Jamaica Officials Reaffirm Public Beach Access in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios

Jamaican officials in two of the island’s biggest tourism destinations are reiterating a message that’s important for both residents and visitors: public beach access remains a priority.

Officials in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios this week reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining unrestricted public access to beaches while supporting investment in management and infrastructure designed to improve the visitor experience.

The comments come as the Jamaican government continues to emphasize public access to the country’s coastline alongside plans for new beach developments.

Montego Bay’s Public Beaches

Richard Vernon, Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation, said the municipality continues to work with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the government agency responsible for managing a number of Jamaica’s public beaches and waterfront projects.

Among the highlights is Harmony Beach Park, the expansive waterfront park that has become one of Montego Bay’s signature public recreational areas.

Vernon also pointed to the recent return of Old Hospital Park, including the popular One Man Beach, to UDC management, with improvements planned for the property.

He also highlighted Doctor’s Cave Beach (in the photo at top of article), one of Jamaica’s best-known beaches, describing it as one of the Caribbean’s most popular coastal attractions. That might be a stretch, but it’s certainly a highlight of Montego Bay.

Officials also said a long-discussed proposal to upgrade Sunset Beach and Dead End Beach is advancing, with plans focused on improving management while preserving public access.

According to Vernon, Montego Bay continues to maintain multiple public coastal areas, alongside privately operated beaches such as Tropical Bliss, where visitors pay an admission fee.

He said properly managed beaches offer a safer and better-maintained experience while helping address coastal challenges including erosion, rising sea levels and waste management.

More Public Options in Ocho Rios

In Ocho Rios, Michael Belnavis, Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, highlighted the UDC-operated public beach near Ocean Village Plaza, noting that it remains open to the public for a nominal entrance fee.

Belnavis also said the municipality has submitted a proposal to assume responsibility for Little Dunn’s River, with plans to add visitor facilities and create another public beach option in the resort town.

He also pointed to Flavour Beach in Runaway Bay as another publicly accessible beach along Jamaica’s north coast.

Supporting Tourism Growth

Both mayors endorsed recent remarks by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public beach access while developing additional public beaches across the island.

Officials said maintaining public access alongside improved management remains central to Jamaica’s broader tourism strategy, helping preserve recreational areas while supporting the long-term health of the country’s coastal destinations.

The continued investment in public beaches adds to a growing list of waterfront options for travelers, from large urban beach parks to smaller public stretches of sand that remain open to both locals and visitors.