by Ray Roman | Last updated on June 20, 2024
Jamaica is a destination that is featured on the bucket lists of so many people. You should visit this stunning island in the Caribbean Sea for many reasons.
The weather is amazing, the culture is rich, and the food is incredible.
That said, one of the main reasons you should visit Jamaica is the stunning beaches surrounding the island.
There are so many beaches that you can choose from during your visit to Kingston, Jamaica.
Thankfully, we have compiled a list of the 10 best beaches in Jamaica.
10 Best Beaches In Jamaica
Planning a trip that allows you to see as much of Kingston as possible can be overwhelming.
To help relieve the stress of planning, here are a few of Kingston, Jamaica’s best beaches to visit.
1. Half Moon Beach
Half Moon Beach is a stunning little beach that locals and tourists love. The water is calm and shallow, making it an incredibly popular destination for families.
If you are visiting on the weekend, you may be able to catch some live music by local musicians and bands.
You can also take a trip to Calico Jack’s restaurant on a nearby island to indulge in some delicious, fresh seafood. The trip to the island costs around $5 for the round-trip by boat.
Half Moon Beach is part of a marine park with healthy reefs just off the shore.
2. Seven Mile Beach
Despite what the name suggests, Seven Mile Beach does actually stretch for seven miles. In fact, it only stretches for 4 miles. However, those four miles boast stunning white sands and gentle, turquoise waters.
Initially sold as a quiet and secluded beach to tourists, it is now buzzier. Plenty of restaurants and bars line the beach, as well as some nightspots.
There are also plenty of watersports on offer for you to indulge in.
3. Frenchman’s Cove
Frenchman’s Cove or Frenchman’s Cave is a stunning, secluded cover with a small beach made of perfect white sand. The water in this cove is fed by a freshwater river leading to the ocean.
This area is owned by the Frenchman’s Cove Resort, but anyone is welcome to relax and take in the beauty of this spot.
An amazing little snack bar serves fresh jerk chicken and fish. You can take alfresco showers, and bathrooms are available to everyone at the beach.
4. Mahogany Beach
If you are looking for a small, secluded, and charming beach, Mahogany Beach is just what you are looking for.
The beach is located in Ocho Rios and is often frequented by locals. During the week, this is the perfect private getaway to relax and unwind.
With that being said, if you visit at the weekend, it will feel like a completely different beach.
The small beach comes alive with loud music, jerk cooking on the BBQ, impromptu soccer matches, and plenty of dancing. There are a few basic amenities that make your visit more comfortable.
5. Ocho Rios Bay Beach
The main beach in Ocho Rios is Ocho Rios Bay Beach. This is a beach that is incredibly popular with tourists. There is a long area that is fenced off that is also known as Turtle Beach.
This beach offers many amenities, including changing rooms, restaurants, and small stores.
If you are looking for a secluded beach, this is not the place for you.
During peak tourist seasons, the beach is often overshadowed by large cruise ships that line up along the port while passengers explore the area.
However, this doesn’t stop you from enjoying the warm waters and white sand.
6. James Bond Beach
A beach with one of the most interesting names on this list is James Bond Beach.
This stunning beach offers peace and quiet during the week, perfect for relaxing and unwinding on your vacation. The beach gets its name because parts of “No Time To Die” were filmed here.
As with many beaches in Kingston, this normally quiet beach bursts into life on the weekends. Locals come to play music and spend time with their families.
If you want to do more than relax on the beach, you can hire jet skis and take boat trips from this beach.
7. Doctor’s Cave Beach
Doctor’s Cave Beach does not look at all like it sounds. In fact, there isn’t a cave in sight on this gorgeous stretch of beach.
This is Montego Bay’s most famous beach and was founded as a bathing club way back in 1906. The name comes from English chiropractor Sir Herbert Barker.
He claimed that the waters had healing properties, and the beach has been popular ever since.
There are floating dive platforms in the water that can be enjoyed by everyone. The waters’ deep blue hue perfectly contrasts with the white sand.
There are plenty of amenities such as restaurants, a bar, an internet cafe, and plenty of water sports. This is a beach that is popular with both tourists and locals.
8. Winnifred Beach
Winnifred Beach is a little bit of a hidden treasure in Kingston. It is located in a tiny hamlet known as Fairy Hill.
If you follow a steep, downhill road, you will arrive at this gorgeous strip of beach. The white, sun-bleached sand is some of the softest in the world, putting many more famous beaches to shame.
This is the only fully public beach on this stretch of the Jamaican coastline. The best thing about this beach is that there is a great vibe that will help you to relax, unwind, and sink into Jamaican culture with locals.
There is plenty of food and drink stands to choose from, and locals bring their sound systems at the weekend to start the party.
9. Boston Bay Beach
Boston Bay Beach is a great place to explore if you are looking for action rather than relaxation.
That’s not to say that you can’t relax on the inviting golden sand beneath the Jamaican sun. However, the cove’s shape and this spot’s main weather make it perfect for surfing.
If you are into wind and wave-powered water sports, this is the place for you.
Best of all, there are changing rooms, showers, and a lifeguard to ensure you are safe while having fun. There is also a small restaurant where you can refuel after riding the waves.
10. Bamboo Beach Club (Reggae Beach)
This is one of the few beaches in Kingston that features yellow sand instead of white sand. However, that doesn’t make Bamboo Beach Club any less beautiful.
This beach is still referred to as Reggae Beach by locals despite its name change. This is a really lively beach that is full of fun.
Renting kayaks from the beach to explore the coastline further is possible. There are also changing rooms on the beach.
You can purchase fresh jerk chicken and fish from a small food stand to refuel after kayaking. This beach can get extremely busy when a cruise ship is docked in Ocho Rios in the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of Jamaica has the nicest beaches?
Having been to the North West Coast of Jamaica, we recommend Seven Mile Beach in Negril and Montego Bay.
Is Montego Bay or Negril Better?
Both Montego Bay and Negril are awesome destinations in Jamaica. If you are a couple, we recommend Negril as it is a great beach for sunbathing and relaxation. If you are a family, Montego Bay is the better option as it has more attractions and family-friendly activities.
Final Thoughts on Best Beaches in Jamaica
Kingston has so many stunning beaches that it can be difficult to choose between them.
Whether you want to relax on a secluded and quiet beach or join the locals getting down to dancehall at the weekends, there is something for everyone.
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