Doctor's Cave Beach

Doctor\'s Cave Beach showing tropical scenes, a coastal town and a sandy beach
Doctor's Cave Beach
Doctor's Cave Beach
Doctor's Cave Beach
Doctor's Cave Beach


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 Senses The Mangrove Resort - Adults Only
Princess Grand Jamaica Resort - All Inclusive
The Beach Villas at Excellence Oyster Bay - Adults Only All Inclusive

Tours & day trips

See all 48 activities

Water activities

See all 8 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities

Shopping & fashion

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

S Hotel Montego Bay - Luxury Boutique All Inclusive Hotel

S Hotel Montego Bay - Luxury Boutique All Inclusive Hotel

4 out of 5
7 Jimmy Cliff Blvd, Montego Bay, Saint James
S Hotel Montego Bay - Luxury Boutique All Inclusive Hotel
Deja Resort All Inclusive

Deja Resort All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
92 Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Saint James
Deja Resort All Inclusive
SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive

SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
8 Kent Avenue, Montego Bay, Saint James
SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive
Toby's Resort

Toby's Resort

3 out of 5
1 Kent Avenue, Montego Bay, Saint James
Toby's Resort
Grand Decameron Montego Beach, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort

Grand Decameron Montego Beach, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort

3.5 out of 5
2 Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Saint James
Grand Decameron Montego Beach, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort
Grand Decameron Cornwall Beach, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort

Grand Decameron Cornwall Beach, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort

3.5 out of 5
Cornwall Beach, Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, St. James
Grand Decameron Cornwall Beach, A Trademark All-Inclusive Resort
Hotel Grand A View

Hotel Grand A View

3.5 out of 5
3 RAMPARTS CLOSE, Montego Bay, ST JAMES
Hotel Grand A View
Hotel 39 Jamaica

Hotel 39 Jamaica

4.5 out of 5
39 Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, Montego Bay
Hotel 39 Jamaica
Garden Beach Studios at Montego Bay Club

Garden Beach Studios at Montego Bay Club

3 out of 5
Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, St. James
Garden Beach Studios at Montego Bay Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Doctor's Cave Beach

A trip to Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay is incomplete without indulging in its vibrant shopping scene and capturing the stunning scenery on photo tours. This famous beach is renowned for its clear waters and relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for both leisure and exploration.

Shopping

For shopping near Doctor's Cave Beach, visit Harbour Street Craft Market, just 621m away, offering local crafts and souvenirs. Also, the Blue Diamond Shopping Centre, located 2.5km away, features a mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Time Square Mall is 18.6km away with a variety of stores.

Recreation

At SuperClubs Ironshore Golf & Country Club, enjoy a round of golf with breathtaking views and outdoor vibes, just 1.6km from Doctor's Cave Beach. For a touch of luxury, visit Montego Bay Yacht Club, located two miles away, where you can relax in a serene, upscale atmosphere.

Adventure

At Kool Runnings Water Park, located 18.0km from Doctor's Cave Beach, enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. For adventure seekers, Chukka Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay, 6.8km away, offers exhilarating outdoor activities amidst the stunning Jamaican landscape.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife at the Doctor's Cave Beach Club, where you can enjoy beachside cocktails and dancing under the stars. For a lively atmosphere, visit The Pelican Grill, offering local cuisine and live entertainment to keep the energy high throughout the evening.

Find the best attractions near Doctor's Cave Beach

At Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay, visitors can enjoy a delightful blend of beach relaxation, cultural exploration, and family-friendly activities. Nearby attractions include local churches and the marine park, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in Jamaican culture and natural beauty. Don't miss the chance to explore Montego Bay further, enhancing your holiday experience with its vibrant atmosphere and captivating sights.

  • Montego Bay Marine Park: This vibrant marine park, located 621m from Doctor's Cave Beach, offers an exciting adventure for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Explore its rich coral reefs and diverse marine life while snorkelling or diving in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Dead End Beach: Just 435m away, Dead End Beach is a serene spot perfect for relaxation. With its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, it’s an ideal location to unwind and soak up the sun.
  • Walter Fletcher Beach: Located 311m from Doctor's Cave Beach, Walter Fletcher Beach is a lively destination featuring soft sands and inviting waters, perfect for beach games or leisurely strolls along the shoreline.

Best time to go to Doctor's Cave Beach

The best time to visit Doctor's Cave Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Doctor's Cave Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Doctor's Cave Beach falls in January and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January77.2°F (25.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
February77.2°F (25.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
April79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
May80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September82.4°F (28.0°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
October81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December78.4°F (25.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Doctor's Cave Beach

To save money on your trip to Doctor's Cave Beach, consider visiting between September and November when prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can also yield the best rates, particularly on Tuesdays, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings, and use their search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Additionally, consider package deals that combine flights and accommodation for further discounts. Walking is a great way to explore the area without incurring transport costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Doctor's Cave Beach are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Doctor's Cave Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Doctor's Cave Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Doctor's Cave Beach is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find that you can save money by combining your hotel stay at Doctor's Cave Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.