Great Bay Beach

A Calm Fishing-Village Beach on St. Elizabeth's South Coast

At the eastern end of Treasure Beach, Great Bay is where Jamaica slows right down. Fishing boats are pulled up on the sand, the water is calm and there isn't an all-inclusive resort in sight. It's the kind of beach where you swim, chat with the fishermen and stay for sunset.

If you want an authentic south-coast day with no crowds, Great Bay is for you.

📍 Key Details

• Location: Great Bay (Great Pedro Bay), Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, about 20 km southeast of Black River
• Type: Public beach and working fishing village
• Cost: Free
• Hours: Open at all times
• Lifeguard: None
• Facilities: Beach shops and restaurants, a bathroom, bins and night lighting (check after recent storms). Parking is limited to a small grassy area by the entrance.
• Contact: Beach Control Authority (NEPA): (876) 754-7540
• Best for: Swimmers, families, couples and anyone after a quiet, local beach day

🌿 What You Can Do

🏊 Swim in Calm Water

The beach slopes gently into a calm sea, which makes it good for swimming, wading and long walks along the sand.

🎣 Watch the Fishing Boats Come In

Great Bay is a working fishing village. Watching the boats land their catch is free, and it's a real slice of south-coast life.

🚤 Take a Boat to Pelican Bar

Local fishermen run boat trips along the coast, including out to Floyd's Pelican Bar, the famous bar on stilts on a sandbar. It reopened after Hurricane Melissa. Agree on the price before you set off.

🐟 Eat Fresh Seafood

Seafood spots line the area, and the Lobster Pot in Great Bay is a long-time favourite. Check it's open before you go.

⚽ Join a Beach Football Game

Part of the beach is often used for football, so don't be surprised to be invited into a game.

💡 Tips for Visiting

• There's no lifeguard, so check conditions and supervise children closely.
• Bring cash for food, drinks and boat trips.
• Pack sunscreen, water and a towel. Facilities are basic.
• Respect the fishing community. Ask before photographing people and boats.
• Watch for turtles. Nesting turtles have been reported, so give any nests space.

🌦️ Best Time to Visit

• December to April: the dry season, with the best beach weather.
• June to November: hurricane season, which peaks in September and October. Check the forecast before you travel.

Recovery note: Treasure Beach was hit hard by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. By April 2026 locals said about 98% of the area was restored and much of the sand had returned, but some road sections still needed repairs. Check conditions before you travel.

🚗 Getting There

• By car: about 2 hours from Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay) or about 3 hours from Kingston. You reach Treasure Beach on minor roads via Black River or Santa Cruz.
• By public transport: take Knutsford Express to a nearby town, then a route taxi, or ask your guesthouse to arrange a driver.

🗺️ Make a Day of It: Nearby Attractions

• Calabash Bay & Jakes: the heart of Treasure Beach, with food and drinks
• Frenchman's Bay: coves and another fishing beach
• Floyd's Pelican Bar: a sandbar bar on stilts, reached by boat
• Lover's Leap: clifftop views along the coast
• YS Falls: waterfalls, pools and a rope swing (reopened January 2026)
• Appleton Estate: a rum tour in the St. Elizabeth countryside

✨ Why Visit Great Bay Beach?

Great Bay is the south coast at its most genuine: calm water, fishing boats on the sand and a community that's rebuilding after the storm. Spending a day here also supports local businesses.