James Bond Beach: Ian Fleming’s Favourite Getaway in Jamaica

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by Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle

I’ve never read nor watched a James Bond book or movie but living in Jamaica, the character is familiar because of locations like this beach immortalizing his name. James Bond Beach is found along Jamaica’s northeastern coast in the quaint scenic town of Oracabessa, St. Mary. This beach is part of the late Ian Fleming’s estate, writer of 007. He lived nearby in Goldeneye, now an exclusive luxury resort, so James Bond Beach was one of his frequented swimming spots. The beach keeps its affiliation to Fleming and his series rather low-key but for true fans, swimming where your idol once did should be thrilling enough.

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How to Find James Bond Beach

welcoming sign james bond beach
Sign marking the road for James Bond Beach

Combined with my Tacky Falls trip, our journey to Oracabessa really started from Islington but I’ll describe it from Kingston anyway. Drive through Constant Spring, Stony Hill, along the winding picturesque Junction road into St. Mary where you’re going left of the roundabout near the banana estates in the direction of Port Maria. From there, it’s literally one straight road and a 45 minute drive along the A3 main road which weaves inland then back out to sea towards the end of the drive for some breathtaking views. You’ll know you’re nearby after passing the Oracabessa Police station on your right and the signs for Jacks River. There’s also a sign which says 0.5km to James Bond Beach to ensure you don’t miss the right turn. The right turnoff is marked with the sign pictured above but from there it’s about another 5 minute drive to the beach’s entrance.

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entrance to james bond beach
Entrance to James Bond Beach
admission prices-james bond beach
Opening hours & prices to James Bond Beach

From there, pay the admission fee where you’ll be given an armband then allowed entry onto the property. Parking is available on the property as are lifeguards. Clean restrooms which double as changing rooms, showers, an expensive bar and restaurant, grassy field for football and volleyball and lounge chairs are the amenities available. Bring your own balls. Additional things like snorkeling equipment etc. can be rented.

james bond beach football field
Large grassy field for football and volleyball
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James Bond Beach

patrons james bond beach
A snapshot of James Bond Beach
deckchairs on james bond beach
Empty lounge chairs were everywhere! 🤗

The property is large but the beach itself is rather small and had a decent-sized crowd for a weekday. Thus, I can only imagine how packed it gets on weekends! Nonetheless, it’s very beautiful. I can see why it was Fleming’s chosen spot. The views are all around spectacular with turquoise blue water and the lush backdrop of trees and Jamaica’s omnipresent mountains. In terms of sand, that on the shore is rather soft but the Caribbean Sea in this spot is floored by coarser sand.

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turquoise water-james bond beach
The water was divine!
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James Bond Beach, Oracabessa, St. Mary
vibes at james bond beach
Another look at Flemming’s favourite swimming spot

However, it wouldn’t be an honest review if I left out my pet peeves with this beach: staff not knowing how to handle a bus-load of patrons efficiently, and the overpriced restaurant. A small fish costed JM$2,300 in 2018 (imagine what it’d cost now in 2025!) and it wasn’t even fresh-looking! I’m an island girl so I know and love my seafood. Under no circumstance will I tolerate un-fresh fish at a beach! Other menu options were slim, with few local dishes available. Hopefully it isn’t always like that but first impressions last. I skipped dining, and consoled myself with 2 coconuts instead from a stall next to the main road (sold at normal local prices).

james bond beach bar
The Moonraker Bar
seating overlooking the sea at james bond beach
Dining area with a view
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Wrap Up

James Bond Beach
The beach at 5pm, closing time

This beach is definitely worth the stop if you’re a serious Fleming/ James Bond fan, looking for watersports or just passing through this side of Jamaica as the beach is incredibly beautiful. I lament paying for beaches as an islander, but for now, it is what it is. Have you ever been to the James Bond Beach, or would you like to? Sound off in the comments section below. ‘Til next time. ✌

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle

Adventures from Elle is a travel blog for locals & visitors who want to experience the best of Jamaica, one adventure at a time. The blog is curated by Dr. Rochelle Knight, an internal medicine specialist and published author. She began the blog in 2016 as a medical student & wants to see the world, starting with her home country. Purchase her book 'SIGHTSEE JAMAICA' on Amazon and join her in Jamaica!

38 thoughts on “James Bond Beach: Ian Fleming’s Favourite Getaway in Jamaica”

    1. You’re most welcome! Thanks for stopping by. ☺ It’s certainly very beautiful even though it isn’t my favourite beach to be honest. It’s a bit small and very popular so it attracts a crowd sometimes. I prefer no crowd with larger space but that’s perhaps just me. It’s certainly worth a stop though; even the drive along the coast to get there is stunning and in terms of amenities like access to lifeguard, changing rooms etc., those are great.

      And yes, it’s great for summer since Jamaica has virtually the same weather all year round. Hopefully it’s a bit cloudy when you go though. Our weather gets unbearably hot sometimes.

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    2. Hey, finally we made it to James Bond Beach. The relationship with James Bond or Ian Fleming may be only the name. There exist the story, that this is the beach, where Ursula Andress is appering as Honey Rider in “Dr. No”. Another story says, that the owner of Golden Eye set this story to avoid, that people crowd the actually beach, where she came out of the ocean: at Golden Eye property. Well- the truth is, that scene was done at Laughing Waters. We watched the movie, to find it out. Concerning Ian Fleming, I think: Why he should move away so far from his desk, to take a swim, if he could swim directly some steps away from his Villa?

      The beach itselfes: Overestimated. The property may be maintenanced better, especially the stony border of the promenade. We didn’t took a step into the bar or restaurant, they made no welcoming impression to us.

      All in all we would say, that James Bond Beach had its best years behind it. We would give ☆☆ .

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    3. These are all great points. I wasn’t too wowed by the property either. It’s an attractive beach but rather tiny, and the bar and restaurant definitely need an overhaul. Their menu was ridiculous and the prices even more so. Glad you got to visit and thanks for finding back this post and sharing your experience! I hope you had more enjoyable stops after visiting James Bond Beach on this visit to Jamaica (beautiful Portland maybe? ☺)

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    4. So we haven’t miss something. We ate at the Bizot Bar at Golden Eye property. Plus we got a glimpse of the Fleming Villa from behind. At the same day we visited Firefly. This was our last day in Jamaica. But you already know, we startet to post about the last tour 😉 Maybe you get inspirations for your own trips. We will follow you further. 😉 Take care…

      After James Bond Beach we explored the small fishermen beach near the entrance of JBB – has more charme. We plan a Portland-Tour next time, we visit Jamaica. Not sure, if we can make a double this year…

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    5. Sure, I can’t wait to read more about your last trip. Firefly is a place I need to check out too. One day (maybe not so soon though) I’ll make a day trip out of several St. Mary stops: Firefly, Rio Nuevo and perhaps a beach or waterfall stop. There’s one more waterfall in St. Mary left for me to visit, an uncommercialized one known as Johnny Falls in Highgate. Instead, I have my eye set on exploring the Portland and Westmoreland parishes after my exams next month. And yes, I hope you get around to another visit. If not, 2020? Jamaica will be waiting. 🙂

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  9. Thanks for the honest review! I went once for Bacchanal Beach J’Ouvert and I was amazed by the beauty of the view. I would like to go back for the beach. What’s the entry fee? & Do we have to buy food there? or can we bring our own food?

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