Pellew Island is one of Jamaica's small, near-shore islands. Located just off the San San coast near Port Antonio, Pellew Island is an important part of Jamaica's natural heritage and an iconic image of our northeastern coast. Originally part of Cold Harbour Estates, it was purchased in 1953 by Baron Heinrich Thyssen as a Valentines' gift for his fiancée, and has been privately owned ever since.
The island sits at one end of a coral reef, which protects the San San Bay. It is surrounded by healthy sea grass beds and wonderful swimming areas. Jamaicans and visitors alike visit the island by boat, laze on the small beach, snorkel at the nearby reef and generally enjoy the gorgeous setting.
Often incorrectly referred to as “Monkey Island”, Pellew is actually considerably to the east of Wood Island, off the Folly Peninsula which was also known as “Monkey Island” when Explorer Hiram Bingham brought monkeys from Machu Pichu to the location. According to Caribbean Ecosystems Ltd., the biodiversity of Pellew Island is extensive:
- 23 plant species, including shrubs, trees, vines, ferns and epiphytes (plants that grown on others)—four of them endemic
- 14 bird species, including two endemics (the Jamaican Woodpecker and the Black-billed Streamertail) identified on or in the vicinity of the island.
- Hermit Crabs, Rats, Ants
- Corals (Massive Startlet corals and Mustardhill Corals, among others.
- Sponges (Brown Encrusting Sponge and Giant Anenome, among others.
- Macro algae (Bristle Ball Brush and Mermaid’s Fan, among others
- Fish (Blue Tang, Blue Head Wrasse and Dusky Damselfish, among others.)
