Things To Do
in Old Harbour
Old Harbour is a coastal town in southern St. Catherine Parish on Jamaica’s south coast, historically centered on fishing and small-scale agriculture. The town sits beside Old Harbour Bay and acts as a local service hub for nearby fishing villages and residential communities. It offers an authentic, low-key Jamaican experience with nearby beaches, roadside eateries and working harbors rather than big tourist infrastructure.
Visitors will find easy access to Kingston and Portmore for day trips while enjoying quieter local life and coastal scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Old Harbour, where colonial architecture tells the story of the town's rich past. Visit the Old Harbour Museum to learn about the area's history and cultural heritage. Enjoy a traditional Jamaican breakfast at a local eatery, savoring dishes like ackee and saltfish.
After lunch, take a guided walking tour to see the vibrant street art and crafts that reflect the spirit of the local community. Stop by the local market to pick up handmade souvenirs and sample some fresh tropical fruits. As you wander, engage with friendly locals who share stories about Old Harbour's traditions and daily life.
As the sun sets, find a spot along the waterfront to watch the stunning hues of the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. Indulge in dinner at a seafood restaurant, where you can enjoy freshly caught fish prepared with local spices. End your evening by experiencing some live reggae music at a nearby venue, immersing yourself in the local rhythm.
Head to the nearby beaches of Old Harbour, such as the beautiful Hellshire Beach, to soak up the sun and enjoy the soft sands. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters and discover hidden coves along the coastline. Enjoy a refreshing coconut water from a local vendor as you relax on the beach.
Join a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant marine life just off the coast, swimming alongside colorful fish and coral reefs. After your underwater adventure, enjoy a beachside lunch featuring fresh jerk chicken and festival, a local favorite. Spend the afternoon lounging on the beach, taking in the sun and the sound of the waves.
As the day winds down, gather with friends or family around a beach bonfire to share stories and enjoy the warm evening breeze. Feast on a traditional jerk barbecue dinner, sampling the rich flavors of Jamaican cuisine. Let the sounds of the ocean and distant music create a perfect backdrop for a night of relaxation and laughter.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or street snack | $1.50-4 |
| 🚌Local bus/route taxi fare | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-12 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / simple hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local Jamaican coastal atmosphere with working harbors and friendly communities
- Close to beaches and easy access to Kingston and Portmore for cultural day trips
- Fresh seafood and affordable, flavorful street food
- Lower crowds than major tourist centres—good for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer formal amenities than larger resort towns
- Public transport can be slow or irregular; taxis are advisable for convenience
- Petty crime risk necessitates basic safety vigilance
- Services like ATMs, high-end restaurants and pharmacies may be limited locally
- "Wah gwaan?" - What's going on? / How are you?
- "Mi deh yah" - I'm here / I'm doing fine
- "Give thanks" - Thank you / Much appreciated
- "Bless up" - A friendly farewell or blessing
- "Mi nuh mek dat" - I didn't do that / I won't do that
Places to Visit in Old Harbour
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset over the working bay with colorful fishing boats and reflections—excellent for low-light coastal shots and candid fishing scenes.
Vibrant market stalls, fresh produce, and everyday life provide rich street photography opportunities and authentic portraits.
Sandy shore, seafood shacks and lively beach scenes—great for action shots and bright Caribbean colors.
Natural textures, birdlife and tidal flats offer nature photography options, especially at low tide.
Food in Old Harbour
Old Harbour Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Jamaica's national dish made with ackee fruit and salted cod, commonly served for breakfast or lunch at local eateries in Old Harbour.
Must-Try!
Fried local fish topped with a spicy pickled vegetable sauce; often available at seaside shacks and fish fry spots.
Marinated and smoked over pimento wood, found at roadside jerk pits and small restaurants—pair with festival or bammy.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market selling fresh fish, produce, patty stalls and home-cooked plates; try baked goods and talk to vendors for the freshest options.
A short drive away, Hellshire Beach has famous fish shacks and fried festival—great for seafood lovers and lively weekend atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter—say hello and ask how someone is doing before launching into requests or conversations. Use 'Good morning/afternoon' and a firm but friendly handshake.
Show respect for older people and be mindful of community norms—dress modestly at churches and formal sites and ask permission before photographing people closely.
Interactions are often relaxed and friendly; expect warm hospitality and a conversational pace—patience and a smile go far.
Safety
Tipping in Old Harbour
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated: around 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included, small JA$50–JA$200 tips for helpful vendors or drivers; for guides, tip according to service and group size. Many local street vendors do not expect tips, but rounding up is polite.
Cash (Jamaican dollar) is the most widely used, especially for markets and small vendors. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels, but ATMs may be limited—carry sufficient cash and notify your bank before travel. Some places accept US dollars but expect change in local currency.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with daily highs in the upper 80s°F (around 30°C). This period overlaps with the start of hurricane season—keep an eye on forecasts and potential storms.
Higher rainfall, occasional heavy storms and increased humidity. Plan flexible travel and consider travel insurance for trips during peak storm months (Aug–Oct).
Drier and more comfortable with warm days and cooler nights; peak travel season with clearer skies and calmer seas—book accommodations ahead.
Warm and relatively dry with fewer tourists than winter; good time for outdoor activities and exploring nearby trails.
Old Harbour at Night
Hiking in Old Harbour
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal limestone ridges and scrubland near Hellshire offer short hikes with coastal views and opportunities for birdwatching; trails can be informal so consider a local guide.
Accessible via a longer drive to the Blue Mountains for cooler, more challenging hikes, panoramic vistas and coffee farm visits—best for a dedicated day trip or overnight stay.
A scenic gorge and riverside area in St. Catherine offering short walks, photo opportunities and a chance to see dramatic river landscapes not far from Old Harbour.
Airports
How to reach Old Harbour by plane.
Located in Kingston, about 25–40 km east of Old Harbour depending on route; the primary airport for southern Jamaica with international and regional flights. Ground transport by taxi or rental car is the most common connection.
Located in Montego Bay on the north coast, roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive from Old Harbour—useful for international arrivals to Jamaica but farther from the south coast.
A smaller airfield near Kingston for domestic flights and charters; limited commercial service but closer for private or charter arrangements.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, descendants of West African peoples, forming the core of local culture, music and community life.
Smaller numbers of people of mixed European, East Indian and other ancestries; communities are generally integrated into parish life.
A relatively young demographic profile with many children and young adults involved in community, church and sporting activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed locally with informal street and parish league matches common among youth and adults.
A traditional and popular sport with parish-level competitions and community matches.
Jamaica's strong athletics culture is reflected locally in school and community events, with sprinting especially popular among youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Old Harbour.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; look for rice and peas, vegetable stews, fried plantain and festival. Ask vendors about broths or sauces cooked with fish or meat fat and request simple plant-based preparations when possible.
Communicate allergies clearly (carry translation cards if needed). Many dishes include seafood, peanuts or coconut; street vendors may use shared oil and surfaces.