Jamaica Beaches: Hellshire Beach

Hellshire Beach

 
 
 

Along the south coast of Jamaica visitors will find a number of narrow beaches that attract a local crowd. Hellshire Beach is the largest and most popular of them and has interesting black sands and cool clean waters. Many different activities are held here when it is time to get out of the sun yet still stay entertained.

Although Jamaica offers some more secluded beaches that Hellshire Beach the combination of natural setting, personality and other attributes provided by this location could be just what you are seeking.

Many people find that the best beach for them in Jamaica is one that is far from the crowds but is still close enough to hotels to allow travelers the chance to meet new people; Hellshire Beach is perfect for such travelers.

Even though Hellshire Beach is not particularly secluded, other beaches in Jamaica are a bit more urban than this one. Therefore, though a romantic walk on the beach might not be possible, it's certainly further outside of the main cities than other beaches.

Peace and quiet is just one offering you'll find at many of Jamaica's beaches, and you'll find a bit of that style of travel at Hellshire Beach without taking you too far away. Cities are close without being too close you'll have everything you need.

You'll want to remember that, although Hellshire Beach is by no means secluded, it is still further from the crowds than Jamaica's other beaches. It's a great option for travelers that would prefer a bit of activity at the beach without having to fight for a spot on the sand.

For some visitors the level of activity at a beach and its amenities are important. Others feel that it is the seclusion and the chance to waste away the day on the sand that is the most important thing. With so many beaches to enjoy Jamaica has plenty to choose from, and Hellshire Beach may be exactly right for you.

Location

You'll find this delightful beach on the eastern coast of Jamaica, 5.1 miles from Fort Charles. Hellshire Beach is close to Portmore, so a trip into town is a definite option.

Nearby Hotels

The number of other guests enjoying the beach can vary widely, depending on the time of day and season of the year. There are no major hotels next to this beach but you may see visitors from smaller hotels in the area. So if you'd like to stay in this vicinity you'll find multiple options.

Additional hotel options are listed in the following table.

Nearest Hotels to Hellshire Beach
Hotel NameDistanceNo. of
Rooms
Morgan's Harbour Hotel 5.5 mi. 51
Four Seasons Hotel 10.6 mi. 76
Jamaica Pegasus 10.7 mi. 310
Courtleigh Hotel and Suites 10.8 mi. 132
Hilton Kingston 11.0 mi. 300
Christar Villas 12.5 mi. 42
Strawberry Hill 16.9 mi. 14

Amenities and Ambience

The shows at Hellshire Beach are legendary and draw extremely large crowds to its shores. Beauty contests, concerts, and various other activities keep this beach active and packed on the weekends. Food can be found from numerous local vendors and the facilities are adequate for a few hours on the beach.

Who you share these sands with will depend on the time of day, season, and other factors. A few of Jamaica's beaches may hardly ever be crowded, while others are frequently crowded especially during the high tourism season. An important thing to remember when considering a day at the beach may be the size of the crowd you'll be joining, which is important to some vacationers. While some like a crowded beach with plenty of people and activity, many would prefer to just relax in a quiet area.

Like everything else about Jamaica this beach has a distinctive quality which some visitors will find just perfect. The atmosphere of this beach is a bit different from what is offered at the other beaches in Jamaica. The casual and friendly atmosphere of Hellshire Beach attracts a range of locals to its shores, mostly on the weekends. Fishermen work the shores, women cook and sell fried foods, and locals come out to enjoy their days in leisure. Large crowds converge when the beach puts on different forms of activities like beauty contests and reggae concerts.

Attractions

Visiting the beach can be a great way to spend time near some of nature's most beautiful works, but visitors can also explore other natural attractions that are well worth checking out. Royal Botanic Gardens, located 13.9 miles to the northeast of Hellshire Beach, for example, can add great fun to your day at the beach.

If you want more information on the history of Jamaica you'll find close by opportunities. For example Fort Charles is located 5.1 miles to the northeast of Hellshire Beach.

Plenty of nearby activities will ensure that you never run low on things to do. The following table contains a list of attractions near this beach.

Attractions Near Hellshire Beach
Attraction NameDistanceDirectionType
Fort Charles 5.1 mi. NE Historical Site
Georgian Antique Square 8.2 mi. NW Shopping
National Gallery of Art 8.6 mi. NE Museum
Gordon House 9.6 mi. NE Historical Site
Tourist Board 10.7 mi. NE
Devon House 11.3 mi. NE Historical Site
National Stadium 11.4 mi. NE
Bob Marley Museum 11.9 mi. NE Museum
Mona Great House 12.5 mi. NE Historical Site
Hope Great House 13.6 mi. NE Historical Site

Food

Notwithstanding the fact that it's not located in the culinary epicenter of the area you still have some options, especially if you're willing to venture a little farther away.

The table below lists some dining options near this beach.

Restaurants Near Hellshire Beach
Restaurant NameCuisine TypeMeals ServedDistanceDirection
Blue Mountain Inn French varies 15.3 mi. NE

There are many wonderful dining experiences that vacationers can enjoy in Jamaica, but eating at the beach can be particularly fun. Many hotels will prepare a picnic lunch for you, or you can obtain picnic supplies on your way to the beach.

You will also have the option of getting some food from one of the local vendors who typically can be found at the beach.

Other Beaches

Travelers who are looking for a great beach can choose from more than Hellshire Beach when they visit Jamaica. Travelers can also have a good time at Fort Clarence, which offers an active beach scene. You'll find it 0.5 miles to the southwest. 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 your search is for something further from the beaten path, you might enjoy Fairy Hill Beach. Fairy Hill Beach attracts locals and visitors alike to its energetic shores. During the week crowds are at a minimum and snorkeling is fantastic at the small off shore reef, but bring your own equipment. A small eatery serves vegetarian and Jamaican jerk dishes for a nice afternoon snack. You'll find it 39.6 miles to the northeast.

You might also want to visit Gunboat Beach, which you'll find 1.7 miles from Hellshire Beach. Fashioned after Miami's popular beaches and named after an aging piece of an old gun boat, Gunboat Beach is a popular hangout for the locals in Jamaica. Socializing and enjoying the entertainment are the popular activities to do at this beach, although swimming in the waters is not recommended. Adequate facilities and food vendors are kept in top shape at this popular local hangout spot.

You might not find Hellshire Beach to be the best choice for you, but Jamaica is full of beach options for travelers. Even if this beach isn't perfect for you, you're sure to find something to enjoy.

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