Port Royal, Jamaica Joins the UNESCO World Heritage List

From Pirate Haven to Protected Heritage

On July 12, 2025, Port Royal Jamaica UNESCO World Heritage status became official,  a historic first for the English-speaking Caribbean and a proud milestone for Jamaica. Once infamous for piracy and colonial trade, this legendary town at the mouth of Kingston Harbour is now globally recognized for its cultural and archaeological significance.

Why Port Royal, Jamaica Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Port Royal Jamaica UNESCO World Heritage designation shines a spotlight on a site that was once the center of trade, piracy, and power in the colonial Caribbean. Known in the 1600s as the “wickedest city on earth,” Port Royal thrived as a key hub for British transatlantic trade, one built on sugar, goods, and enslaved labor.
However, everything changed in 1692 when a devastating earthquake sent much of the city plunging beneath the sea. Today, both its surviving ruins and submerged artifacts offer a rare glimpse into life in the colonial Caribbean.

Port Royal’s Sunken City: A Unique Underwater Heritage

What truly sets Port Royal Jamaica UNESCO World Heritage apart is its remarkable preservation both on land and underwater. Unlike many historic sites, Port Royal features remnants of merchant houses, cannons, and submerged streets , all astonishingly intact.
Moreover, UNESCO’s recognition highlights the site’s “outstanding universal value.” This rare combination of land-based ruins and underwater archaeology provides an unmatched window into Caribbean maritime history, colonialism, and global trade.

How the UNESCO Designation Impacts Jamaica

Earning Port Royal Jamaica UNESCO World Heritage status goes beyond global prestige. It positions Jamaica to attract cultural tourism, strengthen conservation efforts, and promote sustainable development.

Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Olivia Grange, emphasized that this recognition “allows us to preserve a site that remains remarkably intact over 330 years later capturing the life and stories of its people.”

Exploring Port Royal Today

Although much of Port Royal’s sunken city remains off-limits, visitors can still explore its visible landmarks. From historic forts to old cannons and preserved street layouts, there is plenty to discover on land. Additionally, plans are underway for virtual tours, museum exhibitions, and carefully managed site visits, making the site even more accessible over time.
Since it’s just a short drive from downtown Kingston, Port Royal is fast becoming a must-see stop for cultural tourism in Jamaica.

Port Royal’s Next Chapter: A Global Treasure of the Caribbean

With its new UNESCO World Heritage recognition, this storied site moves from pirate legend to global treasure  an enduring symbol of Jamaica’s layered history and cultural heritage.
As interest in cultural tourism grows, Port Royal stands ready to welcome a new wave of visitors, researchers, and history lovers drawn to its sunken secrets and storied past.