Beaches in Jamaica

From pristine and polished to rustic and rootsy

What’s your ultimate beach experience? Is it laying out on powdery white sand while gentle waves lap at your feet? Or are you longing for more rugged shores with surf surges to catch the perfect wave? From well-tended beaches with crystal-clear water to unspoiled beauty and black sand, Jamaica’s beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful. Whether you’re bringing the whole crew or looking to escape the world, there’s a beach in Jamaica to match every visitor.

Come back to playful

You’ll find an array of water sports and activities at resorts and public beaches across the island. Try kitesurfing, parasailing, kayaking, water-skiing, or just about any activity you can imagine. Check out the family-friendly Doctor’s Cave Beach on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay or take on the floating obstacle course at Puerto Seco Beach, a short ride from Ocho Rios. Both beaches have great restaurants offering delicious eats and boozy cocktails.

Jamaica’s waters are home to colourful marine life so don’t miss out on a glass-bottom boat ride or snorkelling along the reefs. Get scuba certified and explore shipwrecks, underwater caves, and dive sites. Off the coast of Negril, you’ll find Shark Reef, home to large but docile nurse sharks, sting rays, and colourful sea life.

Come back to relaxed

Negril’s pristine Seven Mile Beach is Jamaica’s most iconic shoreline dotted with resorts and local hotspots. Stroll along the perfect white sand as warm sunny days become cool evenings with sweet reggae music and easy vibes that last all night long.

In Portland, the beaches are truly something out of a dream. Lay out at San San Beach or spot a turtle in the shallow waters around Pellew Island. Visit the enchanting Frenchman’s Cove where a freshwater stream gently flows into the sea, making the cool waves glisten in the sun. You may recognize Dragon Bay Beach from the silver screen. The picture-perfect locale has appeared in Hollywood movies like Cocktail.

Looking to be truly indulged? At our world-class all-inclusive resorts, cocktails are served beach-side by warm and professional staff. Spend the day drifting from sand to sea or building sandcastles with the family having no greater concern than re-applying your sunscreen.

Come back to cool

On Jamaica’s south coast the beaches are rugged, laid-back, and inviting. In Treasure Beach, the shores of the charming fishing village have delicious seafood spots with some of the warmest hospitality on the island. Try the seacat (octopus) and jerk crab at Jack Sprat Restaurant, next to Jakes Hotel, then dip your feet or join a game of dominoes on the outdoor deck before the weekly beach bonfire.

If you’re staying in Kingston, pull up to Hellshire Beach for fantastic seafood in a rustic and authentic setting. Family-owned restaurant stalls along the beach have been operated for generations by skilled cooks and fisherfolk who plate up authentic favourites for Jamaicans who flock from the city on weekends and holidays. Be sure to try spicy pepper shrimp before tucking into a platter of steaming escoveitch fish, spiny lobster, and festival. Wash it all down with an ice-cold Red Stripe as you realise that this is what life is all about. Take a 15-minute boat ride out from Port Royal to Lime Cay or Maiden Cay. While the small cays are usually quiet and secluded, on holidays (or after Jamaica Carnival) the spots are alive with private boats and pleasure crafts for parties with the in-crowd.

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Jamaica's beaches have it all. From pristine and polished to rustic and rootsy, discover the beach of your dreams and make memories that will last a lifetime.