Despite the growth of tourism in Jamaica, there are still a few villages along the coasts that depend largely on fishing to fuel their local economy.

Typically off-the-beaten-track and offering simple accommodation options, if any at all, these are great places to see the island through the eyes of a local community.

You will enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the beach and can take a nice dip in the sea.

You’ll also find a lively culture among the locals; learning words and expressions that aren’t necessarily said by other locals in the urban parts of the island.

Here are some recommended fishing villages for you and your family to visit during your vacation in Jamaica.



Oracabessa

Most notably known as the home of Goldeneye, the former residence of Ian Fleming where he wrote all his James Bond novels, but now turned luxury hotel.

Despite its Hollywood connections, Oracabessa roots as a humble fishing village.

Not far from the tourism mecca of Ocho Rios, visitors often spend a day at James Bond beach, where for a small entrance fee you can soak up some rays, or take on a water sport like jet skiing - available for an additional fee.

Treasure Beach

A gem of a hidden enclave on the south coast of the island, Treasure Beach is a fishing village connected to several other bays along the coast road.

Offering accommodation at a variety of guesthouses, cottages, small hotels, and villas, there are also small cook shops (serving local food) and rum bars, a pizza and seafood restaurant (Jack Sprat), and a sports park where guests can watch the local cricket team.

Bluefields

Located on the southern side of the island between Whitehouse and Savanna La Mar, Bluefields is most famously known for being the birthplace of reggae icon Peter Tosh.

A quiet area to be sure, there are a few nice beachfront bars around, a restaurant and small hotel (Lunasea), a few villas, and a fishing sanctuary you can ask to tour. 

Machioneal

Tucked away in the parish of Portland is Manchioneal, a small fishing village on the eastern side of the island.

Life is simple here with small boats fishing in the bay, communities gathering to sort out and sell the daily catch, and in between if there is rain (a Portland weather staple), catching a game of dominoes at a local rum bar or shop.



Port Royal

Once home to swashbucklers, pirates, and buccaneers - and as such called the Wickedest City in The World - Port Royal remains a living heritage site where fishing is still heavily practiced.

When not on the sea to supply local restaurants (including the ever-popular Gloria’s), local fishermen, for a small fee, will take guests out to nearby cays just out of the Kingston harbor – a great day trip for those in town who can’t make it further afield to the coast.