4 Jamaican Beaches Locals Love

Jamaica’s coastline is known all over the world, but venture further away from the more popular spots and you’ll find beaches where the experience is just as much about community as it is about sun and sand. These are places where you can snorkel over coral reefs, surf with locals, or join sea turtle conservation projects, all while enjoying serene stretches of coastline that feel like a neighbour’s backyard.

What makes these beaches special isn’t only their beauty, but the way they invite you into Jamaica’s culture and community spirit. Through community-based tourism (CBT), a beach day becomes something richer; it's a chance to support conservation, connect with local people, and discover traditions shaped by the sea.

Here are four beaches where you can experience Jamaica’s natural treasures, plus the stories, pride, and people that protect them.

Oracabessa Bay

At the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary, every dive, snorkel, or boat tour directly supports marine conservation and community well-being in this historic fishing village on Jamaica's north coast. Just 15 minutes from Ocho Rios, this spot is a must-visit for divers and marine-life lovers.

Whether you’re a certified diver or brand new to the sport, the sanctuary offers guided snorkelling, scuba diving, boat tours, and training to help you explore Jamaica’s vibrant underwater world. Located at the edge of the Cayman Trough, Oracabessa’s reef walls are alive with colourful corals, sponges, and marine life.

The sanctuary is managed by the Oracabessa Marine Trust and protects habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and the James Bond Beach through research, education, and sustainable tourism. Proceeds fund coral restoration, sea turtle conservation, and youth training programmes, so every adventure you take contributes to environmental stewardship and community development.

East Portland

The Alligator Head Foundation (AHF) brings CBT to life from its tranquil harbour on Port Antonio’s tranquil coastline. From kayaking and paddleboarding to snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours, AHF invites visitors to explore Jamaica’s coastal beauty while actively supporting marine conservation.

Operating within the East Portland Fish Sanctuary, AHF designs all activities to showcase diverse marine life while protecting the environment. In partnership with the Alligator Head Marine Lab, the foundation restores coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove habitats, while monitoring the health of the wider ecosystem. The team provides training in alternative livelihoods for local fishers, helping them transition into eco-tourism and conservation roles. Here, every paddle stroke supports both the sea and the community that depends on it. You canccheck out nearby beaches, San San and Frenchman's Cove that are within the conservation area managed by the Foundation.

Wickie Wackie Beach, St. Thomas

On Jamaica’s south-eastern coast, discover some of the island’s best surf spots, from Wickie Wackie Beach in the Bull Bay area to Sugarloaf Bay, home to the island’s longest-running surf school. Here, learn the art of riding waves from Jamaica’s first surfing family with decades of experience to teach you not just the techniques but also the local respect for the sea and its rhythms. Surfing here is an invitation into a vibrant community built on passion, resilience, and connection to nature. It's a 20-minute drive from downtown Kingston, making this beach a great option for a day trip.

Treasure Beach

On the south coast, Treasure Beach offers the perfect blend of laid-back vibes and community action. Here, CBT thrives in many forms, from cultural exchanges with local residents to environmental initiatives like sea turtle conservation programmes and craft art shops. 

Made up of a string of bays and coves, theTreasure Beach area offers plenty to explore. Not all areas are advised for swimming due to strong undercurrents, so ask a local guide or check with your hotel for the best advice. For a dip, Fisherman’s Beach and Old Wharf Beach are often the top choices.

Whether you’re relaxing on the sand, joining a community project, or enjoying freshly prepared meals made with ingredients grown nearby, every experience helps support sustainable livelihoods and protect the local environment. Treasure Beach shows how tourism can be both memorable and meaningful.

Ready to plan your community-based tourism beach vacation? Click below to get started.