Whether you’ve lived in Jamaica all your life or have ‘travel to Jamaica’ listed on your bucket list, the tropical island paradise boasts a number of must-see locations that will make your vacation one for the books.

Looking for a relaxing vacation, spending your days lounging by the beach, indulging in true Jamaican cuisine and learning a little about the island’s culture?

Fall in love with ecotourism and take a trip to Jamaica’s picturesque Portland parish!

Home to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, Portland promises the ultimate relaxing getaway, offering you an opportunity to truly get in tune with nature.

Not sure where to start? Plan your perfect vacation using Our Today‘s fun things to do in Portland checklist.

1. Raft on The Blue Lagoon

One of the most beautiful attractions for which Jamaica is home is The Blue Lagoon. The natural lagoon is located seven miles east of Port Antonio and is known for its striking mystical blue colour.

A day spent by the Blue Lagoon can see the hue change from turquoise to sapphire to deep blue. Once believed to be bottomless, divers have since determined its depth to be around 200 feet.

Dare to take a swim in the lagoon and enjoy a unique mix of icy fresh water from the underground streams which feed the lagoon and saltwater from the Caribbean Sea.

2. Boat ride to Monkey Island

Off the coast of Port Antonio is a small, uninhabited plot known by locals as ‘Monkey Island’.

Believed to have previously been inhabited by a colony of imported monkeys, the island boasts a small white sand beach with shallow waters perfect for lounging around or a quick snorkelling adventure.

3. Swim in Frenchman’s Cove

Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is Frenchman’s Cove, located just five miles (eight kilometres) from Port Antonio.

The Frenchman’s Cove beach forms part of the 45-acre (18-hectare) Frenchman’s Cove Resort, a private estate that over the years has gained immense popularity as a wedding, honeymoon and special events location.

The beach boasts miles of white sand and turquoise waters that will leave you feeling rejuvenated at the completion of your trip.

4. Hike to Nanny Falls

Add a culture lesson to your vacation, and journey to the Maroon village of Moore Town, home to one of Portland’s hidden secrets, Nanny Falls.

A true treasure, the journey to Nanny Falls involves a 45-minute drive from Port Antonio to the community of Moore Town, followed by a 10- to 15-minute uphill hike.

Guided by a trustee Maroon tour guide, you can enjoy a history lesson on both the different plants and trees dotted on the nature trail and the famous Nanny of the Maroons, Jamaica’s only national heroine.

Set on 600 acres, the sight of the greenery, rock formations, and naturally flowing waters is breathtaking.

Legend has it that the 18th Century leader of the Maroons and her warriors believed the waterfall had healing properties. While preparing for battle, if the injured were not healed after visiting the waters then they were unfit to fight.

5. Eat at Boston Jerk Centre

A lover of good food? Take a trip to the small village of Boston, Portland.

Boston is the birthplace of Jamaican jerk, a spicy flavoured meal prep style invented by the Maroons of Portland.

Looking for authentic jerk chicken, pork, beef or fish? then Boston Jerk Centre is the place to be.

Legend has it that the jerk pit cooking style was originally a way for escaped slaves to cook without smoke being detected by potential captors.