Doctor’s Cave Beach
Situated along the famous Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue), Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of Montego Bay’s best-known coastal attractions. The beach is celebrated for its clear, calm water, soft white sand and consistently pleasant swimming conditions.
As part of the Montego Bay Marine Park, the area benefits from protected waters, making it suitable for snorkelling and relaxed water sports. Doctor’s Cave Beach offers well-maintained amenities including changing rooms, showers, lifeguards, restaurant options, beach chair rentals, and various water-sport rentals. Access is through a small entry fee, and the beach is open daily.
Cornwall Beach
Located close to Doctor’s Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach provides a more peaceful alternative while still offering the classic Montego Bay experience. The sand is soft, the water is calm, and the overall setting feels more laid-back compared to the livelier sections of the Hip Strip. Facilities are available but generally simpler than those at Doctor’s Cave.
Dead End Beach
Located towards the end of Kent Avenue near the airport, Dead End Beach is a public beach used by both locals and visitors seeking a quieter, low-key shoreline. The beach is informal and offers minimal facilities, making it more suited to casual swims or sunset visits rather than a full day of beach activities.
Marine Life & Water Activities
Much of Montego Bay’s shoreline falls within the Montego Bay Marine Park, which protects coral reefs, seagrass beds and marine habitats along the coast. Because of this, the water is generally clear and well-suited for light marine activities such as snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Popular activities in the area include:
- Snorkelling tours
- Scuba diving
- Catamaran cruises
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Reef excursions
Montego Bay: What to Do on Your Tropical Escape
Beyond the beaches, Montego Bay offers a wide variety of experiences:
- Explore the Hip Strip: The Hip Strip is one of the city’s main social hubs, offering cafes, restaurants, craft markets, duty-free shops, bars and nightlife. It’s a lively spot for both daytime wandering and evening entertainment.
- Historic Landmarks: 2 of the region’s most notable heritage sites are Rose Hall Great House and Greenwood Great House. Both provide insight into Jamaica’s colonial past through guided tours, gardens and cultural exhibits.
- Local Cultural Experiences: Visitors often enjoy trips to places such as the Rastafari Indigenous Village, which offers an introduction to local culture, music and community living.
- Nature & Adventure Activities: Outdoor experiences around Montego Bay include Martha Brae River rafting, Croydon Plantation tours and excursions into the surrounding mountains, offering scenic views and a quieter side of the island.
- Golf & Leisure: Montego Bay is home to well-regarded golf courses, including Cinnamon Hill, White Witch and Half Moon Golf Course, making it attractive for travellers who enjoy leisure sports.
Where to Stay: Hotel 39 in Montego Bay, Jamaica
For those seeking comfort, convenience and a well-located base, Hotel 39 offers a boutique-style stay just minutes from Doctor’s Cave Beach and the Hip Strip. The hotel features contemporary rooms with sea or garden views, private balconies, modern amenities and comfortable bedding suited for both short and extended stays.
Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool with ocean views, an on-site restaurant serving Jamaican and international cuisine, a spa, EV-charging facilities, a travel desk for tour arrangements, and a gift shop. The hotel’s location makes it easy to explore beaches, attractions, dining spots and nightlife without long travel times.