beaches in jamaica top and best

Narrowing down the best beaches in Jamaica is an extremely difficult task.

With over 55 beaches that are perfect in their own way, it’s difficult to narrow down a top 5 list.

But below, I’ll share my favourites from different parts of Jamaica. This way if you’re visiting, it’s likely that you’ll be staying close enough to one of the beaches on this list.

And hopefully, if you’ve been to a beach that is not on this list, you’ll mention it in the comments section at the end of this post.

Puerto Seco in Discovery Bay, St. Ann

If I had to choose one, this would be it.

But to be fair, I’m biased because my family owns a house in the area. So I’ve been coming here since I was a baby.

Now that I have little ones of my own, this is still our favourite beach. We come here at least once per month.

The water is extremely gentle and shallow for a good way out so the kids can run in and out without being knocked over by a wave.

And the sand is powdery soft white sand. I’ve personally never felt sand that is softer.

Seaweed? None!

Crowds? There’s rarely anyone here. There are no hotels in the area so only a few savvy tourists come here, and the locals tend to hang out over by the fisherman’s beach which is just as nice, but more crowded.

We usually have this place all to ourselves.

The only downfall is that there is no restaurant or bar on the beach at the moment. If you need lunch, you’ll have to take a walk along the beach to the fisherman’s beach.

There you can get freshly caught seafood cooked however you like it.

Also, there are no beach chairs or umbrellas for rent so if you need that stuff, you’ll have to bring your own.

But there’s some construction going on at Puerto Seco Beach so I’m pretty sure that by the end of 2017, maybe early 2018, there will be a restaurant and bar.

Here’s a video I did a few years ago. It’s not directly on Puerto Seco beach but it’s right next door so a lot of the shots include Puerto Seco.

Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay

Doctor’s Cave beach is another favourite of mine and definitely one of the best beaches in Jamaica.

The water and sand here are pristine and the bathroom and facilities are the cleanest you’ll find on any beach in Jamaica.

This is the beach I go to when I’m in Montego Bay and want to hang out with some friends and have a few drinks.

There’s always music playing and lots of people around. It’s a much livelier vibe than at Puerto Seco. It feels like there’s always a party going on.

On days that a cruise ship comes in, it gets a little too live! Tourists come in droves so if you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, it won’t happen here.

But if you’re looking for a party vibe where you can meet some new people and share a few laughs, this is the place.

The food at the restaurant on the property is excellent. I always have the fish burger which is top-notch, but I’ve heard great things about their jerk chicken being just right!

There are umbrellas and comfortable lounge chairs available here so you just need to show up with some cash and a towel.

If you like snorkelling and you’re a strong swimmer, bring some snorkel gear. There’s a reef not too far out that you can enjoy.

7 Mile Beach in Negril

There’s no way I could be writing about the best beaches in Jamaica and not mention Negril’s 7 Mile Beach.

This beach is one of Jamaica’s treasures and has just about everything you could want out of a beach.

There’s an endless amount of options if you need food. From pizza to steaks to freshly caught seafood.

Whatever you feel for, you can find it.

Bars? I’d challenge anyone to tell me about another beach in Jamaica with more bars.

Whatever you’re looking for on a beach, you’ll find it here.

Did I mention the warm, crystal-clear turquoise blue water?

And the silky soft sand that your feet will sink into with every step? You won’t find any sharp stones mixed into this sand.

And also, the sunsets here are world-renowned. This is the westernmost part of the island.

This beach is definitely one of the best beaches you’ll find in Jamaica.

The only problem I can imagine you having is choosing which part of the beach you’ll want to settle in for the day. It is 7 miles long with lots of different spots to choose from all with their own little vibe.

And it’s not a private beach so you can expect to see a local trying to sell you some handmade jewellery or some Jamaican ganja (I’ve heard the best comes from Negril). But if you’re not interested, a simple no usually sends them on their way.