Travelling on Jamaica’s South Coast, you’ll discover a treasure chest of coves and bays, where the Caribbean meets the island’s sandy and sometimes rocky shores. A mixture of dark and white-sand stretches, rocky coves, fishermen’s enclaves and secluded swimming spots, the South Coast’s shores promise a range of possibilities. Lined by a string of sleepy fishing villages and colourful roadside stands is a “treasure” of a beach off the beaten path of Jamaica’s more popular North Coast.
A favourite beach community of both locals and visitors alike, Treasure Beach is a spot that surely lives up to its name. Set against a background of lush greenery, this charming hideaway is a six-mile stretch of coral-coloured and sometimes black sands, private coves and rocky shores. For travelers who want to discover the South Coast’s vibrant local culture and people and are in search of untrodden beaches, a visit to one of Treasure Beach’s four main bays – Billy, Calabash, Great and Frenchman’s– is a must. In Calabash Bay, the largest of the four main bays, friendly fishermen dock their brightly painted canoes and unload the day’s catch.
Visitors swarm, waiting patiently at beachfront cafes and stands, so they can be first to enjoy it – soon to be seasoned and grilled to perfection. Other uniquely Jamaican dishes, such as curried goat, jerked meat and pumpkin soup are also available at roadside stands at Treasure Beach’s four public beaches. All lovely, laid-back stretches are well-suited for swimming, snorkeling, biking, hiking, surfing, and of course, the mellow vibes of kicking back in the sun with a cold Red Stripe in hand. Great Pedro Bay is the fifth and most easterly of the settlements and beaches that make up Treasure Beach. The road ends here, regardless of where you are coming from.
While there are a few breath-taking private villas scattered along the coast, when looking for a place to stay in Treasure Beach there is one resort that comes highly recommended. Jake’s is a boutique resort with personality and charisma. Known to be one of the best places to stay in The Caribbean, this beachfront property features a mosaically tiled sea-water swimming pool and a string of vividly designed colorful, thatch-roofed cottages along the cliffs. Once you’ve gotten yourself situated and are in the mood for great food with a touch of discovery a trip to Pelican Bar is an excellent place to start. Trips to the nearby YS Falls, Alligator Pond, Bluefields and Lover’s Leap are also highly recommended.
If the sea is rough in the Treasure Beach area take a 40 minute drive through the farmland of St. Elizabeth and check out the sea conditions at the Font Hill Beach Park. Enjoy the beauty of land and sea. One of the more popular spots for Jamaicans on the lesser traveled South Coast the picturesque Font Hill Beach Park is known for its pristine golden sands, turquoise waters, great spearfishing and a lovely nearby reef which sees many locals and tourists alike donning their snorkeling gear to observe the colourful tropical fish and a wide variety of coral. Although there’s no pirate’s gold hidden on these sparkling black-sand bays, you’ll take home a treasure chest of memories. For more on things to do on Jamaica’s South Coast go here!
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