Annotto Bay Travel Guide
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.
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.
Top Things to Do in Annotto Bay
All Attractions ›
- 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.
Best Time to Visit Annotto Bay #
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.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (182 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (235 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
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 #
Annotto Bay is a small coastal town where walking covers most local needs. Public transport consists of route taxis and minibuses linking Annotto Bay with other towns in Saint Mary; private taxis are available but may need to be arranged. If you plan to explore the wider parish, expect limited schedules and negotiate fares beforehand for longer trips.
Where to Stay in Annotto Bay #
- Ocho Rios area (booking listings) - Many small guesthouses listed here
- Jamaica Inn (simple room option) - Low-room options when booked off-season
- Jamaica Inn - Quiet, family-run hotel in Ocho Rios
- Moon Palace Jamaica - Resort-style mid-to-upper option near Ocho Rios
- Moon Palace Jamaica - All-inclusive luxury resort option
- Jamaica Inn - Upscale, boutique seaside hotel
Where to Eat in Annotto Bay #
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.
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.
