Nice, sleepy fishing village with an eventful past
(Beyond the international airport, some 24 km by excellent road; it can also be reached by boat from Victoria Pier (7 daily, 20 mins, US$0.30).)
Port Royal, the old naval base, lies across the harbour from Kingston. It was founded in 1650, captured by the English and turned into a strategic military and naval base. Merchant shipping developed under naval protection and the town soon became prosperous. It also attracted less reputable shipping and in 1660-1692 became a haven for pirates such as Henry Morgan, with gambling and drinking dens and brothels protected by the six forts and 145 guns. The ‘wickedest city on earth’, with a population of 8000, soon provoked what was thought to be divine retribution. On 7 June 1692 an earthquake hit east Jamaica, coursing along the Port Royal fault line and bringing with it massive tidal waves. The port, commercial area and harbour front were cut away and slid down the slope of the bay to rest on the sea bed, while much of the rest of the town was flooded for weeks. About 5000 people died (of drowning, injuries or subsequent disease) and the naval, merchant and fishing fleets were wrecked. The town was gradually rebuilt as a naval and military post but has had to withstand 16 hurricanes, nine earthquakes, three fires and a storm (which in 1951 left only four buildings undamaged).
Boats may be hired for picnics on the numerous nearby cays or at Port Henderson. Lime Cay (about the size of a football pitch) is the most popular, offering a white-sand beach and crystal clear water. A seafood restaurant and bar provides tasty fried fish and chicken meals. There is a full service marina at Morgan’s Harbour with customs clearance, 24-hour security and fishing boats for hire.
