Port Antonio
The two harbors, sheltered by Navy Island and Titchfield Peninsula, were largely responsible for the town's early success as a banana port. Since 1729 imposing Fort George has overlooked the harbors, once busy with lines of steamers waiting for their shipments of bananas. Today the docks no longer hum with the rhythm of banana loaders and the colorful refrain “come mister tallyman, tally me banana,” but the charm of this port town has survived.
Of interest to sightseers and photographers are the port's ruins of Folly. Built in 1905 by a wealthy American engineer, this extravagant 60-room mansion lay vacant within 30 years, a victim of poor construction and neglect. Its crumbling walls and pillars are all that remain. The Folly Point Lighthouse stands at the end of the peninsula. Dominating the skyline on Bridge Street is the Romanesque Christ Church, built in 1840. Produce and crafts can be had at Musgrave Market on West Harbour east of the ferry dock.
Among the nearby scenic spots is Somerset Falls, about 10 miles (16 km) west, where the Daniels River plunges through a gorge in a series of cascades and pools; admission is charged. Most of the area's beaches extend east of town. Three of the most popular are San San, Frenchman's Cove and Boston Bay; admission varies. Blue Lagoon is more of attraction than a beach with boat and bamboo raft tours.