Top 5 hidden gems in St. Mary, Jamaica

St. Mary sits between Ocho Rios and Portland, and most visitors drive straight through it. Stop. These five spots show the quiet side of the north coast.

Updated November 2026. Prices and opening times change, especially after storms, so confirm before you go.

  1. 1 Kwame Falls

    Waterfall St. Mary Hidden gem

    Why it made the list: A river and waterfall reached by a coastal hike or boat from Blessings at Strawberry Fields, near Robins Bay.

    Cost
    US$35 per person for tourists, J$2,500 for locals.
    Getting there
    Moderate to hard. Long hike over rough ground where the trail is easy to lose, so go with a guide from Blessings at Strawberry Fields. The pin marks the falls, but Google Maps will not show the trail, so start from Blessings at Strawberry Fields.
    Best time
    Dry season (December to April), in the morning. Skip it for a day or two after heavy rain.

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  2. 2 Tacky Falls

    Waterfall St. Mary Hidden gem

    Why it made the list: A little-known waterfall in the hills near Robins Bay.

    Cost
    US$20 per person for tourists, J$2,000 for locals.
    Getting there
    Message the operator on WhatsApp about the route and whether you can swim before going. Avoid after heavy rain.
    Best time
    Dry season (December to April), in the morning. Skip it for a day or two after heavy rain.

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  3. 3 Robins Bay Beach

    Beach St. Mary Off the beaten path

    Photo taken at Robins Bay Beach

    📍 Reggae Beard was here

    Why it made the list: A fishing-village beach at the end of the road. I have been.

    Cost
    Reported free. Tips or parking may apply.
    Getting there
    Easy. About 10 km from Annotto Bay on Robins Bay Road, off the north-coast road. NEPA lists free entry and no set hours. No lifeguard, and sources disagree on toilets and other facilities. A resort is next door, so stay on the public beach. Not yet re-checked since Hurricane Melissa.
    Best time
    Weekday mornings for a quiet beach. Weekends are livelier.

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  4. 4 Rio Sambre

    River / Spring St. Mary Hidden gem

    Why it made the list: A river swimming spot in the St. Mary hills that few visitors know.

    Cost
    About J$500 per person, from one video caption only. Not confirmed.
    Getting there
    Ask locally for the way in. One video caption mentions about J$500 per person, but we could not confirm the price, and no hours are published. Not yet checked since Hurricane Melissa, so confirm it is open before you go. Avoid the river after heavy rain.
    Best time
    Dry weather, late morning to early afternoon. Stay away after heavy rain.

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  5. 5 Galina Point Lighthouse

    Culture & views St. Mary Off the beaten path

    Why it made the list: A lighthouse on the headland near Port Maria, with sea views and almost no development.

    Cost
    Not confirmed. Fees change, so check locally.
    Getting there
    Moderate. Dirt track at the end. A 2022 visitor described the lighthouse as in poor condition. No fee or hours are posted.
    Best time
    Late afternoon, for the light on the sea.

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🚌 Getting there without a car?

Ketch Di Bus shows the buses and route taxis that get you to each of these spots.

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See them on the map

Open the full map · Parishes on this list: St. Mary

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