Lime Cay

Lime Cay is a small uninhabited island of white sand and scrub off the mouth of Kingston harbour, one of a chain of cays behind the Palisadoes spit, and it is where Kingston goes on a Sunday. Boats leave from Port Royal all day, the crossing takes about ten minutes, and what waits is a beach with clear water, a reef edge for snorkelling and no development at all beyond whatever the vendors bring across. On a weekday it can be empty; on a Sunday it is a party, with sound systems, coolers and fried fish arriving by boat. Kingston's skyline and the Blue Mountains rise behind, which is a view most visitors never see.

Highlights

• The cay - white sand and clear water with nothing built on it.
• The Sunday scene - Kingston at the beach, with sound systems and cook boats.
• Snorkelling - reef at the edges of the sand.
• The view back - Kingston and the Blue Mountains across the water.

When to go

December to April is drier and calmest. Sunday is the day for atmosphere; weekdays for quiet. Boats run from Port Royal through the day and the last return is in the late afternoon, which people misjudge.

What to expect

There is no shade, no water, no toilet and no lifeguard, so bring everything and leave with your rubbish. Boat prices are negotiated and rise for tourists; agree the return time as well as the fare. On Sundays it is loud and packed. Kingston harbour water quality varies and the cays are affected by what comes out of it.

Nearby

Port Royal is the departure point; Kingston is half an hour up the Palisadoes.

Key facts