Oracabessa, town in St Mary, Jamaica
Oracabessa is a small coastal town in Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica, located about ten miles east of Ocho Rios. The settlement features narrow streets lined with early twentieth-century buildings, calm beaches with clear water, and lush green hills that rise behind the coastline.
Christopher Columbus sailed into Oracabessa Bay in 1502 and named the area after the bright light shining from the cliffs. The town developed under British rule as a farming settlement until Baptist missionary James Phillippo arrived in 1834 and helped freed slaves acquire land, leading to the creation of Jamaica's first independent community-run market.
The name Oracabessa comes from a Spanish term meaning "Golden Head", named after the bright light that shines during sunsets. Today the town draws artists, musicians, and carvers who work in local studios and galleries, creating a creative community that shapes daily life.
Visitors can find restaurants, bars, and water sports facilities at James Bond Beach, along with small shops in the town center. A small international airport is located about two miles away and serves private and regional aircraft, while the town is easily walkable for exploring on foot.
The Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary established in 2010 protects coral reefs and numerous fish species just offshore. These nutrient-rich waters filled with colorful corals and rocky cliffs also attract deep-sea fishermen targeting large fish such as marlin and tuna.
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