About the Portland Bight Discovery Centre (PBDC)
The Portland Bight Discovery Centre (PBDC) has been C-CAM’s hub for workshops, tours, and events since 2018. It was temporarily closed between 2020 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is now fully operational.
The PBDC serves as:
- A green, climate-smart facility (utilizing renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, bio-waste treatment, and sustainable agricultural practices).
- A centre for research and education focused on Jamaica’s ecosystems.
- A space for community outreach through events, field trips, and partnerships.
Educational Visits
C-CAM has done extensive research on the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) through partnerships with multiple local and international entities and individuals over the past 25 years. The research includes documentation of flora (especially mangroves and dry forest plants) and fauna (iguana, birds, turtles, etc.), terrain and ecology of the PBPA. The establishment of the PBPA was one of the first initiatives of C-CAM which involved working with, campaigning and educating multiple stakeholders (local communities, entrepreneurs, businesses, government and other NGOs).
Aside from life science research, C-CAM has been involved in several community development initiatives since its inception. International Fisherman’s Day (IFD) is one such initiative, where fisher folk from across the PBPA meet together annually (there is also a smaller monthly meeting that C-CAM hosts for fisherfolk) with the governing bodies of the fishing sector to discuss challenges, success, and there opinions on the current nature of the fisheries sector. This is important as these meetings help to inform policies and provisions given to locals and businesses within the sector.
C-CAM also hosts multiple workshops aimed at improving the livelihood and education level of locals within the PBPA. Topics such as impacts of Climate Change, alternative and sustainable living practices, grant writing and marketable skill development are a few of such workshops.
In Addition to workshops, C-CAM has had multiple outreach activities such as appearing on panels, radio and tv talk shows, the news, podcasts, etc. to talk on/discuss a wide range of topics. Some of these workshops come in the form of certification training sessions.
When a project is being hosted in close proximity to a community or has a direct impact on individuals (such as the development and maintenance of the fish sanctuaries), the relevant stakeholders are engaged to make them aware of C-CAM’s activities in the area and how they can both be involved and benefit from such activities.
Recreational Visits
C-CAM facilitates a range of recreational and educational events, often in partnership with local groups. While activities such as staff Christmas parties allow us to celebrate with stakeholders in a fun, informal setting, our main focus is on tours and experiences hosted at the Portland Bight Discovery Centre (PBDC).
Tours at the Portland Bight Discovery Centre
Tours are designed to be both educational and recreational, with each experience tailored to the needs and interests of the visiting group. We welcome participants of all ages—from toddlers (2+) to senior citizens.
Tour Capacity: Up to 60 individuals
Tour Costs:
- Children under 18: J$1,500 per person (J$2,000 with boat ride – note: children under 12 require parental/guardian supervision for boat rides).
- Adults: J$3,000 per person (J$4,000 with boat ride).
- Groups of 15 or more: J$500 discount per individual.
- Groups of 15 or more: J$500 discount per individual.
Facility Rental:
- Main building rental: J$40,000 per day (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
Catering Options
Please note: the PBDC can be hot—each participant should bring at least 1 quart of water.
If catering is required, meals are outsourced and priced as follows:
- Small lunch with drink: J$1,100
- Medium lunch with drink: J$1,200
- Large lunch with drink: J$1,400
- Medium lunch + coffee break: J$1,700
Transportation of meals and beverages: J$2,000 (flat rate, not per item).
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Payment Details
All tour payments must be made at least 3 working days prior to the scheduled date. If there are concerns or special requests, please contact us no later than 3 days before your tour.
Acct#: 4047-13
Bank: Bank of Nova Scotia
Branch: Liguanea
Type of account: Chequing /current
Acct. name: Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation
Sample Tour Agenda
- 9:00 – 9:15 AM: Registration
- 9:15 – 9:45 AM: Nature Trail Hike (optional; otherwise tours begin at 10:00 AM)
- 9:50 – 10:15 AM: Educational Presentation (topic tailored to group, framed through the Portland Bight Protected Area)
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Guided Tour of the PBDC. Includes the Turtle and Dipping Ponds, Dry Forest Nursery, Interpretation Centre, Mangrove Boardwalk, Mini Natural Museum, and optional Boat Ride.
- 12:00 – 12:45 PM: Lunch
- 12:45 – 1:00 PM: Closing Session
