When you’re staying at a luxury villa in Jamaica, one question always comes up: where are the best beaches? The good news? Coconut Cottage sits in one of the most enviable locations on the island, perched in the hills above Montego Bay with easy access to some of Jamaica’s most stunning stretches of sand.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet cove perfect for snorkeling, a lively beach bar scene, or a pristine private beach club, you’ll find your ideal spot within a short drive. And here’s the best part: with Coconut Cottage’s complimentary driver and 12-passenger van available 24/7, getting to these beaches couldn’t be easier.
Tryall Club Beach – Your Private Paradise (12 Minutes Away)
As a guest of Coconut Cottage, you automatically receive complimentary membership to The Tryall Golf & Beach Club.
Tryall’s private white-sand beach stretches along over a mile of pristine Caribbean coastline. The water is that impossibly clear turquoise you see in postcards, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating on your back while soaking up the Jamaican sun.
What makes Tryall special isn’t just the natural beauty, it’s the exclusivity and service. Ideal for guests of all ages, all year-round. Enjoy:
- A white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters
- A full-service luxury spa
- Five-star dining
- A state-of-the-art tennis center\
- World-class golf (details below)
- Water sports, kids’ club, and more
How to get there: Easily reached by your dedicated driver, the drive takes about 12 minutes.
Round Hill Beach – Classic Elegance Next Door (5 Minutes Away)
Located directly across from Coconut Cottage, Round Hill Resort has been a Caribbean icon since the 1950s, attracting celebrities, royalty, and discerning travelers for generations.
This crescent-shaped beach offers calm, protected waters perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon under a palm tree with a good book and a rum punch.
While Round Hill is a private resort, day passes can sometimes be arranged, or you might coordinate beach access through the resort. Your Coconut Cottage staff can help make these arrangements for you.
How to get there: At just 5 minutes away, Round Hill is your closest beach option. Your driver can have you there in no time, or on a beautiful day, it’s even a pleasant walk if you’re feeling adventurous.
Doctor’s Cave Beach – Montego Bay’s Most Famous (20 Minutes Away)
No list of Montego Bay beaches would be complete without Doctor’s Cave Beach. This is arguably the most famous beach in all of Jamaica, and with good reason.
The story goes that in the 1920s, a British osteopath named Dr. Alexander McCatty claimed the waters here had curative powers. Whether that’s true or not, Doctor’s Cave became the beach that put Montego Bay on the map as a tourist destination. Today, it’s a well-maintained public beach with crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and excellent facilities.
What you’ll find here: changing rooms, showers, a beach bar and grill, water sports rentals, and beach chair service. The water is incredibly inviting—calm, clear, and the perfect temperature for swimming. The sand is powdery soft, and the whole beach has a lively, social atmosphere.
It’s busier than the private beaches at Tryall or Round Hill, especially when cruise ships are in port, but it has its own vibrant charm. If you want to experience a classic Jamaican beach day with a bit more energy and local flavor, this is your spot.
How to get there: Your driver will take you right to the entrance on Gloucester Avenue (Hip Strip). The drive is about 20 minutes, and there’s a small entrance fee. Pro tip: go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
Cornwall Beach – The Local Favorite (20 Minutes Away)
Right next to Doctor’s Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach offers a similar experience with a slightly more laid-back, local vibe. Many Jamaicans prefer Cornwall because it’s a bit less touristy while still offering great facilities and beautiful water.
The beach is clean and well-maintained, with plenty of shade from sea grape trees and palapas. The water is calm and shallow for quite a distance out, making it another excellent choice for families with young children. There’s a beach bar serving cold Red Stripe and jerk chicken, and you’ll often find locals playing dominoes under the trees—it’s authentically Jamaican.
How to get there: Same route as Doctor’s Cave Beach, just a minute further down Gloucester Avenue. Your driver knows exactly where to drop you off.
Dead End Beach – The Hidden Gem (25 Minutes Away)
Want to escape the crowds entirely? Dead End Beach is Montego Bay’s best-kept secret. Located at the end of a residential road in the Whitehouse area, this small public beach sees far fewer visitors than the more famous spots.
What you’ll find is a quiet, intimate stretch of sand with calm, clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are no big facilities here—just a small beach bar run by friendly locals who’ll serve you fresh fish and cold drinks. It’s rustic, authentic, and absolutely charming.
This is where you go when you want to feel like you’ve discovered your own private piece of paradise. Bring cash for food and drinks, and prepare for a more low-key, un-commercialized beach experience.
How to get there: Your driver will navigate the residential streets and drop you right at the small parking area. It’s about 25 minutes from Coconut Cottage.
Walter Fletcher Beach – Family Fun Central (25 Minutes Away)
If you’re traveling with kids who want more than just swimming and sandcastles, Walter Fletcher Beach (also called Aquasol Theme Park) delivers entertainment along with natural beauty.
This beach combines a lovely stretch of sand and calm water with attractions like water trampolines, a go-kart track, and a water sports center. There’s a restaurant, bar, and plenty of activities to keep energetic children occupied for hours.
The beach itself is clean and the water is gentle—ideal for younger swimmers. It’s a great option when you want a full day of family fun rather than just quiet relaxation.
How to get there: Located near the Montego Bay cruise ship terminal, it’s about 25 minutes from the villa. Your driver will drop you at the main entrance where you can purchase day passes.
Making the Most of Your Beach Days from Coconut Cottage
The beaches near Coconut Cottage offer incredible variety—from world-class private beach clubs to hidden local gems. And because you have a dedicated driver and van at your disposal throughout your stay, you’re never stuck in one place. You have the freedom to beach hop, explore, and discover your own favorite spots along Jamaica’s stunning north coast.
Most of our guests find that having Tryall Club membership combined with the flexibility to explore other beaches creates the perfect balance of luxury and adventure. You get the best of both worlds: the pampered beach club experience when you want it, and authentic Jamaican beach culture when you’re ready to venture out.
So pack your swimsuit, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover why the beaches near Montego Bay are considered some of the Caribbean’s finest. Your Coconut Cottage driver is standing by, and paradise is waiting just down the hill.
Ready to experience these beautiful beaches for yourself? Book your stay at Coconut Cottage and discover why our location offers the perfect base for exploring Jamaica’s spectacular coastline.