Jamaica has more than 900 kilometers of coastline, and from that you can expect some of the most spectacular beaches, complete with powdery white sand and clear blue waters. One of the more popular beach options is the famous 7 mile beach in Negril, that runs along a number of hotel fronts. But there are so many more beach wonders to see and experience when visiting this beautiful island. Here are 21 best beaches in Jamaica.
The Best Beaches in Jamaica
Doctor’s Cave Beach
You will find this very popular white sand beach in Montego Bay. It is located right on Montego Bay’s hip strip, with its own little story about how it got the name Doctor’ Cave Beach. The popularity of the beach came about through the belief by one physician that the waters had healing properties.
The water here is always crystal clear, and the sand pretty and white. There is a small entrance fee, which is waived if you are staying at a number of hotels within close proximity. The fee is well worth it, as the beach is well maintained and has lifeguards on duty, shower stalls and changing rooms. You have the option to rent beach chairs, loungers, beach umbrellas and snorkeling gear. There is food and drink on sale at the beach, as well as Starbucks, that allows beach goers to order from the beachside.
Mammee Bay Beach
You will find Mammee Bay Beach in St. Ann, just 15 minutes from the town of Ocho Rios. Half of this beach is public and half is private. You will find the waters warm, calm and very inviting. One thing about this beach are the amazing views you will find, especially if you go around sunset. Be sure to bring your camera so you can capture the beauty of the Mammee Bay Beach.
You will enjoy this beach if you are the more adventurous type. Enjoy wakeboarding and windsurfing, or simply enjoy your day on the sandy shoreline. The night scene typically involves a bonfire and music, so you can dance the night away.
Aqua Sol Beach
You can find Aqua Sol Beach in Montego Bay. At this beach, you will find mostly locals, so if you want to mingle with the local crowd, you can visit there. There is an entrance fee, and the beach is open from 9 am to 7 pm. There are changing rooms and shower stalls available for your convenience, and ample parking if you drive. You can purchase food and drinks on the beach, but it is close to downtown Montego Bay. You can explore a couple shops if you are up for the walk.
Fort Clarence Beach
Fort Clarence Beach can be found in the Kingston area. While Kingston is the business hub with less of a “beach vacation” vibe, it is nice to know what is available. If you visit on business, you can always mix in a little fun, especially if you are bringing the family along.
You will find a number of beachside dining options, parking and lifeguards for your swim safety. It is one of the less crowded beaches in Kingston and makes for the perfect picnic spot. You can rent beach chairs and enjoy your day at the beach, whether it be building sandcastles, eating some jerk chicken or enjoying the water and sand.
The Negril Beach
Nicknamed “The Seven Mile Beach”, this is one of Jamaica’s most popular beaches on the west coast. Along the beach, you can find sailboat rentals, kayak rentals and much more. Popular hotels on the stretch include Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril. You can walk the beach strip and stop for some local food and drinks at Margaritaville or the Woodstock Bar and Grill.
Puerto Seco Beach
Found in the Discovery Bay area of St. Ann, just 30 minutes outside of Ocho Rios, this beach stands with great character. Not only is this a beach, but there is also a park with a water slide. There are changing and shower facilities, as well as a couple local vendors where you can get something to eat. If you are up for a short walk, you can head down to Fisherman’s Beach.
If you want to mingle with the locals, head out to Puerto Seco Beach on a weekend, but if you want to enjoy it with as few people as possible, you can head out on a weekday. You will enjoy the water, which is shallow for a good distance, so it’s perfect for kids and non-swimmers to enjoy.
You won’t have beach chair and umbrella rentals, so bring your own if you need these.
Frenchman’s Cove Beach
Frenchman’s Cove Beach has made appearances in a number of movies, so you may even know the name. You may have seen it in Tropical Paradise or Club Paradise. You will find this beach in Port Antonio with its secluded lagoon style. It used to be a retreat for the elite of Hollywood, but this is no longer the case. Here you can enjoy both the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the lagoon. Visit Frenchman’s Cove Beach if you are looking for a quieter beach scene.
Hellshire Beach
This beach is known for its great food, great music, and just great vibes. Here you will find so many options for fresh seafood. Vendors at the beach sell everything from fresh fish served your way of choice to fresh lobster and shrimp, along with many Jamaican food staples such as jerk chicken. This beach is more for enjoying the food than the beach, while also enjoying music and vibes with the sounds and sights of the Caribbean Sea.
Bloody Bay Beach
Name aside, Bloody Bay Beach is quite appealing. This is a more secluded beach with private sections that are shared by beachfront resorts. If you are staying at one of these properties, you can enjoy the beach all day, every day while on vacation. Simply walk from your room to the protected section of beach your resort has cordoned off just for its guests.
Burwood Beach
You will find Burwood Beach in Trelawny, the home of Usain Bolt. The beach is a family friendly beach, which is well maintained and naturally beautiful. There is a small entrance fee, but it is entirely worth it. You will find gazebos and beach shacks where you can find something to eat. The local town is not too far away, so you can explore it after enjoying your day at the beach.
Ocho Rios Bay Beach
This beach features shallow swimming areas in clear blue water. It is a small beach, but there are many shops and eateries nearby to enjoy a full day exploring. You can find water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking available from local vendors. You can also find lots of seashells here if you like that sort of thing.
James Bond Beach
You will find James Bond Beach in Oracabessa St. Mary on Jamaica’s eastern coast, just outside of St. Ann. It was the site of the popular James Bond movie and is as spectacular a beach as you could imagine. It features silky soft sand with a small bar and friendly bartender. You enter the beach at a small cost, and can enjoy paddle boards and other gear for an additional fee. Enjoy a glass bottom tour, or go out on a jet ski – these are just two ways you can enjoy your day at James Bond Beach.
Treasure Beach
Treasure Beach is a beach gem found on the southern coast of Jamaica. It is the ideal beach location for people who like a beach without all the people. This 6 mile beach stretch that makes up Treasure Beach consists of both sandy shoreline and rocky terrain. The sand is a mix of dark and light, offering a very unique beach experience you may only find at a handful of Jamaican beaches, with Treasure Beach being the most popular one. the country of pristine white sand beaches.
Lime Cay Beach
You get to Lime Cay Beach, just 15 minutes by boat from Port Royal in Kingston. This island beach is known to disappear below water when the tide is high. While there is no entrance fee to the beach itself, you will have to pay for the boat ride that takes you there. Don’t expect a luxury charter, but once you get there, the ride will be well worth it.
Winnifred Beach
Found in Port Antonio, this beach is known for its calm water and beautiful coral reefs that you can snorkel. There is plenty of shade thanks to the nice tree canopy growing out of the sand. You can enjoy tours such as horseback riding, but remember this is a public beach, so you will share it with the locals.
Boston Bay Beach
Boston Bay Beach is a beautiful white sand beach you will find in Port Antonio. The beach is very laid back and offers up some of the best jerk chicken and other food from the beach bars while listening to Reggae music. You can even take some surf lessons while here.
Turtle Beach
You can find Turtle Beach easily, and will need to pay an entrance fee that will give you a full day’s access. There are a number of beach vendors to choose from, and there is security on the beach, as well as gear and chair rentals. There are rooms for bathing and changing, and the beach is not often crowded.
Pleasure Cove Beach
If a secluded beach retreat is what you seek, you will love this beach near Ocho Rios. It is a public beach with sparkling water and soft white sand. The ambiance is great, and you can find food and drinks along the beach, as well as souvenirs and other goodies you may like to take home.
Dunn’s River Falls Beach
Dunn’s River Falls Beach is where you will find the spectacular falls and the Caribbean Seas. Close to the town of Ocho Rios, it is a great day trip and is a family friendly beach. You can enjoy the beach and also enjoy the different levels of the falls. You can additionally find snorkeling or can book a boat day trip to tour the area around the falls.
Bamboo Beaches / Reggae Beach
You will find this beach just east of Ocho Rios in St. Mary. There is an entrance fee, which includes your beach chair. There are three beach bars, one of which has reggae music playing all day. If you have snorkeling gear, you can bring it along, as this is a great place to go scuba diving. For the most lively experience, visit on a Friday night, where you will enjoy a bonfire and live DJ.
Sandals Royal Caribbean Beach
Come to life in this tropical paradise. Here you will find powdery white sand and turquoise Caribbean sea waters. This is a private beach available to vacationers staying at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay.
Bonus: The Newly Opened Harbor Beach Park in Montego Bay. Enjoy the beach, the walking trail or the green space, as well as take the kids to the playground. This family friendly beach park has everything you need for a full day out. There is no entry fee for pedestrians, but if you drive, you will have to pay for parking. The park is very secure, and you have a number of food shops and even ice cream to choose from right on site.
FAQ
The best beaches in Jamaica can be found on the western side of the island and are located along the north coast. The beach towns in this area include Negril, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. Each offers an abundance of fun activities for visitors and a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from, making it difficult to pick just one. Negril is known for its seven-mile stretch of white sand beach, which is rated one of the top beaches in the world. At night, you can find a variety of restaurants and clubs along the shore to enjoy some Caribbean cuisine or dance the night away under the stars. In Ocho Rios, visitors can take part in several exciting water sports and tours, such as snorkeling at Dunn’s River Falls or zip-lining through the rainforest. And, in Montego Bay you can enjoy swimming with dolphins or visiting some of the local attractions like Rose Hall Great House and Hip Strip.
The entire coastline of Jamaica is beach-lined. There are approximately 50 public beaches, and private beaches surpass that number, being owned by luxury commercial, residential and hotel/resort properties. All the major tourist towns have multiple beaches for visitors to choose from.
The answer is a resounding yes! We have included a couple of these as the best beaches in Jamaica, but there are so many more public and private beaches in Montego Bay, you won’t be short of places to dip your toes in the sand or in the water.
