travel.adambryner.com

People, obviously, have different needs and different styles. What constitutes a great beach for one person may not be all that enjoyable for another. What makes Jamaica a great travel destination is that, as an island nation, there are a variety of beaches to choose from. Knowing what you want and where to find it will help you to make the very most of that precious vacation time.

There are the classic Caribbean beaches that feature the traditional joys of pristine white sand and blue, blue waters. But, there are also the craggy, undeveloped beaches that are perfectly suited for those hoping to avoid crowds or for those who best enjoy nature in its natural state. There are beaches known for the gentle waters that are perfect for families with children visiting Jamaica and still others with rougher waters and currents that attract surfers. There are beaches known for their active social scene and others that are serene and quiet.

In Montego Bay, Doctor’s Cave Beach is one fine example of the classic Caribbean vacation beach. Five miles of fine, white sand beach that borders clear, cool waters attract visitors to Jamaica from all over. Because of its broad popularity, it is likely to be frequently crowded. Cornwall Beach is another lovely, white sand beach found in Montego Bay.

In Negril, some of the most wild, untouched areas by the sea can be found. Craggy cliffs, amazing beauty, solitude - all of these are what bring naturalists to these shore areas in Jamaica. Crane Beach, by Black River, is a beach that has not been overdeveloped and is notable for the naturalness of its environment.

For families, especially with young children, there are several beaches in Jamaica known for their gentle waters that lack the strong currents and undertows found in other areas, making swimming safer for young or inexperienced swimmers. Among the best of these are the Walter Fletcher Beach in Montego Bay, San San Beach in Port Antonio, Blue Lagoon Beach, which is also in Port Antonio, and Dunn’s River Beach, located in Ocho Rios, fairly close to the famous waterfalls of the same name.

Surfers love Boston Beach, where surfing equipment is easy to rent. The beaches of Long Bay are said to offer the most consistent waves in Jamaica, and on the southwest coast, Treasure Beach can offer adventure to the surfer. Swimmers should take care, though, as the undercurrent can be strong.

Those in search of beaches that combine the joys of sun, sand and surf with an active social scene or party scene will certainly enjoy Frenchman’s Cove in Port Antonio. Another favorite spot is Seven Mile Beach in Negril.

Jamaica is a lovely island nation with approximately 200 miles of beaches. There are beaches to suit most every taste, ranging from family beaches to nude sun bathing beaches, from peaceful and natural surroundings to the pristine white sands and full services of the resorts, from beaches perfect for active water sports beaches to known for their active social scene. A little planning will help you to choose the best beach in Jamaica for you.

The groups of islands that make up the Bahamas are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in this part of the world. Many of these retain the natural beauty that first attracted Europeans centuries ago. With the numerous small islands, each with their own little shoreline beaches, it is, despite the immense popularity of the Bahamas as a vacation destination, possible to find relatively secluded and quite places to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the sand and ocean.

New Providence Island has many beautiful beaches. Cabbage Beach is one of the most notable of the public beaches, attracting locals and tourists alike to its stunningly white sands. It spans a three-mile long area of the coast between Snorkeler’s Cove and the Atlantis Lagoon. Palm trees, sea grapes and casuarinas are among the vegetation to grace its borders.

The Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island is one of the most peaceful beaches to be found in all of the Bahamas. A coral reef just beyond the three-mile long beach offers an excellent scuba diving exploration opportunity, as well as absorbs the force of the ocean waves, making the water a safe and enjoyable place to swim. Due to its position on the island, sunbathers will prefer the mornings, because the afternoon brings shadows.

The beaches on Cat Island are secluded, and glitter with fine, white sand. The graceful, curving lines of the shore meet very clear, clean ocean waters. Plant life along the beach includes coconut palms, palmettos, and casuarina trees.

Tahiti Beach is another of the beaches in the Bahamas that is known for being a quiet, peaceful place that attracts few tourists. Located in Hope Town on the Acabos, this beach is not accessible by car, but rather, must be reached by bicycle, foot or boat.

Those who enjoy more social and active beach scenes will probably feel more comfortable at Cable Beach on New Providence Island. Located near the restaurants - which feature a wide variety of foods, ranging from international cuisines to local favorites of the Bahamas — casinos, bars, and several facilities that offer a broad array of water sports equipment and tours, this beach can be crowded at times.

However, the mix of international tourists and locals is usually interesting and fun for those seeking company and conversation in the sun. There are numerous beach vendors selling a variety of products and services, ranging from hair braiding to unique jewelry. There’s more of a party atmosphere here than at other beaches, with music and dancing here and there on the beach. It is the most popular place on the island.

The beaches of the islands that make up the Bahamas are known the world over for their beauty. The fine white sand that is a common feature of these beaches sets the standard for beaches everywhere. The many little islands offer a broad range of beach experiences, with many options for those who treasure the natural sights and sounds of the non-commercialized beach and relish the opportunities to enjoy these attributes with peace, quiet and privacy. Those who enjoy the classic joys of the active beach life will not be disappointed by the options they find in the Bahamas. International crowds complemented by interesting local people make for a lively social scene, enhanced by the beauty of the ocean and sky. There’s a Bahamas beach for everyone.

Artistic expression has long been a part of Jamaican culture, as is often the case in societies that have endured the sort of social, political and economic inequality that leads to social unrest and struggle. There are many talented artists and several important art collections and exhibits to be enjoyed in Jamaica.

One of the finest art exhibits in Jamaica can be found at the National Gallery in Kingston. The work of some of the most important sculptors in the country can be found here. Among the most magnificent are the some of the works, including Ghetto Mother, by Edna Manley and the beautiful, mahogany creations of the esteemed Mallica Reynolds, who usually goes by the name Kapo.

Just a few miles outside of Ocho Rios, on Route A3, is the Harmony Hall Art Gallery, open every day from 10am to 6pm. Once a sugar plantation, this gallery draws both tourists and locals to view an astounding array of local arts and handcrafts.

Here, art enthusiasts will be able to enjoy displays that include a broad range of artistic expression, ranging from the traditional fine arts to the more immediate, urgent feel of urban style street arts. It offers a unique and fascinating opportunity for the exploration of the intermingled cultures of Jamaica and its and peoples. There is a gift store on site, featuring the finest of local arts and crafts, and a caf that is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10am to 2:30pm and from 6pm to 11pm.

At The Frame Centre Gallery, in Kingston, Jamaica, at 10 Tangerine Place, there are more than 300 works available for viewing. These are spread through three separate areas. The founder of this fine gallery, Guy McIntosh, is well known for his strong support and extensive knowledge of the arts in Jamaica.

Also in Kingston is the Mutual Life Gallery, at 2 Oxford Road. The tone and atmosphere are influenced by Gilou Bauer, and successfully captures the diverse and multicultural aspects of art currents in Jamaica. This gallery features both the works of established artists and those who are - as of yet - unknown. It includes a fine mix of artistic styles and perspectives. With a blend of exhibits, some being long term and others changing monthly, visitors are able to enjoy a variety of fascinating pieces.

Throughout the island, there are many beautiful works of art tucked away in numerous small museums, demonstrating the influences of the various cultural and social movements of the people of Jamaica through the years. A complicated history, one built upon cycles of oppression and triumph, of joy and sorrow, wealth and poverty, influences the culture of Jamaica, and thus the artistic expression of its peoples. Those interested in the arts should take the time to explore the smaller museums, the ones that are not typical tourist fare, viewing the many small masterpieces that the casual tourist is sure to miss. The best way to find these hidden treasures is by word of mouth, by asking around locally.

For those who enjoy seeing the expression of a culture represented in the arts, Jamaica offers a wealth of unique experiences. A tour of the art museums and galleries of Jamaica is sure to be a satisfying and unforgettable journey.