Venture out from the tourist trail to Treasure Beach, a slice of authentic Jamaica on the country’s peaceful South Coast.
Enjoy calm relaxation in Treasure Beach, a collection of four quiet fishing villages on picturesque coves on Jamaica’s tranquil southern seas. This isolated place takes simplicity and sustainability seriously and displays the casual pace of real Caribbean life.
Life has continued at Treasure Beach in much the same way for decades. Residents are proud of their peaceful towns. Visit several beach sections along this southern coastline: Billy Bay, Frenchmans Bay, Starve Gut Bay and Great Pedro Bluff. Each has its unique charms. All host local fishermen who work out on the sea during the day. Additional beaches here include Jack Spratt Beach with colourful boats and the more isolated Old Wharf Beach. See the dramatic lookout of Lover’s Leap to the east of Treasure Beach.
Here, the sea, sky, warm breeze and pastures captivate your senses. Look for local hummingbirds flitting around. The sand isn’t quite white, being known for its unique mixed colours. Take a boat trip northwest around the coast to Pelican Bar, an amazing sight, a bar inside a hut built with planks, 0.25 mile (0.4 kilometre) out at sea on stilts.
Pull on your boots and go hiking or cycling in the surrounding hills, including breaks for shots of rum at countryside bars or simply relax under a tree and have a cold beer. The area is becoming more attractive to artistic types for its natural beauty and calm spirit. Legends say that a Scottish ship sank off Treasure Beach’s coast in the 1800s and red-haired descendants of these sailors still live in the area.
Even though Treasure Beach is isolated from the more commercial areas of the South CoastOpens in a new window, it is accessible with basic roads and has a collection of hotels and restaurants. The best way to get around is with your own car or driver. For a daytrip, visit the spectacular and renowned YS Falls or take a boat up the Black River.
