Fort Clarence Beach, Portmore Travel Guide

3.9 (1191)

Discover Fort Clarence Beach: A serene Jamaican escape with white sands, clear waters, and a touch of history in Hellshire.

Home
Travel Guides
Jamaica
Portmore
Fort Clarence Beach

Fort Clarence Beach, located in Hellshire, St. Catherine, offers a serene escape with its white sands and clear waters. Named after a historic fort, it's a favorite among locals and tourists seeking a relaxed Jamaican beach experience.

A brief summary to Fort Clarence Beach

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Clarence Beach.

Visit during the week for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to be more crowded.
Try the local Jamaican cuisine available at the beach's food shacks and restaurants, such as jerk chicken and fresh seafood.
Bring sunscreen and a hat, as shade can be limited in some areas of the beach.
Take a short drive to nearby Hellshire Beach for a wider variety of seafood dining options.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Port Henderson Landing

Shipwrecks

Rodney's Lookout

Buzzers Gaming Arcade

Ken's Wildflower

Explore Fort Clarence Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fort Clarence Beach, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kingston, take bus routes 1 or 1A towards Hellshire. Ask the driver to stop at Fort Clarence Beach. The ride costs approximately JM$200-JM$300, and the beach is a short walk from the bus stop.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Kingston. A taxi ride to Fort Clarence Beach costs around JM$2,500-JM$3,500, depending on traffic and your starting location. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Driving

From Kingston, take the Mandela Highway towards Spanish Town, then merge onto the Portmore leg of Highway 2000. Exit at Portmore and follow the signs to Hellshire. Fort Clarence Beach is located off the Hellshire Main Road. Parking is available at the beach for a small fee of approximately JM$500.

Discover more about Fort Clarence Beach

Fort Clarence Beach, situated in Hellshire, near Portmore, is a coastal gem known for its natural beauty and calm atmosphere. The beach boasts white sand and clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings.Originally named Fort Small in 1782, the fort was built to defend the waters between Port Henderson and Helsha Hills. In the 1790s, it was renamed Fort Clarence to honor William IV, the Duke of Clarence, who later became King of the United Kingdom. Today, the remains of the fort are mostly ruins, protected by the Jamaica Defence Force.Fort Clarence Beach offers various amenities, including restrooms, changing rooms, showers, and parking. Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for added comfort. The beach is also equipped with free WiFi. Food services are available, with restaurants and bars serving local delicacies and refreshing drinks. Popular activities include swimming, beach football, and volleyball.Located near other attractions, Fort Clarence Beach is a short drive from Hellshire Beach, famous for its seafood restaurants, and Spanish Town, which offers historical sites like the 18th-century Iron Bridge.