Tag: best beaches in Jamaica

While Blue Waters Beach Club offers a lively atmosphere with good music and drinks, it may not be the ideal beach destination for every traveler. Though vibrant and energetic, certain aspects—particularly the water and beach—may not meet expectations. Located near Falmouth, this private beach club offers white sand, shallow waters, and a lively island atmosphere. Whether you’re arriving from Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, or Falmouth, this guide will help you navigate the beach club, explore activities, and make the most of your visit.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How to get there from each cruise port
• Best activities and beach experiences
• Tips for preparation and budgeting
• Common complaints and how to avoid them

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Blue Waters Beach Club!

Getting to Blue Waters Beach Club from Cruise Ports

Blue Waters Beach Club is accessible from multiple Jamaican cruise ports, making it a great excursion option for visitors docking in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, or Falmouth.

Montego Bay Cruise Port → Blue Waters Beach Club

• Distance: ~45 minutes
• Transportation Options:
  • Taxi: Costs $50-$70 per person round trip.
  • Shuttle Services: Some tour operators offer group transportation to the beach club.

Falmouth Cruise Port → Blue Waters Beach Club

• Distance: ~15 minutes
• Transportation Options:
  • Taxi: Costs $20-$40 per person round trip.
  • Shuttle Services: Some tour operators bundle Blue Waters Beach with other attractions.
  • We booked our excursion through Royal Caribbean, where cruisers had two package options. The first was a transfer package, which included transportation, entrance, and a beach chair. The second was an all-inclusive package, which included food and drinks along with the standard amenities. We opted for the transfer package, which covered transportation, entry, and a beach chair for about $30.

Our Experience at Blue Waters Beach

The Beach

The beach featured soft white sand, making it comfortable to walk barefoot. However, the terrain was uneven with numerous holes, which made navigating certain areas tricky—some spots were difficult to walk through without losing balance.

Beyond the uneven sand, seaweed was a major issue both in the water and along the shore. While I did see a man raking the beach throughout the day, there was simply too much seaweed to keep it clear. We frequently had to move to different spots on the beach to avoid being surrounded by it.

Despite being promoted as having crystal-clear waters, our experience was quite different. The water was extremely murky, to the point where I couldn’t even see my hand just two inches below the surface. It was May, so perhaps seasonal factors contributed to the lack of clarity, but it certainly didn’t match expectations.

One positive aspect was the expansive shallow waters, which provided plenty of space to stand, even further out from the shore. We also brought easily inflatable rafts, which can be blown up in minutes and are perfect for taking on cruises. They’re so affordable that we leave them behind after our final beach excursion of the trip.

Chairs

Upon arriving at the beach club, we were offered the option to rent an umbrella for $20—a choice we gladly took, given the intense heat that day. We were free to select our own chairs, which I appreciated since I always prefer to be near the water, where I can keep an eye on my chair while swimming.

Since it was a busy day, we felt fortunate to find 10 chairs together, though they were set further back from the shore. Once we settled in, a man came by, dug a hole, and buried our umbrella in the sand—a surprisingly unique process to watch!

One downside, however, was the complete lack of tables on the beach. With nowhere to place our drinks while reclining, it made relaxing on the lounge chairs a bit inconvenient.

Drinks

Once we settled in, our next priority was finding a drink. Unlike some resorts, there were no servers taking orders at our chairs or near the water, meaning we had to head to the bar—where a long line awaited.

After waiting, we discovered that, because we didn’t have the all-inclusive package, we needed to stand in a separate line to pay for our drinks first and receive a receipt, which we would then bring back to the original line to finally get our drinks. While this process was frustrating at first, we eventually got the hang of navigating the bar.

Despite the hassle, the drink selection was impressive, offering local beers, a variety of frozen cocktails, and other classic beach club beverages. We started with frozen daiquiris, and the mixers were surprisingly good—often, beach clubs with all-inclusive packages use cheap mixers that make the drinks taste off, but that wasn’t the case here.

Unexpectedly, we ended up switching to local bottled beer, which we really enjoyed. The bucket of four beers was reasonably priced, breaking down to about $5 per bottle, making it a great deal.

Overall, the drinks were fantastic, but we missed the convenience of being able to order directly from our chairs without the extra work and waiting in line.”

Local Jamaican Cuisine

The on-site restaurant serves authentic Jamaican dishes, including jerk chicken, fresh seafood, and tropical drinks.

Live Music & Entertainment

The lively island atmosphere was impossible to miss the moment we stepped into the beach club. The DJs kept the energy high, playing fun, upbeat music while people danced by the bar—on what I suppose could be called a makeshift dance floor. While some of the dancing (twerking and more) wasn’t exactly family-friendly, it was certainly entertaining to watch.

One really cool touch was how the DJ announced birthdays and other celebrations throughout the day. Someone had even submitted my niece’s name, so we were surprised and excited when we heard it called out while we were in the water—yes, the music carried all the way out to the sea!

Another fun feature was the ability to request songs from the DJ, though the queue was so long that ours never made it to the top. My son even tried to tip his way onto the playlist, but the DJ wasn’t having it!

Overall, the music, dancing, and lively atmosphere really added to the fun Jamaican vibe, making the experience feel vibrant and festive despite some small quirks.

Private Cabana Rentals

There is an opportunity to upgrade your experience with a private cabana, offering shade, comfort, and VIP service. These were full upon our arrival.

Beach Volleyball & Games

Join in friendly matches, or enjoy board games and beachside activities with fellow travelers. We didn’t observe anyone playing any games on the beach.

Photography

A photographer approached us and offered to take a group photo on a fun bamboo raft (see below), as well as some shots while we were in the water—a completely unexpected but wonderful way to capture a special memory of our family spending the day together.

We also watched as he conducted photo shoots using drones, capturing stunning aerial shots of people in a clear boat—a very cool and unique touch to the experience!

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• Wear comfortable beachwear and bring a swimsuit.
• Bring cash for entrance fees (if not included in your excursion package) and tips.
• Use sunscreen and insect repellent for protection.
• Book cabanas in advance for a premium experience.

Cost Information

• Beach club entrance fee: $15-$30 per person
• Food & drinks: $10-$30 per meal
• Taxi fare: $20-$120 round trip (depending on port)

Common Complaints & How to Avoid Them

• Crowds: Arrive early to secure a good spot.
• Expensive food: Budget for meals or bring snacks.
• Limited shade: Rent a cabana for extra comfort.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re lounging on the beach, enjoying water sports, or indulging in local cuisine, Blue Waters Beach Club offers a relaxing and unforgettable Jamaican beach experience!

If you’re looking for even more amazing things to do in Falmouth, be sure to check out my full guide to Falmouth, Jamaica: Falmouth, Jamaica Port Guide: Top Things to Do. It’s packed with top excursions, must-see attractions, and insider tips to make the most of your visit!