Doctor's Cave Beach has no cave. And its links to the medical profession have long gone. But the odd name of this shimmering stretch of sand and surf is one of the best-known in Jamaica. Beautiful white sands, crystal-clear waters and immaculate facilities have made this a top-ranked beach for sun-loungers, swimmers and snorkelers alike. What they might not realise is that this beach was where the Montego Bay scene began.
The first crowds here were the patients of Dr McCatt, who set up sanatorium here in 1880. Then in the 1920s another doctor – Dr Herbert Barker – declared these waters had curative properties. Very soon, the beach was attracting the rich and famous, who came to be cured of various ailments. Hotels sprang up, and a resort was born.
Back then access to the beach was through a cave, but this was destroyed by a hurricane in the 1930s. Today, the private beach is accessed through an entrance gate. The price is not too expensive, and the excellent facilities make it worthwhile, including a bar and grill, showers and changing rooms, as well as a cyber-cafe and shop.
Most people come here for a daily dose of the Caribbean sun – or to mess about in the water. Calm and free of strong tidal currents, this is a great beach for kids and less-confident swimmers. Take a boat out to the coral reef, where you can snorkel in the clear waters and meet some of the brightly coloured inhabitants. Keep your eyes open for parrot fish, lionfish and turtles, and if you're lucky, a stingray, shark or barracuda may swim into view. And if that all sounds a little too exciting, you can always just pull up a sun-lounger on the beach. After all, it's just what the doctor ordered.
