Jamaica is world-famous for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. Tourists flock to enjoy its iconic beaches, but for many locals, the coastline is largely off-limits. In fact, less than 1% of Jamaica’s 1,022 kilometers of shoreline is publicly accessible.
During a 2014 road trip along Jamaica’s northern coast, Mammee Bay Beach stood out. The soft white sand against turquoise waters was stunning, yet the daily life of locals caught my attention most: fishermen returning from sea, children playing along the shore, and a community woven into the coastline.
The Growing Struggle for Beach Access
For travelers, Jamaica represents the perfect beach getaway. In 2024, a record 4.3 million visitors came to enjoy the island’s sun and sea. But the very beaches that draw tourists are becoming harder for locals to enjoy. Public access is tiny, and private resorts now dominate much of the coastline.
In 2020, Mammee Bay was sold to a developer for a luxury resort, cutting off local residents. Fishermen from nearby Steer Town lost access to traditional launch points. Similarly, Roaring River, a popular local swimming spot, became restricted after the government sold surrounding land to China Harbour Engineering Company for private residences.
Privatization has been ongoing for decades, but the past five years have seen a spike in gated resorts and foreign-owned developments, accelerating the loss of public beaches.
The Economic and Legal Context
Tourism brings in $4.3 billion annually, but only 40% stays in Jamaica. All-inclusive resorts flourish, and by 2030, 10,000 new rooms are expected along the coast. Massive developments like the 1,000-room Hard Rock Hotel and the 1,350-room Moon Palace The Grand in Montego Bay will likely limit local access further.
Much of this stems from the 1956 Beach Control Act, which grants the state ownership of the coastline but does not guarantee public access. The law allows coastal land to be sold to private interests, leaving locals locked out of spaces they’ve used for generations.
Marcus Goffe, a lawyer representing JaBBEM, warned, “Cutting off Jamaicans from traditional fishing and coastal livelihoods risks destroying communities within a generation.”
Fighting Back
Monique Christie, a JaBBEM coordinator and plaintiff in a case against Sandals Resorts, said, “In Montego Bay, maybe four public beaches remain. These beaches are more than recreation; they connect communities to their land and heritage.”
Following Hurricane Melissa in 2025, many beaches on Jamaica’s western and northern coasts remained closed or required entrance fees. Even Mammee Bay now charges a $1,200 Jamaican dollar ($7.60) access fee through the Bamboo Blu restaurant. Meanwhile, free beaches like Dead End Beach and Discovery Bay still host families, fishermen, and the rhythm of local life.
Visiting Responsibly
Taylor urges tourists to choose accommodations that allow locals to enjoy beaches freely. “Do your research, spend your tourism dollars wisely, and support spaces that welcome the community,” he says.
Responsible travel ensures visitors experience Jamaica’s beauty while helping preserve its culture and coastline for future generations.
