Best Beaches in Jamaica
Jamaica is home to dozens of beautiful beaches and thanks to our tropical marine climate, beach season is all year round. Are you in need of some sun, sand and relaxation? Are you longing for a swim in the cool Caribbean sea?
Well then, get your beach body in check, and let’s hit the road. These are the top ten beaches for both locals and tourists to visit for a great get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life.
Jamaica’s Most Famous Beaches
These are the ones you see on all the postcards and travel guides, the big names everyone talks about. They’re famous for a reason, and no trip to Jamaica feels complete without checking at least one off your list.
1. Seven Mile Beach (Negril)
Seven Mile Beach might not actually be seven miles long, but once you’re here, you won’t care. The stretch of soft golden sand seems endless, with calm, clear water that’s perfect for swimming.
It’s a dream for romantic couples, long walks watching the Jamaican sunset, candlelit dinners on the sand, and that unmistakable Negril magic in the air.
What I love is that it has everything going for it: calm, crystal-clear water, music floating from the beach bars, vendors with jerk and cold drinks, and this eclectic mix that somehow balances energy and relaxation all at once.
It’s no wonder Seven Mile is always counted among the top beaches in Jamaica.
2. Frenchman’s Cove (Portland)
Frenchman’s Cove is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica, and every time I go, it feels like stepping into a postcard. The water is so clear and turquoise it almost doesn’t look real, and then you’ve got a little river flowing right into the sea.
I love dipping between the cool stream and the warm Caribbean. And if you’re into pictures, trust me, this is the spot to make your Instagram pop. Everywhere you turn there’s a perfect shot, whether it’s the lush greenery, the curve of the beach, or even that iconic swing everyone loves to pose on.
No matter how many times I visit, Frenchman’s Cove always has that magic.
3. Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay)
Doctor’s Cave is one of Montego Bay’s most iconic beaches, and the moment you see that crystal-clear, turquoise water, you’ll understand why. The sand is soft, the sea is calm, and it’s the kind of place where you can float for hours without a care in the world.
What I love most is the energy, there’s always something happening, people from everywhere coming together, sharing the same love for sun and sea. It can get crowded, especially in peak season, but that mix of locals and visitors just adds to the vibe.
I always tell people, as soon as you land in Montego Bay, hit the beach, and Doctor’s Cave is always at the top of my list.
4. Ocho Rios Bay Beach (St. Ann)
If you grew up in Jamaica, chances are you’ve touched sand at Ocho Rios Bay Beach at some point. For me, it was always the spot when we made the drive from Kingston before the highway, nothing fancy, just sun, sea, and that big stretch of sand waiting.
These days it’s still the heart of Ochi, with music in the background, kids running around, and a mix of locals and visitors sharing the water.
If you’re staying in Ocho Rios, you’ll probably end up here at least once, since it’s right in the middle of town and easy to get to. It’s not the quietest beach, but that’s the charm, it feels alive, like the town itself spilled out onto the shore
5. Lime Cay (near Kingston)
Ask anyone in Kingston about a quick escape and they’ll point you to Lime Cay. Just a 20-minute boat ride from Port Royal, this tiny island feels like another world the moment you step onto its soft white sand and turquoise water.
I’ve been out there more times than I can count, and it never stops feeling like a Caribbean postcard come to life.
During the week, it’s pure tranquility, but on weekends, Kingstonians flood in with coolers and music, turning it into a full-on beach lime. With its mix of solitude and local energy, Lime Cay easily earns its place among Jamaica’s best beaches.
Best Beaches in Jamaica for Adventure & Water Sports
These aren’t the beaches where you just lie down and nap. They’re for getting your heart pumping — whether that’s snorkeling over reefs, windsurfing, cliff-jumping, or riding a jet ski. If you like your beach days with a side of adrenaline, start here.
6. Puerto Seco Beach (Runaway Bay)
This is one of the best beaches on the north coast of Jamaica, and also one of the most developed. You’ll find everything from water trampolines to snorkeling gear for rent, with wide, clean sand and calm water that’s great for swimming.
Lifeguards are always on duty, so it feels safe for kids too.
There’s a pool, restaurant, and plenty of space to relax, but what makes Puerto Seco special is the energy, music, food, pool, and sea all blending together into one full-day experience. I’ve spent entire days here, and it always feels worth it.
7. Boston Bay (Portland)
Boston Beach, known as Jamaica’s surf capital, is small but it “have a vibe”. Some days you go and the waves are gentle enough for beginners, other days they’re rolling strong and perfect for seasoned surfers.
You can rent boards or take lessons right on the sand, and the water is almost always alive with energy.
What I love is that just a few meters away you’ll find the famous Boston Jerk Centre, the birthplace of jerk, where the chicken and pork come straight off the pimento wood, smoky and full of flavor.
Surf, food, and nonstop vibes all in one place, that’s Boston Beach.
8. Dunn’s River Falls Beach (Ocho Rios)
Dunn’s River is famous for its waterfall climb, and at the bottom the falls spill right onto a beach. Now, I’ll admit, the beach by itself isn’t one of the absolute best beaches to visit in Jamaica.
But come on, where else can you climb a waterfall in the morning and then cool off in the Caribbean that same afternoon?
That mix is what makes it special. The contrast between rushing freshwater and calm sea creates a natural playground that’s hard to beat.
I recommend going early before the cruise ships dock, or later in the afternoon once the tour buses have cleared out.
9. Long Bay (Portland)
True to its name, Long Bay stretches for miles, with powerful waves rolling in from the open sea. It’s not the calmest place to swim, but it’s great for body surfing, wave jumping, or just enjoying the wild beauty of Portland’s coast.
The energy here is raw and untamed. The waves are bigger here, the crowds are smaller, and the vibe is decidedly more laid-back
Best Local Beaches in Jamaica for Vibes + Food
If you want to feel Jamaica the way Jamaicans do, these are the spots. Expect music in the background, fried fish and nuff festival, and a vibe that’s more about people than postcards.
10. Burwood Beach (Trelawny)
Just outside Falmouth, Burwood Beach is a classic family-friendly spot with soft sand and calm, shallow water that’s great for swimming.
All my life living here, I only recently discovered it a couple years ago, and what a pleasant surprise. The water stays shallow for what feels like forever, making it perfect for kids and nervous swimmers.
Local families come here for weekend picnics, creating a warm community atmosphere that visitors rarely get to experience. The facilities have been upgraded with bathrooms, changing rooms,
11. Bob Marley Beach (St. Andrew)
Bob Marley Beach is one of those spots you don’t read about in glossy brochures, but every Kingstonian knows. It’s rustic and no-frills, dark sand, a rougher sea, and just a few stalls where you can get food.
I’ve come out here plenty of times just to sit with a plate of fried fish and watch the waves crash, and that’s really the vibe, simple, raw, and unpolished Jamaica.
If you want quiet and authentic over polished and crowded, this little stretch of coast is hard to beat.
12. Hellshire Beach (near Kingston)
Every Jamaican knows Hellshire, and now you should too. This is where Kingstonians come for the best fried fish and festival in the country.
There used to be an amazing white sand beach, but most of it is gone due to erosion, but the little that is left is enough to make it worth it. This is pure local vibes.
but the real draw is the atmosphere, families, music, and the smell of fish frying all around you. It’s one of the best beaches in Jamaica if you want your day at the sea served with authentic local flavor.
Weekends transform this place into a massive outdoor party with sound systems pumping dancehall and families setting up camp for the day. The pescatarian fish is legendary – caught fresh daily and seasoned with secret family recipes passed down for generations.
14. Calabash Bay (Treasure Beach)
Down on Jamaica’s south coast, Calabash Bay is part of the laid-back Treasure Beach community, a world away from the big resort towns. The bay itself is wide and open, with golden sand and fishing boats pulled up along the shore, giving it a rustic, authentic vibe.
The water can be a little rough at times, but on calm days it’s great for swimming and cooling off. What I love most is the slower pace here, no crowds, no hustle, just a quiet stretch of coast where you can really soak up local, authentic Jamaican experience.
Best Family-Friendly Beaches in Jamaica
These are the beaches where kids can splash safely, parents can actually relax, and everyone leaves happy. Calm water, soft sand, and plenty of nearby amenities make them perfect for a no-stress beach day.
15. Harmony Beach Park (Montego Bay)
Right in the heart of Montego Bay, Harmony Beach Park is one of the island’s newest public beaches, designed with families in mind. Admission is free, and you still get clean facilities, lifeguards, showers, and even a jogging trail if you feel like stretching your legs.
The water is calm and great for swimming, while the wide lawns, playground, and picnic areas make it easy to spend the whole day here. It’s not secluded, but when it comes to the best family beaches in Jamaica, Harmony Beach Park is hard to beat.
16. Fort Clarence (Close to Kingston)
Kingstonians have been coming to Fort Clarence for generations, and it shows in all the best ways. The beach has this wonderful lived-in feeling where families have been creating memories for decades. The waters are shallow and calm, perfect for children learning to swim.
Nearby restaurants serve up excellent fried fish and bammy, and the whole area has this relaxed weekend picnic vibe. Entry fees are minimal, parking is safe, and you’ll get to experience how Jamaican families enjoy the beach. It’s authentic without being touristy.
17. Bamboo Beach Club (Ocho Rios)
If you want a beach day that’s easy, safe, and fun for the whole family, Bamboo Beach Club is a solid choice. The calm water is perfect for swimming, and the beach is clean and well organized.
There’s an entry fee, but it covers access, seating, and facilities, so you don’t have to worry about packing much.
Food and drinks are available on-site, and light entertainment like music and dancing keeps the vibe lively without being overwhelming. It’s not the quietest spot, but for families looking for a stress-free beach experience in Ocho Rios, it delivers.
18. Bluefields Beach (Westmoreland)
This local favorite in western Jamaica offers an authentic taste of coastal life without the tourist gloss. I remember coming here as a kid, and what always stood out was the calmness of the water, smooth, inviting, and perfect for swimming.
The natural charm is what makes Bluefields special, just Jamaica as it is. On weekends, local families gather for picnics and celebrations, filling the air with music and laughter.
Bring your own refreshments and soak up the genuine vibe of one of Jamaica’s classic beaches.
Hidden Gems: Secluded Beaches in Jamaica
These are the beaches you won’t find crowded with tourists. Tucked-away coves and quiet stretches of sand make them perfect when you want Jamaica all to yourself.
19. The Cove
When I want to get away from Kingston’s headache, The Cove is where I go to cool out. Just a short drive from the city, it’s a small, tucked-away cove, not the endless stretches of sand you’ll find elsewhere, but that’s exactly the charm.
The beach is usually quiet, the water calm, and it’s perfect when all you want is a quick dip in the sea and a little peace of mind. Since it’s private, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but there’s a bar and restaurant on-site so you’ll be taken care of.
20. San San Beach (Portland)
Tucked away on Portland’s coast, San San feels like one of those quiet beaches in Jamaica that only people in the know talk about. The water is calm, crystal clear, and perfect for swimming or snorkeling, with almond trees along the shore giving it a naturally shady, peaceful vibe.
What I love is that it never feels crowded, you can just float for hours and forget the world. There’s a small entry fee, but it’s worth it for the quiet beauty.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, Monkey Island is just a short swim or kayak away.
21. Pleasure Cove Beach (St. Ann)
Pleasure Cove is one of those north coast beaches that still feels like a secret. Tucked just outside Ocho Rios, it’s a small, laid-back spot with calm, clear water that’s perfect for swimming.
The vibe is easygoing, more locals than tourists, and there’s a little restaurant on-site where you can grab a plate of fish or some fried chicken without leaving the sand.
It may not be as famous as the bigger beaches nearby, but that’s exactly what makes it special. If you’re looking for a quieter, low-key escape in St. Ann, Pleasure Cove delivers.
Still Want More?
And there you have it, 21 of the most popular beaches in Jamaica that are great vacation spots.
This list, of course, is just a small fraction of the island’s beach offerings. Jamaica has dozens of beautiful beaches along the coastline. Many of them are un-named and undisturbed locations that are perfect for adventure.
You can check out some of best beaches in Jamaica’s most popular tourist destinations below.