Boston Bay Beach

East Coast · Portland

Rating: 4.6 / 5

Boston Bay, on the rugged Portland coast east of Port Antonio, is the birthplace of Jamaican jerk cooking — the Maroons of the surrounding hills are credited with inventing the spicing and slow wood-smoking technique that defines the cuisine. The bay itself is a compact cove with unusually punchy Atlantic surf, making it one of the few beaches on the island where surf lessons and board rental are a regular feature. The original Boston Jerk Centre stalls line the road above the beach, smoking pork, chicken and fish over pimento wood throughout the day. Expect surfers, picnicking families and the permanent smell of jerk smoke on the breeze.