Jamaica / Beach bars

Sitting in a beach bar, drinking a rum punch or a Red Stripe, with the easy pulse of reggae in the background, is some of the best fun to be had in Jamaica. And there is a reasonable spread of options, from beachside restaurants where you can get a barefoot but nicely cooked meal to very simple shacks that offer a fantastic local vibe.

From the image of the island you might have thought that Jamaica’s shoreline would be one long line of beach bars standing shoulder to shoulder. In fact this is only the case in Negril. In the other main resort towns beach bars are relatively thin on the ground. Many of the hotels are all-inclusive, with bars on the beach inside their compounds, and their guests tend not to venture out. Independent hotels are usually happy to let you in and so in some areas this may be your easiest option. In the smaller, less touristy towns there are other more local options.

Negril has the most beach bars, with some classics among them. Some of the best are in the many small hotels stretched along the five miles of the main beach, with other independent bars strung between them (and there are still more excellent bars on the cliffs).

In Montego Bay head for the beaches and bars of Gloucester Avenue. In Ocho Rios there are just a couple. Between the resort towns, and particularly in the east and along the southern shore, you will find some superb beach bars, tucked into the coves and bays. Some are associated with fishing communities, others very local bars offering fried fish, but they are well worth stopping in if you are travelling around the island.

The public beaches in the main tourist areas all have a beach bar with changing facilities, but be aware that most will not. Off the beaten track many are simply bars on the beach and may only have a lavatory. Pick of some of the best beach bars in Jamaica:

Groovy Grouper, Montego Bay

Floyd’s Pelican Bar, offshore Treasure Beach

Blazer on the Bay (former Cool Runnings), Long Bay

Norma’s at the Marina, Port Antonio

Margaritaville, Negril Beach