Exploring Port Royal, Jamaica: Your Guide to the Sunken City

If you’re planning a trip to Jamaica and want to explore somewhere different from the usual tourist spots, consider spending a day in Port Royal. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, right at the edge of Kingston, this town holds a unique piece of Caribbean history. Once known as the “Wickedest City of the West,” Port Royal was a major pirate hub in the 1600s. It was famous for its wild nightlife, busy trade routes, and its strategic location in the Caribbean Sea.

Port Royal might look quiet today, but hundreds of years ago, it was one of the busiest and most dangerous cities in the region. It was originally settled by the Spanish in the late 1400s before the British took over in 1655. Because of its great location and natural harbor, Port Royal quickly became a center for shipping, commerce, and, yes—piracy.

In 1692, everything changed when a massive earthquake hit the town. Two-thirds of Port Royal sank underwater in minutes. Thousands died, and the city’s reputation as a cursed pirate haven grew even stronger. Today, Port Royal is a calm fishing village with quiet streets, old buildings, and hidden spots that are full of stories. If you’re curious about Jamaica’s past or just want a different kind of adventure, here are things you should do in exploring Port Royal.

Your first stop should be Fort Charles, the oldest fort in Port Royal. It was built by the British in the late 1600s to protect the town from attacks. The fort was named after King Charles II of England and designed with a square layout and angled corners to give defenders a clear view of incoming ships. This place saw it all—pirates, naval battles, and earthquakes.

Today, Fort Charles is well-preserved and open to visitors. You can walk around the old walls, see original cannons, and even visit a small museum inside. You’ll learn about the pirates who roamed these streets and how the town changed after the disaster. You can take a guided tour if you want deeper insights, or explore on your own for a slower pace. There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s worth every dollar if you enjoy learning about Caribbean history.

Right near Fort Charles is the Giddy House, and it’s just as strange as it sounds. Originally built in the early 1900s to store weapons and ammunition, this building partially sank into the ground after another strong earthquake hit the area in 1907.

Now, it tilts heavily to one side. Walking inside feels like being in a funhouse. The walls lean at odd angles, and you might actually feel dizzy or unsteady while walking around—hence the name “Giddy House.” It’s a fun, quick stop and also a great reminder of how earthquake-prone this region is. Don’t forget to snap a photo leaning with the walls—it makes for a fun memory.

If you’re planning to visit Port Royal or are already in Kingston and looking for a day trip, you may read our blog here about Montego Bay, Kingston.

As you explore Port Royal, take a walk or a slow drive through the streets to admire the historic buildings. Some are well-kept and still in use, while others are falling apart and overgrown, giving them a mysterious, haunted look. It feels like you’re stepping into a time capsule.

Here are a few buildings to look for:

• The Old Naval Hospital – A beautiful and important medical building from the colonial days. 
• St. Peter’s Anglican Church – One of the oldest churches on the island, still standing strong. 
• McFarlane’s Bar – A local favorite and a great place to meet residents. 
• Old Gaol House – The former jail that once held prisoners during the pirate days. 

You won’t need a guide to enjoy this part. Just walk around, take your time, and let the atmosphere sink in.

Fort Rocky doesn’t get many visitors, but if you have extra time, it’s worth checking out. This abandoned fort was built around 1888 and used during both World Wars to defend Jamaica’s coastline. Large guns once lined the area to keep out enemy submarines and warships.

Although there’s not much left today, it’s a peaceful spot with a lot of memories. It’s also a great place for quiet reflection or photography, especially at sunset. I used to do beach clean-ups here as a teen, so it holds personal memories for me. Just be careful, as there’s no official management on-site—visit during daylight with a friend or guide.

A few minutes from Port Royal, you’ll find the Plumb Point Lighthouse. Built in 1853, this stone and iron tower helps guide ships into Kingston Harbour. It stands 70 feet tall and flashes every eight seconds, visible from up to 25 miles out at sea.

Even though it’s designed for nighttime use, it’s still a cool place to visit during the day. The lighthouse sits near the Palisadoes Strip, a popular local hangout for joggers and beach lovers. You can drive right up to it or park nearby and take a scenic walk along the coast.

Did you know Jamaica has over 40 small islands in its surrounding waters? Near Port Royal, there’s a group of islands known as the Port Royal Cays. These include Lime Cay and Maiden Cay, two of the most popular cays for locals and visitors alike.

Lime Cay is known for its white sandy beach and shaded trees, perfect for a beach picnic or a swim. Maiden Cay is more like a giant sandbar—it feels like you’re walking on water. The best way to get to either cay is by boat. You can hire a ride near the Y-Knot Bar & Grill or book a cruise through Loose Cannon Tours, which offers group trips on weekends.

For something more adventurous, try scuba diving with Yardie Divers. They operate in the area and are known for safe, guided dives, including near the sunken parts of Port Royal.

This one’s for history buffs and divers. When that massive earthquake in 1692 hit Port Royal, a large chunk of the city disappeared underwater. Streets, buildings, and even ships were swallowed by the sea. Over time, archaeologists discovered this sunken pirate city, and it became one of the most fascinating underwater heritage sites in the world.

You can’t just dive there on your own—it’s a protected site and remains on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. However, licensed dive tours can take you to see what remains of this 17th-century city under the sea. You’ll find old cannons, pottery, and parts of homes from centuries ago. It’s like visiting a pirate museum beneath the waves.

Port Royal might not be as flashy as Montego Bay or Negril, but that’s part of its charm. It’s packed with real history, quiet beauty, and fascinating stories. Whether you’re walking through old forts, visiting sunken ruins, or just relaxing on a boat to Lime Cay, Port Royal offers a different side of Jamaica that many people overlook.

If you’ve seen Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ve already heard of Port Royal. But now you know it’s not just a movie setting—it’s a real place you can explore. So, next time you’re in Jamaica, make the trip to Port Royal. You won’t regret it.

Have questions or favorite memories from exploring Port Royal? Let me know in the comments!

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo