Port of Jacksonville, Maritime transportation hub in Jacksonville, Florida, US

The Port of Jacksonville is a major cargo hub on the St. Johns River with three primary terminals: Blount Island, Talleyrand, and Dames Point. These facilities handle the movement of containers, vehicles, and bulk materials daily through connections to regional highways and rail lines.

The area served as a maritime trading point between European sailors beginning in the 1500s, establishing Jacksonville as one of North America's earliest port communities. The modern facility grew significantly after improvements in the 1900s to become a major continental cargo hub.

The port markets itself as "Jacksonville: America's First Port," citing 1565, when English sailors traded ammunition and guns to the French at Fort Caroline for food and a boat — the first international commerce recorded in the New World. Today the port's three activity areas are cargo, cruises and ferry service.

The port is a working security zone: Jaxport does not run marinas, water taxis or bridges, and its terminals are not open to strolling visitors. Security guards patrol constantly, backed by an 11-officer, 2-sergeant Seaport Security Unit from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, plus Customs and Border Patrol agents. Cargo is split among Blount Island, Talleyrand and Dames Point, so plan any viewing around those three areas.

The port markets itself as "Jacksonville: America's First Port", citing 1565, when English sailors traded ammunition and guns to the French at Fort Caroline for food and a boat — recorded as the first international commerce in the New World.