by Angela Braun, GoGirlfriend correspondent

Beach 411 ~ Reggae Beach

East of Ocho Rios

• Beach type: Secluded – hidden local gem
• Beach geography: The sand here is tiny seashells and the swimming area is rocky with a drop-off to get to the water – swimming and water sports are less popular here. But there’s enough space to get away from groups if privacy is what you seek.
• Ease of access: Accessible by road
• Extra costs: An entrance fee of $10 per person (beach chair rental is included in this price).
• Beach amenities: You’ll enjoy soft reggae music and great Jamaican hospitality. Exotic cocktails and beverages are available at a large bamboo bar whereas tasty local cuisine is served. Restrooms, changing facilities, beach chair/lounger rentals are also conveniently provided. Find avenues for shopping in Ocho Rios just a few minutes away by car.
• Special note: A beach where beauty is the main attraction
• Geo-locator: Where is Reggae Beach?

Privacy at a price

Swing on a swing amongst the trees or mingle with local families. When you come to Reggae Beach you’ll find a location that is truly beautiful and picturesque. You may experience slow service on the beach so we recommend eating breakfast or lunch before making your way here. Since Reggae Beach is private, this is our suggestion: stretch out in your lounger and bake your bones from arrival to departure. Reap the benefits of food and drink service right on the beach and allow your inner-lazy to flourish.

Reggae Beach activities & attractions

Ocho Rios is home to an endless list of touring opportunities offered from an endless list of tour companies. Trending companies as of 2014 include, yet are not limited to, Marvyn’s Paradise Tours, Marks Tours and Travel Jamaica Tours. No matter which tour company you choose, we recommend one that takes you to Ocho Rios’ Blue Hole. Here, you can dive into waterholes fed by gushing cascades and clamber up rocks with your water shoes.

Looking to explore more of Ocho Rios? A knowledgeable staff member from Yardi Tours will be delighted to take you on a tour of your choosing. Seeking thrill? Head to Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventures for the SkyExplorer, the Bobsled Ride, the Canopy Zip Line and the unique Mystic Waterslide – exploring a Jamaican rainforest near the beach with a bird’s eye view of Ocho Rios. Other must-sees include Dunn’s River Falls and Dolphin Cove.

Reggae Beach events

Check out Caribya or 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.

• Ocho Rio Jazz Festival (June): Take part in Jazz month when you attend this festival to enjoy international performances that are dedicated to the promotion and preservation of '‘Classical Black Music and America's First Art Form". For more information contact Jamaica Tourist Board.
• Caribbean Music Expo (September-October): Enjoy concerts on the beach and an industry trade show.

Reggae Beach nightlife

Enjoy the most danceable reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and soca in town at Amnesia, gossip into the night in an aluminum tube chair at Ocean’s 11 or for a beer or two and an upstairs disco (Friday to Sunday from 8pm till 2am) try Strawberry’s.

GoGirlfriend Reggae Beach Hotel recommendations

Jamaican Inn: Step away from large all-inclusive resorts to take in the quietness of this small, authentic Jamaican boutique hotel with one of the island’s prettiest private beaches. For the non-ocean swimmer, the pool is placed strategically right beside the ocean and bar. It’ll be easy to let your body fall into its own schedule here with no TVs or clocks. You can forget about food preparation when you sign up for the all-inclusive meal plan and enjoy ocean views no matter which room you book. Visit Jamaican Inn and read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Couples Tower Isle: If you’re looking for an action filled vacation, with activities on and off the resort, this hotel is sure to impress. Dine on the beach and enjoy the poolside grill and veggie bar. Brightly colored fabrics and furniture accent the white architecture nicely and each room features a private balcony. Staff that is happy and friendly will meet your every need and know you by name shortly after arrival. Visit Couples Tower Isle on Facebook and Twitter and read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Couples Sans Souci: Enjoy watersports that are included in the price, dinner by the beach in your choice of three restaurants as well as all day room service. No matter which room you book, you will enjoy unparalleled privacy and the most romantic balcony vistas. Stay here and you’ll get to experience their “no worries” mantra, make friends with passionately happy staff and relax in uncrowned pools from day to day. Visit Couples Sans Souci on Facebook and Twitter and read reviews on TripAdvisor.

Note: Both Couples Sans Souci and Couples Tower Isle offer au naturel opportunities to enjoy beach bathing as a true beach bum!

For more hotel recommendations throughout Jamaica, we recommend exploring Booking.com.

Reggae 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:

• Jamaica Travel & Culture
• Jamaica Travel Vacation
• Visit Jamaica

Read our other Bahamas beach guides:

• Doctor’s Cave Beach
• Seven Mile Beach
• Boston Beach
• Frenchman’s Cove

Ever been to Reggae 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!