing. On a recent trip we watched two young boys spearfishing along one stretch, a woman doing the weekend washing on rocks around another bend, and a young boy catching fish by hand under the muddy banks.

The complete ride takes about 2-1/2 hours (less if the river is up). Raftsmen expect a tip at the completion of the journey; $5-$10 is appropriate.