Travel News

10 Best Beaches in Jamaica

best beaches in jamaica south coast treasure beach

Jamaica is well known for having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. From the pristine white sand of Negril to the windswept rugged coastline in Portland, the best beaches in Jamaica run the gamut and will appeal to any beach lover.

I spent 10 months living in Jamaica and exploring this beautiful island country. A fan of beaches and getting away from the crowd, I was always looking for secret spots to enjoy the sun and that warm Caribbean Sea.

No matter how long your trip to Jamaica is, you will likely enjoy at least one or two of the top beaches in Jamaica. What kind of beach opportunity you seek really is up to you and how off the beaten path you are looking to get!

Best Beaches in Jamaica on the North Coast

The North Coast of Jamaica is home to the majority of major hotel chains, all-inclusive resorts, and cruise ship ports. The beaches of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are the perfection you see in the glossy honeymoon brochures. However, to be honest, they are not all quite as pictured.

Many of the beaches on the North Coast are unfortunately owned by private hotels. This means some of the very best beaches in Jamaica are literally saved for a select few.

This is discouraging for us visitors, but far more so for locals who should be free to enjoy their own homeland.

Some of the public beaches carry a day fee which may seem small to tourists, but for many locals, it’s prohibitive. That said, there are some places where you can still find that classic Jamaican feeling of irie.

☞ Read More: 13 Reasons Why Jamaica is a Backpacker’s Paradise

Runaway Bay Beach

Not only is this one of the best beaches in Jamaica, but this lovely public beach is also totally FREE! Pull off the A1 highway just west of the Runway Bay town centre to find a small beach restaurant and a lovely stretch of white sand and tranquil water.

The beach is nicely sheltered so the waves are calm and the sand is largely free of debris. Just up the beach is a local craft market to do some souvenir shopping and buy direct from the women of Runaway.

best beaches in jamaica runaway bay beach

Where to Stay in Runaway Bay


Here is a list of the top 3 rated, affordable properties in Runaway Bay. Click on the links and check them out for yourself!

  • Pipers Cove Resort – From $85 / Night, Rating 8.9. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com
  • Guest House Villa Mishkan – From $90 / Night. Click here to see the latest price on Booking.com

Click here to see all accommodation options available in Runaway Bay on…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Goats On The Road…