About
Lime Cay is a small, uninhabited island lying just off Port Royal, on the Jamaican coast near Kingston. It can only be reached by boat, which gives the place a quiet, removed feel that sets it apart from the busier beaches elsewhere on the island.
The main draw is the water. Its turquoise shallows are clear enough for swimming and snorkeling, and the coral reefs around the cay are home to a wide range of tropical fish. The beach is covered in powdery white sand, and with no permanent buildings on the island, the setting feels open and uncluttered.
What a visit is like
Lime Cay suits a day trip. Because access is by boat only, most visitors arrange a crossing in advance and plan to spend a few hours on the sand and in the water before heading back.
- Swimming in calm, clear water
- Snorkeling over the coral reefs and among the fish
- Relaxing on the white sand beach away from the crowds
Around the cay
Port Royal, the nearby point of departure, lies at the edge of Kingston Harbour. It is a useful reminder of the area's maritime past, and it is a short sea journey from the cay. Kingston itself, with its busy streets and energy, is a sharp contrast to the stillness of the island, so many visitors find the day trip a welcome change of pace.
If you are looking for a calm day on the water, with clear sea, reef life and a simple sandy beach, Lime Cay is worth considering when you are in Kingston.