Port Royal Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Port Royal which includes a bay or harbour, boating and general coastal views
Port Royal which includes general coastal views and boating
Port Royal showing boating and general coastal views as well as a large group of people
Port Royal showing a bay or harbour, a marina and bird life
Port Royal featuring kayaking or canoeing and a bay or harbour

Walk streets that were once filled with pirates while you enjoy the colonial sights of one of the Caribbean’s most historic cities.

Today Port Royal is a fishing village with a peaceful atmosphere. However, in a bygone era, these peaceful streets would have been bustling with pirates, sailors and merchants from around the Caribbean. Take a tour of the landmarks that preserve this turbulent history, including the impressive Fort Charles. Eat fresh fish in town and take a trip to Lime Cay to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

From its founding in 1581, Port Royal was used by the Spanish and then the English as a naval base. The city soon became one of the New World’s busiest cities, attracting merchants and eventually pirates, prostitutes and drunkards. An earthquake in 1692 caused many of the buildings from this era of decadence to sink into the ocean. Take a scuba diving tour to visit this famous underwater archaeological site.

Get a taste of the port city’s history at St. Peter’s Church, whose walls and relics date back to 1725. Continue the tour to Fort Charles, where you’ll learn how the English controlled the Caribbean from this port for nearly 200 years. Nearby, two small museums preserve relics from the 1692 earthquake.

Visit the Old Gaol and the Old Naval Hospital to look at some colonial architecture. The Old Naval Hospital is supported by ironworks produced in Bradford, England. The hospital is one of the oldest pre-fabricated structures in the world.

Hire a boat and a pilot to take you to Lime Cay. This small island is uninhabited and provides opportunities for snorkelling, swimming and tanning without the crowds. As the sun sets, go back to town and enjoy some of Jamaica’s best seafood at a harbourside restaurant. Dance into the night at one of the town’s bars and nightclubs.

Get to Port Royal from Kingston by car or bus. The 27-kilometre (17-mile) trip takes around 40 minutes. There is accommodation in Port Royal, though many choose to visit as a daytrip.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Port Royal Hotel Deals

Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal

Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal

3.5 out of 5
1 Port Royal Street, Kingston, Saint Andrew
The price is AU$250 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$250
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.4/10 (882 reviews)
"100%"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Grand Hotel Excelsior Port Royal
ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
2-4 King Street, Kingston
The price is AU$292 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$292
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,121 reviews)
"I will definitely bookedmy next stay here. Workers are friendly and professional."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

ROK Hotel Kingston, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
R Hotel Kingston

R Hotel Kingston

4 out of 5
2 Renfrew Road , Kingston 10, Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,162 reviews)
"Good stay nice rooms"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

R Hotel Kingston
S Hotel Kingston

S Hotel Kingston

4.5 out of 5
1 St Lucia Avenue, Kingston, Saint Andrew
The price is AU$344 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$344
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,546 reviews)
"Was great"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

S Hotel Kingston
AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica

AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica

4.5 out of 5
38 Lady Musgrave Rd, Kingston, St. Andrew Parish
The price is AU$411 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$411
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (859 reviews)
"We continue to stay and rate this hotel as our number one in Kingston. The hotel is very nice and conveniently located in a safe neighborhood with professional helpful staff who always take the time out to listen to your concerns and address them accordingly."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica
The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

3.5 out of 5
81 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Kingston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"clean room staff"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Port Royal

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Bridgeport

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bridgeport and surrounding area, you can visit Sovereign Village Mall and Hellshire Beach.

Bridgeport
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Trenchtown

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Trenchtown. You might want to make time for a stop at Trench Town Culture Yard or Carib 5 Cinema.

Trenchtown
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Kencot

While Kencot isn't home to many top sights, Devon House and Carib 5 Cinema are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kencot
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Eden Gardens

If you're spending some time in Eden Gardens, National Stadium and Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library are top sights worth seeing.

Eden Gardens
South Coast

Eastwood Park

Though Eastwood Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Devon House and Tropical Plaza.

Eastwood Park
Devon House featuring a house and a garden

New Kingston

New Kingston is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Devon House and Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library while in the area.

New Kingston


Port Royal Travel Guide

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