Kingston Jamaica Port Royal
Frequently Asked Questions
At Port Royal, on the sand spit that closes off Kingston harbour, not in the capital itself. The floating pier, in service since 2020, lands passengers straight into the village. Kingston is 25 to 30 minutes away by road.
The whole village, on a loop of about a kilometre and a half: Fort Charles, the Giddy House, the fish restaurants and the fishermen's lanes. No transport is needed as long as you stay in Port Royal.
Because in the 17th century it was the buccaneers' base in the Caribbean, Henry Morgan chief among them, and it was called the wickedest city on Earth. In June 1692 an earthquake swallowed two thirds of it into the sea. Underwater archaeologists are still exploring the drowned city.
A former artillery store of 1888 that has leaned sharply since the 1907 earthquake. You step inside for the off-balance sensation that gave it its name: the tilted floor completely fools the inner ear. It stands a few steps from Fort Charles.
Yes if the call lasts at least six hours. The Bob Marley Museum, in the house where he lived from 1975 until his death in 1981, and Devon House, an 1881 mansion famous for its ice cream, combine into a half-day. The drive runs along the Palisadoes sand spit.
Yes. It can only be seen on a guided tour, and slots go quickly on cruise days. Book early or take an organized excursion, otherwise you risk making the drive for nothing.
Yes, by taking a boat to Lime Cay, a pale sandbank a few minutes from the village. It is an unstructured swim with no facilities: bring water and shade, because there is nothing there.
Only on a long call. The ridges rise above 2,200 metres and the coffee plantations offer tastings looking out over the valleys. The road climbs slowly, the air cools, ferns replace palms. Allow a full day.
Jamaican dollars, with small US bills often accepted. The village fish restaurants mostly work in cash. English is the official language; on the street, Jamaican patois dominates.
By organized excursion or licensed taxi, never a vehicle flagged down at random. Agree the price and return time before setting off. Kingston is a real working capital, and some districts are not for independent visits.
