The waters of Doctor’s Cave beach are fed by crystal clear mineral springs. The gentle waves remain at a temperature between78°F and 84°F all year round. Its golden sands and turquoise water provide the perfect place to enjoy the Caribbean. Visitors can even watch brightly colored tropical fish swimming close to the surface. Doctor’s Cave is not too far off the beaten path in Jamaica and offers a chance for tourists to meet new people and enjoy a lively beach ambience. Doctor’s Cave is known for its tropical, metropolitan feel. Visitors who crave activity and action will especially enjoy the offerings of Doctor’s Cave beach.
Located on the west coast of Jamaica, Doctor’s Cave beach is very close to the Breezes Montego Bay hotel (124 rooms), and its proximity to Montego Bay make day trips to town very easy to do. Guests can expect to share Doctor’s Cave beach with the travelers who are staying at one of the six neighborhood hotels. In addition to the Breezes, these include Doctor’s Cave Beach Hotel (0.1 mile, 101 rooms), Tobys Resort (0.2 miles, 65 rooms), Gloustershire Hotel 0.2 miles, 96 rooms), Sandals Inn (0.2 miles, 52 rooms), Wexford Hotel (0.3 miles, 60 rooms).
Doctor’s Cave beach first opened in 1906 when Dr. Alexander James McCatty donated the small stretch of sand for use as a bathing club. Since the beach can be accessed only through a cave, the name “Doctor’s Cave beach” is very appropriate. During the 1920s, it was believed that the waters at Doctor’s Cave had healing powers, and people from around the world visited the beach to bathe in its waters. Now, Doctor’s Cave is popular with families, and it is usually packed with beachgoers, especially in the winter.
Since its founding, the beach has suffered damage from a hurricane and is no longer the site of an exclusive bathing club. It is now a festive beachside location characterized by its continual party atmosphere. Admission to the beach is US$5.00 for adults and US$2.50 for children age 12 and under. The beach is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to sunset. Beach rentals are available at Doctor’s Cave as well.
In addition to swimming and beach activities, Doctor’s Cave offers visitors the opportunity to take in several other Jamaican attractions of a natural or historical nature. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Barnett Estates, which is just 3.4 miles southeast of Doctor’s Cave, or Croydon in the Mountains, a mere 15 miles away. The natural beauty of Jamaica can be enjoyed at Airport Reef and the Cockpit Country, while Jamaican culture is on display at the Gallery of West Indian Art and the Bob Marley Performance Center.
The neighborhood at Doctor’s Cave features a wide variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Jamaican cuisine to international fare to pub-style steak dinners. Visitors do not have to worry about finding a tasty choice to satisfy their appetites during a beach visit. There are six major restaurants very close to Doctor’s Cave beach. The Pelican offers authentic Jamaican fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner, while American lunch and dinner cuisine can be found at The Brewery. Excellent Chinese food is provided at Le Chalet. Marguerites offers seafood options, while an eclectic menu characterizes Margaritaville- Montego Bay. Jamaican cuisine is featured at The Native, Pier 1 provides international fare, and the Royal Stocks English Pub & Steakhouse is a great choice for a steak dinner.
Another popular option is to take a picnic to the beach and eat on the sand. Many hotels will pack a picnic basket for visitors so they can dine in comfort without having to leave the beach. It’s also possible to pick up picnic supplies on the way to the beach or to eat at one of the snack bars located right on the sand.
There’s no doubt that a visit to Doctor’s Cave beach will enhance any visit to Jamaica.