Hellshire Beach is one of Jamaica’s biggest disappointments. I would come here with my family almost every year for the last 15 years or so. If I’m in Kingston, I have to go to Hellshire. There is still beach here, but it’s definitely not as lush as it used to be. It’s with a heavy heart that I have to write this because I don’t like to disparage Jamaica, as this is where my family was born and raised. I have a deep love for Jamaica and because of that, I have to tell the truth. Hellshire is really hellish. From the minute you pull up, there are nothing but these degenerate guys harassing you and telling you where to park, where to eat. They run up to your car and will bang on your car trying to bully you into where to go. Now, you find parking, and here they come again as if you’re prey and they are carnivores looking for their next meal. A bunch of guys just out there doing this all day, calling it “hustling” when it’s really harassment. For me, as a woman, I would not feel safe out there alone because I know that they’d immediately target me and try to make me go this way or that way. My male cousin is driving the car, and we pull up to a spot, immediately this guy comes at us telling us where we need to go. Now, I’m already disgusted by the groups of men hanging out and harassing people all day - and this guy proceeds to talk to my cousin as if we women (3 of us) were not even there. I immediately catch an attitude and start telling him where he can go. He was so disrespectful. The beach and the whole area is filthy. If these guys spent half the time cleaning up the beach and parking lot, being productive and taking pride in the place, maybe I’d feel more inclined to listen to them. The fact is, they want quick and easy money without any real effort. The beach is full of trash. It’s really disgusting that, with the beach disappearing b/c of climate change, there isn’t more of an effort to keep it clean. However, this is one of the problems that I have with Jamaica - they keep the resort beaches clean, but leave the locals and public beaches to dwindle and deteriorate. Despite these delinquents on the beach, we bought some necklaces from a friendly Rasta man who was beading them himself and had some other handmade goods and t-shirts. Of course, the restaurants are amazing - you won’t find fish and seafood this good anywhere...
Read moreHellshire Beach is a hidden gem in Jamaica, and its beachfront restaurants offer an unforgettable dining experience that combines delicious food, vibrant atmosphere, and breathtaking views. One of the highlights of visiting Hellshire is the opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood while soaking in the laid-back vibes of this coastal paradise. The beachfront restaurants here are known for their mouthwatering dishes, particularly the fried fish and bammy (a traditional Jamaican cassava flatbread), which are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The food is not only delicious but also affordable, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
The atmosphere at Hellshire Beach is truly special. As you dine, you can watch local fishermen bringing in their daily catch, a reminder of the community’s deep connection to the sea. The rhythmic sounds of reggae or dancehall music often fill the air, adding to the lively and authentic Jamaican vibe. The restaurants are casual and open-air, allowing you to feel the ocean breeze and take in the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. As the day winds down, the sunset over Hellshire Beach is nothing short of magical, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple—a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
Whether you’re enjoying a plate of freshly grilled lobster, sipping on a cold Red Stripe beer, or simply relaxing with friends and family, Hellshire Beach offers a quintessential Jamaican experience. The combination of great food, good music, and the natural beauty of the beach makes it a must-visit destination. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, indulge in local cuisine, and create lasting memories, Hellshire Beach and its beachfront restaurants should be at the top of your list. Just don’t forget to bring your appetite and a camera to capture the...
Read moreThe beach is beautiful, I'll give it that. The water was nice and not too salty. The current was stronger than normal but we didn't mind. There was a lot of garbage along the shore. However, my mom and I are currently recovering from a very sour experience with the locals. We were followed and watched by a number of young men, as we were simply minding our own business and spending some time in the water. We were also peddled by someone offering massage services. I personally am comfortable rejecting and communicating the disinterest on behalf of whomever I travel with if they aren't comfortable with declining the locals.
On our way out, I was approached by a very loud man and his friend. I had outright rejected a very verbally forceful advance with a very neutral tone, as he was calling me very disgusting, sexual names, all in front of my mom. The situation escalated very quickly. He then proceeded to call me a racist (I am most certainly NOT one) and "white, inside and out, all over" (I am a black asian) because of me rejecting him in front of everyone. He denied my racial identity and continued shouting that I was a racist to everyone in the vicinity. It left a sour taste in our mouths and we had to leave the area whilst being watched. My mom was also called "Chinee" (as in Chinese). She's Filipino and she was also offended with being called out like that. I do not recommend travelling to this beach without either a local or a male escort.
Not safe for female solo travellers or...
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