Ocho Rios’ Top Beaches
Recently crowned as Jamaica’s Best Resort Town at the 2019 RJR/GLEANER Communications Group Hospitality Jamaica awards, Ocho Rios has dozens of attractions. There are so many things to do in the charming town that one might lose track of the fact that it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the island. Once you’ve taken a tour of the many attractions and hotspots, a relaxing day at the beach is definitely in order.
Here’s a list of some of the town’s best beaches.
Ocho Rios Bay Beach / Turtle Beach
Most of the travelers who visit Ocho Rios, do so by ship. If you happen to arrive in Ocho Rios looking for some relaxation by the sea, then the Ocho Rios Bay Beach is just a stone’s throw away from the cruise ship pier. The beach is a paid access property, but the cover charge is very reasonable at $3 US. That cover gives patrons access to picnic tables, showers and other amenities. Beach chairs are available at an extra cost.
The sand is white and powdery, and the waters are blue and crystal clear. Ocho Rios Bay Beach is perfect for sun bathing and family fun. If you’re lucky, you’ll see schools of tiny fish swimming around in the clear water.
The waters are mostly shallow for several meters out which makes this beach ideal for small children and non-swimmers alike.
The beach is just a few meters away from the cruise ship pier which means you can watch the ships as they sail in and out of the bay.
Restaurants and bars are also just a stone’s throw away.
Pleasure Cove Beach
Pleasure Cove is one of Ocho Rios’ best kept secrets. Despite being located next to the popular Couples San Souci hotel, the beach is very private, giving you the impression that you have the place to yourself.
If you’re looking for peace of mind and a quiet get away, then Pleasure Cove is the answer. The beautiful beach is open to the public and there’s no entrance fee unlike several other beaches in Ocho Rios. Guests can rent sun loungers for JA $500 / US $5.
Pleasure Cove has a restaurant and bar that completes the perfect beach day. The restaurant offers fresh seafood and has vegetarian options. The bar does not disappoint, serving up tasty cocktails. There’s also free Wi-Fi access to keep you connected.
For sports enthusiasts, there is a volley ball net to facilitate a game or two.
Bamboo Beach Club
If you’re looking for a VIP experience, then the Bamboo Beach Club is the place to be. The facility is a private beach, that’s actually a few miles outside of Ocho Rios (despite being marketed as one of the town’s offerings).
Surrounded by lush green vegetation, the beach is a tropical paradise if ever there was one. The waters are a beautiful blue hue and the view from the beach is beautiful. It’s a great place to take pictures.
The Bamboo Beach Club provides a one of a kind experience that’s complete with a personal waiter that takes your order for drinks from the bar or tasty Jamaican delights from the restaurant on site. All-inclusive food and drink packages are also available for a more seamless experience.
The beach allows patrons to get a feel for the Jamaican culture as it features live music and performances from talented DJs who play family friendly reggae music.
Another plus to the Bamboo Beach is that it has a craft market where patrons can buy souvenirs and other mementos.
James Bond Beach
The James Bond beach is another location that is actually just outside of Ocho Rios despite being listed as such. It takes approximately 20 minutes from the Ocho Rios town center to get to the town of Oracabessa where the beach is actually located.
The beach is famous for being the island home of novelist, Ian Fleming who wrote the popular “James Bond” novels for which the property is named.
The beach is small with a rustic vibe, and charges a cover fee of $5 US for entrance to the property.
It’s perfect for swimming, relaxing with a book or grabbing a drink with friends. There is a bar on property which sells cocktails and seafood that’s done to order. The bar also plays great reggae music that is generally not too loud.
The beach is rocky in some areas which attracts a lot of wildlife and makes it ideal for snorkeling. Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear. Paddle boards and double kayaks are rented for those looking for added adventure.
The Beach at Dunn’s River Falls
Yes, there is a beach at Dunn’s River Falls. While many persons are familiar with the renowned Falls which is one of Jamaica’s most visited attractions, it’s easy to ignore the beach that the river runs into. This is however understandable, as the beach fails to compete with the majestic splendor of the water fall.
The beach at Dunn’s River is included in the entrance fee paid to access the property, which now features a water park and kiddies play area.
Dunn’s River beach is generally shallow which makes it great for swimming. The fact that the beach has a river flowing directly into it, means that the water is always cool and refreshing.
The beach also makes a great location for snorkeling as it has several underwater formations and colorful reefs close to shore.