Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Treasure Beach, located on Jamaica's South Coast in St. Elizabeth Parish, is a tranquil haven renowned for its fishing and farming heritage. Unlike the island's more tropical regions, this area features arid landscapes adorned with cacti and acacia trees, private coves, and beaches with distinctive tan and black sands. The rocky shorelines are ideal for leisurely walks; however, due to the terrain in some areas, it's advisable to wear appropriate beach footwear.
Treasure Beach is a perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic Jamaican experience away from bustling tourist hotspots. The local community is known for their friendliness and are often eager to engage in conversation, sharing stories about their cherished homeland. Treasure Beach offers an opportunity to unwind, slow down, and immerse oneself in simple pleasures, such as observing the local pelicans and hummingbirds in their natural habitat.
Treasure Beach stands out as a destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and genuine hospitality.
For those interested in exploring the area, several notable excursions are within a 30-minute to 2-hour drive.
Note - we can help arrange excursion transportation with the PPV-insured drivers Tiverton House llc uses. The staff at the property where you are staying organizes the boat tours.
YS Falls
Approximately 1-hour from Treasure Beach, YS Falls boasts seven-tiered waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy swimming in cool, crisp pools; for the adventurous, there's a rope swing and zip line. www.ysfalls.com
South Coast Boat Tours
Most accommodations collaborate with local boatmen who offer customized tours to attractions like Fishing, Pelican Bar, Black River Safari, Sunny Island, and Little Ochie. These captains are licensed by the Jamaica Tourist Board and ensure safety in their fiberglass/wood boats with trained lifeguards.
Appleton Estate Rum Tour
Approximately 1-hour from Treasure Beach, this tour provides insight into the rum-making process. It includes a demonstration by "Pax," a resident donkey, showcasing traditional sugar cane juice extraction methods from the 18th century.
Lovers Leap
Situated about 30-min east of Treasure Beach, this dramatic 1,700-foot cliff overlooks the sea and is steeped in legend, where two enslaved lovers are said to have leaped to their deaths to avoid separation.
Golfing in Mandeville
The Manchester Golf Club, established in the 1860s, features a nine-hole, 5,776-yard course with 18 tees, providing a challenging experience for golf enthusiasts. The golf club is just under 1.5 hours away from Treasure Beach. www.manchesterclubja.com
Spur Tree
Spur Tree, a mountainous region lying between the parishes of Manchester and St Elizabeth, is named after the large cotton trees with prominent buttresses or "spurs. The area offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Jamaica's natural beauty. The hill rises at a breathtaking 304m per half-mile as it crosses the Don Figueroa Mountains, which dominate the topography of the two parishes.
Maroon Town
2-hours from Treasure Beach, this area is rich in history. Maroon Town is home to several notable caves, including Young Gully Cave and Jackson Young's Cave, featuring stream passages and fossils.
Birding at Bluefields
From mountains to sea, the Bluefields area (1.5 hours from Treasure Beach) is a haven for bird watchers, hosting 22 of Jamaica's 28 endemic bird species. Guided tours are available for enthusiasts looking to explore this biodiversity. Contact Wolde. He is an excellent source for birding and butterfly tours. www.jamaicabirding.com