Beaches. Adventure. The sweet sounds of reggae. There are so many things to do and explore in Montego Bay.
Head to this Caribbean paradise to mingle with friendly locals, taste the local cuisine and find some adrenaline-fueled action. Planning a trip to Montego Bay? This is what you need to know.
Your Jamaican paradise is waiting
Montego Bay gets under your skin. There are lazy days to spend on the beach. There’s the famous Caribbean food. And you know the rum will flow.
But Jamaica and Montego Bay are so much more. There’s adventure to be found – we’re talking ziplining through the trees, floating on a raft down the river and swimming with horses. Plus, there’s culture, music and pure Caribbean fun every night out.
You’ll never forget Montego Bay.
Things to do in Montego Bay
Stretch out on the sand on Doctor’s Cave Beach. Dive into one of the most famous music festivals in Jamaica. Treat your tastebuds to local flavors. These are some of our favorite things to do in Montego Bay.
Hit the beach
Stretch out on the sand
No trip to Montego Bay is complete without hours spent lazing on the sand. Hit up Doctor’s Cave Beach for turquoise waters and white sand – there’s a reason it’s one of the most famous in the Caribbean. Head to Kent Avenue Beach for a little seclusion or Dead End Beach for shallow waters and spectacular sunsets.
Reggae Sumfest
Red, gold and green forever
Held every year in July, Reggae Sumfest is the place to experience the true sounds of Jamaica. It’s the largest music festival in Jamaica and the Caribbean. The sounds of Reggae and dancehall fill the air for this weeklong festival that’s been going on for over 30 years. Put it on your bucket list.
Cruise on a catamaran
Float along the waves
Take to the seas on a catamaran cruise to see the best of Montego Bay from the ocean. Feel the vibes with some reggae beats or opt for a quieter, more chill cruise. Either way, snorkeling, serene scenery and a day floating on the waves awaits.
Seek some thrills
Get your adventure on
Soar through the trees on a zipline (and spot tropical birds along the way) at Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Go river tubing or canopy ziplining at Montpelier. Or head to AquaSol Theme Park for watersports and adrenaline-fueled action, whether jet skiing or go-karting.
Street food tour
Treat your tastebuds
Juicy jerk chicken. Local rum. Ackee and saltfish. These are the flavors of Jamaica. And a Montego Bay street food tour is the best way to sample these delicacies. Tours take place on land or at sea – either way your tastebuds will tingle. Plus, the best way to learn about a culture is through its food – and what a food culture it is.
Where to visit in Montego Bay
Sure, we know a big part of the appeal when booking a holiday to Montego Bay is planting yourself on a beach and staying there, but this little corner of the Caribbean is packed with things to do. If you’re up for some nature, golf, history or people watching, visit:
Montego Bay Marine Park
Montego Bay
Surrounding the entire length of Montego Bay, the marine park is 15 acres of protected reef, mangrove forests, and islets. Experience Jamaica’s natural beauty with a snorkeling adventure, a tour on a glass-bottom boat, paddle out in a kayak or head under the water with your diving gear.
White Witch Golf Course
Montego Bay
Named after the 19th century Rose Hall Plantation mistress Annee Palmer, this 18-hole championship golf course promises panoramic views and 6,758 yards of golfing heaven. The par-71 course, carved into the lush greenery will test your golf skills for both pros and newbies alike. Legend has it the course is still haunted by Annee’s ghost.
Greenwood Great House
Greenwood Avenue
High upon the hills with sweeping views across the Caribbean Sea, Greenwood Great House was built in the 1780s and is one of the best-preserved examples of a plantation-era great house. It boasts a vast collection of antique furniture and musical instruments, and a sobering past. Take in the history on your tour and let the sea views soothe your soul straight after.
Sam Sharpe Square
Montego Bay
At the heart of downtown Montego Bay, visit Sam Sharpe Square for people watching, mingling with Montego Bay locals and taking in the history of the area. The cobblestone streets are quaint, the buildings colorful and the souvenirs are always worth a haggle. Don’t miss the monument to get Sam Sharpe’s full story.
Martha Brea River
Trelawny
Get your water legs ready and hold on to your raft as you gently float down the Martha Brea River. You’ll hop on 30-foot-long bamboo rafts and travel down the river for three miles, taking in the lush scenery, learning about the legend of Martha Brea and jumping in for an exhilarating swim at the end.
Half Moon Equestrian Centre
St. Bran’s Burg
Jump on the back of a trusty steed for a unique way to experience the sights and sounds of Montego Bay. Half Moon Equestrian Centre has been going for over 30 years and opens the delights of this area on horseback. Take your pick from a beach stroll, pony park ride or even swimming with horses.
When to visit Montego Bay
Beaches. It’s got them. Food. You’ll remember that food tour for years. Nature. There’s nothing like floating down the river on a raft.
There’s a reason Montego Bay is so popular with American tourists. It’s got everything you need in a Jamaican getaway. But when is the best time to visit? The most popular time to visit Montego Bay is between December and March, as the weather is most settled. You’ll get average temperatures of around 75-80°F and little to no rainfall. The rainy season is from May to October, with October the wettest month – but with around 61mm of rainfall over four days it’s still fine to visit.
And the most important thing? You can happily lounge on the beach in Montego Bay at any time of year.
Hotels in Montego Bay
Whether you want family-friendly, all-out luxury or adults-only these are some of the best hotels in Montego Bay.
S Hotel Jamaica – Montego Bay
Ocean views
Head to Jimmy Cliff Avenue for this luxury all-inclusive 4-star Jamaica hotel. Come for the ocean views, stay for the sky pools and authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Hotel Grand A View
A short stroll to the sand
Just 500m from Doctor’s Cave Beach, you’ll love the spa, fitness center, and beautiful beachside views in this 4-star hotel.
Sea Garden Beach Resort
Best for budget
Right on the crystal-clear water, this 3-star hotel is ideal for budget-travelers who want a little luxury and plenty of bang for their bucks.
Secrets Wild Orchid
Adults-only all-inclusive
Stay on the sand, with a private beach in this all-inclusive 5-star idyll. You’ll never be bored with 19 onsite restaurants and nightly live entertainment.
Montego Bay Price Guide
Jamaica is around 28% cheaper than the US. For your essentials while away, you can expect to pay:
Domestic beer: JMD 250-350,
Cocktail in a downtown club: JMD 600-800
Catamaran Cruise: JMD 7,000-10,000
Handmade jewelry souvenirs: JMD 1,000-3,000
Taxis: Around JMD 250 with an additional JMD 100 per km
Adventure. Food. Reggae. Your own beachside paradise is calling in Montego Bay.
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