James Bond Beach

James Bond Beach in Jamaica (pictured above is as of 2013 and the result of Hurricane Sandy in 2012) will look familiar to fans of the spy thriller, Dr. No. Back when Sean Connery played the dashing detective, the early James Bond flick was filmed in Oracabessa on the same beach that continues to draw the attention of vacationers looking for a fine place to enjoy the sun and sand in eastern Jamaica.

Bond’s connections to Jamaica are deeper than the movie; even though the dashing spy was British, he has roots on the island. His creator, author Ian Fleming, lived and wrote at an oceanfront estate in Oracabessa. Today, the home has become a luxury hotel where guests can admire the same scenes that inspired Fleming. The staff is happy to arrange excursions to nearby sites such as Dolphin Cove, local golf courses, and James Bond Beach.

Goldeneye has sister properties throughout Jamaica, including the Ian Fleming Villa, a small-yet-elegant home designed by the author himself. Island Resorts, the parent company, also operates one of the most elite Port Antonio hotels, Geejam, and one of the Runaway Bay hotels, Itopia.

While 007 was a man of action, he took time to enjoy the finer things of life. With a visit to James Bond Beach in Jamaica, you too, can soak in the best of the islands. Like Seven Mile Beach, this fine stretch of sand is known for its crystal-clear waters, bright blue skies, and warm, sunny climate. The beach features a dramatic setting—the mountains of Saint Mary seem to drop straight into the sea.

Some visitors to James Bond Beach spend the day lounging in the sun curled up on a chaise lounge, good book in hand. This beach isn’t as crowded as others, so you may feel as if you’ve found a secret that is worth keeping, especially when you crave peace and quiet.

Other beach visitors make the plunge and go swimming or enjoy kayaking. For a more thrilling time at the beach, consider adding a wave runner tour for fantastic views of GoldenEye, the mountains, and other the bright blue waters of the Caribbean. You also can admire the scenery under the water while snorkeling, diving by underwater caves, or enjoying a glass-bottom boat excursion.

If you’re looking to add more beaches to your lists of experiences, consider making the trip to the beach in Kingston Jamaica, about an hour to the south, Negril to the southwest, or Ocho Rios twenty minutes to the west. Lime Cay, a short boat ride away from Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston, is a small island that’s big on natural beauty and a secluded atmosphere. Fort Clarence, another beach in Kingston Jamaica, is a favorite place for reggae music.

Back in Oracabessa, James Bond Beach in Jamaica is a foodie’s dream. If you’re looking for the freshest seafood, you’ll find it at the beachfront bars and restaurants, where plenty of drinks are served “shaken, not stirred.”

Many visitors include time at the beach in Kingston when looking for good eats. Not far from the black sands of Hellshire Beach, you’ll find an array of restaurants specializing in Jamaican cuisine and international flavors.

James Bond Beach also is a favorite of music lovers, as are the beaches in Negril. Throughout the year, the beached named after the fictional spy becomes a gathering place for concerts, including an annual tribute to Bob Marley.