Robin’s Bay in Jamaica is a small fishing and farming village of about 2000 people. Our small community has always welcomed visitors and has a long history of sustainable eco tourism, through supporting the local community. Robin’s Bay in Jamaica is very different to other tourist areas in Jamaica such as Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, or Negril. These areas whilst undeniably beautiful are often packed with tourists. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are major stop-off points for cruise ships, with nearly two million people staying there each year. Nearly 2000 cruise ships per year drop off further tourists. Robin’s Bay in Jamaica provides visitors with a much more authentic Jamaican experience. It is regarded as one of the least commercially developed areas in Jamaica, free from major hotel chains. It is thanks to this that Robin’s Bay offers some of the best ecotourism and birding in the Caribbean. With tropical forests, and unspoilt beaches offering a true glimpse of Jamaica and providing a home to an incredible array of animals and bird life.
Despite our small size, we have a primary school that serves about 90 to 100 students and a basic school on Green Castle land for another 30 to 40 children from the area. We have four churches and a strong Christian community. Our beautiful location by the sea, with a fish restaurant and a couple of bars are a short distance from the main highway and bustle of the big cities, making for a peaceful, safe and friendly stop for any visitor to Jamaica.
The locals welcome a chance to talk and share ideas. If you are ready to test your skills, you will always find a local, happy to challenge you to a game of dominos. Robin’s Bay in Jamaica is a perfect location, next to the sea and being a small fishing village you can come and buy fresh fish or seafood. If you need an excuse, cool down and enjoy a cold Red Stripe beer at Fays restaurant or Salas’s lawn. If you want to work up a sweat there are many community projects or celebrations. Jamaicans are very friendly are welcoming and would love to show you their culture.
You will always be welcome in Robin’s Bay.
The best things to see in Robin’s Bay in Jamaica
Robin’s Bay in Jamaica harbours some Caribbean gems. This peaceful location in Jamaica offers so much. From tropical paradises, picturesque beaches, the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea to cultural and historic venues, Robin’s Bay offers the best Jamaica has to offer. Perfectly placed to still visit Montego Bay and Ocho Rios but without the crowds, Robin’s Bay offers excellent value for money.
Green Castle Nature Lodge
Robin’s Bay in Jamaica is also home to the eco paradise that is Green Castle Nature Lodge. This luxurious tropical paradise offers visitors luxury accommodation for their vacation in Jamaica. Green Castle also has a private 1600-acre / 6.5km2 estate with tropical gardens, forests and some of the best hiking trails and bird watching opportunities in the Caribbean.
With an eco beach as well as organic plantations on site, it is possible to see the very best in Jamaican sustainability and eco tourism. There are eco farms on site for everything from coconut oil to cocoa, pimento to organic honey. A guided tour around the eco center is extremely worthwhile where it is possible to see all this and some of the history of Green Castle dating back to 900AD.
GoldenEye
The chances are you have heard of James Bond. Here is where it all began. Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond books was working during the second world war, on an operation called Goldeneye. After the war had finished, Ian Fleming built his dream home at Robin’s Bay in Jamaica. He called it GoldenEye. Here he wrote all 13 James Bond novels. Three of these books, Dr No, Live and Let Die and the man with the Golden Gun were all filmed in Jamaica. This is just the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to the history of GoldenEye.
GoldenEye provided the inspiration for Noel Coward and Firefly and also Sting with the song “Every breath you take”. Take a trip to GoldenEye during your stay at Green Castle and unleash your inner James Bond.
James Bond Beach
Initially James Bond Beach came to fame in the James Bond film, Dr No starring Sean Connery. Opposite the beach, hidden by lush tropical forest, is GoldenEye, the former home of Ian Fleming and where James Bond was created. James Bond Beach has also leant itself to many other famous individuals, including Jamaica’s own legendary musician Bob Marley. James Bond Beach, like much of Robin’s Bay in Jamaica is extremely beautiful and peaceful. Famous for its its crystal clear waters, take a dip to cool off in the Caribbean sea. For lunch, why not grab a plate of fresh seafood at the Moonraker Jamaican Bar and Grill. James Bond Beach can be visited as part of a guided tour organised by Green Castle Hotel, or if you wish to visit without a guide Green Castle can assist with arranging transport or directions.
Firefly
Firefly has a rich history dating back to the original indigenous Jamaicans, the Taino people. Firefly’s history also includes the infamous Sir Henry Morgan, the notorious pirate turned governor of Jamaica. The property is most well known in recent times as being the home of playwright Noel Coward. Noel Coward hosted many celebrities during his residency here. Most famously Britain’s Queen mother in 1965 when she stayed for lunch during her trip to Robin’s Bay in Jamaica.
This former home now is a museum Noel Coward, and contains much of his memorabilia. Outside there is a statue of Noel Coward sculpted by Angela Connors which looks out on some of the most breathtaking views in Robin’s Bay in Jamaica. Guided tours or transport can be arranged to see Firefly from Green Castle Nature Lodge.
Kwame Falls / Kwaamen Waterfalls
One of the most scenic hikes and waterfalls in Jamaica. Kwame falls are also known as Kwaamen waterfalls. They can be reached via a breathtaking hike, or if you wish to travel in a little more luxury why not take a more relaxing boat ride. These falls are named after Kwame who was part of the rebellion against enslavement in 1760. Upon arrival you will be presented with natures very own utopia. Swim in the cool waters, take photos of the falls, these clear waters are hidden away and it is quite likely it will just be you or your group getting to enjoy them all to yourselves. Guided tours are recommended for hiking, simply because there is so much tropical fauna.
Tacky Falls
Another set of beautiful waterfalls that can be visited at Robin’s Bay in Jamaica. These falls are set into the tropical rainforest and are a fun hike, often combined with a visit to the Kwame / Kwaamen waterfalls. If you are wanting a real back to nature experience and something truly authentic then Tacky falls has this in abundance. Secluded and peaceful you will often be the only visitors at these falls and can bask in the wonder in a tranquil environment. Tacky led the revolution in 1760 against enslavement. This wonderful hike from the eco centre at Green Castle is approximately a six hour round trip, although boats can be arranged for those who do not wish to hike to Kwame falls. From Kwame falls it is possible to then hike here as well.
Bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande
One of the highlights of a visit to Jamaica for many, is the opportunity to raft on the Rio Grande river. This can be combined with the tour to Port Antonio.
Bamboo rafts, originally designed for transporting bananas along the river, gently carry you through tropical rainforest and lush vegetation. If you’re lucky you’ll still see working farmers using them to transport their produce.
A popular stop along the way is Belinda’s restaurant which offers traditional Jamaican cuisine.
