Oracabessa, Jamaica

History

 

Oracabessa is one of the fastest growing resort areas in Jamaica. Its towering cliffs, shining in the golden sunlight, may be a clue to origins of the town’s name, which is said to derive from the Spanish words oro (gold) and cabeza (head). The main street is a pleasant and graceful promenade with a number of well-maintained buildings in the early 20th-century Jamaican vernacular tradition. Oracabessa is heavily dependent on fishing for much of its income and there are a number of fishing beaches dotted around the small harbour. In the centre of the harbour channel is a small island called Santa Maria, which has good snorkelling potential, and is used mainly by fishermen.

 

Local Flavour

 

Ian Fleming, former British Intelligence Officer, famous author and creator of the James Bond series, fell in love with Jamaica and was inspired to write all his ten novels here. It is said that Fleming decided to live in Jamaica when he came to the island and watched a Jamaican girl swimming nude in the bay below Goldeneye, his famous house.

 

Famous For

 

Scenes from the classic James Bond movie Goldfinger were filmed at James Bond Beach.

 

Don't Miss

 

Firefly, former home of artist, actor and playwright Noel Coward, is a small house that sits on a hill above the town. The house is now a museum with guided tours, but for thirty years it was Coward’s refuge, and the house has been preserved exactly as it was at the time of his death. Firefly is a model of elegance in simplicity; the cottage has living space and amenities for just one person, but it sits on eight acres of land with a magnificent view of the harbour below. Sir Noel is buried here, and in his memory, a statue has been erected in his favourite spot, a bench facing the coast, looking out into the royal blue Caribbean Sea.

 

Say Hello To:

 

Stop in at Dor’s Fish Pot for excellent seafood dishes and a mellow seaside atmosphere. Dor is a vociferous woman with strong opinions and a warm heart, and spending time with her and her delectable dishes amounts to a rare treat.