Caribbean as seen in the picture book – the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica
Palmengesäumt und wie mit Puderzucker bestäubt oder aber felsig-karg und mit schwarz glitzerndem Sand bedeckt – Jamaikas Strände sind legendär und vielfältig. Wir haben acht Tipps für jeden Geschmack
A true celebrity: Seven Mile Beach
A spectacular sunset over the sea can be seen almost every evening. With powdery sands, turquoise waters and photogenic palm trees, Seven Mile Beach is arguably Jamaica’s most famous beach. And quite a varied one: Bars, restaurants, sun loungers with parasols and a variety of water sports await you on the bustling Long Bay section. If you want more relaxation, the quieter part of Bloody Bay is for you. It has many small, charming hotels here – buildings are not allowed to be taller than a palm tree. Unlike most other beaches in Jamaica, entry is free.
The spy’s beach: James Bond Beach
James Bond was born here – in the mind of Ian Fleming. The British writer lived for a long time at the GoldenEye property in Oracabessa and wrote the legendary books about Agent 007 with a view of the beach. The small, fine-sand James Bond Beach is located on the north coast of Jamaica, surrounded by dense tropical forest-covered mountains. “Golden Eye” still exists today: it is a luxurious hotel with private villas, private beaches and a seawater lagoon. Just half-hour’s drive away are Dunn’s River Falls (we’re still coming to Dunn’s River Falls Beach), where the river sweeps across huge rock staircases into the sea and Bond girl Ursula Andress attracted the attention of Sean Connery in the role of 007 in the “Dr. No” film. There is an entrance fee to the beach.
Water, water everywhere: Dunn’s River Falls Beach
The Dunn’s River Falls Beach offers one of Jamaica’s greatest highlights for many island lovers: at almost 200 metres high, the waterfall flows from the tropical forest into the Caribbean sea. Why not relax under palm trees on the snow-white beach and then go for a hike up the waterfall? The route over rather slippery rocks (swimming shoes help!) and partly through the flowing water can sometimes be exhausting, but the refreshing bath in the numerous natural whirlpools and the spectacular view are worth the effort. Our tip: avoid peak times, it gets very busy at times. There is an entry fee to the beach and to access the waterfall.
Fun for the whole family: Turtle Beach
To the east of the island lies the perfect family beach called Turtle Beach, also known as Ocho Rios Bay Beach (with entry fee). The sea is shallow quite far out enabling young children to practice their first swim strokes with no cause for concern or the viewing of swarms of small fish darting around in the crystal-clear water. In the hotel-lined bay, loungers and parasols are rented out – some shade is needed for both young and old to rest in between. There is also an unusual sight from land: the large cruise ships anchor here within eyeshot.
Fresh fish, right from the boat: Alligator Pond
If you want to take some time off from classic beach life, head to Alligator Pond (free entry) in the south of the island. In contrast to the north, it is significantly less touristy here. In this small beach resort, you can marvel at the colourfully painted wooden boats and watch day-to-day village life. Mostly, fishermen return from the sea around noon, clean their catch and sell it to the restaurants. The fresh fish is then prepared straight away in the simple cook shops that line the beach.
Gone surfing: Boston Beach
As the wind blows more strongly here in the east of the island, Boston Beach is the first port of call for surf fans. The branding is constant, the waves are regular – so perfect conditions for all types of water sports. Surf-riding, windsurfing, snorkelling, anything is possible in this small bay, framed by rocks, from which a few brave souls dare to jump into shimmering blue water. After enjoying a coconut water from the beach seller or a snack at the beach bar – wonderful. There is an entry fee to the beach and the required water sports equipment can be hired on site.
Paradise with almond trees: Winnifred Beach
Snorkelling paradise and authentic beach, the best way to sum up the benefits of the free-of-charge Winnifred Beach in northeast Jamaica. The well-hidden section of the coast is hugely popular with locals, especially at weekends when it becomes lively. While children play in the sand and in the shallow water, the adults relax in the shade of the large almond trees or enjoy local treats at colourful shacks. The gently sloping seabed is rocky underfoot. You can marvel at a multitude of colourful fish while snorkelling there and in the offshore coral reefs.
A real jewel: Treasure Beach
Four coves alike make up Treasure Beach. The jewel of the western south coast with its rocks, cliffs and long sections with darker sandy beach is versatile and relaxed at the same time: Since only two narrow country roads lead to the beach and it is about nine kilometres long, it is never overcrowded. Frenchman’s Bay, Pedro Bay, Billy’s Bay and Calabash Bay are virtually only visited by locals. In some places, swimming can be a little difficult due to sharp-edged rocks and strong currents, top pick is the gently sloping sea without any rocky outcrops on Frenchman’s Bay Beach. Our tip: pack swimming shoes – and good sun protection, because shade is hard to come by here.
A real film star: Frenchman’s Cove Beach
Don’t be surprised to discover a whole host of déjà-vu experiences on this gently sloping beach down to the sea in Port Antonio, northeast Jamaica. The dreamy location has often served as a backdrop not only for commercials, but also in box office smash hits such as “Knight and Day” with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz (2010) and both “Lord of the Flies” film releases (1963 and 1990). The fine white sand and the crystal-clear water is a marvel to behold, and a slight freshwater flow on the fringes provides refreshing variety. Access to the beach belonging to a hotel is subject to a (moderate) fee, it offers sun-loungers and food and drinks.
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