Jamaica is an island in the Greater Antilles. It is 234 kilometers long and 80 kilometers at its widest point. It lies in the Caribbean about 150 kilometers south of Cuba. It is named by the Arawakan-speaking Taino inhabitants, meaning the “Land of Wood and Water,” or the “Land of Springs.”
Regardless of when you visit, the tropical climate and warm temperatures of Jamaica essentially guarantee beautiful weather during your vacation. The average temperatures in Jamaica range between 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. July and August are the hottest months and February the coolest. Temperatures in Jamaica generally vary approximately 10 degrees from summer to winter. As Jamaica is a relatively small island, it is surrounded by lush tropical beaches on all sides. This makes it one of the most popular tourist and vacation destinations in the world.
Doctor’s Cave Beach was named for a physician who donated his beach property to form a swim club; the property was once accessible via a cave that was later destroyed by a hurricane. It’s a place full of history, not the least because this is the strip of sand that helped put Montego Bay on the international tourist map. The beach is located in the heart of MoBay and maintained by the Doctor’s Cave Beach Club, a membership club that charges an admission fee for use of the beach. It’s a small price to pay, however, for access to a great beach that’s right off Gloucester Avenue with a new clubhouse with changing facilities, the Groovy Grouper beach bar, and other amenities.
If it’s a deserted beach you have in mind for your Jamaican vacation, Treasure Beach is the place to go. This south coast beach community, known as much for fishing and farming than tourism, offers a great opportunity to mingle with ‘real’ Jamaicans far from the tourist hordes. Try Jake’s Hotel, which is part of the Island Outpost chain and located oceanfront. Expect to find unpopulated sands, private coves, and laid-back resorts, dining and nightclubs.
The longest beach in Jamaica remains one of the island’s best. First developed in the 1960s, Seven Mile Beach is lined with resorts but maintains a touch of its free-love spirit with a number of designated areas for nude sunbathing, including at the Hedonism II resort. Harassment by vendors selling everything from hair-braiding to marijuana can be a negative at this beach, however.
If you’re in Montego Bay and looking for a more sedate beach experience than you’ll find downtown, head east to Rose Hall Beach. If you’re staying at one of the luxury beachfront resorts here, such as the Iberostar, Half Moon, the Hilton Rose Hall, or the Ritz-Carlton, then this glorious strip of sand is right outside your doorway. If not, you can access this strand at the Rose Hall Beach Club, which has a restaurant, beach bar, and live entertainment, among other amenities.
Boston Bay Beach, located in the somewhat faded tourist town of Port Antonio, is known for having some of the best jerk stands and surfing in the country. The beach is frequently by locals and tourists alike.
If you are looking for that terrific swim, you will find it in Port Antonio at Blue Lagoon. Lie out in the sun on one of the floating docks and get good and hot. Then dip into the cool, spring-fed waters and enjoy the swim.
If you are in the area of Runaway Bay, check out Puerto Seco Beach, which looks out on Discovery Bay. Its name means “dry port,” and it was purportedly so named by Christopher Columbus, who came to the island in search of fresh water but found none.
Surfers love Boston Beach where equipment is plentiful. The beach of Long Bay are said to offer the most consistent waves on the southwest coast. Swimmers should be careful as the current may be strong.
For families with young children there are several beaches in Jamaica known for their gentle waters that lack the strong currents and undertows found in other areas. This makes swimming safer. Among the best of these are the Walter Fletcher Beach in Montego Bay, San San Beach and Blue Lagoon Beach in Port Antonio and Dunn’s River Beach, located in Ocho Rios.
Jamaica is a lovely island nation with approximately 200 miles of beaches. There are beaches to suit every taste, ranging from family oriented to nude sun bathing. They are peaceful, natural surroundings with pristine white sands and full service from the resorts. There are beaches perfect for active water sports and others known for their active social scene. Planning will help make the best choice. Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses and tanning lotion as it is always sunny in Jamaica!
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