Things To Do
in Old Harbour
Old Harbour is a historic town located on the southern coast of Jamaica. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community. The town features picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by lush greenery.
Old Harbour offers a relaxed atmosphere, with charming streets lined with colorful buildings and bustling markets selling local produce.
- "Wah Gwaan" - What's going on
- "Mi deh yah" - I am here
- "Nuh worry yuhself" - Don't worry yourself
- "Yuh done know" - You already know
- "Big up" - Respect or praise
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing swim at the beautiful beaches of Old Harbour. Enjoy a relaxing morning sunbathing and feeling the golden sand beneath your feet.
Grab lunch at a local beachside restaurant and savor authentic Jamaican cuisine. After lunch, take a stroll along the shore or partake in some water sports.
Wind down your day by watching a stunning sunset from the beach. Enjoy a cocktail from a nearby bar while listening to live reggae music.
Indulge in a traditional Jamaican breakfast at a local eatery, featuring ackee and saltfish. Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and aromas of Jamaican cooking.
Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare classic Jamaican dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor over a leisurely lunch with your new culinary friends.
Visit a local market to sample street food and fresh produce. Enjoy an evening filled with flavors and learn about Jamaican ingredients.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Beautiful natural scenery and beaches
- Friendly local community
- Growing tourism sector
- Access to fresh seafood and local cuisine
- Limited infrastructure and amenities
- Potential for crime in certain areas
- Vulnerable to hurricanes and natural disasters
- Economic challenges and poverty in some regions
- Limited job opportunities outside tourism
Best Activities in Old Harbour
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historical Seville Great House and Heritage Park, which offers guided tours and a look into Jamaica's colonial past.
Visit Hellshire Beach for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying delicious Jamaican seafood at the local food shacks.
Take a boat tour or go fishing at Old Harbour Bay for an authentic maritime experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Old Harbour with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Old Harbour
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic landmark with stunning views of the harbor and surrounding area.
Scenic coastal area with beautiful views and photo opportunities.
Picturesque beach with scenic views and great photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Food in Old Harbour
Old Harbour Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved Jamaican breakfast dish featuring ackee fruit and salted cod, typically served with dumplings and fried plantains. Try it at Miss Lily's Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A staple of Jamaican cuisine, jerk chicken is marinated in a spicy, flavorful seasoning and slow-cooked over pimento wood. Sample delicious jerk chicken at Scotchies.
Tender goat meat cooked in a fragrant curry sauce, offering a delightful blend of savory and aromatic spices. Visit Harmony Hall for a delectable curried goat dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Old Harbour better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the bustling Old Harbour Market for an authentic street food experience. Indulge in various local treats such as fried fish, festival (sweet cornmeal fritters), and bammy (cassava flatbread).
This vibrant market is a haven for street food enthusiasts. Savor traditional Jamaican patties, a variety of tropical fruits, and refreshing coconut water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Old Harbour, Jamaica, it is important to show respect for elders through polite greetings and gestures of deference.
Punctuality is highly valued in Old Harbour, Jamaica, so it's important to be on time for appointments and meetings.
Respecting personal space is an important cultural norm in Old Harbour, Jamaica, so it's advisable to avoid standing too close to others and to ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Old Harbour with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Old Harbour
Ensure a smooth experience
In Old Harbour, Jamaica, tipping is generally expected in the service industry, especially in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides. A standard practice is to tip around 10-15% of the total bill, although this may vary based on the level of service provided.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in Old Harbour, Jamaica, although credit and debit cards may be accepted in some establishments. It's important to have Jamaican currency on hand, as not all places may accept foreign currency. It's also common to negotiate prices in marketplaces and when using local services.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Old Harbour.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Old Harbour is during the winter season, when the weather is cooler and drier. This is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. However, you'll also experience lively events and festivities, making it an exciting time to visit.
Spring is a great time to visit as the weather is warm and the natural beauty of Old Harbour is in full bloom. The sea is also calm, making it perfect for water activities. You can expect more moderate crowds and lower accommodation prices compared to the winter season.
Summer in Old Harbour brings hot and humid weather, as well as the possibility of occasional rain showers. This is a popular time for family vacations, and you can expect lively beach activities and water sports. Prices may vary, and it's essential to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Autumn marks the end of the rainy season in Old Harbour and is a great time to visit if you prefer quieter surroundings. The weather is still warm, and you may encounter some lingering rain, but the area is less crowded, offering an opportunity for a more tranquil and relaxing experience. Prices for accommodations tend to be more budget-friendly during this season.
Old Harbour at Night
Hiking in Old Harbour
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful area with a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks, offering stunning views of the mountains and lush vegetation.
A moderate trail that offers scenic views of the coastal area while allowing hikers to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.
Features rugged terrain and a rich biodiversity, this park offers several trails that take you through forests and along ridges with breathtaking views.
While situated more within the city area, it provides a relaxed hiking experience through gardens with beautiful landscapes and walking paths.
An entry point for hikes into the Blue Mountains, it features various trails that lead to higher elevations with spectacular panoramic views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Old Harbour through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Old Harbour by plane.
Located in Kingston, approximately 32 km from Old Harbour, this is one of Jamaica's main international gateways.
Situated in Montego Bay, around 100 km from Old Harbour, this airport serves a significant number of international flights and tourists.
This airport is located in Boscobel, approximately 110 km from Old Harbour, catering primarily to smaller aircraft and private jets.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Old Harbour, reflecting the island's historical roots and cultural heritage.
Individuals of mixed ethnic backgrounds, often encompassing African, European, and Indigenous heritage.
A small segment that may include individuals tracing their lineage to the island's original inhabitants, the Arawaks and Caribs.
A demographic group that stems from historical migrations, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
A minority group that has established a presence in Jamaica, contributing to the country's multicultural landscape.
Descendants of European settlers, though this group is relatively small compared to others on the island.
The Soul of Old Harbour
Discover the essence of Old Harbour through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Jamaica, and in Old Harbour, it is played in local leagues and community games, reflecting the passion for the sport across the nation.
Cricket has a significant following in Jamaica, with many local teams competing in organized leagues, making it a popular sport in Old Harbour.
Jamaica is renowned for its track and field athletes, and Old Harbour is no exception, with local schools and clubs encouraging youth participation in athletics.
Basketball is growing in popularity, with community courts available for local players, particularly among the youth in Old Harbour.
Netball is a widely played sport, especially among women, with schools and community teams actively participating in competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Old Harbour.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Jamaican cuisine traditionally features a lot of meat and seafood, many eateries in Old Harbour offer vegetarian and vegan renditions of classic dishes. Look for options like vegetarian patties, plantain-based dishes, and hearty vegetable stews.
Diners with gluten sensitivities can enjoy dishes such as grilled fish with steamed vegetables, rice and peas, and fresh tropical salads. Communicate your dietary needs to the restaurant staff, who are often accommodating and knowledgeable about food preparation.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Old Harbour with these cultural adventures.
