If you fly into Kingston, it’s likely you’ll see the tiny island of Lime Cay Jamaica out of your window. At only 2 miles from Norman Manley International Terminal, Lime Cay is one of the nearest places (from the runaway) to get your feet wet.
But don’t be fooled, it’s not busy. Most tourists who arrive at the airport go straight to their resorts and the island stays quiet throughout the week. If you’re in Kingston and want to check out one of the best beaches in Jamaica, this guide has got you covered.
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Where Is Lime Cay In Jamaica
Approx 2 miles from the Kingston International Airport the island is directly south of Kingston city.
How To Get To Lime Cay Jamaica
The best way to get to Lime Cay Jamaica is by boat from Port Royal. While it is very close (distance) to Kingston, it actually takes around 45 minutes to drive there from the center of Kingston city.
Perched on the end of a peninsula, beyond the international airport, is the old pirate town of Port Royal.
Once the largest city in the Caribbean, Port Royal housed the wealthy privateers (privately commissioned armed ships). And overtime became the pirate destination for those ready to spend their treasures.
Earthquakes and tsunamis destroyed the town and the hub quickly moved across the bay (now called Kingston). There are still the remains of old fort walls and saloons which give the place an edgy feel. But if you’re going to visit Lime Cay, it’s worth a stop.
Catch A Boat From The Port Royal Dock
The place to get a boat to the Lime Cay island is from Y-Knot.
It is a small, wooden shack bar with a nice overwater deck. You can actually order food and drinks here while you wait to get the boat (the food is OK, but best if you bring your own).
Cost of the boat ride
Once you park your car, head towards the restaurant bar. There are a couple of guys working and you will see a little sign that says “Lime Cay”.
Beyond the bar and deck is a little wooden dock with a couple of fishing boats parked. Just say that you want to go to Lime Cay and they will organise a trip for you. It depends on how many people you have and for how long you want to stay but the cost should not be more than USD$10 per person.
It’s a bumpy ride
The boat that will take you across to Lime Cay is an open, wooden fishing boat with wooden board seats. The waves that come through the channel (on your way to the island) can be a little bumpy. So, if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s best to ask the operator beforehand what the conditions are like.
The trip is around 15 minutes each way.
It’s most likely that you will get splashed or sprayed on the way there, so make sure your electronics are either in a waterproof bag or sufficiently covered.
Lime Cay Island Map
Here is a little map of the island to give you a sense of size and scale.
What To Do At Lime Cay
There are absolutely no facilities on the island (this includes bathrooms), so make sure that you go before you take the boat. And, bring your own food and drinks if you’re planning to stay awhile.
If you don’t have a local number there’s no real way to get back. So, the boat driver will simply hang out on his boat while you take your time on the island (or you can predetermine a time).
If you’re planning to spend a whole day and don’t have a local number, you will need to arrange a pickup time while you pay for the boat (at Y-Knot).
Go through the week to have it to yourself
This little island, even though it is so close to Kingston, is very under visited. If you head out here through the week it is likely that you will have the whole island to yourself.
Kick back under the shelter
There is an old wooden shelter with a couple of bench seats and a table if you want to park your gear and sit down. There is not a lot of shade here, so you might want to bring a beach umbrella if you’re worried about the sun.
Swim & snorkel
There is some nice snorkelling around the northern (calm) end of the island. While the corals are not as spectacular as those you see in the US Virgin Islands, you will see some colourful fish.
Walk around the island
The island is pretty small (50m x 100m or 160ft x 320ft). You can actually walk around the island in about 25 minutes.
It can get a little windy on the opposite side to where you will get dropped, but it is still nice to be able to walk around a whole island.
Pick up trash
There are a couple of trash cans on the island (near the shelter and drop off location). However, these seem to fill up quickly. On our walk around the island, we spent about an hour picking up plastic rubbish. Much of it had washed in from the sea, but a lot of it is left from island users.
It’s important to say no to plastic when travelling, and opt for plastic alternatives. If you still have trash after your visit, remember to place it in the bins or bring it back with you to be a more eco-friendly traveller.
Sunday Lime (Hangout)
This is a popular hangout spot on Sundays for the locals living in Kingston. Those who own their own boats will anchor up, play music and “lime”. Liming is The Caribbean slang for hanging out or having a get-together.
Why Go To Lime Cay
It is not very often that you get to have your own little island to yourself. And if you visit Lime Cay Jamaica through the week, the likelihood is that you will be the only one.
It’s not a picture-perfect tropical island (no palm trees in the sand). But the sand is white and the water is very blue. It’s the kind of spot perfect for a hangout with friends for a few hours or half a day.
You will want to stay in Kingston if you visit Lime Cay. Here are some accommodation options for your trip.
Booking.comWhat Else To Do In Jamaica
Jamaica is full of amazing beaches and unique places to stay, but some of the best attractions are the naturally occurring beauty.
Not too far from Kingston is Portland Parish (on the other side of the island (approx 2.5 hour drive). This area of the island is the lushest and tropical. Close to the capital town of Port Antonio is some of the Caribbeans most beautiful destinations:
- Frenchman’s Cove Jamaica – is one of the regions most idyllic coves. Surrounded by thick jungle, this tiny little white sand beach and clears freshwater stream make it a slice of tropical paradise that everyone should see on the time in Jamaica.
- The Blue Lagoon Jamaica – this unique lagoon is home to some of the most famous celebrity hangouts and the scenes from the famous Tom Cruise movie, “Cocktail”
- Reach falls is the ultimate jungle waterfall. Situated off-the-beaten-path, you will want to spend a couple of days here.
- With electric-blue water and a pristine jungle setting, Blue Hole is one of the best natural attractions in Jamaica.
Getting around by car
It is relatively easy to get around the island and explore by car. Public transport to the more remote areas is difficult and if you are a confident driver, GPS works well, making it easy to navigate.
Be aware that the roads in Portland Parish are notorious for being bad (full of potholes) so add extra time to your GPS travel time estimation.
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Aaron is one of the co-founders of The Dharma Trails. His background in marine eco tourism and writing have blended together to create the eco travel platform read by users around the world.
