The wide beach of Long Bay, a glorious 1-mile (2-km) stretch of yellow sand and crashing waves, has only a few hotels and restaurants overlooking the water. Tourism has developed over the years with young Europeans coming here to relax and go surfing. Currents can be dangerous, so take local guidance before swimming. It is usually safe though, and the waves make an invigorating change to most of Jamaica’s beaches. Long Bay was hit by Hurricane Dean, which battered the island in 2007 and many of the beachside restaurants and bars were damaged, while the high seas dumped tonnes of sand on the main road sculpting a new look to the coastline.