Annotto Bay City
City in Saint Mary Parish, known for beaches
A St Mary fishing town known for seaside fish stalls and jerk spots; Annotto Bay attracts anglers, small-boat excursions to offshore cays, simple beachfront eateries, and quiet beaches where locals haul in early-morning catch and smoke fish over charcoal.
82°F
Why Visit Annotto Bay?#
A coastal town in Saint Mary Parish, Annotto Bay draws visitors who want fresh seafood straight from the fishing harbor, relaxed beaches and a strong sense of Jamaican coastal life. Local eateries serve escovitch fish, jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish, while small markets hum with fishermen and traders. The town’s seafront atmosphere, nearby hills and community music nights offer a low-key alternative to busier resort strips.
Best Things to Do in Annotto Bay#
Annotto Bay Bucket List#
Annotto Bay beachfront - Annotto Bay beachfront - sandy shore with local vendors and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
St. Mary Parish Market - St. Mary Parish Market - regional market offering fresh produce, fish and Jamaican staples.
Annotto Bay fishing harbour - Annotto Bay fishing harbour - watch daily catches and small‑scale coastal fishing operations.
Nearby river pools - Nearby river pools - shaded freshwater spots for cooling off and informal picnics.
Local jerk stands - Local jerk stands - family recipes serving spicy jerk chicken and traditional side dishes.
Community craft stalls - Community craft stalls - vendors selling woven items, beadwork and local souvenirs.
Port Maria and Fort Haldane - Port Maria and Fort Haldane - nearby historic fort, coastal views and local fishing activity.
Oracabessa Bay - Oracabessa Bay - calm coves for swimming, snorkeling and seaside cafes a short drive away.
Best Time to Visit Annotto Bay#
Annotto Bay is most pleasant in the dry winter months (December-April) for beach time and outdoor activities. The wet, hot season runs May-November, with hurricane risk highest August-October.
December - April
24-29°C (75-84°F)
Warm, breezy days and lower humidity are perfect for beaches, fishing, and wandering the town without frequent showers.
May - November
25-31°C (77-88°F)
Hotter, humid conditions with regular afternoon rains; inland roads can get sticky and some outdoor plans may be dampened.
August - October
26-31°C (79-88°F)
Peak risk period for tropical storms-plan cautiously, expect cancellations, and monitor forecasts if traveling then.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1569 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (182 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (235 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Annotto Bay#
Annotto Bay is on Jamaica’s north coast and is reached most easily by road. Ian Fleming International (OCJ) at Boscobel is the nearest airport for short transfers; Kingston’s Norman Manley (KIN) is another option with a longer drive.
Ian Fleming International (OCJ): Ian Fleming (Boscobel / OCJ) is the closest commercial airport for Annotto Bay and the north‑eastern Jamaica coast. From OCJ a taxi or private transfer to Annotto Bay is typically under an hour depending on route; expect short drives and moderate taxi fares.
Norman Manley International (KIN): Kingston’s Norman Manley (KIN) is the larger international airport serving the south coast; drive time to Annotto Bay is longer (around 1-1.5 hours or more, depending on traffic), and transfers can be arranged by taxi or shuttle.
Train: Jamaica does not have a regular national passenger rail network for intercity travel; trains are not a practical option to Annotto Bay.
Bus / Route taxis: Buses and shared minibuses (route taxis/coasters) run between Ocho Rios, Annotto Bay and other north‑coast towns. They are the common budget option; fares are short and travel times depend on stops and traffic.
How to Get Around Annotto Bay#
Road transport (route taxis/coasters and private cars) is the realistic way to move around Annotto Bay and the north coast. For reliability and comfort, pre‑book transfers or hire a car; for tight budgets, use coasters and local buses.
- Route taxis / minibuses (coasters) (approx. JMD 200-700) - Coasters and route taxis run frequent services along the north coast linking Ocho Rios, Annotto Bay, and other towns. They are inexpensive and relatively fast but can be crowded and leave when full. Ask locals for the usual boarding points.
- Local buses (low (JMD)) - Local government or private buses serve the area for very low fares, but schedules can be irregular. Use buses for short hops if you have time and patience; keep small change in JMD.
- Taxi / private transfer (approx. JMD 2,500-6,000 (short transfers)) - Taxis or pre‑booked private transfers are the most convenient for direct door‑to‑door travel from airports or between towns. They are pricier than coasters but much more comfortable and reliable for luggage or late arrivals.
- Car hire (variable (USD/JMD)) - Hiring a car gives flexibility to explore the north coast independently; roads are generally good on main routes but drive cautiously. Car hire is useful for day trips to nearby attractions and beaches.
- Walking - Annotto Bay town is compact and easy to explore on foot; walking is fine for short trips to local shops, the harbour and beach areas. Avoid walking long distances at night and keep valuables secure.
Where to Stay in Annotto Bay#
Port Maria / Ocho Rios - $25-120/night
Annotto Bay itself has very few budget lodgings; most affordable options are guesthouses or booking-listed rooms in nearby Port Maria/Ocho Rios.
Ocho Rios area (booking listings) - Many small guesthouses listed here
Jamaica Inn (simple room option) - Low-room options when booked off-season
Ocho Rios / Port Maria - $80-300/night
Mid-range options are concentrated in Ocho Rios and Port Maria; expect resorts or small hotels a 30-60 minute drive from Annotto Bay.
Jamaica Inn - Quiet, family-run hotel in Ocho Rios
Moon Palace Jamaica - Resort-style mid-to-upper option near Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios - $200+/night
Luxury stays are not in Annotto Bay proper; top-end hotels and resorts are in Ocho Rios (drive required). Few or no luxury options inside town.
Moon Palace Jamaica - All-inclusive luxury resort option
Jamaica Inn - Upscale, boutique seaside hotel
Shopping in Annotto Bay#
Shopping is limited to small grocery shops, hardware stores and local markets selling everyday items and fresh produce. There are no large commercial malls in town. For a larger selection or specialty goods, you’ll need to travel to larger Jamaican towns or tourist centres.
Nightlife in Annotto Bay#
Nightlife is low-key and local: small bars, informal gatherings and occasional live music at community events. There are no major clubs or tourist nightlife hubs in Annotto Bay. If you want a livelier scene, consider traveling to bigger coastal towns or Montego Bay.
