Black sand beaches in Jamaica
Shagay (
Jamaica
)
The first time I saw black sand on the beach – Shagay’s goosebump moment
“Hi, my name is Shagay, I am from Jamaica. My goosebump moment was when I went to one of the best seafood restaurants in Jamaica called Little Ochie and saw the black sand. I had never seen a black sand beach before. I did not even know that there were black sand beaches in Jamaica. I was, you know, very surprised. I spent a lot of time playing in it, you know, just building castles, you know. Doing a lot of stuff and even I took a lot of pictures, and I brought some home to show my family and my friends. It is definitely somewhere I will be going back there again in the near future. That was my goosebump moment”.
A real gem
Jamaica is not only characterized by its long sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and secret coves. One of its particularities are its black sand beaches, the best places to create memories that will last a lifetime.
It is near Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, where the beaches of Treasure Beach stand out for the curious color of the almost black sand. This is a very popular destination for tourists, for that contrast of color that stands out with the blue waves and the landscape, which makes them unique in the world. To this is added the pleasure of tasting lobster and fresh fish.
Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places on the coast known for being an authentic natural spectacle. The Treasure Beach area was one of the favorite hideouts of the pirates who once sailed the waters of the Caribbean.
Treasure Beach: black sand and rocky shores
As you travel along Jamaica’s South Coast, you’ll discover a treasure trove of coves and bays, where the Caribbean meets our sandy and sometimes rocky shores. A mix of dark and white sandy stretches, rocky coves, fishing enclaves and secluded swimming spots, the shores of the South Coast promise a range of possibilities. One of the favorite beaches for locals and visitors alike is Treasure Beach, a place that certainly lives up to its name.
Treasure Beach is a six-mile stretch of coral-colored and sometimes black sands, private coves and rocky shores. For travelers who want to discover the vibrant local culture and people of the South Coast and are in search of undiscovered beaches, a visit to one of Treasure Beach’s main bays – Billy’s, Calabash, Fort Charles, also known as Starve Gut, Great and Frenchman’s – is a must.
At Calabash Bay, friendly fishermen dock their brightly painted canoes and unload the day’s catch. Visitors mill around and wait patiently at the beachside cafes and stalls to be the first to enjoy it, soon to be seasoned and grilled to perfection. Other typically Jamaican dishes, such as curried goat, beef jerky and pumpkin soup, are also available at Treasure Beach’s public beach roadside stands. All of the charming and relaxed stretches are suitable for swimming, snorkeling, biking, hiking and, of course, enjoying the gentle vibrations of the sun.
One of the best places to eat
Little Ochie is one of Jamaica’s best hidden spots, located on the south coast of the island in a quiet fishing village called Alligator Pond. Few tourists make it there, perhaps because of the distance from most resorts and hotels, or maybe the locals just want to keep it a secret.
When you first arrive, the smell of fish and saltwater hits your senses as you watch the fishermen drive their boats onto the sand to sell the night’s catch. The fish is always fresh, made with recipes that have kept the business thriving since its opening in 1989. Whatever you order is sure to be amazing!
Where does the color of sand come from?
Sand is formed from the erosion of rocks and cliffs near the coasts thanks to the pressure exerted by water over thousands of years. Depending on the landscape surrounding the beach, the sand will have one color or another.
For example, in the Canary Islands there are black beaches on islands such as Tenerife or Lanzarote. This is due to the volcanic origin of the island where it is located. This phenomenon is repeated in other places of the globe as in Iceland. The lava expelled by the volcanoes solidified and took that dark color that later formed part of the sand of the coast.
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