Travelling on Jamaica’s South Coast, you’ll discover a treasure chest of coves and bays, where the Caribbean meets our 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. A favourite beach community of both locals and visitors alike is Treasure Beach (a spot that surely lives up to its name).
Treasure Beach is a six-mile stretch of coral-coloured and sometimes black sands, private coves and rocky shores. For travellers 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 main bays – Billy's, Calabash, Fort Charles (also known as Starve Gut) Great and Frenchman’s – is a must.
In Calabash Bay, 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 public beaches. All lovely, laid-back stretches are well-suited for swimming, snorkeling, biking, hiking, and of course, the mellow vibes of kicking back in the sun with a cold Red Stripe in hand. https://www.visitjamaica.com/listing/treasure-beach/474/
Balneario El Escambron is the most picturesque beach in San Juan protected by a coral reef with soft golden sand and perfectly landscaped with tall palm trees providing cozy shaded spots. Be sure to block off much more than beach time, you’ll be walking into a recreational park with enough activities for a fun-filled day the whole family will enjoy.
Escambron Beach is located in Puerta de Tierra within walking distance from Old San Juan and Condado. Escambron is the best public beach in the metro area offering much more than a great beach experience. Here you can snorkel, scuba dive, take a romantic walk along the scenic oceanside trail, visit the historic Bateria El Escambron, find quiet spots just for two, enjoy the green area at Parque Tercer Milenio (Third Millennium Park), eat great food and more. The city is vibrant, full of energy but once you get here, you’ll experience the relaxing and invigorating allure of this tropical city. https://sanjuanpuertorico.com/balneario-el-escambron-beach/
The Cayman Turtle Centre is the perfect place for families to learn about our islands’ history while having lots of fun at the same time. This award-winning wildlife park provides its guests with a chance to come face to face with some of the most remarkable and ancient animals on earth. Within the centre, there are a variety of interactive activities available – including, predator tanks and swimming or snorkelling in a saltwater lagoon filled with vibrant species of fish and green sea turtles.
Another magnificent stop along the tour is the free-flight aviary, where guests can feed colourful birds as they soar around the room. Before you leave, take a stroll down the tranquil nature trail and admire the unique plant species and butterflies, or stop by Smiley’s Saltwater Lagoon and watch the nine-foot crocodile get fed. Guests can also learn more about the history of sea turtles and the centre’s on-going conservation efforts. https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-us/experiences/popular-attractions/cayman-turtle-centre
Looking for a weekend destination not far from Port-au-Prince? You’ll find the low-key glamping experience at Kokoye Beach that is an altogether different sort of luxury. Set into the unrivalled beauty of Haiti’s south coast, the pristine cove of Kokoye is just an hour’s boat ride from Petit-Goave.
Leave your troubles and your backpack in the tent provided, enjoy seafood served up by a local host, and spend your days swimming, snorkeling and drinking rum punch in a cove worthy of a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean.
“Glamping" (glamorous camping) is a popular alternative to both low-convenience regular camping and high-priced but underwhelming hotels, but what really sets glamping apart from either is the access it affords to the wilderness, and is the uniqueness of the experience. https://visithaiti.com/destinations/kokoye-beach/
Located on the picturesque north side of the island, “Rum Point” is famous for its island atmosphere, white sandy beach and shallow clear waters. It is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling. The beach hammocks, shady trees, picnic tables and delicious food beckon visitors and locals alike seven days a week.
Rum Point also offers changing rooms, showers, huts, hammocks, snorkelling and volleyball nets. About 45 minutes by car from most hotels and the cruise terminal, Rum Point is well worth the day trip. Another option for accessing Rum Point is by ferry! With affordable prices and killer views, this is a great way to get here and relax or enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner. https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-us/experiences/beaches/rum-point-grand-cayman
Zakerjan Beach is located in on the eastern edge of the Old Town and it is one of the oldest swimming spots in Korcula, very popular with locals. The beach offers a lot of large rocks, concrete slabs/ platforms and jetties suitable for sunbathing as well as several steps and ladders for getting in and out of the sea.
Although in the very centre of the Old Town, the waters on this beach are very clean and transparent with beautiful green and turquoise colours. As water is deep enough here, jumping into the sea from the rocks and jetties is safe and fun. Also, a great place to snorkel.
Facing East, the beach is sunny from dawn until the early afternoon while later in the day it is completely shaded by Old Town’s buildings – a good choice if you prefer to spend an afternoon on the beach but still would like to avoid strong sun. https://www.korculainfo.com/zakerjan-beach/
Tjuvahålan is a naturally beautiful small family beach in Tylösand with a sandy beach, rocks and a jetty. In the past, thieves roamed here, reflected in the name Thieves’ Cave. There are great opportunities here for snorkelling, fishing and barbecuing. Prince Bertil's Trail passes the beach.
The history of the cove is an exciting one. It was very popular with smugglers and pirates thanks to its location, hidden from ships at sea. In the end, the authorities grew tired of smuggling and built a coastal post in 1870, which put a stop to the illegal activities.
At the end of the 1910s, a boat service started, carrying bathers from Halmstad out to Tylösand. After a while, this also stopped at Tjuvahålan and Svärjarehålan. The ferry stopped operating in 1929 when more people were travelling to the beaches by car or bus. In the 1920s young people began to camp at Tjuvahålan. After a while, a campsite was formed and finally developed into small cottages owned by a cottage association. https://www.destinationhalmstad.se/en/experience/beach-and-coast/tjuvahalan
Known as the jewel in the Booderee National Park, Murrays Beach offers swimmers and snorkelers alike, pristine clear waters and pearly white sand. Perfect for families, Murrays Beach is situated in a protected bay which is sheltered by Bowen Island. Accessed via Jervis Bay Road through Booderee National Park, there are many self-guided walks around Murrays Beach from which to explore. From the Munyunga waraga dhugan (loop walk) to the various low tide walks, you are sure to leave with breathtaking views and sightings of Booderee's plants, animals, culture and history https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/jervis-bay-and-shoalhaven/jervis-bay/attractions/murrays-beach
Bird Island is a 20 acre islet lying almost three kilometers north-east of Antigua. Over 20,000 tourists visit Great Bird Island annually who generally regard it as a “desert island” dream. Named by sailors who were amazed at the number of birds that they found living and nesting there, Great Bird Island is a miniature paradise. White sand beaches at either end of the sandbar are the main attraction for visitors http://www.antiguanice.com/v2/client.php?id=723&cat=35
Lovers Cove is on Pebbly Beach Road just a short distance east from Avalon on Catalina Island. It is a short walk to this cove from town and even shorter from the Catalina Express ferry landing dock. Unfortunately there isn’t much of a beach between the road and the water at this location. This rocky shoreline is mostly a snorkeling destination. Inquire in town about nearby snorkeling spots and they might send you to this location. Snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, bikes, golf carts, and more can be rented in town to explore the area. The Catalina Express operates boats daily to Catalina Island from the mainland in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Dana Point. https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/lovers-cove-on-catalina-island/
Matira Beach is a mile of exquisite white sand at the southern tip of Bora Bora Island.
When you visit, you will understand why it is Bora Bora's most popular public beach. It stretches from Hotel Bora Bora (currently closed for renovations) to Matira Point and is framed from behind by lush palms and green hills. To each side, there are more long strips of privately owned beaches.
Often described as the most beautiful beach in the world, Matira Beach is actually the only public beach on the main island that is worth a visit. It is so gorgeous that it is in our list of the best things to do in Bora Bora! Everybody is welcome on this expanse of sand. There is a fun atmosphere that offers natural shade from palm trees, safe swimming and easy snorkelling. https://www.boraboraislandguide.com/matira-beach.html
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest and longest coral reef system, stretching for 2,300km from the tip of Cape York in the north to Bundaberg in the south. Comprising 3,000 separate reefs and some 900 continental islands and coral cays, it’s one of the world’s great natural wonders. Home to over 1,500 species of fish, abundant marine life and over 200 types of birds, it’s also one of Australia’s greatest conservation successes. A World Heritage Area since 1981 (the world’s first reef ecosystem to be recognised by UNESCO), it is highly protected and one of the best-managed marine areas on Earth https://www.queensland.com/en-au/explore-queensland/great-barrier-reef