It is said that Columbus, when visiting this bay during one of his voyages at the end of the 15th century, called it “The bay of good weather”. And he was right, as in this wonderful Montego Bay the sun and good temperatures are the main protagonists during most of the year.
It is the second most important city in Jamaica, only behind the capital of the country, and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
Its beaches are famous worldwide, being chosen by many celebrities from different countries to spend their vacations. Specifically, Doctor’s Cave beach is one of the most famous in the world and it is even said that its waters have healing powers. Although, to tell the truth, we are more inclined to think that what happens, is that such an environment makes anyone’s day.
But Montego Bay is much more than sun and beach. In this city full of color and good atmosphere, you will find a mixture of cultures, present in its people, but also in its monuments.
In its surroundings, its various natural wonders contrast with its large shopping malls, whose prices, especially in jewelry and watches, make them real magnets for tourists from all countries.
Within its varied leisure offer, its water parks and its bars and restaurants also stand out, where you will enjoy the opportunity to taste one of the richest and most varied gastronomies on the planet, also impregnated with multiculturalism in each of its flavors.
The beaches of Montego Bay
We start our list of recommendations with one of the hallmarks of the city of Montego Bay: its amazing paradisiacal beaches.
As we mentioned before, the most famous of all is known as Doctor’s Cave for the supposed curative properties of its waters. But to tell the truth, the rest of the beaches in the bay have little to envy.
All of them respond to the same common pattern: crystal clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, wild vegetation in their surroundings and a great marine life. In short, the ideal setting to enjoy any day of vacation.
Moreover to Doctor’s Cave, we recommend that you visit Harmony Beach, One Name Beach and No Exit Beach. The latter has a small drawback, and that is that its proximity to the airport means that the sight of planes taking off and landing is practically continuous.
Sam Sharpe Square
Sam Sharpe Square is the most important square in the city and owes its name to the local hero Samuel Sharp, the main promoter of the Christmas Rebellion of 1831.
More than for its architectural attractions, this large open space stands out for its atmosphere, with thousands of passers-by frequenting it daily. Just in the evening, it is very common to see various street food stalls and street vendors scattered around the square.
Not far from there, you can also take the opportunity to visit the National Heroes Monument.
Montego Bay Cultural Center
Near the square in a south-westerly direction, within what we could call the downtown district, you will find the Cultural Center of the city.
Inside, you will enjoy the opportunity to visit a beautiful museum, which will allow you to learn more about the history of the city, from the time of the Arawaks to the present day.
The Cultural Center is also home to a small art gallery, which has become a sort of expansion of the city’s National Museum West.
Appleton Estate Rum Distillery
A visit to the Appleton Estate Distillery is one of the most popular things to do in Montego Bay.
Appleton Jamaica rum is exported to countless countries and is one of the best valued worldwide.
During the visit to the distillery, in addition to discovering the secrets about its manufacture and history, you can enjoy a tasting.
Although it is not located in the city, the drive to the distillery is particularly beautiful and will allow you to discover some of the wild landscapes of the island.
Jamaica’s Blue Mountains
When you think of Jamaica, paradisiacal beaches, lush jungles, sun and relaxation probably come to mind. However, this spectacular island also has its own particular mountainous area, with some peaks that exceed 2200 meters of altitude.
The route to complete the ascent to the highest, Blue Mountain Peak, is as recommendable for the natural environment that surrounds you, as for the views from the top, with an incredible panoramic view of the north and south coasts of the island. Along the way, you will cross coffee plantations, walking along trails that open up through the tropical vegetation.
Additionally, you have the possibility to complete the itinerary by bicycle either by renting a bike on your own, or by booking a bike tour of the mountain guided by a local expert.
These excursions last practically a whole day, as the guides allow you to make several stops along the route, for example, to bathe in the natural pools of the area, admire the waterfalls of the rivers that descend the mountain or have a tropical fruit for lunch.
A swim in the waterfalls of the Dunn River
Another of the natural wonders that await you around in the surroundings of Montego Bay.
The natural waterfalls of the Dunn River are some of the most beautiful in the entire Caribbean. As bathing is allowed in the pools that the water forms after each jump, you can stand under the jet of each of them and enjoy a truly rewarding natural hydromassage.
A total of 180 meters of waterfall, in which it is well worth investing a morning to connect with nature in a different way, immersing yourself in it completely.
If you want an even more complete experience, you can hire a cruise from Montego Bay, which in addition to allowing you to visit the waterfalls, includes a stop at the spectacular coral reef of the island for snorkeling. Undoubtedly, one of the best excursions you can do during your vacation in Jamaica.
Luminous Lagoon
The natural wonders around Montego are each more special.
Luminous Lagoon is a truly magical place. Located on one of the banks of the Martha Brae River, its water is inhabited by millions of microorganisms that emit a fluorescent light with their movement. This causes the water to glow in the dark naturally. We promise you that it’s as close to being inside a fairy tale as you’re going to get.
In fact, this special phenomenon only occurs in four lagoons in the world and luckily for you, just a few kilometers from Montego Bay, you can enjoy one of them.
Our recommendation is that while you’re there, you take the cruise through the luminescent waters of the lagoon, which in most cases, includes a guide and transportation as part of the price.
White Witch’s House
From a magical and sensory proposal, we move on to an excursion that will not leave you indifferent and in which light once again takes a leading role. Of course, this time we refer to candlelight.
The visit of the Rose Hall Great House, popularly known as the White Witch’s House, is especially recommended for the night.
The interior of the house, full of candles, generates an aura between mystical and terrifying, not suitable for the most apprehensive travelers.
But don’t worry, because as usually happens in these cases, the legends are just that, and need not prevent you from enjoying the beauty of this spectacular mansion from the late eighteenth century.
A catamaran ride on the coral reef
A catamaran cruise in and around the bay is one of the most popular and recommended excursions in Montego Bay.
It is a very common activity among the youngest travelers, with the possibility of living a real Caribbean party on the deck of the boat, music and open cocktail bar included.
But if you prefer, there are also quieter alternatives along the same lines. These are centered on one of the most spectacular natural attractions of the area, its impressive coral reef. Snorkeling to contemplate its marine flora and fauna will not leave you indifferent.
And if you can’t decide, you can always dedicate a day to each of the two plans. Sailing over the Caribbean Sea is always a good choice.
A horseback ride in the sea?
Jamaica is one of the few countries on the planet where you can hire a horseback riding tour including a swim in the sea.
Yes, you are reading that right. In Chukka Cove, in the Llandovery area, you can hire a horseback riding tour in the area, to enjoy its wild nature and pristine beaches. But that’s not all, before finishing the ride, the guides will lead you to a shallow water beach, where you will dive little by little without getting off the horse. You will be surprised how well these animals swim and the sensation of bathing in the sea, while the horse trots on the bottom.
They are very well cared for horses, used to swimming in the water and each group of hikers completes the route accompanied by at least three guides to ensure maximum safety throughout the itinerary.
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
A visit to the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary is an especially recommended plan if you are traveling with children. But in fact, the experience is just as rewarding and fun for adults.
In its facilities you will discover up to three different species of hummingbirds, including the robin hummingbird, the country’s national bird. Along with them, a total of 320 species of birds await you, which are also very accustomed to human contact. Some of them will perch on your shoulder if you let them or in the palm of your hand.
The best time of the year to visit the sanctuary is during the month of May, the breeding season for tropical birds.
The park is located in the Anchoa Hills and is one of the best places to see near Montego Bay.
The town of Negril
If you feel like adding a little more urban tourism to your vacation, the town of Negril, located about an hour and a half drive from Montego Bay, is the most attractive option.
More than for its architecture or its history, Negril is famous for its atmosphere, its leisure plans and its nightlife.
On one of its beaches, you can have a drink at Rick’s Cafe, one of the most famous beach clubs on the planet. Enjoying the view of the sunset over the Caribbean Sea, sitting at one of its tables, while tasting a good Jamaican rum or one of its famous cocktails, is something you simply can’t miss.
But the coast of Negril also offers plans for nature lovers. As well as to more than 14 kilometers of white sand beaches, all its shores have marine life that invites snorkeling and diving.
The Martha Bae River Excursion
We conclude with an experience that will immerse you in tropical nature at its most untamed.
To complete the excursion along the Martha Brae River you will have to travel by rental car about 30 kilometers from Montego Bay. But we promise you that the trip will be worth it.
The itinerary on the river is made on traditional wooden rafts, like those used hundreds of years ago by the natives to move through the water.
The banks of the Martha Brae are pure vegetation, with thousands of sounds of birds and other animals emanating around you, while a local guide helps you navigate the river with only the help of a paddle.
Don’t worry, because the waters are very calm and the raft has very comfortable seats so you can complete the route seated. In this way, you will only have to worry about enjoying the surrounding environment, which in itself, is a real blast.
Frequently Asked Questions Montego Bay
What are the must-see places in Montego Bay?
Undoubtedly, the places you can’t miss in Montego Bay are its beaches, but as you have seen, this town and its surroundings include many other attractions worth discovering. If we had to choose the most recommended ones, we would choose the Blue Mountains, the Dunn River, the Luminous Lagoon and all the plans around its coral reef.
Where to eat in Montego Bay?
Sam Sharpe Square is one of the most recommended places to eat typical local dishes in Montego Bay.
On the other hand, if you are staying in a resort with several restaurants, we recommend that you take the opportunity to have most of the meals of your vacation there, as the quality is always very good.
How to get around Montego Bay without a car?
If you have the possibility of renting a car to complete some of the proposed excursions, we recommend that you do so. It will always offer you a greater degree of freedom and autonomy.
But if, for example, you do not have a driver’s license, do not worry, because you can easily move around the city and its surroundings by cab.
What do you need to travel to Montego Bay?
To travel to Montego Bay you need a passport with at least six months of validity, starting from your arrival in Jamaica.
The vacation cannot last more than three months. After this time, you will need a visa to stay on the island.
What money to bring to Jamaica?
The official currency of the country is the Jamaican dollar. Although, as it usually happens in this type of tourist destination, you have the possibility of paying with credit card in most of its commercial establishments.
In addition, the U.S. dollar is also allowed as a form of payment in many of them.
How to go to Montego Bay?
To discover all these wonders, you will have to fly to the city’s airport, Sir Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ), located just 3 kilometers from Montego Bay.
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