Looking for heaven on earth? The warm azure waters of The Caribbean Sea have a magnetic pull that very few (if any) can resist. Just looking at the ocean will tempt you to dive right in and Jamaica has some of the best beaches for you to enjoy the beauty of the sea and the shore. From the laid back to the energy-packed there are enough beaches here to suit just about any test. Here is a list of 5 of the best beaches in Jamaica:
Doctor’s Cave Beach
Energetic, stunning and exciting, Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast embodies a spirit that invites us all to come out and play. A definite favorite among travelers in search of a good time, the second city is a great place to have your fill of relaxation and revelry. World famous white sands and crystal clear waters fed by a mineral spring combine at the beautiful Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay. Founded in 1906, Doctor’s Cave is nestled between the Marine Park and the Hip Strip. The translucent water is known for its mineral content and its golden sands and turquoise water provide the perfect place to enjoy the tranquil warmth of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can even watch brightly colored tropical fish swimming close to the surface.
Known for its tropical, metropolitan feel, Doctor’s Cave is more than just a great beach. Visitors who crave activity and action will especially enjoy the offerings of this ideally located spot. Doctor’s Cave is not too far off the beaten path in Jamaica and offers a chance for tourists to meet new people and enjoy a lively beach ambience. The neighborhood at Doctor’s Cave features a wide variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Jamaican cuisine to international fare to pub-style steak dinners.
Frenchman’s Cove
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Port Antonio, on Jamaica’s eastern coast, is snugly located between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The area is still, thankfully considered relatively virgin territory and Frenchman’s Cove is a perfectly secluded spot that will make you fall in love with the water instantly. One of the most beautiful beaches in The Caribbean, let alone Jamaica this white-sanded shore, set against a magnificent backdrop of exotic tropical gardens and crystal-clear mountain streams, is so idyllic; it’s no wonder it was featured in the major motion pictures Club Paradise and Treasure Island.
Frenchman’s Cove is tucked between two rocky bluffs and consists of a lagoon which meanders around a bar of sand from one direction while the sea barrels in from the other, pinched between two tiny headlands that are overhung with greenery – giving the beach a luminous green light. Visitors pay a small fee for entry but it is well worth it. You enter through some lush gardens, which then open up into a gorgeous little secluded beach cove. It also has a fresh water river flowing into the beach. Lots of fish in the river, as well as a rope and swing for the kids to play with. There’s also a jerk hut on the beach with drinks and food made to order, as well very clean bathrooms.
Reggae Beach
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Located on the border of St. Ann and St. Mary, about 10 minutes east of the vibrant Ocho Rios, nestled in lush tropical greenery is the 1/4 mile stretch of white sand known as Reggae Beach. A famous Jamaican landmark, this breathtaking picture-perfect spot is a tiny slice of heaven. Lounge chairs are lined along the seashore, some grouped amongst shady random clusters of hundred year old almond and palm trees, while others are arranged closer to the waters edge. If you’re looking for a beach that doesn’t get crowded then this is the place to be.
Enjoy soft reggae music and great Jamaican hospitality as you cool out under a palm tree with a fresh fruit cocktail from the “Village Beach Bar”. Or try some succulent Jamaican-style fish, lobster, conch or spicy jerk chicken from the grill. Capture a golden tan while drifting peacefully across turquoise waters on a lie-low float. From waving fan coral to colorful clownfish and graceful rays, you’ll find plenty to look at while snorkeling the bay’s reefs. Kayak the coastline or hike the natural trails or experience a seaside massage. Try the seasonally fresh native fruits like Mangos, guineps, guava, ortanique, sugar cane, pineapple, papaya or naseberry. Challenge a friend to backgammon, checkers, or join a domino game. Reggae Beach has it all.
Winnifred Beach
Located between the Blue Lagoon and Boston Bay just a mile on from the closed beach where Tom Cruise once juggled his bottles in Cocktail, Winnifred Beach is one of the most appealing beaches in all of Jamaica. Found in the Fairy Hill community in Portland on the island’s lesser traveled east coast this beach is home to a delightful reef just offshore that’s not only perfect for snorkelling, but for its clear, calm, bright-blue water justly popular with locals.
A long, unpaved road leads to the wide, white-sand beach that stretches along a sheltered bay. Thick groups of trees and vines act as a backdrop to the aquamarine water filling the foreground. At the base of the hill, large trees shade a flat strip of land, where several food and drink vendors prepare fresh fish dishes and Jamaican jerk delights – a specialty of Portland. There’s also a mini-field, perfect for a game of football. And on weekends, there are horseback riding tours down the beach and boat trips to nearby Monkey Island.
Seven Mile Beach
Negril, Jamaica’s casual, laid-back pace and natural beauty make it a favorite escape for locals and visitors alike. Here, anything goes and everyone is welcome. Outrun your cares on seven miles of white sand beach on the island’s western-most point. Stake out a blanket-sized spot of paradise or meander along soft white sand. By day, funky eateries serve ice cold drinks. By night, sizzling hot Reggae. Frequently flocked to by thrill-seekers and sun-worshippers alike, Negril’s Seven Mile Beach boasts turquoise, see-through waters hugging a coastline of rocky cliffs and white sands that seem to trail on forever.
If you’re seeking a vacation experience heavily based on relaxation and uninterrupted hours of one on one time to enjoy the majestic beauty of the Utopian coastal environment then a day spent on this beach is ideal. Facing directly west, Negril’s Seven-Mile Beach has been voted many times over as one of the best in the world. Legendary for its dramatic sunsets, silky white sands, clear turquoise waters, and spontaneous island spirit, the natural attributes of this phenomenal beach are alluring to the soul. Simply lay out in the sun or enjoy any (or all) of the water sports activities available right at your fingertips. Snorkeling, windsurfing, jet ski’s and glass bottomed boat rides are easily found along the coast. The choice is yours.
