by D. Christopher
(Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA)
It would take a very long time to tell you about my experiences at Jamaican beaches. I fondly recall my parents taking my sister, my 2 brothers and myself to the beach on some weekends. First of all you need to take into consideration that there are so many beaches to visit in the island.
Bournmouth Beach
Bournmouth is in Kingston. What I recall is that when we went there, for some reason, we would spend much time swimming in the pool rather than on the beach. Each year there would be a well publicized "cross the harbor swim".
The best swimmers on the island would participate. The starting point would be Bournmouth Beach. It would end at Gun Boat Beach which is near the airport and not too far from Port Royal.
Bournmouth was also a Night Club.
Gunboat Beach
Gunboat beach was well put together. The whole area was meshed off as it was in the harbor but too close to the open sea. Sharks have been seen in Kingston harbor.
Sigarnys Beach
Sigarnys is near to Bournmouth. This is one of the first beaches I was taken to as a child. I recall going there a few times when I was in my teens. We could get close to it quite easily using public transportation. We had a short walk to the beach itself.
Copa Cabana
If you go east from Kingston on the south coast you pass many beaches including one called the "Copa Cabana". The water on these beaches is usually quite rough. They are actually quite dangerous. If you are not a strong swimmer you could easily be swept away by "rip tides"
Boston Beach
If you go east from the Copa you will eventually get to Boston Beach in The parish of Portland. This beach became quite famous as it was the home of the well known Jamaican Jerk