by Angela Braun, GoGirlfriend correspondent
Beach 411 ~ Doctors Cove Beach
Montego Bay
- Beach type: Family oriented
- Beach geography: Crowding is common on this private beach of only 300 yards – crowds swell when the cruise ships arrive. Calm waters fed by mineral springs, pristine sands and cleanliness worth boasting about are this beach’s highlights.
- Ease of access: Road access and a convenient location on the famed “Hip Strip” (formally known as Gloucester Avenue).
- Extra costs: There’s an admission fee of $6 per adult and $3 per child (12 and under). Chairs, umbrellas, towels, sun beds and snorkel gear are rentable – for approx. $6. Annual passes are available.
- Beach amenities: Good food and friendly beach bar service, lifeguard duty, restrooms and changing facilities, speedy drink service, bouncy water trampolines, nearby shops for souvenir searching and vendors selling Jamaican Paraphernalia.
- Special note: Unchallenged therapeutic waters, unrivaled snorkeling conditions and incomparable touring prospects.
- Geo-locator: Where is Doctor’s Cave Beach?
Forget your beefs & explore the reefs
Since 1932 flip-flop wearing sun seekers have replaced both the doctor and the cave that once defined Doctor’s Cave Beach. Make conversation with the locals – inquire about the doctors who believed in the water’s healing powers and the hurricane-destroyed cave that was the only point of access. History buffs need not travel far – Jamaican history surrounds you here on Doctor’s Cave Beach. After zigzagging your way through a medley of brightly colored beach umbrellas, you’ll understand why this beach is the most loved beach in Montego Bay.
Doctor’s Cave Beach activities
Swim out to explore Doctor Cave’s signature, phenomenal, fish filled coral reef – go solo or pay a beach employee to accompany you. Snap photos of the mountain to your left or the ocean on your right. Gloucester Avenue, known as the Hip Strip, will keep you entertained with art galleries, cafés and shops.
- Hand feed hummingbirds at Rocklands Bird Sanctuary in Wiltshire
- Hop on a horse with tour guides at Half Moon Equestrian Center
- Tour, tour and tour some more with a variety of different hosts to a variety of different places. Visit Island Transfer & Tours, Real Tours Jamaica or Reggae Tours – just to name a few.
Doctor’s Cave Beach attractions & nightlife
Visit the coffee and pineapple Croydon Plantation and enjoy the smells of exotic fruits and delicious scents of this amazing area. Year round transportation is available if you’re staying in Montego Bay. Although more travel time is required, it’s worth the sight of the Martha Brae River and the popular activity of peaceful (not to mention uber-romantic) bamboo rafting. Lastly, we recommend you tour Rose Hall Great House, a former English-style sugar plantation. Visit during the day – or in the evening if you dare – and uncover the mystery and history of this haunting home. Or challenge yourself on the greens of one of three distinct courses when you travel to Rose Hall.
From all white glow party Mondays, vivacious bare as you dare Tuesdays, all you can drink and beads and batons Wednesdays, to Heineken ALL-STAR Thursdays, TGI and SPEAKEASY Fridays and Smirnoff and therapy Saturdays and Sundays, every night at Margaritaville is a party night. Get shot out of a slide into the ocean or slip and slide around on floating obstacles in their water playground during the day as you enjoy food and drinks – lifejackets are provided and small lockers are available.
Doctor’s Cave Beach events
Reggae Sumfest (July): Come out to the hottest summer reggae festival. Begin the festival with a moonlit beach party – then enjoy high-energy performances by world-renowned artists during the days that follow. Visit Sumfest for dates and details.- Mobay Jerk Festival (August): Western Jamaica’s premier food festival is hosted by the Catherine Hall Entertainment Center and is an event you won’t want to miss – celebrate food, family, culture and entertainment. Visit Mobay Jerk Festival for more information.
- Bridal Expo (August): Plan your dream destination wedding with Jamaica’s wedding experts. Come and mingle with the island’s top wedding professions at the Montego Bay Convention Center and learn about the finest destinations, the most elite hotels and the greatest services on the bridal market. Visit Bridal Expo for more information.
- International Reggae Wine Festival (October): Sip wine from purveyors throughout the entire festival as you listen to reggae music, observe the fashion show and get creative with arts and crafts. Visit the International Reggae Wine Festival for more information.
Visit Caribya for a complete list of events and festivals taking place all over the island – revel in the celebrations and become one with the culture and history in Jamaica.
GoGirlfriend Montego Bay hotel recommendations
Round Hill Hotel & Villas: Round Hill Hotel and Villas caters to families, couples and friends. Enjoy a luxurious oceanfront spa, gourmet dining, complimentary watersports and children's programs. Be swept away and brought closer together when you room with Round Hill. Visit Round Hill Hotel & Villas on Facebook and Twitter and read reviews on TripAdvisor.
Secrets St. James Montego Bay: Secrets is an adult’s only resort featuring 350 rooms with soaking tubs and private balconies. Caribbean Sea views are available from all cabana-style rooms at Secrets St. James. Relax and rejuvenate with 7 gourmet and à la carte restaurants, 10 chic bars and lounges, an air-conditioned theatre featuring a variety of entertainment and a world-class spa. Visit Secrets St. James Montego Bay on Facebook and Twitter and read reviews on TripAdvisor.
Half Moon – A Rock Resort: Sporting 54 pools, 6 restaurants, a dolphin lagoon – enjoy drinks without leaving the pool or 2 miles of private, pristine beach. Since 1954 families, romantics and sport lovers have sought out this hotel for their share of paradise. Visit Half Moon on Facebook and Twitter and read reviews on TripAdvisor.
For more hotel recommendations throughout Jamaica, we recommend exploring Booking.com.
Doctor’s Cave Beach weather
The island of Jamaica enjoys fairly consistent tropical temperatures year round with average temperatures of 82°F – lows to 70°F. July and August are the hottest months in Jamaica, whereas January and February are the coldest months. Fortunately, from month to month the water temperature fluctuates between 78°F and 84°F.
For more information or help planning your next Jamaica getaway, visit:
Read our other Bahamas beach guides:
- Seven Mile Beach
- Boston Beach
- Frenchman’s Cove
- Reggae Beach
Ever been to Doctor’s Cave Beach in Jamaica? We'd love hear what you love about it! Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook – and let's continue the conversation!
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