Doctor's Cave Beach along Montego Bay offers everything you'd expect from time at the beach in Jamaica—crystal clear waters, blue skies that seem to stretch on forever, warm white sands, and an unhurried pace.

When Christopher Columbus landed in the New World near to the future beach resort of Montego Bay, he declared Jamaica's northwest coast the Gulf of Good Weather—El Golfo de Buen Tiempo in Spanish. Today's visitors to Doctor's Cave in Jamaica can admire the scenery for themselves, the white sand beached dotted with bright flowering threes, palm-lined hills, and long stretches of rolling meadows.

Along with Seven Mile Beach, Doctor's Cave Beach is one of the Montego Bay beaches and has earned its place as one of top-rated beaches in the country. Unlike the secluded beaches of Lime Cay or Frenchman's Cove, you'll find a wide array of visitor amenities at its historic beach club. At one time, there was a doctor and cave, but the march of time and a sweeping hurricane left the name a nod to the past. Doctor's Cave in Jamaica has grown into a popular place to enjoy a day at the beach without sacrificing comfort.

Doctor's Cave Beach Club

Doctor's Cave Beach Club has been a part of the tourism scene for more than a century. People once came here to experience the healing waters, which many believed could cure all kinds of ailments. Dr. Alexander James McCatty and his friends had to swim through a small cave to get to the beach. A hurricane opened up the beach in the 1930s, and over time, the club has remained popular with the locals who pay for a yearly membership. Guests are welcome at the club as long as they pay a small daily fee.

Activities & Attractions

Even the water at Doctor's Cave Beach Club seems primed for maximum comfort. Warm in the winter and the summer, the crystal clear water averages from 78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. And with the warm island sun on your shoulders, thoughts of cold will be far away whether it's Christmastime, spring break, or the height of summer.

Doctor's Cave in Jamaica is part of a larger nature preserve, Montego Bay Marine Park. Ten square miles of coral reefs under the water teem with a rainbow of marine life and underwater caves, which can be discovered by diving and catamaran tours. Deep-sea fishing is another popular pastime here; many local companies provide boats, crew, and the knowledge of where to find the best catches of blue marlin.

Like the other communities on the North Coast, you'll find plenty of places to stay after spending a day one the shore Doctor's Cave Beach or under the waters of Montego Bay Marine Park. This region is known for its quality golf resorts, sophisticated hotels, and boutique inns. The Ocho Rios hotels and the resorts to the west are close enough to make a day trip.

Amenities & Doctor's Cave Beach Entrance Fee

As it has been from the beginning, the club has been designed with visitor comfort in mind. Today's much improved facilities include changing rooms, showers, restrooms, and a grand entrance. Doctor's Cave Beach Club also features three gift shops, a cyber café, a place to stock up on basic beach needs, and a souvenir shop. Visitors and members alike can stop at the beachside bar and grill to enjoy tasty Caribbean cuisine, a Red Stripe, and tropical drinks. As with many of the Jamaica beaches, there is a fee to take advantage of the amenities of the beach. It is a nominal fee, and provides you with sun bed and umbrella for the day.

No matter where you plan to spend the night, you may be eager to return to the next morning to soak up the sun and enjoy another unhurried day at the beach while on your Caribbean escape.