The Best Beaches in Jamaica

Bringing in millions of travellers from around the world, Jamaica’s coastline is known to hold some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for the best place to soak up the sun or a day filled with exciting beachfront activities, Jamaica’s beaches make it easy to have the perfect island getaway. 

With endless miles of white sand and crystal blue waters, it can be difficult to visit each of these amazing beaches in just one trip. When planning your next vacation, refer to the list below for the best beaches in Jamaica.
 

Best Beaches in Kingston, Jamaica

Lime Cay by Bertrand Gimat. Original here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/beberinho/5898668402/

LIME CAY BEACH

If you’re seeking tropical island paradise, Lime Cay Beach in Kingston is your answer.

This Jamaican beach stretches over 380 metres along the South East Coast and is the largest cay in the area. Being one of the more undisturbed beaches in Jamaica, Lime Cay embraces its uniqueness of being uninhabitable by humans due to the possibility of being submerged when the tide rolls in. Since there are no facilities on the island, many travellers will sail out from Port Royal - one of Jamaica’s most popular destinations just 2 miles away - with lunch and refreshments for the afternoon. 

Lime Cay is considered to be on of the best beaches in Kingston, Jamaica. The beach can become quite popular among locals on Sundays, with weekdays being more secluded. The public beach even allows clothing-optional sunbathing throughout the weekdays due to the likelihood of no one being around. If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation and tranquility, Lime Cay Beach should be on your list of beaches to visit when travelling to Jamaica!

Best Beaches in Portland, Jamaica

Winnifred Beach by Aamir Mian. Original here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alaadin/5506852640/

WINNIFRED BEACH

Winnifred Beach offers paradise on earth in the heart of Jamaica. Being just 20 minutes away from Port Antonio, this beach is located in a tropical cove in Fairy Hill along the East Coast of Portland, Jamaica. Winnifred Beach is known to be one of the most traditionally authentic beaches in Jamaica - offering a lively atmosphere with a number of delicious eateries and vendors. The beach is home to a beautiful, offshore reef that provides one of the ideal snorkeling opportunities for travellers. Partake in various beachfront activities or spend your day relaxing on the white sand along the Caribbean Sea. Regardless of how you spend your day, Winnifred Beach offers an authentic Jamaican experience that you won’t forget.

Frenchman's Cove by Crown exclusive. Original here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/27390614@N08/16546817228/

FRENCHMAN'S COVE BEACH

The Frenchman’s Cove is a lovely, cozy beach with great swimming opportunities in the Caribbean and the freshwater creek. This beautiful cove with fine sand is quite small in size, so it can get crowded easily. With an entry fee of 10 USD, this private beach is the place to visit when in Portland and looking to spend a relaxing day at the beach. With free Wi-Fi, a beautiful river and surrounding beach, scenic views of the island, and the sound of cascading waves hitting the shoreline, the popular tourist attraction is worth every penny spent. Indulge in rope swinging over the pristine lazy river, splash your feet in its emerald waters, or witness the amazing contrast of colours from the water to the sand to the trees. Frenchman’s Cove makes it to the top of the best beaches in Jamaica and may very well be one of the best beaches in the world.

Pellew Island by Pelleb. Original here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pelle/5387084513/

MONKEY / PELLEW ISLAND AT BLUE LAGOON

Off the East Coast of Jamaica in Port Antonio is a small, offshore island known as Pellew Island. The island is commonly referred to as “Monkey Island” since a colony of monkeys used to reside in the area. Now the island offers a well-shaded beach, a diving platform into the Caribbean Sea, and breathtaking views of the coast (without the monkeys). There are multiple activities to partake in while visiting Monkey Island, including kayaking, snorkeling, and rafting tours. Offering a day of fun in the sun with family and friends, the island is considered to be one of the best beaches in Port Antonio, Jamaica.

Best Beaches in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Doctor's Cave Beach by Alvaro Gonzalez. Original here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/algongar/3836527123/

DOCTOR'S CAVE BEACH

Doctor’s Cave Beach has been one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica for nearly a century. Its translucent water and white sand offer an alluring contrast of surreal beauty. The private beach is well-manicured, offering visitors a clean and inviting environment for total relaxation. Guests can rent chairs and umbrellas to soak up the sun in comfort. The beach club also has an extensive selection of restaurants and bars that serve up delicious treats daily. With everything at the palm of your hand, Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the best beaches in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Best Beaches in South Coast, Jamaica

Calabash Bay/Treasure Beach by Georgia Popplewell. Original here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgiap/513869772/

TREASURE BEACH

Featuring sun and relaxation, this Jamaican beach is an island favorite between locals and travellers alike. Treasure Beach is a mixture of dark and white sand that stretches for six miles along the South Coast of Jamaica. The area offers a range of possibilities, with private coves and bays, rocky shorelines, fisherman’s enclaves, and secluded swimming spots. 

Travellers can enjoy a number of exciting activities the public beach has to offer, including swimming, snorkeling, body-surfing, hiking, biking, and sightseeing tours. Treasure Beach also offers rental cottages, hotel rooms, and camping spots where tourists are able to stay and extend their day at the beach. Due to the friendly vibe and breathtaking landscapes, Treasure Beach continues to hold its place as one of the best beaches in the South Coast of Jamaica.

Bluefields Beach by Troy. Original here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/troyandnaomi/434290495/

BLUEFIELDS BEACH

Bluefields Beach is one of the most adored beaches in Jamaica, as it is one of the few remaining beaches that is completely free and open to the public. The soft white-sand stretches for a half mile along the South Coast of Jamaica, offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear turquoise sea. The beach can get very busy among locals during the weekends and holidays, as the park comes alive with authentic smells from food vendors and reggae music playing across the beach. The area tries to stay away from the touristy vibe, keeping vendors specific to food and drinks. When visiting Jamaica’s South Coast, don’t forget to check out Bluefields Beach for an authentic experience.

Best Beaches in Negril, Jamaica

Glass Bottom Sunset on Negril Beach by Dimitri Hepburn. Original here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dimitri246/5312101639/

SEVEN MILE BEACH

Commonly referred to as the Seven Mile Beach, Negril Beach is a place of surreal and captivating oceanfront beauty. It has been voted one of the best beaches in the world on several different occasions and is known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Jamaica. The white sand stretches for seven miles along the West Coast, offering the most beautiful contrast against the clear, turquoise sea. The Seven Mile Beach faces directly west, providing a dramatic sunset over the Caribbean Sea. 

Travellers are able to enjoy a number of exciting activities at the beach, including sea kayaking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, water skiing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, horseback riding along the beach, and glass bottom boat adventures. With endless adventures and the ideal scenery for the ultimate relaxation, the Seven Mile Beach is one of the best beaches in Negril, Jamaica.

Best Beaches in Falmouth Jamaica

Red Stripe Beach Jamaica by Lisa Bongiorno. Original here:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/33489706@N08/22890588303/

RED STRIPE BEACH

Your trip to Jamaica would not be complete until visiting the white sands of the Red Stripe Beach. The beach is a common excursion destination for cruise ships to take port, as it is located directly along the North Coast in Falmouth, Jamaica. The private beach is the definition of total rest and relaxation, offering a comfortable environment to soak up the Caribbean sun or enjoy a refreshing dip in the warm Jamaican waters. Visitors can enjoy a number of beachfront activities, including kayaking, surfing, and bamboo rafting. Absorb the panoramic views as you spend your day at Red Stripe Beach, one of Jamaica’s best beaches.

Visit the Most Beautiful Beaches in Jamaica

Ready to start planning your next vacation? Check out affordable tour packages in Jamaica for an inclusive, exclusive, and truly authentic experience. Tropical Trips Jamaica offers tours and excursions that are ideal for all travellers - including solo travellers, couples, family, friends, and small to large groups!