The Best Beaches in Jamaica (2020)

Are you looking for the best Jamaica beaches? Here’s the 2020 guide to the beaches in Jamaica with more information about each one, what to expect and where to find them. 

The Jamaican beaches have become famous worldwide for its powdery white sand and turquoise water with swaying palm trees in the background. It’s a wonderful destination where the majority of tourists come from North America (the U.S and Canada). 

Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay)

This is one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica, and it’s a private one where you pay a daily fee. It’s well worth it though if you’re staying in the Montego Bay area.

It has a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, so it’s a great place to chill out in the sun. You can expect a clean golden beach with modern facilities and watersports. The snorkeling at Doctor’s Cave Beach is also great, thanks to its protected coral reefs, which are part of the Montego Bay Marine Park.

Seven Mile Beach (Negril)

In my opinion, the Seven Miles Beach in Negril is easily one of the best beaches in Jamaica. It is known for its pristine white sand, turquoise water, and palm trees. When you’re thinking about commercials selling trips to the Caribbean, this beach has all the Caribbean vibes that give you the feeling of being in paradise. 

Despite its name, the Seven Mile Beach is actually only just about 5 miles. Nonetheless, it’s fabulous and there is also a great selection of watersports, and you have the opportunity of snacking up some Jerk chicken while relaxing in your sunbed.

The only downside to Seven Mile Beach in Negril is that it can be crowded during high-season, and sometimes the street vendors can be a bit overwhelming too. 

Frenchman’s Cove

A secluded beach located in Port Antonio. Even though it has gained some popularity in recent years, it continues to be quieter than other beaches in Jamaica, and you’ll find yourself in a true tropical island paradise. 

The water is crystal clear at Frenchman’s Cove and it’s full of colorful fish, which makes it an excellent place to go snorkeling. There is also a decent selection of food nearby, and you can even stay at the Frenchman’s Cove Resort. 

Winnifred Beach

Winnifred Beach is located only 55 minutes by car from Frenchman’s Cove, also in Port Antonio. It’s a lovely place with calm waters and coral reefs teeming with fishes. A word of caution for the sea urchins though.

It’s a public beach, so there is no admission fee, and there are also some beach shacks offering drinks and food. If you want to stay in this area, you have the Tropical Lagoon Resort within walking distance.

Treasure Beach

While the beaches around Treasure Beach aren’t as pretty as the ones in Montego Bay, Negril or Port Antonio, it’s a great place for those who wish to get away from the crowds.

It’s also a good choice for those traveling on a budget as there is some cheaper accommodation here and lots of local vendors selling Jamaican food. 

Mammee Bay

Mammee Bay is a mix of public and private beach. It’s located near Ocho Rios and it’s a beautiful place to spend your day. It’s not as crowded as Ochos Rios Bay Beach, but you still have all the amenities needed including dining options. 

There is a restaurant called Bamboo Blu known for serving delicious local food and cocktails. The restaurant is part of the private beach in Mammee Bay and reservation is required. It’s also a great place to enjoy the sunset. 

Burwood Beach

This is one of the nicest public beaches in Jamaica, located on the Northwestern coast, near Falmouth. 

Ochos Rios Bay Beach

If you’re staying in the Ocho Rios area, then the Ochos Rios Bay Beach is the best choice for soaking up the sun and relax. The best section is known as Turtle Beach, and you’ll pay an admission fee. 

There are lots of resorts where you can stay here, and you also have a great selection of tours and activities. 

Boston Beach

Last but not least, Boston Beach, which is the best public beach in Jamaica, in my opinion. It’s a bit similar to Frenchman’s cove, but located further East.

It’s particularly known for its scenic views, turquoise water, and white sand as well as being the place where Jamaican jerk food originated. In the nearby area, you can also find some great places for surfing, although the water in Boston Beach is calm.

More about the Jamaican beaches

While visiting Jamaica you can choose from private beaches for a fee or guests only and public beaches which are free. The private beaches often have better quality and offerings when it comes to food, activities, and accommodation. 

The most popular beaches in Jamaica are all sandy with colors ranging from white to golden/brownish. The public beaches are often more secluded, away from the crowds, so if you make your way to them, you won’t have to share it with as many others. 

This also depends on which season you choose of course. Even the private Jamaica beaches have fewer tourists during low-season.

In general, the Jamaican beaches are safe for swimming and most of them are clean. However, some public beaches in Jamaica have problems with trash, although the most popular places often have some kind of garbage management where trash is cleaned up daily.

How many beaches does Jamaica have?

There are more than 50 public beaches in Jamaica, so you’re sure to find your own favorite. 

Are there white sand beaches in Jamaica?

Yes, perhaps the most famous white sand beach in Jamaica is the Seven Mile Beach, which has a stretch of 5 miles with powder white sand and turquoise water. Other nice Jamaica beaches with white sand include Doctor’s cave beach and Winnifred Beach.

Map of the best beaches in Jamaica

As you can see on the map below, the beaches of Jamaica are quite spread out on the island, so you got plenty of choices on where to spend your holidays. 

More reading from Jamaica

• Interesting facts about Jamaica

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Which of these Jamaica beaches is your favorite? Leave a comment below!