Monkey Island, Portland, Jamaica
My Thrilling Escape to Monkey Island
Monkey Island, also called Pellew Island, is a small uninhabited island off of Jamaica’s north coast that is open to visitors. Located in my absolute favourite parish (*parish is the name given to a major territory in the country, our equivalent to a state or province in other countries) on the island of Jamaica, Portland; Monkey Island is one of the many gems that locals and tourists alike revel in for a nice day out.
A little unknown fact about my home country of Jamaica is that it is not merely an island, but is in fact an archipelago. An archipelago for those who don’t know is the term given to a group, chain, cluster or collection of islands. The island known as Jamaica is actually the main landmass of a 28-island archipelago.
Many of the islands are really tiny and are no larger than a small football (soccer) field and are mostly a combination of sand, grass and coral from the Caribbean sea. The islands are uninhabited; with a few being used for fishing, recreational purposes and social gatherings. Some of the names of the other islands include Goat Island, Pigeon Island, Emerald Island, Santamaria Island, Morant Cays, Port Royal Cays and Sandals Cay (formerly called Kokomo Island). (NB Little Goat Island is currently being leased by the United States until 2040).
Drone Photograph of Monkey Island
Monkey Island is rumored to have gotten its name from the small colony of monkeys that had lived on the island back in the day. The monkeys had belonged to Hiram Bingham III, an American explorer and politician. Hiram Bingham III is the former son-in-law of Alfred Mitchell and Anne Tiffany (heiress to Tiffany & Co. Jewelry) who had settled on the island until Mitchell’s death in 1911 at Folly Point. Monkey island is situated just offshore of Folly Point and is said to have been the playground for the animals as Mitchell did not keep them inside the home. Currently, there are no longer any monkeys on the island.
Monkey Island, Jamaica
How To Get There
Portland is an approximately 2 1/2 hours drive away from Kingston via the junction roadway. Although a direct route, the road itself is rather winding so it’s best if an experienced driver drives the route.
Once in Portland, it’s fairly easy to find the Blue Lagoon using google maps to guide you. It’s approximately 15 minutes from Port Antonio. Just continue straight along the main road until you see the sign indicating the entrance to Blue Hole. Then, it’s a simple turnoff onto Blue Hole Road from the main road. You can’t miss it. The parking area is just past the villas seen on the left and parking is free.
As mentioned before, Monkey Island is just off Portland’s coast and therefore to access it you will have to take some water-designed vehicle across the water. On my trip, I made my way via boat across the glistening, turquoise blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. However, you can also get there by taking a bamboo raft from Blue Lagoon or by renting a kayak and making your way across the water from San San Beach.
The boat trip was a short and exhilarating one. It was truly freeing to feel the caress of the wind against your skin, the free flowing of your hair and the rich smell of the salt water as you travel across the ocean. I do think however that next time I’m going to try taking the bamboo raft instead.
The boat ride also allows you the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views and get a tiny sneak peek of the luxurious series of villas along the coast of San San in Port Antonio. These villas are some of the priciest and most opulent on the island; with many of them catering to the creme-de-la-creme and who’s who of local and international millionaires and celebrities.
Related: Love Not Likes: Jamaica’s First Blogger and Influencer Trip
Arriving at Monkey Island
Often whenever we hear the term ‘island’ we conjure images of a massive landscape and vast expanses of tropical fruits and vegetation; however, Monkey island is rather tiny. Or, at least only a tiny part is utilized. From what I can tell, it isn’t possible to walk across or even around the perimeter of the island because it’s predominantly a rocky surface with a jungle at the top. However, I haven’t earned my merit badge yet so there was no wondering off into the forest or hiking up the rocky terrain for closer looks.
The true hightlight of Monkey island is its small, white sandy beach along its coast. The well-shaded beach has a canopy of trees shadowing it and features a rope swing dangling from a tree branch. The surrounding waters are quite shallow and easy to walk across, so it’s perfect for a relaxing dip. I’m 5 ft 1 and 1/2 inches and the water didn’t reach my hips.
It’s also a popular local hot spot and one of the best places in Jamaica for snorkeling, as many mesmerizingly beautiful tropical fishes can be spotted there.
Beach Day At Monkey Island
Unlike, other more popular beaches, Monkey Island is often empty or has very few visitors on a daily basis. This makes it a perfect spot for spending the afternoon enjoying a little fun in the sun.
Related: Breathtaking Escape To Boston Beach
Turquoise crystal pools of water set the stage for relaxing swims and a relaxing beach day. Laze around the beach to escape the sun or swing a little on the rope swing. Enjoy the view and truly appreciate your gorgeous surroundings. Plus, if you happen to be the only one on the beach, it can feel like you’re on your own private island for a day.
Bonus, the lush foliage and scenic backdrop makes it idyllic for stunning photos to capture memories of your trip.
Bonus Tips
There aren’t any changing areas by Blue Lagoon or Monkey Island so it’s best to walk with your swimwear already so you don’t have to make all kind of maneuvers to get changed in your car and risk exposing your body to passersby.
Prices across the Blue Lagoon vary depending on your chosen method of water travel and it also sometimes depends on the operator. The bamboo rafting is more expensive than the boat ride.
Be sure to have your own food and water on hand because there are no food establishments on Monkey Island. The time I went there, there was a ‘snack shop boat’ there but I don’t know if that’s a permanent fixture.
Watch your step if you're barefoot in the water. While, I personally didn’t see any, it’s been reported that there can be sea urchins on the seabed. Wear water shoes if you can.
Although remote, you still have pretty good internet service on the island. So you can still keep connected and make people a little jealous with your great photos and boomerangs of your escape on social media if you want.