Dipping into the Caribbean Sea, the shoreline of Jamaica is as numerous as it’s beautiful, drawing in everybody from sunseekers searching for a spot to bronze to adventurers searching for a vibrant escape.
Although Jamaica’s tradition typically takes the highlight, its seashores maintain their very own, with crystal-clear surf and a few of the best stretches of sand within the Caribbean.
Many of the island’s famend seashores could be discovered alongside the north and west coasts, particularly round Negril, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios, however the south coast presents secluded spots which might be excellent for unwinding.
Whereas some seashores belong to motels, many are open to the general public, generally with a small entry price, so it is simple to expertise the island’s pure magnificence with out trouble.
This is a information to one of the best seashores in Jamaica.
1. Seven Mile Seaside
Greatest seashore for sundown views and snorkeling
Seven Mile Seaside, often known as Negril Seaside, is one in every of Jamaica’s hottest stretches of sand.
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Well-known for its clear turquoise waters and considerable marine life, this seashore presents prime snorkeling, with coral reefs scattered alongside its size — notably across the southern finish and close to the cliffs to the west.
Regardless of the title, the seashore really spans simply over 4 miles, working from Bloody Bay within the north to Lengthy Bay within the south. Alongside the shoreline, you’ll discover dozens of beachfront resorts, bars and eating places.
For unbeatable sundown views, head to the seashore’s western edge, the place the clifftop supplies an elevated perch for watching Negril’s breathtaking sunsets.
Native Tip: With so many resorts alongside the seashore, it may be troublesome to seek out free entry factors to the sand. There’s one between Drifter’s Bar and Merrils Seaside Resorts and one other throughout from the Dawn Membership. Search for the small yellow indicators that learn “Negril Seaside Entry Level” alongside Norman Manley Blvd.
2. Frenchman’s Cove
Greatest for images fanatics
A real gem nestled in Port Antonio, Frenchman’s Cove is a small however picturesque seashore the place a freshwater river meets the ocean.
With its white sand surrounded by lush greenery, this secluded seashore has fairly a film pedigree, that includes in movies corresponding to Lord of the Flies (1990) and Knight and Day (2010).
The seashore is framed by verdant greenery on either side, making a picturesque pure crescent that is excellent for images. One other widespread Instagram spot is on the swing above the river part.
Planning Tip: As of December 2024, there’s an entry price of JMD$2,500 (USD$25) for guests who aren’t staying on the Frenchman’s Cove Resort. The seashore is open from 9am to 5pm, and customers are barred from bringing their very own meals or drinks.
3. Ocho Rios Bay Seaside (Turtle Seaside)
Greatest seashore for actions and facilities
Ocho Rios Bay Seaside, generally generally known as Turtle Seaside, is the principle seashore in Ocho Rios, stretching for some 500m alongside Jamaica’s north coast.
It’s a preferred spot for resort visitors, day trippers and cruise passengers, because of its proximity to the Ocho Rios cruise port (only a five-minute stroll away).
You’ll be able to get pleasure from water sports activities within the bay, and the seashore is well-equipped with facilities, together with seashore chairs and umbrella leases.
Common eating places Ocho Rios eating places corresponding to Miss T’s Kitchen, Margaritaville and Ocho Rios Jerk Middle are inside strolling distance, together with buying malls and quick meals joints.
Detour: For souvenirs and Jamaican craft objects, go to the Ocho Rios Craft Market – a couple of 10-minute stroll from the seashore.
4. Mahogany Seaside
Greatest seashore to sit back and seize a beer
An entry price of round JMD$500 (US$10 for vacationers) offers guests entry to altering areas, a seashore chair, and a tremendous curve of sand at Mahogany Seaside in Ocho Rios.
The seashore is small in comparison with others on the town, and fills up rapidly with locals — many coming from out of city simply to chill out on the seashore with pals.
If you happen to crave refreshment, the Mahagony Seaside Bar & Grill restaurant is shut at hand. Along with the seashore, there’s additionally a freshwater river the place you’ll be able to chill out in a bamboo chair or go rafting to unwind.
5. Physician’s Cave Seaside
Greatest seashore for swimming
Physician’s Cave Seaside in Montego Bay is legendary for its calm, clear waters, making it a best choice for swimmers. Identified for its light waves and clean, smooth sand, the seashore is ideal for a leisurely dip.
The seashore’s location in a sheltered cove helps keep the calm circumstances, whereas the pristine water is commonly described as “therapeutic” – a repute relationship again to the Nineteen Twenties when British osteopath Sir Herbert Barker praised its therapeutic properties.
Planning Tip: For an entry price of round JMD$1,100 (US$8), you’ll be able to entry the seashore, lease lounge chairs, and benefit from the beachside eating places.
6. Maiden Cay
Greatest seashore for weekend events
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Maiden Cay, situated off the coast of Kingston, is the final word seashore vacation spot for these seeking to occasion on the weekend. Each Sunday, Free Cannon Excursions hosts a extensively widespread all-inclusive Seaside Day, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from meals, drinks, and music whereas absorbing the solar.
This uninhabited island is only a quick 20-minute boat experience from the mainland close to Port Royal, making it a really perfect getaway for weekend revelers.
Planning Tip: Guide tickets forward – early birds pay JMD$13,000 (US$85), in comparison with JMD$14,000 (US$95) at quick discover.
7. Winnifred Seaside
Greatest free seashore
Winnifred Seaside, situated in Portland, is one in every of Jamaica’s final remaining free seashores, providing an enthralling and distinctly native environment.
Nevertheless, whereas there is not any official price to go to, locals who keep the seashore might request a small donation to assist protect it.
The seashore options calm, shallow waters, and it is a widespread chill-out spot for residents of Portland. Guests can get pleasure from scrumptious choices from native distributors, together with seafood, jerk hen and chilly drinks. The seashore additionally has showers and altering rooms.
8. Boston Bay Seaside
Greatest seashore for browsing
Whereas there isn’t a giant browsing tradition in Jamaica, Boston Bay Seaside, situated close to Port Antonio, is the island’s premier browsing vacation spot, attracting professional surfers who could be seen using the constant waves right here all through the day.
There’s an entry price of round JMD$500 (US$3), and guests can lease surfboards and even take classes from the professionals on the seashore.
The waves usually vary from three to 6 ft, and the breaks are appropriate for each newbie and superior surfers.
Planning Tip: The most effective time to surf at Boston Bay Seaside is through the winter months (November to April) when the waves are at their most constant and highly effective. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for catching the swell.
9. Puerto Seco Seaside
Greatest seashore for households
Puerto Seco Seaside in Saint Ann is the final word vacation spot for a fun-filled household seashore day. With an aquapark, swimming pool, and varied water sports activities like seashore volleyball and jet skis, there’s one thing for everybody.
The seashore additionally presents facilities corresponding to seashore chairs, VIP cabanas and free Wi-Fi, and households can cease for a meal on the restaurant and bar or store for souvenirs on the reward store.
Planning Tip: There’s a price of round JMD$2,500 (US$20) for the facilities, so think about a full-day journey to take advantage of it. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends, excellent for households.
10. Parottee Seaside
Greatest secluded seashore
Situated a number of miles south of Black River, Parottee Seaside options darkish sand sprinkled with shells going through a pristine stretch of ocean.
The calm, clear waters make it excellent for swimming, and the seashore isn’t near any main vacationer cities or sights – except for Floyd’s Pelican Bar which sits out within the bay.
The seashore is especially utilized by fishermen from native communities; residents often go to to swim however there’s hardly ever a crowd.
11. Fisherman’s Seaside
Greatest seashore for recent seafood
Fisherman’s Seaside in Ocho Rios will not be the highest spot for swimming, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly one of the best place on the town for recent seafood.
Situated simply past the Ocho Rios Fishing Village, the seashore is surrounded by a few of the city’s finest seafood eateries, together with Lobster Dave and Whalers.
Each eating places serve up the freshest catches, sourced straight from the fishermen working proper on the seashore.
When you eat, you’ll be able to get pleasure from views of colourful fishing boats on the shore and fishermen heading out to sea. If you happen to’re staying someplace with cooking amenities, you too can buy recent seafood straight from the boats to take house.
Detour: After a seashore day, take a brief drive to close by Dunn’s River Falls – a must-see pure attraction the place you’ll be able to climb and splash on the terraces of a scenic cascade.
12. Bamboo Seaside Membership
Greatest seashore for a vigorous environment
Situated on the north coast in Falmouth, Bamboo Seaside Membership has a vigorous environment that is excellent for these searching for a vibrant seashore day.
For an entry price of round JMD$2,000 (US$15), guests can get pleasure from smooth golden sand, a vigorous music scene and spontaneous dance events hosted by energetic workers.
The seashore additionally hosts common events and occasions, and there’s a restaurant and bar, a memento store, free Wi-Fi, cabanas for lease, an official photographer and beachside masseurs. If you wish to discover the underwater world, lease some snorkeling gear.
Planning Tip: It is simple to rearrange transportation in the event you’re staying in Falmouth, and there’s a seashore bus that transfers guests from Montego Bay, Kingston and Ocho Rios.
13. Lime Cay
Greatest seashore close to Kingston
Many guests are stunned to find that Kingston, Jamaica’s capital metropolis, does not have its personal seashore.
Nevertheless, only a quick boat experience away lies Lime Cay, a tiny, uninhabited island off the coast of Port Royal, circled by white sand and fantastically clear waters.
Through the week, Lime Cay doesn’t get many guests – you’ll probably have the island all to your self in the event you come to swim or sunbathe.
Y-Knot Bar & Grill in Port Royal presents boat journeys to Lime Cay for JMD$2,500 (US$20), and native fishermen from Port Royal additionally supply transfers.
Planning Tip: Whereas weekdays are peaceable at Lime Cay, weekends (particularly Sundays) convey a livelier vibe, with widespread boat events attended by each locals and vacationers.
14. Hellshire Seaside
Greatest seashore to mingle with locals
Hellshire Seaside, situated in Portmore, is the most-popular seashore for Jamaicans within the Kingston space, because of its handy location and vigorous vibe. It is also identified for its scrumptious seafood, together with fish, lobster, shrimp, and oysters.
You gained’t discover vacationers right here too typically. Hellshire is a snapshot of what genuine Jamaican seashore life is admittedly like — individuals consuming, consuming, smoking, having fun with music, taking part in soccer on the sand or taking part in dominos at beachside eating places.
On weekends, the seashore is livelier, with households, music and many distributors.
Native Tip: Sharks are generally noticed offshore at night time, so keep away from night time swimming. Stick with daytime visits and remember the fact that the seashore is packed on native holidays.
15. Treasure Seaside
Greatest off-the-beaten-path seashore
An off-the-beaten-path vacation spot alongside Jamaica’s south coast, Treasure Seaside is made up of 5 secluded coves, lined with darkish sand. Calabash Bay, house to Jakes Resort, sees essentially the most guests, and that is additionally the place the biennial Calabash Literary Pageant is held.
Frenchman’s Bay, Nice Bay, Fort Charles Bay, and Billy’s Bay have a tendency to remain quieter; native fishermen are sometimes the one regulars.
Frenchman’s Bay has just a few small beachside eating places, and Nice Bay involves life every year for the Jakes Triathlon.
All these coves are nice for sunbathing and swimming, although the waters can often get tough. Sometimes, you would possibly spot locals biking alongside the shore.
