Things To Do
in Portmore
Portmore is a bustling coastal city located in southeastern Jamaica. It is known for its vibrant culture, lively music scene, and beautiful beaches. The city is home to a diverse population made up of people from various ethnicities and backgrounds.
Portmore offers a range of amenities including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
- "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 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the beautiful Portmore Beach, where you can swim and soak up the sun. Bring a beach towel and relax as the waves gently roll in.
Grab lunch at a local seafood restaurant nearby, enjoying fresh catch of the day. Afterward, take a stroll along the beach or participate in water sports.
Watch the sunset from the beach while sipping a local drink. Enjoy dinner at a beachfront eatery with live reggae music.
Visit the Portmore wetlands to explore the diverse ecosystem and observe various bird species. Don't forget your binoculars and a camera to capture the moments.
Head to a local market to experience the vibrant community and sample traditional Jamaican fruits. Engage with the locals and learn about their culture.
Attend a cultural show featuring local musicians and dancers. Enjoy a traditional Jamaican meal while soaking in the atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and coastal views
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant community
- Growing infrastructure and development
- Proximity to Kingston, making it convenient for commuting
- Access to various recreational activities
- Higher crime rates in certain areas
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
- Limited public transportation options
- Challenges with waste management and environmental concerns
- Potential vulnerability to hurricanes and natural disasters
Best Activities in Portmore
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a day at one of Jamaica's most popular beaches, known for its clear waters and delicious seafood. It's a great spot for swimming, relaxing, and trying local dishes.
Explore the natural beauty of Portmore at Portmore Pines, a scenic area with walking trails and lush greenery. It's perfect for nature walks and birdwatching.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf at this picturesque course, surrounded by stunning landscapes and tropical scenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Portmore with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Portmore
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and opportunities for capturing beautiful coastal scenery.
Known for its picturesque sunsets and photo opportunities along the sandy shores.
Ideal for capturing scenic views of the marina and boats, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Food in Portmore
Portmore Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Jamaican dish featuring succulent chicken marinated in a spicy blend of herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. Be sure to try this smoky, flavorful specialty at Scotchies, a renowned jerk spot in Portmore.
Must-Try!
The national dish of Jamaica, ackee and saltfish is a delectable combination of salted codfish, sautéed with ackee (a fruit native to West Africa), onions, tomatoes, and spices. Head to Portmore's local eateries or food shacks to savor this traditional delight.
Tender goat meat slow-cooked in a fragrant curry sauce, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish that reflects the island's Indian heritage. Indulge in this flavorful specialty at Mama Marley's, a beloved restaurant in Portmore.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Portmore better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience the bustling atmosphere of Portmore Seafood Market, where you can sample an array of freshly caught seafood, including escovitch fish and steamed fish with bammy, a must-try Jamaican cassava flatbread.
Explore the colorful array of seafood vendors lining the shore at Hellshire Beach. Delight in local favorites such as fried fish and festival, a sweet fried dumpling, while taking in the picturesque coastal views.
Embark on a culinary adventure along Spanish Town Road, where you'll find an array of jerk stalls offering tantalizing jerk chicken, pork, and sausage, accompanied by festival and roasted breadfruit. This vibrant street food scene embodies the essence of Jamaican gastronomy.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Portmore, it is important to greet people with a smile and a warm handshake as a sign of respect and friendliness.
Jamaica is known for its vibrant music and dance culture. It is important to respect and appreciate the local music and dance traditions in Portmore.
Politeness is highly valued in Jamaican culture. Using polite language and gestures when interacting with others in Portmore is important for showing respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Portmore with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Portmore
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Portmore, Jamaica. It is customary to tip service providers such as waitstaff, taxi drivers, and tour guides. The typical tip amount is around 10-15% of the total bill.
Payment in Portmore, Jamaica is primarily done in Jamaican dollars (JMD), although some businesses may accept US dollars. Cash is the most widely used form of payment, but credit and debit cards are also accepted at many establishments, especially in more touristy areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Portmore.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The winter months are the best time to visit Portmore, Jamaica, as the weather is mild and comfortable. This season also sees lower humidity and less rainfall, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities and beach visits.
Spring in Portmore brings warm temperatures and occasional rain showers. It's a great time to experience the lush greenery and blooming flowers, and the beaches are still enjoyable before the higher humidity of summer sets in.
The summer months bring higher temperatures and increased humidity to Portmore. While it's the busiest tourist season, visitors can expect beautiful sunny days and warm waters for swimming and water sports.
Fall in Portmore is similar to spring, with warm temperatures and occasional rain. This season marks the end of the hurricane season, and visitors can still enjoy outdoor activities before the winter sets in.
Portmore at Night
Hiking in Portmore
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest point in Jamaica, offering stunning views and diverse hiking trails through lush forests and unique flora.
A protected area with well-marked trails, rich wildlife, and scenic vistas, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
A moderate hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
An easy to moderate trail located near Kingston, great for casual strolling and nature watching.
Offers various trails through coffee plantations and surrounding mountain landscapes, suitable for all skill levels.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Portmore through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Portmore by plane.
Located in Montego Bay, approximately 160 kilometers from Portmore, Sangster International Airport is Jamaica's busiest airport, serving numerous international destinations.
Situated in Kingston, about 20 kilometers from Portmore, Norman Manley International Airport is the main international airport serving the capital city and offers flights to both regional and international destinations.
Located near Ocho Rios, approximately 100 kilometers from Portmore, Ian Fleming International Airport serves tourist destinations in the region and offers limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic in Portmore, representing a significant portion of the population.
Individuals of mixed ethnic backgrounds, contributing to the cultural diversity in Portmore.
A notable community in Portmore, with roots tracing back to indentured laborers.
A smaller segment of the population, often involved in various business sectors.
A minority group in Portmore, involved in commerce and trade within the community.
Includes various other groups such as Latinos and immigrants from other Caribbean countries.
The Soul of Portmore
Discover the essence of Portmore through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports in Portmore, with numerous local teams and leagues that engage the community.
Cricket holds a significant following in Jamaica, and Portmore is no exception, with many residents participating in both casual games and organized competitions.
Track and field events enjoy popularity, especially with the strong tradition of athletics in Jamaica, producing many world-class athletes.
Basketball has been growing in popularity, with local courts available for play and community tournaments held regularly.
Netball is widely played, particularly among women and girls, with various leagues and schools participating actively.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Portmore.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-centric dishes are prominent in Jamaican cuisine, many eateries in Portmore offer flavorful vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Look out for dishes like callaloo, a traditional Jamaican green vegetable dish, and roasted vegetable platters at various restaurants and street food vendors.
Those with gluten sensitivities can relish grilled seafood, fresh tropical fruits, and rice-based dishes, which are prevalent in the local culinary scene. Additionally, some establishments in Portmore provide gluten-free versions of traditional Jamaican favorites such as festival and bammy.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Portmore with these cultural adventures.
