In search of the ideal beach vacation spot? There are many beautiful beaches in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and this article takes a look at some of Montego Bay’s top beach vacation spots. With one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, Montego Bay is the most visited area in Jamaica.
Popular tourist destination Montego Bay, or “MoBay” as the locals call it, is located on the northern coast of Jamaica. Aside from Negril, it’s one of the top spots to stay on this Caribbean island.
This area is excellent for those who are only in Jamaica for a short time or those wishing to remain close to the airport. You’ll find various sights, services, and relaxing beaches within a short distance of your lodging.
Cornwall Beach
Cornwall Beach and its powdery white sands are on the western coast of Jamaica, not far from Montego Bay. This private beach is famous in Montego Bay because of the calm waters.
Located on the trendy stretch of Gloucester Avenue, this beach in Montego Bay is part of the Royal Decameron Montego Beach Hotel. From downtown Montego Bay, the trip takes around 5 minutes.
Cornwall Beach is privately owned by the hotel, so a day permit is required to visit. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and it boasts well-maintained facilities. In addition to the lounge chairs and umbrellas, the area also features a bar, a restaurant, and restrooms. The snorkeling right off the shore is excellent as well.
Doctor’s Cave Beach
Doctor’s Cave is a renowned beach in Montego Bay. This beach is a favorite among vacationers and locals because of its 5 miles of pristine white sand and turquoise sea. Some people might be put off because you have to pay to get in.
Most visitors are happy to pay to visit Doctor’s Cave, where you can swim in the gentle waves under the watchful eye of lifeguards and take advantage of the many water activities, changing facilities, and beachside bars.
Because of its prominence, the beach will likely have large crowds and expensive cuisine. When visiting Doctor’s Cave, you can also hire gear for water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and water scooters.
In 1920, there was a flurry of interest in Doctor’s Cave from people who thought the cave’s waters had healing properties. Visitors came from far and wide to bathe in the miraculous healing waters of this beach, one of the most well-known in Montego Bay. The cave is no longer used for healing but continues to draw tourists.
Sandals Montego Bay Beach
Only Sandals Resorts guests are allowed on this private beach. Here, you can have a romantic and extravagant vacation at a hotel on one of Montego Bay’s finest beaches.
The reefs are close to the shore, and the waters are tranquil, making Sandals Montego Bay a fantastic location for snorkeling. The private island and beach of Sandals Cay are also available for guests. Long stretches of powdery white sand give way to a sea of brilliant turquoise and blue, while reefs in the distance guarantee calm waters (and excellent snorkeling).
Sit back and relax with a tasty tropical drink while basking in the shade the umbrellas provide. If you need even more seclusion, there are platforms with thatched roofs towering over the ocean.
One Man Beach
Old Hospital Beach, commonly known as One Man Beach, is located next to Acquasol Beach Park. This stretch of sand at Montego Bay is popular among sunbathers. You will find this spot between the amusement park and the former hospital—the building originally served as Montego Bay’s first hospital.
This beach doesn’t have entry fees and there are no restrooms or facilities. The beach is trendy amongst locals and there are places to purchase refreshments and snacks. The sunsets are breathtaking, and the sea is clear. Even though it’s not as well-kept as some exclusive beaches, it’s worth the trip to this stunning beach in Montego Bay.
Dump-up Beach
Dump-up Beach is one of the famous beaches in Montego Bay. The waters here are pristine, the sand is powdery white, and there’s a constant bustle of activity. Moreover, the government’s ownership of the land ensures that anyone can access it without paying a fee.
Since it’s free, it’s popular with the locals. As a result, football games, strolls, and swims among the locals are all par for the course. Free concerts are also common.
The lack of restrooms is the only negative aspect of an otherwise excellent beach. Dump-up Beach is the way to go if you want beach time while getting a feel for real life in Jamaica.
Belvedere Beach
Near the center of Montego Bay, on Gloucester Avenue, sits Belvedere Beach. Guests from the nearby Half Moon Resort make up a sizable portion of the crowd at this beach. The beach itself is spotless and well-kept. There are no restrooms nearby but there are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area. Favorites include traditional Jamaican cuisine at Scotchie’s, seafood at Lobster Trap, and Sugar Mill Restaurant.
Dead End Beach
Take in the stunning sunsets in Montego Bay from this relaxing beach location. A total dose of island spirit can be found at the nearby sports bar.
There are no entrance fees, but there are also no amenities. The sunsets on this beach are famously stunning, but that’s not all there is to see and appreciate. Because of the calm waters and picturesque scenery, it’s an ideal spot for families.
Plane-spotting opportunities abound at the nearby airport, which is also close to Dead End Beach. Even though there’s some noise from the planes taking off, sitting on the beach and watching the planes and the waves are calming. You can bring food and drinks, or purchase some at the nearby bar and restaurant.
Aquasol Beach Park
Aquasol Beach Park combines pleasure and relaxation by providing the ideal blend of island music, locals, and delicious cuisine. The atmosphere here is chill and relaxed. This beach is one of the most popular in Montego Bay since it caters to families and offers activities like waterslides, go-karts, a skating rink, and more.
For families with young children, the presence of a lifeguard during the day is a major selling feature. Still, the tennis court, sports bar, fitness center, restaurant, and watersport rentals are also big draws for adults.
The beach charges a nominal entry fee. One of the best times to visit this beach in Montego Bay is when a cruise ship isn’t docked nearby.
Walter Fletcher Beach
Aquasol Beach Park is adjacent to Walter Fletcher Beach, which can be reached on foot. At the center of this beach is a picturesque cove framed by calm, clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Shade is provided by coconut palms as well.
Tropical Bliss Beach
One of Montego Bay’s beaches, Tropical Bliss, is close to the city’s center. During the peak season, it gets hectic. Despite numerous resorts, a sizable portion of the beach is public and free to use.
The beach facilities are reserved for resort guests. Beach umbrellas and chairs, food vendors, lockers, hot showers, and flush toilets are all available. As are water sports like jet skiing, sea kayaking, and sailing catamarans.
There’s also a seaside amusement park with various inflatable devices for great family fun. During the summer months, a lifeguard patrols this section of the beach.
You can do more than swim and lay out in the sun here; this is one of the best beaches in Montego Bay for families looking to have fun.
Mahee Bay Beach
Mahee Bay Beach is a busy city despite its beachy and rural name. Trees line the area, providing some natural shade. It has a uniform shoreline with clear, turquoise ocean and golden sand.
During the peak season, it gets busy. Hotels occupy the entire shoreline of Mahee Bay. Only registered hotel guests are permitted to use resort beach facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, restrooms, and showers. Jet skis and catamarans are only two of the many options for fun on the sea.
Montego Beach
The sand and sea at Montego Beach are both delightful, making it a popular destination. At this beach, you can rent amenities like chaise lounges and umbrellas. It offers a quiet retreat about a mile from the city’s center.
This is one of Montego Bay’s busiest beaches. Therefore, finding a nice spot on the sand during peak times may be challenging. Umbrella rentals, for example, are popular since they allow visitors to relax in the shade on a hot Caribbean day without bringing their own equipment. Clear, mild, and pristine waters also make it a popular spot.
Bottom Line
You can choose from various public and private beaches in Montego Bay. The beaches are beautiful, there are lots to do, and it’s easy to get there. It’s easy to see why Montego Bay is a popular spot for Jamaican honeymooners and other couples on a romantic getaway.
