Best Beaches in Ocho Rios

Sometimes called UDC Beach or Ocho Rios Bay, this one’s fabulously easy to reach, just off Main Street. Once you’re there, you’ll find white sand and a calm sea protected by an offshore reef, forming Ochi’s biggest beach. Paddle around the swimming area or try your hand at windsurfing, scuba diving or jet skiing.

Great for: Swimming, watersports, private beach

The Bamboo Beach Club have taken over Reggae Beach, which is often called Bamboo Beach nowadays. The name might change, but we have a feeling the Reggae will remain, filling the air and creating a thoroughly Jamaican vibe. While the club puts on a good party, the rest is left to Mother Nature who’s done a sterling job – pale golden sands, bright blue waters, palm after palm behind you and rugged cliffs on both sides.

Great for: Food & drink, private beach, watersports

A quarter of an hour’s drive from the centre of Ocho Rios, most of Mammee Bay belongs to hotels these days. If you’re not a guest, one of the best ways to experience the gorgeously pale sand and bluer than blue sea is dining at the Bamboo Blu restaurant. Besides a reasonably priced menu, it has its own loungers and cabanas on a private stretch of the beach.

Great for: Food & drink, private beach,

Water that pours down the glorious Dunn’s River Falls flows into the Caribbean Sea on this beautiful stretch of beach. Just the spot to put your feet up after climbing the falls.

Great for: Undeveloped beach, relaxing, natural beauty

Near the cruise ship dock, this is a good place to stop after a spree at the Island Village Plaza. The Margaritaville bar is an alternative access point, popular with cruise ship passengers for its cocktails, punch, burgers and beach games.

Great for: Food & drink, activities

Remember when Ursula Andress sauntered out of the surf in Dr No? Well this is the beach it happened on. It features some of mother nature’s finest features – golden sands meet blue waters, fed by bubbling waterfalls… all backed by tall trees. Search for shells Ursula-stylie or sit back and enjoy the sounds of birds, lapping waves and gushing waters. The whole place is often hired out for the ultimate beach parties and weddings.

Great for: Natural beauty, private beach,

Sometimes it’s called Flavour’s Beach, after the restaurant and beach bar here (possibly some of the most amazing jerk and lobster you’ll eat). Whatever you call it, you’ll find tall palm trees, soft white sand and a beautiful sea – within walking distance of the big hotels. Vendors sell t-shirts, jewellery and knickknacks, and there’s live reggae music if you stay on into the evenings.

Great for: Food & drink, easy to reach, evening entertainment

Head east to Oracabessa, former home of Fleming, and spend the day on James Bond Beach. You don’t have to be a 007 superfan (though you soon might be), it just has a wonderfully secluded feel, with a nice balance of things to do. Get involved with the activities at the water sports centre or kick back and enjoy good food or cocktails at the restaurant and bar. The beach belongs to Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, who owns a few of the hotels in the area. Like most of the beaches in the Ocho Rios and Oracabessa area, you usually have to pay for entry.

Great for: Private beach, activities, food & drink

A lovely long stretch of white sand and calm water - perfect for kids who can paddle about in the shallows or while away the hours at the playground. Vendors and beach shacks provide snacks and beach activities. Last time we checked there was a small charge for entry (to fund the upkeep of the beach).

Great for: Families, activities