Belmont

Jamaica

Things to do in Belmont, Jamaica

I left Negril seeking a more peaceful and authentic experience further South. Belmont seemed like the perfect option! About midway to Treasure Beach, Belmont comes alive on the weekends and is quiet during the week. Belmont is stretched along the Highway and consists of charming restaurants, bars, and Berry selling the best pudding in town.

There are smaller stretches of beach right in Belmont, which you’ll likely only have to share with the local fishermen. Even though Belmont might not be the place to be for adventures, it offers quite some action away from town.

  • In Belmont, I would book directly where possible and confirm current conditions before arriving, especially while parts of Jamaica’s South Coast are still recovering. Staying small and local is one of the best ways to support the community.
Our recommendations

Best beach stays in Tobago

Accommodation in Belmont is simple, local, and close to the rhythm of the South Coast. This is not a place with a long list of hotels to choose from, so I would focus less on facilities and more on location, atmosphere, and whether the stay feels connected to the community.

Rainbow Villas is another option to consider if you want a self-catering stay in the Belmont area. This can be a good choice if you prefer more independence, are staying longer, or want a simple base for exploring Belmont, Bluefields Beach, and the wider South Coast.

I would look at Rainbow Villas if I wanted more space and flexibility than a guesthouse, while still keeping the trip local and low-key.

Best for: longer stays, couples, small groups, and travelers who prefer self-catering accommodation.

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Shades Cottage Guesthouse is another simple, local option in the Belmont/Bluefields area. It works well if you want to stay close to Belmont Beach and the Peter Tosh Memorial without overcomplicating the trip.

This is not about polished hotel comforts, but about staying somewhere that fits the area. I would look at it if I wanted something affordable, personal, and rooted in everyday South Coast life.

Best for: budget-conscious travelers, solo travelers, independent visitors, and anyone who prefers a guesthouse feel.

Good Hope Retreat is a good addition if you want to stay slightly inland and experience more of the rural South Coast atmosphere around Belmont. It is not directly on the beach, but that can be part of the appeal: quieter surroundings, more space, and a different perspective on the area beyond the shoreline.

I would consider it if I wanted a peaceful base for exploring Belmont, Bluefields, Peter Tosh Memorial, and nearby beaches, while still staying somewhere simple and independent rather than overly hotel-like.

Best for: couples, slow travelers, longer stays, and visitors who want a quiet rural base near the South Coast.

Feel the weekend party vibes

Belmont was the sleepiest town on my journey (at least during the week), but it seemed to be THE place on the weekends. Locals and tourists are coming in to have a good time by the water and continue the party in one of the beach bars.

Enjoy Belmont’s beach

Belmont’s beach stretches are small, but you’ll likely have them all to yourself. The waters shimmer in all shades of turquoise and are beautiful to look at. If you get up early enough, you can watch the fishermen come in and buy the day’s catch!

Bluefields Beach Park

A 15-minute car ride along the Black River to Savanna-la-mar main road will lead to an admittedly small but about 400 long stretches of white sand and stunning turquoise waters. I went during the week and had the beach entirely to myself. You’ll find street food, music, and a lively vibe on the weekends.

Peter Tosh Mausoleum

Belmont is also home to the last remains of Peter Tosh, a founding member of the Wailers. Unfortunately, the mausoleum was closed at the time of my visit, but I still got to take a sneak peek. The grave is painted in Rasta Colors and continues to be a political statement to “legalize it.” You’ll see the paintings of a Rastaman with a huge joint, huge marijuana leaves, and a red-eyed Lion of Zion on Tosh’s actual tomb. Usually, tours tell the story of Bob Marley’s former band member.

Practical Travel Tips for Jamaica

Public transport exists but takes patience. Route taxis and minibuses are cheap and widely used, but they run on local logic rather than fixed schedules. In larger cities — especially Kingston — ride-hailing apps like Uber and inDrive are commonly used and often the easiest option for short trips.
For more flexibility, particularly outside cities, hiring a trusted driver or renting a car makes a big difference. When using taxis, it’s best to rely on known drivers, accommodation recommendations, or app-based rides rather than flagging cars randomly.

Jamaican Dollars. Cash is still important. While cards are accepted in larger shops and hotels, many everyday places — food stalls, taxis, markets — operate cash-only. Jamaican dollars are useful, even though US dollars are widely accepted. Expect prices to vary depending on context; asking first is normal.

Jamaica rewards awareness rather than fear. Knowing where you are, asking locally before moving around unfamiliar areas, and avoiding unnecessary nighttime wandering in places you don’t know goes a long way. Relationships matter — being introduced, recognized, or recommended often opens doors and smooths situations.

English is the official language, but Patois carries much of the meaning in daily life. You don’t need to speak it, but listening closely helps. Tone matters. Directness isn’t rudeness here — it’s clarity.

Tap water is generally safe in Kingston and many urban areas, but quality varies. Using a reusable water filter bottle is a reliable option and avoids plastic waste. Sun protection matters more than people expect — shade and hydration are essential.

Greet people. Ask before taking photos. Be curious without being intrusive. Jamaica isn’t a backdrop — it’s a place where people live, work, and negotiate daily realities. Moving with respect changes how the island responds to you.

Being a fair visitor in Jamaica starts with understanding that tourism here is uneven. Much of the industry is built around all-inclusive resorts, while everyday life operates alongside it, often without benefiting directly. How you move, spend, and engage can make a real difference.

Choose where your money goes
Whenever possible, stay in locally run guesthouses or apartments, eat at small restaurants, and book tours directly with community-based operators. These choices keep money circulating locally rather than leaving the island.

Respect access and boundaries
Beach access is a sensitive issue in Jamaica. Ask before entering spaces, respect areas used by local communities, and avoid assuming that every stretch of coast is open or public.

Move with curiosity, not entitlement
Greet people, ask questions, and listen. Jamaica isn’t a backdrop for consumption — it’s a place where people live, work, and negotiate daily realities. Being observant and respectful changes how you’re received.

Support without performing
Avoid voluntourism or staged “helping” experiences. If you want to contribute, support local businesses, artists, and initiatives quietly and consistently rather than publicly or performatively.

Be patient with pace and systems
Things don’t always move quickly or predictably. Accepting this without frustration is part of fair travel. Flexibility and humility go a long way.

Being a fair visitor in Jamaica isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about moving with awareness, choosing connection over convenience, and leaving places no worse — and ideally slightly better — than you found them.

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No matter how often you return to Jamaica, it will always mesmerize you!