White sand, bright blue water and a nearby bar make this beach the perfect spot for a relaxing in the beautiful Jamaican weather.

Doctor’s Cave Beach stretches for 660 feet (200 meters) along Montego Bay, just one mile (1.6 kilometers) from the downtown area. The soft white sand and turquoise water make it popular with families.

The beach takes its name from Dr. Alexander James McCatty, a British doctor who ran a sanatorium nearby in the late 19th century. The beach was his own private property, and guests entered via a cave. It’s still a privately owned beach, but the public are allowed to enter for a small fee.

Rent a lounge chair and umbrella, and relax with a drink from the beach restaurant. Local seafood is a menu favorite food and drinks are delivered to your chair. Later, take a swim in the calm water or rent snorkeling equipment and head a little farther out. The water is warm all year, with temperatures between 78 and 84 F (25 and 28 C).

Snorkeling is popular at Doctor’s Cave Beach. Take a quick boat ride out past the shallows to the reef, about 300 feet (92 meters) from the shore. See lionfish, turtles, stingrays and parrot fish swim beneath the clear blue water. You might also spot small sharks and barracudas. There are large coral formations further down.

Snorkels and flotation devices can be rented on the beach for a few dollars. Boats leave regularly from the shore, but make sure to leave a small tip for the boat captain or dive master.

The rental lounges and umbrellas are popular, especially in summer, so get there early to secure one. Otherwise, find shade under the tall coconut palms that line the beach. There are showers and change rooms at the edge of the beach.

Plan a trip to see Doctor's Cave Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Princess Grand Jamaica Resort - All Inclusive

per person

Jan. 31 - Feb. 4

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Ottawa (YOW) to Montego Bay (MBJ)

9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)

Overall the property is beautiful although there is still some construction being done since the property is brand new. No issues with check in and the room was clean. Saw a spider or two but nothing a little Off Spray did not help. My room faced the kids club so my view of the ocean was limited since I was on floor two. I had issues with the hot water pressure and staff was very accommodating. The highlight of my stay was the staff. Akeem and Hyacinth at Jamrock (best restaurant) along with Tyre (supervisor) and butler Georgianna were EXCELLENT. They were very accommodating and made my stay very enjoyable.

Reviewed on Dec. 12, 2024

The Signature Level At Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa

per person

Feb. 4 - Feb. 11

found 3 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Hamilton (YHM) to Montego Bay (MBJ)

8.8/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)

The rooms were in desperate need of maintenance, food was always limited in the buffets. The alcohol was horrible. We were Signature level so we had a lounge and pool but its away from the big pool. My father's room had a leak in the air conditioner that maintenance said they would fix, we left two days later and he had pooled water and dripping from the ceiling in his bathroom which was extremely dangerous for a 75 year old man. If he would have fallen there would have been a lawsuit.

Reviewed on Dec. 13, 2024

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa All Inclusive

per person

Feb. 4 - Feb. 11

found 15 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Hamilton (YHM) to Montego Bay (MBJ)

7.8/10 Good! (1,193 reviews)

Very big property but they had transport to the rooms which made things easier.

Reviewed on Dec. 21, 2024

Tours & day trips

See all 47 activities

Montego Bay’s Night Life Clubbing: Lounge 27/27 | Pier 1 | Taboo

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

See all 6 activities

Montego Bay: Jet Car, Jet Ski and Parasailing

Free cancellation available

Shopping & fashion

See all 3 activities

Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup

Free cancellation available

Reviews of Doctor's Cave Beach

4.5

Top destination

5 - Excellent

42

4 - Good

18

3 - Okay

6

2 - Disappointing

1

1 - Terrible

0

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Entry is by the Bathing Club and 6$ American for all, Entry, loungers, umbrellas and they set them up for you. Staff brings a menu for drinks and food, bathrooms and showers on site. Clean and safe beach- get there early to get a spot in the shade. Lifeguards on duty and you can watch the planes land as you swim.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Expensive access to beach, but restaurant was decent and there was less hassle by local vendors and taxi drivers than on the streets.

4/5 - Good

Kaitlyn

Beautiful beach. $6 USD per adult for entrance, as well as $6 USD per chair and umbrella. Great restaurant onsite as well with very reasonable prices.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fairly small but very nice and clean because you have to pay $6USD pp to enter. Great bar with live DJ on Wednesday when cruise ship is in town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

You can come and go if you get a hand stamp at the entrance.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Service for drinks and food very slow. You pay for chairs and umbrella. But the beach is nice and you don't get hassled by vendors

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