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Meridiela.

Puerto Seco Beach

A family beach park on Discovery Bay, on the shore where Columbus is said to have landed in 1494.

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Typebeach
WhereSaint Ann
Nearest cityRunaway Bay
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereAt Discovery Bay on the A1, about 20 km west of Ocho Rios
EntryCharged

Puerto Seco sits on Discovery Bay, the sheltered inlet where Columbus is generally held to have come ashore in 1494 and named it dry harbour for the lack of fresh water. The beach was redeveloped as a beach park with a water play area, restaurants, sports and event space, and it works mainly as a family day out rather than a quiet stretch of sand. The water is calm and shallow across most of the bay.

What you actually see

  • The bay - a sheltered inlet with calm shallow water.
  • The beach park - water play, sports and restaurants on the sand.
  • The Columbus landing - the shore associated with the 1494 arrival.
  • The reef edge - coral at the mouth of the bay, visible from boats.

When to go

December to April is the drier season. Weekends and school holidays are busy with local families. The park closes on some weekdays out of season.

Honest expectations

It is a commercial beach park with entry fees and paid activities, not a natural beach. Music and crowds make it loud at weekends. The Columbus landing point is traditional rather than proven.

Nearby

Runaway Bay is east, and Green Grotto Caves are nearby.

What to pack for Puerto Seco Beach

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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