Beaches & the South Coast

The coast around Black River is very different from Jamaica's large resort centers. Bays, fishing settlements, rocky coves and stretches of dark, pale and coral-colored sand give the South Coast a character of its own.

Treasure Beach

Treasure Beach is the collective name commonly used for several bays and settlements east of Black River, including Frenchman's Bay, Great Pedro Bay, Billy's Bay, Calabash Bay and Fort Charles Bay. The coastline mixes sandy beaches, rocky shore and fishing communities rather than one continuous resort strip.

A coast of separate bays

Fort Charles Bay is encountered first when approaching the Treasure Beach area from Black River. Billy's Bay lies farther east and retains the character of a fishing settlement, while Frenchman's Bay has developed into one of the area's better-known visitor centers.

Great Pedro Bay lies at the eastern end of the wider Treasure Beach area, partly sheltered by the Pedro Bluffs. Other small bays and coves vary considerably in sand color, exposure and accessibility.

Bluefields Beach

West of Black River, Bluefields occupies one of the island's older settled coastal areas. The bay remained useful after the Spanish period and today is known for its beach, wooded hills and popularity with Jamaican visitors, especially on holidays.

Bluefields and Belmont

The nearby community of Belmont is associated with reggae musician Peter Tosh, who spent part of his early life there before moving to Kingston. The Peter Tosh Memorial has made the area part of Jamaica's musical heritage as well as its coastal landscape.