Jamaica / Beaches

Jamaica has an excellent variety of beaches, ranging from the magnificent five-mile, sunset-facing strand of perfect white sand at Negril in the far west, through the meandering curves and bays of the north shore, to some very pretty, hidden coves the island’s eastern end. The sand on the north shore is overwhelmingly white and is usually protected by an offshore reef, making it safe for swimming.

The south coast has some dark sand beaches among the white ones and it is usually protected from the weather, so it often calmer. Offshore it is often shallower too, giving rise to cays and sandbars. The beaches there tend to be quieter too, mainly because there are far fewer tourists, though the beaches nearest to Kingston can be extremely lively on the weekends. A few beaches do have lifeguards but not that many. There are only a few places with currents that you need to be aware of. If you go swimming in remote areas you should ask around.

As in the rest of the Caribbean, all beaches in Jamaica are officially public up to the high water mark. This said, many of the beaches do have restricted access and are often held up as ‘private’. Some, often the best in the area, have restricted access with an entry fee. Others are contained within a resort and access overland is restricted. The result is usually a hassle-free visit with better maintained facilities (though there may be less local character if that is important to you). The hotels will generally permit you to visit on a day pass (usually for eight hours). This includes many of the Jamaica all-inclusive hotels, which charge a bit more but then give you the run of the place – the dining room, bar and watersports shop.

On the beaches with no restricted access - for instance in Negril - you will find independent operators, including bars, restaurants and sometimes watersports shops where you can get a drink or fix up a ride on a jet ski or parasailer. On certain beaches you can expect to be approached by hustlers and small tradesmen. They will offer you anything from coral jewellery to an aloe massage or an island tour. Fine if you want what they are offering, but they can also be quite persistent and sometimes annoying. The only response is to be polite, and as persistent as they are in saying no. Eventually they will go away.

Click on the map to see an interactive map of Jamaica's Beaches.

Here is a selection of the best Jamaica's beaches...

Negril Beach - For its bars, music and sports, and endless sand to walk.

Doctor’s Cave Beach - The main beach in Montego Bay, lively with nice restaurants and bars (entry fee).

Jamaica Inn  - Simply the prettiest, classic Caribbean beach on the island (entry restricted).

Frenchman’s Cove - A tight cove with overhanging greenery.

James Bond Beach, Oracabessa - A lively and popular public beach with three golden beaches around 30 minutes east of Ocho Rios, close to Ian Fleming’s holiday home, Goldeneye where he wrote the Bond novels. The main activity is on the smaller beach, flanked by man-made sand terraces for sunning and a two storey waterfront bar and grill called Moonraker. Watersports are available, there is also a life guard. There is an admission fee.

Cornwall Beach, Montego Bay - Cornwall Beach is located on Gloucester Avenue (it is close to Doctor’s Cave Beach, but usually a bit quieter) and has excellent white sand, crystal water and good swimming. Watersports are available and there is a snack bar. Admission fee.