Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
10 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Frequently asked questions
Gunboat Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity murky, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Gunboat Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Gunboat Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 10 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Gunboat Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — medium. Beach length — 500 metres.
Gunboat Beach: when is the swimming season?
It ends in December, January, February, March, April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Gunboat Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as poor. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Gunboat Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks (bull, tiger), jellyfish (stinging), sea urchins, snakes (in coastal waters). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Gunboat Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: toilets, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Gunboat Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Gunboat Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Local Food Vendors. Cuisines available: Jamaican. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Gunboat Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Flip-flops, Cash.
Gunboat Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning and evening it is cooler. Swimming is not recommended.
Gunboat Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is prohibited due to water quality. Keep the beach clean.
Gunboat Beach: who is this beach best for?
Suitable for locals and travellers interested in history. Not suitable for swimming and families with children.
Gunboat Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Gunboat Beach was opened in 1959 and named after the rusting hulk of a Haitian gunboat. Today it is a historic site where swimming is prohibited due to pollution.
Gunboat Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Historic site, Free entry, Parking, Place for walks, Authentic atmosphere. Cons: Swimming prohibited, Polluted water, No lifeguards, No infrastructure, Theft possible.
Gunboat Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Bob Marley Museum, Port Royal, Blue Mountains. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Gunboat Beach: how do I get to the city of Kingston?
The beach is located near the city of Kingston. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Kingston.