Portland Parish: Rivers, Waterfalls and History

Discover Portland Parish through its rivers, distinctive waterside spots and historic sites. The landscape offers a variety of highlights: from the deep Blue Lagoon to a river popular for rafting and a waterfall reached by boat. Caves and places with histories of their own round out the nature experiences. You can tailor your trip to the topics that interest you most.

Rivers, Lagoon and Waterfalls

Portland Parish has as many as 17 rivers, with the Rio Grande, Buff Bay and Hectors Rivers among the largest. Between the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains, the Rio Grande and its main tributaries, the Back River and Stony River, have carved a gorge. The river names and mountain ranges together shape the landscape here.

The Blue Lagoon is believed to be the crater of an extinct volcano. It regularly bubbles gently, causing the temperature to rise; the lagoon is more than 180 feet deep. This makes it very different from the Parish’s river and waterfall attractions: its volcanic origins and depth take center stage.

Rafting on the Rio Grande from Berrydale to Rafters' Rest is a popular activity with both locals and tourists. The named starting and finishing points give the activity a clear route. For visitors interested in the river, it offers a different perspective on the Rio Grande from the gorge it has carved with its main tributaries.

At Frenchman's Cove, a natural freshwater stream flows into the sea and forms a calm pool suitable for swimming. At Somerset Falls, a short boat ride leads to a waterfall that plunges 33 feet into a small gorge, forming a bathing pool there. Both places combine water with a pool, but their descriptions emphasize different features: here, a stream flowing into the sea; there, a boat ride to the waterfall.

Caves and Historic Sites

The Nonsuch Caves have nine separate chambers. In the light of lanterns, stalagmites and stalactites can be seen there. The chambers and rock formations give the caves a different natural setting from the open river and waterfall landscapes. Athenry Gardens also have a historical connection: they are located on the grounds of a former coconut plantation and agricultural research station.

The history of Titchfield School dates back to 1786. It was founded at the time as a free school for the youth of the Parish. Fort George was built in 1729. The two dates point to different historical aspects: the founding of a school and the construction of a fort. They complement the natural attractions with specific points of connection to the history of Portland Parish.

Jamaica in a Broader Cultural Context

Across Jamaica, the Blue and John Crow Mountains also have cultural significance: the area provided refuge for Maroons and formerly enslaved people, and preserves tangible cultural heritage associated with Maroon history, including the Nanny Town Heritage Route. Old Nanny Town is considered a Maroon citadel and settlement on Nanny Town Hill. These connections broaden the view of Jamaican history beyond the individual places in Portland Parish.

Across Jamaica, reggae is a central part of the culture. Ackee and saltfish is the national dish and a popular local breakfast. Depending on the season, it is served with items including fried dumplings, callaloo, green bananas, avocado and plantains. Your trip can therefore take in a range of themes: the rivers and waterscapes of Portland Parish, its historic sites and the broader cultural context of Jamaica.

Discover more destinations: Hordley, Hope Bay, Buff Bay, Manchioneal, Port Antonio, Long Bay, Fairy Hill, Snow Hill, Fair Prospect.

For the broader travel overview: Jamaica.