Bob Marley Beach: Perfect for lyming

Jamaica, the land of wood and water, is famous for its beautiful, pristine beaches, and spending a day at one of them is a favourite pastime for many locals, especially on weekends or on public holidays.

This week, Island Trekking paid a visit to the famous Bob Marley Beach in Nine Miles, Bull Bay, St Andrew.

Coming from Kingston, the beach is located on the right after passing the police station in Nine Miles. A welcome sign is painted on a wall. However, it should be noted that the sign can easily be missed, as it is fading and points to a narrow entrance in the community. The space is wide enough for a vehicle, however, as we drove by residents of the community going about their respective businesses.

The track goes over a bridge and then transcends into a loose gravel path that soon becomes filled with dark stones the closer to the beach you go. Before you know it, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore can be heard and you know that you have reached Bob Marley Beach. The beach is filled with dark sand and stones that stretch in both directions and is unhindered, except for a few board structures set a few metres back from the shoreline. There are also fishing boats docked on the sand, and a makeshift anchor.

The first thing to note is that the beach is clean. There are also a few cabanas to the right that are perfect for relaxing. The sea seems deep and can get a little rough which is why Bob Marley Beach is known for surfing.

Andrica Smith was there with her coworkers for a relaxing evening and spent the time lounging on the sand, having the waves wash up, and over her.

“I don’t normally come out here, it’s my coworker who is familiar with the beach,” she said.

When asked if she had already ventured into the water, she replied in the negative,

“The water is too rough, I can’t manage,” she said.

Tyra Spaulding agreed with her coworker but stated that the area is perfect for something else,

“I don’t think it’s a beach for family and stuff, I think it’s more for friends,” she said, “You can come out here and build a vibe with your alcohol and your speakers and you just chill with your friend dem. The waves are more for surfing,” Spaulding finished.

And she was right; there were a few persons who came for the picture-perfect sunset and others who put out beach blankets and watched the sun go down.

It can be a serene place as you are surrounded by nature, creating a feeling of calm and oneness with the hills that seem to touch the sky behind you and the never ending sea which blends into the horizon before you. It is made even better by the orange streak that floats on the water as the sun sets.

If you plan to visit Bob Marley Beach, take note of the following:

•Only if you are a very skilled swimmer should you attempt going into the water, as it is a free beach and, therefore, no lifeguards are available.

•You are allowed to take with you food and please remember to stay hydrated while at the beach.

•There are metres of open space so you can have fun on the beach as well as in the water.

•It is great for photos.

vanessa.james@gleanerjm.com