10 Best Beaches in Jamaica

Jamaica has roughly 50 named beaches, most public. From Seven Mile in Negril to Frenchman's Cove in Portland, here are the ten consistently ranked as the island's best.

1. 1. Seven Mile Beach — Negril's iconic strip — calm, turquoise water, white sand, sunset bars all along the shore. Locally called Long Bay.
2. 2. Doctor's Cave Beach — Montego Bay's signature beach — clear water, lifeguards, beach club facilities, walking distance from the Hip Strip.
3. 3. Frenchman's Cove — Portland's most photographed beach — a freshwater river meets the sea in a tiny crescent cove fringed by tropical forest.
4. 4. Boston Bay — Surfing capital of Jamaica plus the original home of jerk — eat at the jerk centre then catch the small reef break.
5. 5. Treasure Beach — Quiet south-coast fishing community of bays — Calabash, Frenchman's, Great Pedro. Black sand, calm water, no resort crowds.
6. 6. Negril Beach West End — The cliff side of Negril — coral cliffs, snorkelling caves, sunset cliff diving at Rick's Cafe.
7. 7. Winnifred Beach — Portland's locals' beach — community-managed, free public access, Saturday-style cooking under almond trees.
8. 8. James Bond Beach — Oracabessa, near where Ian Fleming wrote the Bond novels at Goldeneye. Quiet, mostly local, occasional concerts.
9. 9. Hellshire Beach — Kingston's weekend beach — Saturday fried fish, festival (cornbread), and a famously local atmosphere.
10. 10. Lime Cay — Uninhabited islet off Port Royal — boat ride from Kingston Harbour, picnic-and-snorkel day trip.