Montego Bay, Jamaica, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. This is largely thanks to the beautiful beaches, luxury all-inclusive resorts, diverse water sports, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.
There is truly no shortage of crystal clear waters and white sand shores, so deciding which Montego Bay beach to visit can be a tricky task. To help make things a little easier, we have compiled a list of the best beaches near Montego Bay that are sure to make your vacation unforgettable.
1. Doctor’s Cave Beach
Doctor’s Cave Beach, located in Montego Bay, is one of the island’s most iconic beaches. In the early 20th century, a British doctor claimed that the minerals in the water had healing properties. To this day, locals and tourists flock to Doctor’s Cave Beach to see for themselves.
Aside from its healing properties, the waters at Doctor’s Cave Beach are famous for being warm, clear, and home to vibrant marine life in the reef. This makes it a particularly popular spot for snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Though the beach itself is defined by a laid-back atmosphere, the surrounding neighborhood is upbeat and action-packed. Located along the beach is Gloucester Avenue, lovingly nicknamed Hip Strip.
Hip Strip embodies the Jamaican spirit. Filled with unique shops and delicious dining options, Hip Strip is most known for its nightlife. With live music at every turn, there is an abundance of beach bars and nightclubs to hang out at.
Grab a beer from Doctor’s Cave Beach Bar and chill out by the shore, or visit the Margaritaville Montego Bay for some tropical drinks and fun on an ocean trampoline. Keep the fun going all night long with some dancing to reggae music at Taboo Nightclub or Blue Beat Ultra Lounge.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay is just a 10-minute drive from Doctor’s Cave Beach.
2. Cornwall Beach
Located in Montego Bay, just beside Doctor’s Cave Beach, is the scenic Cornwall Beach! If you are hoping to partake in the Jamaican party scene, this is the destination for you.
Every Wednesday, Cornwall Beach hosts “Irie Mon” beach parties. The goal of these parties is to elicit laid-back, good vibes. Many of these parties will feature bonfires on the shore that invite visitors to interact and commune together.
No “Irie Mon” party is complete without music! Typically, you will find a DJ or reggae band playing Carribean hits, as well as lots and lots of dancing. There will even be a dance floor on the white sand so that guests can really show off their moves.
Not a fan of dancing? No problem! These beach parties also feature fun games for groups to get competitive and play, like limbo and beach volleyball.
No party is complete without something to eat! Bars and local vendors are sure to be serving up traditional Jamaican dishes like seafood, jerk chicken, and bammy, which is a steamed or fried flatbread made from cassava and served with a protein or veggie.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Montego Bay Club Resort is within walking distance of Cornwall Beach.
3. Dead End Beach
Different from the aforementioned beaches, Dead End Beach is located in a less touristy area of Montego Bay. The small beach is nestled at the end of a road on Kent Ave. Because it is not well-known, it attracts fewer visitors than its neighboring beaches.
This makes Dead End a popular choice for anyone hoping to avoid the crowds, have a little more privacy, and hang out in Jamaica the way the locals do. Grab a beach chair and sunbathe on the white sand beach in peace.
Although Dead End Beach is separate from the main tourist attractions, it is close enough that you can enjoy them at any time. For example, you could hop in the car and get to the Rose Hall Great House in just 15 minutes.
Rose Hall Great House was built in 1770 by John Palmer for his wife, Rose. Over time, the historic home fell into disarray but was restored in the 1960s. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the property and learn more about Jamaica’s interesting and complex past.
In the mood for some golf? Near Rose Hall is the White Witch Golf Course. Carved into the countryside, this 6,758-yard 18-hole course welcomes players to compete surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Beach is located 15 minutes from Dead End Beach.
4. Dunn’s River Beach
Dunn’s River Beach is a pristine area on the island at the base of Dunn’s River Falls. Notable for its picturesque waterfalls, powdery sand, and lush greenery, River Falls is one of the most visited areas near Monterey Bay.
Dunn’s River Falls also holds historical significance; it is believed to be the location of the Battle of Chorreras between the English and Spanish in 1657. Today, the Falls is battle-free but continues to be filled with excitement.
Amongst the many aquatic activities in the area are swimming at the beach and going snorkeling. You can work up a sweat traversing the rocky terrain and climbing the falls that reach up to 180 feet high. Keep things safe and let a local guide lead the way.
After playing at the beach and exploring the Falls, purchase snacks from the vendors in the area. One of the most famous foods in Jamaica and a must-try while on the island is jerk chicken. Grilled over pimento wood and seasoned to perfection, vendors sell small portions for travelers to try.
Other popular vendor foods are Jamaican patties, which are flaky pastries filled with veggies, beef, or chicken, fried dumplings, and sticks of fresh sugarcane. Grab your snacks and enjoy a picnic on Dunn’s River Beach.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort is a 20-minute drive from the beach.
5. Turtle Beach
Located near Dunn’s River Falls is the beautiful Turtle Beach, also called Ocho Rios Bay Beach. Conveniently 7 km from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port, this location is especially popular with cruise ship tourists.
Don’t let the name fool you. The most popular animals to see at Turtle Beach are actually dolphins! Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios is a dolphin habitat and water park. Here, you will have the magical opportunity to go swimming with dolphins in a safe enclosure.
Other popular attractions at Dolphin Cove include snorkeling with stingrays and walking the Jungle Trail, where you can see a variety of tropical birds. Don’t forget to go down the thrilling Cawabunga water slide!
Back at Turtle Beach, you can keep the fun going by swimming in the turquoise waters or renting water sports equipment. Spend the day paddleboarding or riding jet skis. Then, head to the sandy beach for a competitive game of beach volleyball.
By the end of the day, you will have built up a massive appetite. Head to one of the many nearby eateries for dinner. Popular spots include the Reef Beach Cafe, Sharkies Seafood Restaurant, and Scotchies.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Zoetry Montego Bay Jamaica Resort is about a 25-minute drive from Turtle Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about traveling to Montego Bay, Jamaica? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that are sure to help you prepare for your dream vacation.
When is the best time of year to visit Montego Bay?
Vacationing in the Caribbean can be enjoyable year-round; however, the peak travel season to Montego Bay is from December to April, when the climate is warm and there is lower humidity. The off-season is considered to be from June to October when there are higher levels of humidity, more rain, and a higher chance of hurricanes.
Is the water in Montego Bay clear?
Yes, the water in Montego Bay is iconically clean and clear. This is in large part due to the sand quality and calm tides. Certain beaches in the area have a small entrance fee that ensures they remain in pristine condition.
Are there private beaches in Montego Bay?
Yes, there are some private beaches in Montego Bay associated with local beach resorts, such as at Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and Zoetry Montego Bay. To visit these areas that are reserved for hotel guests without paying for a hotel room, you can purchase Day Passes on ResortPass and enjoy the hotel amenities.
What are other popular beaches in Jamaica?
Other nice beaches in Jamaica include Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Walter Fletcher Beach in St. James, Puerto Seco Beach in St. Ann, Frenchman’s Cove in Port Antonio, Treasure Beach in South Coast, and James Bond Beach in Oracabessa.
