Navy Island
Portland
Navy Island is a 64-acre uninhabited island located off the coast of Port Antonio in Portland Parish, Jamaica. Historically, it was initially granted by the British Government to Governor Lynch and was known as "Lynch's Island" before being taken over by the Royal Navy, which used it as a gun battery and careening station. The island gained fame as the private retreat of the Hollywood actor Errol Flynn, who hosted numerous parties there and planted royal palms that remain today. Flynn never built a permanent residence but moored his yacht near a simple thatched structure. In later years, developers attempted to transform Navy Island into an upscale vacation resort, including the Admiralty Club, but financial difficulties and staff conflicts led to the project's decline. A legal stipulation requiring public access to amenities and a public beach further complicated development efforts. Eventually, the Government of Jamaica acquired all land titles and closed the island, leaving it undeveloped and preserved as a natural feature.
Planifiez votre voyage en Jamaïque avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visitors should note that Navy Island is currently closed to the public as it is government-owned and undeveloped. For those interested in its history, the best time to explore the surrounding coastal areas of Port Antonio is during the dry season, typically from December to April. Since the island is inaccessible, planning visits to nearby attractions and boat tours around the area is recommended. No ticket purchases or reservations are applicable for Navy Island itself.
Faits intéressants
- •Navy Island was once owned by famous Hollywood actor Errol Flynn, who hosted many parties there.
- •The island was used by the Royal Navy as a gun battery and for ship maintenance in the past.
- •Errol Flynn planted a long row of royal palms on the island that still stand today.
- •A staff rebellion once took place on the island's resort, leading to the owners being held captive until termination pay was made.
- •Legal requirements for public access to amenities and a public beach discouraged upscale resort development.
- •The Government of Jamaica now owns the island and it remains undeveloped and closed to the public.
Histoire
Originally granted to Governor Lynch by the British Government, Navy Island was first known as "Lynch's Island." It later served the Royal Navy as a gun battery and maintenance station for ships.
In the 20th century, actor Errol Flynn purchased the island as a private retreat.
Subsequent development attempts in the late 20th century aimed to create a luxury resort, but these efforts were hindered by financial issues and staff unrest.
Eventually, the Jamaican Government acquired the island, closing it to private development and preserving it as an undeveloped natural site.