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Home / Destinations / Port Royal

Port Royal

Jamaica · Coast · JMD · 17.936900, -76.841400
Family friendly 5.9/10 · Rank 1697 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

Suitable for history buffs, pirate enthusiasts, and unique attractions.

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$124.00 (≈ 10 406 ₽)
For 7 days
$868.00 (≈ 72 843 ₽)
Port Royal is a historic settlement on the edge of Kingston Harbour, which in the 17th century was known as the "wickedest city on earth" due to its pirates and rowdy lifestyle. The city was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1692, and today its ruins are a popular tourist attraction. Port Royal offers a unique opportunity to touch the pirate history of the Caribbean.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
22.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, history-loving.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich pirate history
  • Unique sunken city
  • Proximity to Kingston
  • Authentic atmosphere

Cons

  • Distance from major beaches
  • Flood risk
  • Limited infrastructure
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
24.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
26.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
22.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
grey sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
grey
Water Entry
Type of water entry
moderate
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Port Royal Beach (Lime Cay)
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
No
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Port Royal is prone to flooding; beware of crime as in Kingston.

Sea urchins — details

  • Diadema antillarum (long-spined sea urchin) — key grazer on Port Royal reefs, stings are painful but not fatal
  • Eucidaris tribuloides, Tripneustes ventricosus, Lytechinus variegatus, Echinometra spp. — also found in the Port Royal area
  • Special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Port Royal coral reefs — heavily degraded, coral cover is low
  • Macroalgae dominate Port Royal reefs, coral restoration is underway
  • Corals can cause cuts on contact, caution recommended

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are found in Kingston Harbour and Port Royal waters, especially in the warm season
  • Thimble jellyfish — most common species in Jamaican waters, stings are mild but unpleasant
  • Box jellyfish (Alatina alata) — found in the Caribbean Sea, stings can be serious

Sharks — details

  • Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) — most common species in Jamaican waters, inhabits the sea floor, not aggressive
  • Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) — found in Kingston Harbour and Port Royal, potentially dangerous, but attacks are rare
  • Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) — found in Jamaican waters, large but rarely approaches the shore
Attractions

Port Royal Museum

Museum telling the story of the pirate town and the 1692 earthquake.

Fort Charles

Historic fort with panoramic harbour views.

Lime Cay

Small uninhabited island with white sand beach, accessible by boat.

Pier and Fish Market

Watch the catch being unloaded and buy fresh fish.

Sunken City

Submerged ruins of old Port Royal visible in clear water.

Best areas

Port Royal Centre

Main historic area with museum and fort.

Waterfront

Promenade along the harbour.

Must-try food

Fresh fish

Freshly caught fish from the fish market.

Jerk

Spicy grilled meat.

Where to go next

Kingston

Capital of Jamaica, ~10 km.

Portmore

Town with beaches and entertainment, ~15 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
none
Getting there
Nearest airports
Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$75.00
≈ 6 294 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$115.00
≈ 9 651 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Port Royal Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Port Royal: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Port Royal: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Port Royal: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +22.0°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Port Royal: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Port Royal: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Port Royal: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "grey sand" surface, grey sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Port Royal Beach (Lime Cay). The beaches have cafes and bars.
Port Royal: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Port Royal: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $124.00 (≈ 10 406 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Port Royal: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $30.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $75.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $115.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $130.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Port Royal: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $12.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $5.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Port Royal: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $25.00, a single public transport ticket — $5.00, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Port Royal: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Port Royal Museum — Museum telling the story of the pirate town and the 1692 earthquake.; Fort Charles — Historic fort with panoramic harbour views.; Lime Cay — Small uninhabited island with white sand beach, accessible by boat.; Pier and Fish Market — Watch the catch being unloaded and buy fresh fish.; Sunken City — Submerged ruins of old Port Royal visible in clear water.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Port Royal: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fresh fish — Freshly caught fish from the fish market.; Jerk — Spicy grilled meat.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Port Royal: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Port Royal Centre — Main historic area with museum and fort.; Waterfront — Promenade along the harbour.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Port Royal: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Port Royal: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Norman Manley International Airport (code KIN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $25.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Port Royal: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — JMD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $124.00 (≈ 10 406 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Port Royal: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Port Royal: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Kingston — Capital of Jamaica, ~10 km.; Portmore — Town with beaches and entertainment, ~15 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.9/10
Overall rank: 1697 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1009