Jamaica
Last updated: 29 January 2026
At a glance
Jamaica is located in the northern Caribbean, around 90 nautical miles south of Cuba and 100 miles west of Haiti. Jamaican culture blends African, European, and Caribbean influences and is widely recognised for its music, food, language, and strong sense of national identity.
Important: Visitors should verify current conditions before arrival, as Hurricane Melissa in 2025 may have affected depths, facilities, and clearance arrangements at some locations.
Attractions
Along the north coast, Montego Bay has a yacht club with marina facilities plus easy access to supermarkets, fuel, and shore services, so it is a common stop for clearance and reprovisioning before or after coastal trips.
In Kingston, many crews visit the Bob Marley Museum, set in the reggae legend’s former home and studio. Guided tours walk through preserved rooms, memorabilia, and exhibits that trace Marley’s life and Jamaica’s modern musical history, and it is an easy day trip from the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club area by taxi.
Places to stay
Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:
Anchorages
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Oracabessa | 4.8 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Oracabessa presents a peaceful setting, likened to being in a swimming pool by some. The anchorage is recognized for its tranquility, although space is limited to accommodate only two to three boats. Weekend noise from nearby bars may occur, influencing the experience.
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Bowden Bay | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Bowden Bay offers good protection with an overall comfortable experience. Visitors have encountered efficient clearance procedures upon arrival. The bay is visually appealing, but access to nearby towns can be challenging and lacks nearby snorkeling opportunities.
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Royal Jamaica Yacht Club | 4.2 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club offers visitors a sheltered spot with amenities for a small fee. Multiple Reviews highlight friendly service during check-in processes. The location serves well as a base for exploring Kingston, with excellent access to the city.
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Discovery Bay | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Discovery Bay is possible in sandy areas, with clear water enhancing its appeal. Reviews describe a positive vibe, though visitors report exposure to swells unless anchored in specific corners.
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Ocho Rios | 3.3 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Ocho Rios offers views of private beaches and hotels. Visitors find it noisy due to construction and water sports during the day. The marina allows easy dinghy access, and there's a well-stocked grocery store. Nighttime can be disturbed by cruise ships and loud music.
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East Harbour Bay | 3.3 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at East Harbour Bay offers a flat sea during the trade wind season, making it a favorable choice. However, loud music and traffic noise can disturb the quiet. While dinghy landing proves problematic for some, others mentioned successfully leaving their dinghy tied to the wall.
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Westbay (Marina anchorage) | 3.2 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Westbay offers access to marina facilities like showers and a secure dinghy dock. The marina assists with customs and immigration, making it convenient for new arrivals. The anchoring fee is a common practice, but visitors found the facilities valuable after long sea journeys.
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Marinas
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Royal Jamaica Yacht Club | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in the protected bay in front of the marina is common, providing a safe haven. The marina includes amenities like a swimming pool, showers, and a bar, with a friendly atmosphere fostered by helpful staff. Visitors can organize check-in services efficiently.
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Montego Bay Yacht Club | 4.2 ★ |
Review summary: Arriving at Montego Bay Yacht Club presents ease in customs clearance with assistance from friendly staff. The mooring setup involves long lines, offering stern-to docking that many find suitable. A variety of amenities enhance the stay, though anchorage areas are reported as windy.
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Errol Flynn Marina, Port Antonio | 3.6 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in is efficient at Errol Flynn Marina, with staff generally noted as friendly and helpful. Visitors can enjoy secure facilities, clean showers, and reasonable docking fees. Experiencing a safe atmosphere when exploring is a common sentiment, enhancing the marina's appeal.
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Boatyards and services
Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:
Boatyards
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Port Antonio Ship Yard | 3.0 ★ |
Review summary: Port Antonio Ship Yard does not seem to be in operation at present. This should be verified in advance by contacting the marina if services are needed. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
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Yacht clearance
This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Jamaica.
Ports of entry offices
| Port Antonio Customs | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Port Antonio Customs allows entry and exit without a navigation license if using the same port. Visitors are required to notify authorities 20 hours in advance to obtain necessary departure papers. It is advisable to be mindful of the operational hours for timely processing.
Place marker mentions: prearrival requirements, cruising permits and departure requirements.
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| Montego Bay | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in at Montego Bay's port of entry is facilitated efficiently by the local yacht club. Visitors can schedule appointments, and the whole process, including staff assistance with necessary document copies, is straightforward. The service fee is $10 per person, easing the clearance interaction.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, fees or payments and official inspections.
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| Port Royal Customs Dock | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Check-in at Port Royal Customs Dock requires staying on board until health clearance is completed. The process involves multiple steps, often taking several hours, and is available free of charge during set hours. A separate cruising permit is necessary for traveling around Jamaica.
Place marker mentions: check in steps,fees or payments,opening hours,prearrival requirements,official inspections,cruising permits.
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| Errol Flynn Marina Office | 3.6 ★ |
Review summary: Check-in at Errol Flynn Marina Office is facilitated by coordinating with customs and immigration onboard, as multiple Reviews mention this procedure. Visitors experience friendly and professional interactions during this process, with check-in usually completed by late afternoon.
Place marker mentions: official inspections and official boardings.
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| Negril | 3.5 ★ |
Review summary: Clearance interactions at Negril require coordination with customs services, often involving communication with Montego Bay Yacht Club. Visitors arranging clearance might find it helpful to contact local agents, such as those at established venues, to facilitate the process.
Place marker mentions: check in steps and departure requirements.
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| Discovery Bay Coast Guard | 3.0 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in at Discovery Bay Coast Guard involves minimal procedures as long as paperwork is in order. Visitors may find that a single check-in suffices for multiple stops. This convenience underscores the benefits of their streamlined administrative processes.
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| Ocho Rio Marine Police | 3.0 ★ |
Review summary: Visitors can handle their cruising permits at the Ocho Rio Marine Police, though a recent review noted a lack of interest from officials. Procedural interactions are part of the office's responsibilities, making it a necessary stop for check-ins.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, required documents, fees or payments, prearrival requirements and cruising permits.
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| Port Antonio Immigration Office | 2.5 ★ |
Review summary: The Port Antonio Immigration Office has relocated further east on the same road. It processes final clearance documentation after customs, with specific attention to navigating permits required. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
Place marker mentions: opening hours.
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| Bowden Harbour Officials | 2.0 ★ |
Review summary: Clearing into Bowden Harbour requires patience due to staged processes involving health inspections and immigration, with some reports of waiting until the following day for customs in a different port. Staff remain courteous despite procedural delays. Expect possible overnight stays before completion.
Place marker mentions: check in steps and departure requirements.
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Useful yacht clearance links
- Maritime Authority of Jamaica: Cruising permit application
- https://cruise.maritimejamaica.com/Applications/cruise/app_start
Notes for mariners
Weather around Jamaica is typically dominated by the northeast trade winds. From June to November, the island is subject to hurricane activity.
Yachts intending to cruise beyond their port of entry are required to obtain a cruising permit, and movements must be reported to the maritime authorities.
Fish aggregating devices (FADs) are reported along parts of the coast, and vigilance is advised.
The off-season
Jamaica does not have an off-season liveaboard community during the hurricane season, however some yards offer haul out and storage for cruising yachts.
Facts for visitors
- Best times of year to sail here: November to early April
- Most common type of shore power: 110V 50Hz
- Cost for provisioning: Medium, with local markets offering lower prices than imported goods.
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
- Personal security: Elevated crime rates, including violent crime, with higher risks in some urban areas.
- Emergency phone numbers:
- Police: 119
- Fire: 110
- Ambulance: 110
- Coast Guard: (876) 926-8121 (Ext 3006-7)
- International dialing code: +1-876
- Time zone(s): UTC -5
Maritime history
Jamaica's maritime history begins with the Taino people, who navigated these waters long before Columbus arrived in 1494. The island's position in the Caribbean made it a pivotal point for navigation and settlement. The early inhabitants utilized their seafaring skills for trade and cultural exchange among island communities.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Jamaica emerged as a key player in the colonial maritime economy under British rule. Port Royal, once referred to as 'the wickedest city on earth,' was a bustling pirate haven until it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1692. It later became a naval stronghold, reflecting Jamaica's strategic importance in the Caribbean Sea-lanes.
Modern-day Jamaica still treasures its maritime roots. The historic naval port of Port Royal remains a point of interest for sailors with its links to piracy and colonial history. Additionally, Jamaica's annual sailing regattas and festivals are part of a vibrant maritime culture that draws sailors to its shores. Each event celebrates a seafaring legacy embedded in Jamaica’s coastal cities and communities. These elements continue to offer thriving maritime engagement for modern cruisers visiting the island.