Where was Jaws 2 filmed?

The movie opens with two divers, Bert and Ernie, and one points out to the other “down there.” They dive down deeper to explore a sunken fisherman’s boat, and as they move through the cabins, a dim, threatening shape approaches.

We then see several flashes in the distance before the scene ends with Ernie’s camera gently floating toward the beach. The next scene shows Chief Brody arriving at the beach in his blue-and-white jeep.

Navarre Beach, located off Route 98, served as the setting for those particular scenes and most of the film’s other exterior shots. The filmmakers chose the area between Destin and Fort Walton Beach simply because of the warm, pleasant climate and the depth of the water. The waters in the area were also deep enough to plausibly have sharks circling around the platform set up in the area.

Tucked away in Northwest Florida, Navarre Beach offers some solitude away from the regularly packed beaches. While visiting the Jaws 2 location, you might as well learn how to surf, enjoy the night glow kayak paddling sessions, or go dolphin-watching aboard a speed boat.

Mike hangs out with his group of friends, amongst them Brooke, Jackie, Timmy, Andy, Ed, and Tina, at a pinball arcade. That’s where they discuss their plans to go on a sailing picnic.

As the plans for their sailing trip take shape, Jackie asks two critical questions. “Who’s bringing the wine? And who got a quarter for the box?”

The interior scenes depicting the teens hanging out and playing pinball were shot at the Hog’s Breath Saloon formerly located on Okaloosa Island. The restaurant/bar was relocated and set up at 541 Harbor Boulevard, Destin because its original location was flagged as a hurricane-prone area.

Located between Destin and Fort Walton Beach, as of 2005, the original filming location of Jaws 2 in Okaloosa Island stood in a derelict state. The relocated joint also closed shop in 2020, and through their Facebook page, they explained that they hoped to be back in service in due time.

Brody is Amity’s Chief of Police whose glorified days as the hero from the first film have since waned as the second movie begins. His relentless pursuit of the great white earns him the boot, and he returns home in a drunken stupor.

Explaining everything to his wife, he says “Fired. Canned. Out of my fanny. The Selectmen just made Hendricks the new Chief of Police.”

A stunning abode at 265 East Chop Drive, Vineyard Haven stood in for Brody’s charming Oceanside residence. In 2002, the house went through a remodeling process and the shingled residence that now stands on the lot barely resembles the screen location.

The Amity Police Department is another location that was filmed in Massachusetts, to be precise 33 North Summer Street, Edgartown. They dressed up the Martha’s Vineyard home for those scenes, and the location also doubled up as one of the production offices.

On South Water Street, you’ll find a residential building where the filmmakers had shot the Amity Gazette scenes. Edgartown served as the setting of various other Jaws franchise locations including Amity Hardware (55 Main Street), Amity Town Hall (70 Main Street), and Port Hunter, which is a seafood restaurant at 55 Main Street, lent its establishment for the interior scenes of the Amity Hardware.

From Oak Bluffs, the Line 13 or Line 9 bus will get you to the Jaws 2 filming location on East Chop Drive.

In the first few minutes of the film, there’s a scene where Chief Brody enters The Holidome where a grand opening ball is in full swing. He takes his place amongst other dignitaries and Mayor Vaughn, who is presiding over the ceremony, starts speaking.

Some of the words of his speech somewhat described what was to come as the movie progressed. “We're happy once again to be in the center of things, where the action is...”

The Holiday Inn “Holidome” at Navarre served as the film’s headquarters. Production offices were set up on the ground floor, and the crew remodeled some of the Gulf-front suites for Scheider and David Brown. Universal rented out 100 Holidome rooms for a reported $1 million.

Sadly, the Holiday Inn no longer exists after getting destroyed in the wake of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. If you do find yourself at Navarre Beach, the fishing pier is worth checking out to enjoy the sunsets, turtle-watching, or go fishing. Also plan a stopover at the Navarre Beach Marine park located in Santa Rosa.

Located in Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard provided the overall setting for the fictional Amity resort. The filmmakers chose the location because they wanted an island that could conjure up an eerily empty feel.

The popular summer destination lent locations throughout Katama, Harthaven, and Mayhew Lane to the Jaws 2 production. Other outdoor scenes were filmed around the town of Destin, Florida.

One of the scenes filmed at Martha’s Vineyard is when Grace Witherspoon witnesses a shark-related tragedy from her porch. Deputy Jeff Hendricks (Jeffrey Kramer) responds to the call she places in to report the incident.

Talking to Brody through a walkie-talkie he explains that he didn’t find anyone on-site, and Brody who is on shore interviews some witnesses. One of them describes the incident as an explosion. “One minute they were having a wonderful time, the next, bang!”

There’s plenty to do around Martha’s Vineyard, from visiting the beaches to exploring the Oak Bluffs Campgrounds. Hop onto the Line 7 or Line 9 bus to explore the various locations around Martha’s Vineyard.

One of the Jaws 2 scenes saw Brody firing his gun towards the water at the beach. A lifeguard standing on his platform watched in shock as Brody fumbled with his firearm.

The lifeguard soon shouted out, “It's bluefish! It's a school of bluefish! Chief! It's bluefish!” It’s one of the incidents that would later cost Brody his job as the Chief of Police.

That particular scene and others were filmed at Chappaquiddick Island which is a section of Edgartown, Massachusetts. The Island features stretches of sparsely populated beach acreage. Locals call it “Chappy,” and the Island is considered one of New England’s best-kept secrets.

There are varieties of landscapes in the area ranging from meadows to woodlands and coastlines to explore. Make a day out of the trip to hike the endless trails or visit the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, a natural reserve located at the eastern tip.

Dike Bridge, where Ted Kennedy’s plane crashed, is among the places most tourists search for while visiting the Jaws 2 filming location. Get to Chappaquiddick Island via the Chappy Ferry” from Edgartown.