Port Royal
- Port Royal, once known as the "Wickedest City on Earth," is a historic coastal town located at the mouth of Kingston Harbour in Jamaica. Founded by the Spanish in the late 15th century and later taken over by the British in 1655, Port Royal became infamous as a thriving pirate haven during the late 17th century. Notorious buccaneers like Henry Morgan, Calico Jack, and Blackbeard used the town as their base, making it one of the wealthiest and most debaucherous cities in the Caribbean. The town flourished due to its strategic location for trade and naval defense, but its golden age came to an abrupt end on June 7, 1692, when a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami destroyed much of the city, submerging large sections underwater.
- Today, Port Royal is a fascinating archaeological and historical site, drawing visitors eager to explore its sunken ruins, colonial architecture, and maritime heritage. The Port Royal Archaeological Museum, housed in Fort Charles, showcases artifacts recovered from the submerged city, including pottery, weapons, and personal belongings of former residents. Fort Charles, one of the few surviving forts from the 17th century, offers breathtaking views of Kingston Harbour and features the famous "Giddy House," a tilted military storage building left slanted by another earthquake in 1907. Walking through the old streets of Port Royal gives visitors a chance to step back in time and relive the days of pirates, naval battles, and Caribbean conquests.
- Apart from its historical significance, Port Royal is also a hub for seafood lovers and adventure seekers. The town is famous for its fresh seafood shacks, serving authentic Jamaican dishes like escovitch fish, festival, and peppered shrimp. The nearby Lime Cay, a small, uninhabited island accessible by boat, is a popular spot for snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The surrounding waters of Port Royal are also rich with marine biodiversity and sunken wrecks, making it a prime destination for scuba divers and underwater archaeologists.
- Efforts are currently underway to transform Port Royal into a major tourist attraction, with plans to establish a heritage tourism center and cruise port. Despite its tragic past, Port Royal remains one of Jamaica’s most intriguing destinations, blending pirate legends, colonial history, and natural beauty. Whether you're drawn by tales of buccaneers, ancient ruins, or simply a plate of the freshest seafood, Port Royal offers an unforgettable journey into Jamaica’s past and present.