hellshire beach
Hellshire Beach: A little piece of untouched, untouched paradise…just thirty minutes from Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, is a dream come true for those looking for fun, crystal clear waters and lots of ‘fish’.
If you are looking for an authentic Jamaican experience and immerse yourself in the local culture, then Hellshire is the place to be.
The two faces of Hellshire
Be sure to arrive in Hellshire before mid-morning if you are looking for peace and quiet. Right now you have the opportunity to connect with the sea and the land… You may want to swim, stretch out on the beach or just read a book.
At noon Hellshire is abuzz with activity with lots of laughter, excitement, fun and adventure. Right now, the heart of Jamaican culture is everywhere… For the thrill seekers, there are fishermen with their little fishing boats that will take you on a cruise and haggle down to the last penny…
Do you want to surf on the beach or buy craft items? There is a gallery of little mobile shops with lots to choose from… There are even mobile massage beds for you to have a relaxing massage… This is the real Jamaica… Get the experience live…
The Fish & Bammy experience
No trip to Hellshire is complete without Bammy and Fish… For locals and visitors alike, a meal at Bammy & fish is not just food, but a complete cultural experience.
In little huts scattered right on the water’s edge, fishermen haul in their daily catch for the ‘hungry crowd’. This fresh fish is mixed with secret spices and fried over a fire with large logs.
The combination of fresh fish cooked over a wood fire with the background of the sea and the cool breeze is a unique experience.
Theater
If you want to get a closer look at Jamaican culture, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the theater on a trip to Jamaica.
Jamaica has a rich history in theater. Just after slavery was abolished, various amateur and touring troupes came to Jamaica to perform. Plantation owners and the wealthy were a ready market.
One of the most popular forms of theater is pantomime (an English play mixed with Jamaican traditions). The characters in the play are drawn from everyday life experiences and provide practical advice through humorous stories.
Root works are also very popular. They are usually full of humor and represent the culture of the island.
Port Royal: Find out how it was once known as the “Wickedest City in the World”
A visit to Port Royal is an opportunity to step back in time and learn about the history of Jamaica’s first city, once known as the “wickedest place on earth.” With narrow streets, Spanish architecture and buildings dating back to the 16th century, you have the chance to see Jamaica as it was, a haven for pirates and buccaneers who raided and plundered treasure-laden fleets on their way from Spanish territory.
The destruction of Port Royal
Your knowledgeable guide will continue this fascinating history of Port Royal by telling you how this vibrant city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692, burying gold and other precious treasures in the sea.
Continue your tour exploring the ruins of this historic city. See St. Peter’s Anglican Church built in 1725, and explore Fort Charles, one of six forts guarding the city built in 1655.
Meet Sir Henry Morgan, the most notorious and famous buccaneer who later became the first lieutenant governor of Jamaica.
port royal today
Today this sleepy town is known for ‘Fish & Bammy’ (Bammy is bread made from cassava) eating Fish & Bammy, whether fried or steamed, is a must do for any visitor to Port Royal.
Many travelers come to the island and skip Kingston, missing out on the place that is the heart of Jamaica and the cultural and entertainment center of the Caribbean.