Best Beaches in Jamaica for Snorkeling

We've come to an understanding that snorkeling is a really great activity to do together as a family. It's more exciting than floating around in the ocean but not as time, money, or labor-intensive as scuba diving. We've invested in snorkel gear for the whole family, so whenever we're at the beach, we're ready at any moment!

So does Jamaica have good snorkeling? Absolutely! Jamaica boasts over two hundred miles of beaches surrounding Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. However, these beaches can vary significantly in terms of quality and water clarity. So it's essential to know where to go to find the best place to snorkel in Jamaica. The Jamaica island is surrounded by a coral reef, which meanders quite near to the shore in some spots to about 20 minutes offshore in others.

If you're heading to Jamaica or thinking about a Caribbean beach vacation, here's what you need to know about the best beaches in Jamaica for snorkeling.

West Cliffs of Negril

Negril area

It’s such a stunning place to visit, a paradise on Earth with crystal clear water and the best coral reefs in Jamaica. It's easily accessible for all kinds of travelers including families with kids. Most resorts have access to snorkeling or you can take a catamaran out in the water. There is also cliff jumping for the most adventurous visitors!

Doctor's Cave Beach

Montego Bay area

Some of the best snorkeling in Jamaica is found near the city of Montego Bay. Doctor's Cave Beach, one of the most popular beaches for snorkeling on the entire island of Jamaica, also features one of the most easily accessible snorkeling areas. This is an excellent beach for families with small kids as the water is very calm and safe, even for the youngest kiddos.

A hot spring flows into these waters, which brings the already warm water temperature up a bit higher, while also making the visibility even more crystal clearer. Underwater, you will be able to take in the gorgeous reef full of colorful, abundant coral. Spots like this easily make Jamaica the best Caribbean island for beach snorkeling!

Navy Island

Port Antonio area

This little island is located in Port Antonio waters across the Errol Flynn Marina. You can swim and snorkel all around the island and it’s the main reason that draws people here. Other than that, you can explore the island on foot.

Frenchman’s Cove

Jamaicans consider Frenchman Cove to be the most beautiful place in the Caribbean. It is a small aquamarine lagoon, protected by miniature hills almost on all sides. Thus, there are no waves and the sea is always calm and friendly here. This secluded beach with the sandy bottom is populated with little fishes and makes Jamaica the best Caribbean island for snorkeling for families with young kids.

Seven Mile Beach

Negril area

The town of Negril, on Jamaica's western coast, is considered to have some of the best beaches in Jamaica for snorkeling. Here you'll discover the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, a golden stretch of perfect, powdery soft sand that's popular with both locals and tourists. So how long is Seven Mile beach Jamaica? In fact, the actual beach is 4 miles and the other three miles extends into the Bloody Bay.

About 15- to 20- minutes offshore is the protected 2-mile coral reef. It's clearly too far to swim to from the coastline, but it's super simple to catch a boat, of which there are plenty in the area for you to rent for a few bucks. If you are traveling to Jamaica during summer, this is a must-visit location due to the hordes of (harmless) tiny thimble jellyfish that flock to the reef which makes up for some of the best snorkeling in Negril. You'll literally be swimming through small blobs of gel, which is a pretty unique experience! Even if you don't visit during summer, rest assured that you'll usually be able to catch glimpses of sea fans, urchins, conch, and vibrant tropical fish.

Grand Lido 

Negril area

Alternatively, head to the beach near the Grand Lido in Negril. Here, you can find great snorkeling right from shore to your left if facing the beach around the rocky point.

Cornwall Beach

Montego Bay area

Cornwall Beach in Montego Bay, located within walking distance to Doctor's Cave Beach, is a much more private stretch of sand with equally nice snorkeling. Expect to pay about $3 per person to hang out on this well-maintained beach. Here you'll also find a decent restaurant and bar and plenty of space to stretch out on the sand, and, of course, some of the best snorkeling in Montego Bay.

Montego Beach

Montego Bay area

Another good option for the best snorkeling in Jamaica is Montego Beach itself. This underwater area has shallow reefs and steep vertical drop-offs, which will allow you the ability to spot a variety of marine life such as angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, rays, and many species of coral.

Marley's Garden

Montego Bay area

Still wondering if there is good snorkeling in Jamaica? Try this 40-foot-deep reef that is accessible by boats that depart daily from Montego Bay. The absence of beach access makes it less crowded and you will be rewarded with the remarkable sight of marine life including sea fans and elkhorn corals.

Half Moon Beach

Negril and Montego Bay area

Half Moon Beach, located just north of Negril on the road towards Montego Bay, is perhaps the best beach in Jamaica for snorkeling right from the beach. This is a private beach with a rustic hotel on-site, but you can pay a small fee to use the beach for the day.

When you reach Half Moon Beach (by taxi usually), a boat takes you from the shore to the little island and will drop you in the water at the far end of the shallow water reef and then you can swim back. Here you can expect clear visibility, lots of live coral of all the various types found in Jamaica, forests of purple sea fans, and mostly small fish like damsels, tangs, wrasses, and juveniles of other types (seems like a nursery of sorts).

Boston Bay Beach

Port Antonio area

Boston Bay Beach on the eastern side of Jamaica is famous not only for swimming and snorkeling but also for surfing. It is located close to the town of Port Antonio, and visitors will find some of the biggest waves, making this the island's premier surfing beach. It also boasts powdery white sand and clear water. When swimming or snorkeling, look for less-crowded areas to stay out of the path of surfers. Another reason beachgoers flock to Boston Bay is the jerk pork sandwich stands that line the beach. Stop by for a quick lunch and a sample of authentic Jamaican fare.

Here you'll find lots of picnic tables where you can enjoy local jerk chicken, pork, or a wide variety of other local fares. The Boston Bay Beach is potentially the best beach in Jamaica for windsurfing, but you'll find this sport to be not so frequent here, given the favorable conditions.

Runaway Beach

Runaway Beach on the North coast of Jamaica is a more secluded option for snorkeling. The beach has bathrooms, chairs, and umbrellas so that you're able to find comfort and relax when you need a break from snorkeling. You can literally walk directly into the water and begin snorkeling at Runaway Beach, with sea urchins, tropical fish, kidney, and brain coral right offshore. Tours and snorkeling excursions J

amaica are also offered, which take you farther out from shore, giving snorkelers the ability to see lionfish, stingrays, barracuda, and bountiful corals.

You'll be able to check out an array of marine life around the island that includes barjacks, blue and brown chromis, spotlight parrotfish, and yellow-headed wrasses.(Just remember not to wear shiny jewelry underwater as there are barracuda in Jamaica.)

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios in Spanish means "Eight Rivers". Those who expect to find peace and complete solitude here are likely to be disappointed. We would say that snorkeling here is not outstanding. The city is suitable for those who are looking for a combination of a beach vacation and Ocho Rios snorkeling excursions with an active exploration of the picturesque coast of the northern part of the island. Besides, this area has some of the best resort for snorkeling off the beach.

Cruise ships dock here, and it is noisy and fun during the music festivals.

In addition to the central bay, there are several relatively good beaches nearby - Crab Key beach, Mahogany beach and Bambu Beach.

Turtle Beach

Ocho Rios area

The picturesque Turtle Beach has an abundance of soft white sand flanked by coconut trees. It is here that upscale hotels are located. The dock for cruise ships is visible from one side, while on the other there is a small dock for water sports. Between them is a solid tropical paradise with bars and other attributes of a good beach. 

A five-minute taxi ride away is Mahogany Beach, which has a small coral reef and is interesting for snorkeling. A little further, there is Reggae Beach, the most secluded of Ocho Rios’ beaches.

Mammee Bay

Located 15 minutes’ drive from the heart of Ocho Rios, Mammee Bay Beach boasts unparalleled views. The coral reef is further out, so you'll have to pay extra for a boat.

San San Beach

Portland area

San San is great for swimming and snorkeling and the water is shallow and clear, and it has one of the best white sand beaches in Jamaica. You can swim to the tiny offshore islet Monkey Island. This is a privately owned beach and there is an entrance fee for visitors, which makes it not crowded. Besides the water and, the facilities are not outstanding so bring your own food.

Cornwall Beach

Montego Bay area

Cornwall Beach near Montego Bay is a bit more secluded than other beaches in this area, but it still remains tourists' favorite destination. There is a $5 entrance fee and all facilities are on site. You can snorkel right off the beach just like from Doctor's Cave Beach which is located nearby.

Hellshire

Kingston area

Hellshire is a popular beach near Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. An excellent sandy beach in the past, now it suffers greatly from the erosion of the coast (a little to the north there is Fort Clarence beach which doesn't have this problem). However, it is still a place with an excellent positive attitude, a favorite spot for the locals and some of the best snorkeling Jamaica.

Since Hellshire Beach is next to the fishing village of Portmore, this is where people go for the best seafood. Scattered along the beach are many thatched-roof cafes with a large selection of fresh fish, lobster, and shrimp.