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Best beaches in Jamaica

Find the top sandy sweeps in Jamaica.
Caribbean islands and beaches. That’s a power couple that can’t be rivalled. Jay Z and Beyonce? Nope. Sweet and sour? Don’t think so. Fish and chips? Ok, maybe. When it comes to holidays, spreading out on a sandy stretch in 30°C heat with a cocktail (or mocktail) in hand is pretty much the definition of bliss. And over in Jamaica, deciding which part of coastline deserves your attention can be a real brain buster. Truth be told, most of the belts here are worthy of being on the podium for best beach. But, they each have their own calling card that makes them special. Here are a few of our favourites…

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What resorts have the best beaches in Jamaica?

Before we can start to shout-out which specific beaches we consider the best, you must know what parts of the island you should be looking at when planning your beach holiday to Jamaica. The resorts with the best beaches in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. All three spots focus most of their attention on the coast. That means you’ve got a much bigger selection to choose from. Plus, they all deal in All Inclusive seaside hotels – we’ll give our top picks for each one further down.

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Stretch of beach backing onto a hotel in Montego Bay.

Montego Bay – Doctor’s Cave Beach

Size might not be the winning stat for this beach, but atmosphere and facilities certainly are. This 300-metre-long pick is nestled by Montego Bay’s waterfront, with a row of hotels, bars, restaurants and even a few jewellery stores nuzzled up beside it. Decor-wise, expect rows of trees and pin-striped umbrellas to provide all the shady spaces. Plus, there’s a couple of piers where day cruises and watersports are often available – sometimes, there’s even an inflatable waterpark for little ones to play on, too. Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy playing in the water here, either. It’s not uncommon to see schools of colourful tropical fish gliding through the water just offshore, so don’t forget to bring a mask and snorkel. Couples, if you’re after romantic vibes, Doctor’s Cave Beach is right on Jamaica’s west coast, so you’re in the perfect position to watch the sunset when evening rolls around.

Just so you know, it costs around $8 per person to go on the beach.

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Doctor’s Cave Beach.

Hotel recommendation – Riu Montego Bay

Doctor’s Cave Beach is on the west side of Sangster International Airport, whereas Riu Montego Bay is on the east, meaning it’s about a 10-minute drive between the two. However, you don’t have to travel to reach a beach when you stay at this adults-only hotel – it’s pulled up right to the coast. Alongside its prime beachfront postcode, you can also splash about in five pools, one of which has a swim-up bar. And, when your stomach starts rumbling, you can fill up at a handful of restaurants, including the à la cartes and a by-the-beach Jamaican grill.

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A swim-up bar at Riu Montego Bay.

Negril – Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach isn’t just considered one of the best beaches in Jamaica. It often ranks on lists for the best beaches in the world. It’s not hard to see why. Despite the name, there isn’t seven miles of sand to spread out on here. The tape measure stretches out for around 6.3 miles in total – still, that means finding a quiet spot to sunbathe on is a doddle. It’s decorated with a bunch of palm trees, which give it an authentic Caribbean feel (as well as plenty of shady spots). And, where Doctor’s Cave Beach had bars, this place has smaller, more rustic shacks where you can try the island’s main tipple, Red Stripe beer. There’s plenty of watersports to get stuck in to here, as well. Glass-bottom boat trips to see some of the coral reefs just offshore are the perfect way to break up stints on the sand.

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Coral reefs and fish at Seven Mile Beach.

Hotel recommendation – Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

The water scene at this hotel is what really makes it shine. It’s pulled up right by a white-sand beach where snorkelling and scuba diving are on the cards. There’s a huge pool, too, where introductory scuba sessions are hosted – you get one included in your stay. Elsewhere, little ones have a splash park to play in, complete with slides, fountains and a tipping bucket. There’s just as much variety when it comes to the food. You can pile up plates at the international buffet and dig in to Mexican, Italian and Japanese fare at the à la cartes. The spa’s pretty special here, as well. It’s decked out with a hefty treatment menu (pedicure, anyone?) as well as a hydrotherapy pool and a beauty salon – perfect for head-to-toe pampering.

Find out more about Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection All Inclusive Resort.
A restaurant at Royalton Negril.

Ocho Rios – Reggae Beach

Ocho Rios, on Jamaica’s northern coast, has a beach for every occasion. If you’re dreaming of a Jamaica beach holiday that’s all about secluded sands backed by palms – you know, that classic Caribbean scene you’re picturing in your head – then you have to kick back on Reggae Beach. This pick is one of the smaller in Ocho Rios’ roster, but its secluded, natural feel sets it apart from the rest of the line-up. There aren’t bars or restaurants here, just row after row of greenery that opens up onto a strip of sand that’s managed to stay hidden from the big crowds.

Find out more about Ocho Rios holidays.
A secluded beach framed by a palm tree.

Hotel recommendation – Riu Ocho Rios

Riu Ocho Rios is a real winner when it comes to locations. Like our other hotel recommendations, it’s rooted right on a sandy beach. It’s also a 10-minute drive from one of Jamaica’s most popular attractions, the Dunn River Falls – AKA Jamaica’s go-to spot for forest hikes and waterfall frolicking. If you’re set on spending a day on Reggae Beach, you can also get there in about 20 minutes by taxi. Facilities-wise, this place packs in five pools, as well as a splash park for little ones. There’s plenty for them to chow down on here, as well – three buffets deal in international, Italian and Asian fare. There’s also a spa, for when you need to recharge your batteries with a day of massages and manicures.

Find out more about Riu Ocho Rios.
A kids' splash park at Riu Ochos Rios.
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Or, for more inspiration, check out the best beach break destinations. Plus, find out more about what the food is like in Jamaica.

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Author: Ben Staff

Last updated: 03.05.2024

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