James Bond Beach

From relative obscurity, James Bond Beach was transformed by its role in the first 007 film, Dr No. You can still enjoy this seaside paradise in tranquillity today, from its lovely warm water to the wonderful backdrop of St Mary’s Mountains.

The beach is best known for the immortal scene where Ursula Andress emerges from the sea to meet Sean Connery’s James Bond. This scene has become a part of lore for lovers of the long-running series of espionage movies.

Furthermore, author Ian Fleming’s GoldenEye estate is hidden in the lush rainforest close at hand. This is where he wrote his Bond books, along with numerous other novels. Fleming designed the estate himself, and it is now in the hands of Chris Blackwell, Bob Marley’s former producer. The area has numerous links to Marley and to 80s legends UB40 – as a result, many big international acts such as Rihanna and Lauren Hill have performed here.

The strand itself is an exquisite place to lie back, have a gentle swim, or try your hand at some fun watersports. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head for the Moonraker Jamaican Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy top-class local seafood and luxuriate in the fantastic views over the azure Caribbean.

James Bond Beach is situated 16 kilometres from Ocho Rios, on Oracabessa Bay. If you’re driving from Ocho Rios, go past the petrol station and the bridge, and turn left down an unpaved road. During the tourist season, the beach is open daily (but not at night), while the hours are more limited out of season check for details before you travel. There is an entry fee for the beach.