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Gunboat Beach draws a crowd on the weekends, usually more for its entertainment than its actual beaches. Once a thriving atmosphere, this beach has declined rapidly with pollution and neglect and swimming in the waters is no longer recommended. Most of the people who come to Gunboat Beach are the locals who come to socialize and spend their days hanging out along the shore.

Although Jamaica has beaches that are more secluded than Gunboat Beach the combination of natural beauty, personality and atmosphere offered at this location could be what you are looking for.

If you're in search of the perfect beach for your vacation to Jamaica, you may prefer one that is conveniently located and allows for a certain degree of privacy while still offering travelers the chance to meet new people; Gunboat Beach is just waiting to be discovered.

Even though you'll find other beaches further from metropolitan hubs, visitors will find fewer people here than on many of Jamaica's other beaches. Therefore, though a romantic walk on the beach might not be possible, you'll find this beach is a great alternative to more popular or urban beaches.

You may find that beaches throughout Jamaica are usually fairly quiet, but you can find a difference at Gunboat Beach. That's not to say this spot is particularly urbanized it isn't those planning on stopping at this beach during their vacations will enjoy escaping the buzz of city life without sacrificing the chance to meet new people.

Jamaica's beaches are hardly known for their seclusion, but this beach is a little further from the crowds, helping to make it a great spot for many visitors. Gunboat Beach is still fairly central.

One of the most important parts of a beach can be location, and your spot on a sunny beach can be prime real estate. You'll find plenty of beaches in Jamaica, like Gunboat Beach. So, if you're looking for an out of the way spot, or a more active getaway, you'll be sure to find it, but you'll need to decide if this one is your style.

Location

This pleasant beach is located on the southeastern coast of Jamaica, 6.8 miles from Fort Charles. Gunboat Beach is near Portmore, so you can tour the town after your visit to the beach.

Nearby Hotels

Whether you are nearly alone or joining other beachgoers will be influenced by the time of day as well as the season. The beach is not adjacent to any large hotels but it is often enjoyed by vacationers from smaller hotels in the general area. Those who would like to stay in this vicinity have some viable options to consider.

The following table provides additional hotel options.

Amenities and Ambience

Gunboat Beach, although not a place to swim, has many different amenities that cater to the mainly local crowd who turn out on the weekends. Visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment, numerous food stands, and adequate changing rooms and restrooms. In addition, heavy security is always around for your safety and for additional information.

The crowd at the beach will vary according to a few things, including the season and time of day. Some of Jamaica's beaches may rarely be crowded, while others are often crowded particularly when tourism season is as its peak. When considering a day at the beach, an important thing to keep in mind might be, at least for some vacationers, the crowds you'll meet. While some like a crowded beach with plenty of people and activity, others would just like to relax in a quiet spot.

Like many other aspects of Jamaica this beach has a distinctive quality which will be particularly appealing to some visitors. The atmosphere of this beach is rather different from what you'll enjoy at other beaches in Jamaica. Extremely popular with the locals on weekends, Gunboat Beach draws a mainly local crowd with fine facilities and live music. Hanging out along the shore is a great way to meet the residents in this area.

Attractions

This beach is also conveniently located near to a few noteworthy natural attractions, like Royal Botanic Gardens which you will find 15.6 miles to the northeast of Gunboat Beach.

If you want to learn more about the history of Jamaica you'll find close by opportunities. For instance, Fort Charles is located 6.8 miles to the northeast of Gunboat Beach.

Beaches are a great attraction to visit, but there's more to visit in Jamaica. The following chart includes some other attractions close to this beach.

Food

While you'll be hard-pressed to find many dining options nearby you still have some options, particularly if you're prepared to venture a little out of the way.

The following table lists dining options near this beach.

Every place in the world has its own cuisine, and Jamaica is no different. One of the best places to experience delicious local specialty dishes is directly on the beach. Your hotel may be happy to pack a picnic lunch for you, or you can find picnic supplies en route to the beach.

Other Beaches

You'll find other beaches besides Gunboat Beach in Jamaica. Some might enjoy Fort Clarence, which is home to plenty of activity. It is located 1.2 miles to the northeast. The black sands of the beaches at Fort Clarence are a welcome change from many of the island's other beaches. With its rich history and popular location, most people do not come out for the beach, but for socializing with friends and enjoying the entertainment. The fort is now in disrepair yet the beach's popularity stems from the attractions at the beach, including the prominent live reggae concerts.

If you're looking to travel to a more tranquil beach, you might enjoy Navy Island. Navy Island's beaches, a short boat ride away from Port Antonio, are closed to the public temporarily. Yet, this beach is a great haven for visitors who wish the remain somewhat secluded yet have convenient amenities at hand for added comfort. The boat shuttle runs all night and day, beautiful beaches and prime snorkeling line the shores, and a few restaurants and hotels are available for guests of the island. It is located 37.6 miles to the northeast.

Another option worth considering is Hellshire Beach, located 1.7 miles from Gunboat Beach. To the southwest of Kingston lies Hellshire beach, the most popular of the black sand beaches in this area. Locals flock to this area on the weekends to take advantage of this casual and relaxed environment on the shore. Food vendors sell their fresh cooked food to guests while fishermen traverse the shores. Although not the main attraction, the waters are cool and refreshing, making it a good idea to take a dip in the sea.

You might find that Gunboat Beach is not your favorite, but Jamaica has plenty of other options for travelers who don't wish to visit this beach.

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