Port Royal, Kingston Harbour – A Complete Visitor’s Guide

Explore historic Port Royal, once the pirate capital of the Caribbean, and immerse yourself in Jamaica’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Once known as the “Wickedest City on Earth,” Port Royal was the center of piracy, wealth, and debauchery in the Caribbean during the 17th century. Located at the mouth of Kingston Harbour, this historic town was home to infamous pirates like Captain Henry Morgan. 

How Port Royal Got Its Name

When the British captured Jamaica from the Spanish in 1655, they quickly realized that the small sandy peninsula guarding the mouth of Kingston Harbour had one of the best natural harbors in the Caribbean — deep, sheltered, and easy to defend.
They built a fort there to protect the new colony and named it Port Royal, combining “Port,” for the harbor, with “Royal,” to honor the English Crown.
It soon became Britain’s proud gateway to its new Caribbean empire — a name meant to reflect order and prestige. Ironically, within a few decades, it would become famous for the exact opposite.

What Happened to Port Royal

In the late 1600s, Port Royal exploded into wealth and infamy.
Privateers and pirates, many carrying letters of marque from the British government, made it their base. They attacked Spanish ships, raided coastal towns, and brought their plunder back to spend in Port Royal’s taverns and brothels.
At its height, it was called “The Wickedest City on Earth.” Gold glittered in the streets, rum flowed like water, and Captain Henry Morgan — the most famous of them all — ruled as both hero and rogue.

Then came June 7, 1692.
At 11:43 a.m., a massive earthquake struck Jamaica. Within minutes, two-thirds of Port Royal slid into the sea. Entire streets, ships, and people were swallowed as the sand liquefied beneath them. A tsunami followed, destroying what little remained.
More than 2,000 people died instantly, and thousands more perished afterward from injuries and disease. The disaster was seen as divine punishment for the city’s excesses.

What the quake didn’t destroy, later fires and hurricanes did. By the 18th century, Port Royal was reduced to a quiet naval outpost, and much of the original city lay preserved beneath the water — earning it the haunting title “The Sunken City.”

Today

Modern Port Royal is peaceful — a fishing village and historical site just 25 minutes from Kingston. Visitors can walk through Fort Charles, explore The Giddy House, and gaze across the harbor knowing that beneath the waves lies one of the Caribbean’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures.

Getting There

  • From Kingston city center: ~30 minutes by car

  • From Norman Manley International Airport: ~20 minutes

  • From Ocho Rios: ~2 hours
    Easily accessible by taxi, private transfer, or guided Kingston heritage tours.

What to Expect

  • Historic Forts – explore Fort Charles and preserved military structures

  • Naval & Pirate History – exhibits on trade, piracy, and British defense

  • Sunken City Stories – tales of the 1692 earthquake that submerged half the city

  • St. Peter’s Church – built in 1725, one of Jamaica’s oldest churches

  • Seafood Dining – Gloria’s restaurant is famous for fried fish and lobster

Activities in Port Royal

  • Guided Fort Charles Tour – learn about pirate history
  • Visit the Maritime Museum – see artifacts from the sunken city
  • Walk the Historic Streets – experience Jamaica’s colonial past
  • Dine at Gloria’s Seafood – enjoy fresh fish and lobster
  • Boat Ride – explore Kingston Harbour and Lime Cay

    Entrance Fees & Hours

    • Fort Charles Admission: ~$10 USD per person

    • Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday–Saturday

    • Guided Tours: available on-site, ~45–60 minutes

    Tips for Visitors

    • Bring sunscreen, hat, and light clothing

    • Wear comfortable shoes for forts and ruins

    • Combine with a Lime Cay boat trip for a full day

    • A local guide enhances the historical experience

    Where to Stay Nearby

    Most visitors stay in Kingston:

    • Spanish Court Hotel – modern, centrally located

    • R Hotel Kingston – boutique rooftop views

    • Courtyard by Marriott Kingston – reliable and business-friendly

    Conclusion

    A visit to Port Royal is a journey back to Jamaica’s pirate era. From historic forts and museums to seafood dining and harbour views, this destination blends culture, history, and local charm. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, Port Royal is a must-see near Kingston.