Montego Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Montego Bay showing general coastal views and tropical scenes
This Caribbean city offers the essential holiday ingredients: white-sand beaches, a rich history and a relaxed pace.

Relaxation is one of the top reasons why visitors come to Montego Bay, and the beautiful beaches here offer the perfect place to indulge in nothing but enjoying the glorious Jamaica weather. The beaches have white sand, clear water and coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling just 300 feet (92 metres) from the shoreline. Order cocktails from the beach bar and have them delivered to your rented lounge chair. The locals operate on “Jamaican time,” which means that service might sometimes be slow but it will always be friendly.

Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach are the city’s major draws, offering calm water and white sand.

For adventure, try wave running, jet skiing and scuba diving, all of which can be done at the city’s main beaches. Aquasol Theme Park also offers a range of watersports, plus go-kart racing and tennis, making it an ideal place for families. Elsewhere, local crafts markets and grand colonial architecture provide a glimpse of Jamaican culture, both past and present.

Jamaica became a British colony in 1655, and slavery was introduced on sugar plantations soon after. At Rose Hall Great House you’ll get a glimpse of Montego Bay’s part in the country’s history of slavery. The plantation house was built in the 1770s and one of its former residents, Annie Palmer, referred to as the White Witch of Rose Hall, is said to haunt the home still.

Explore Sam Sharpe Square, the heart of the city. A bronze monument commemorates Sam Sharpe, the 19th-century Baptist minister who led a major rebellion that contributed to the end of slavery in the area. Today, he is considered a national hero. The cobblestone square is full of beautiful colonial architecture and is great for people-watching.

Restaurants and cafés line the major downtown thoroughfares of St. James Street and Market streets. Enjoy seafood brought fresh from the nearby Caribbean Sea, or try a dish seasoned with jerk spice, a Jamaican speciality.

Montego Bay is a quaint city on the Caribbean Sea, about three hours by car from Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Pristine beaches, friendly locals and a rich culture make it a popular, family-friendly destination year-round.

Where to stay in Montego Bay

AquaSol Theme Park featuring outdoor art

Hip Strip

Hip Strip is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Doctor's Cave Beach and Jamaica Beaches.

Hip Strip
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Coral Gardens

When in Coral Gardens, you can plan a visit to Saint James Parish Church and Montego Bay Marine Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Coral Gardens
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Northern Estates

4/5(3 area reviews)

Though Northern Estates may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cinnamon Hill Golf Course and Rose Hall Great House.

Northern Estates
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Mango Walk

While Mango Walk isn't home to many top sights, Dead End Beach and Doctor's Cave Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mango Walk
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White House

When in White House, you can plan a visit to Blue Diamond Shopping Centre and Dead End Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

White House
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Albion

While there might not be top attractions in Albion, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Saint James Parish Church and Montego Bay Marine Park.

Albion
SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive
SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
8 Kent Avenue, Montego Bay, Saint James
The price is ₹15,776 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
₹15,776
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,967 reviews)
"Overall the property is clean, however the rooms on the garden side needs improvement and a complete maje over. My mom and sister got a room that smelled really bad and the carpet smelled like wet dog. The property manager quickly address the issue and changed my mom's room. On the other end my room ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive
Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Mahoe Bay, Ironshore, Montego Bay, Saint James
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,997 reviews)
"Everything was Amazing 10/10"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive
Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
Rose Hall, St. James, Montego Bay, Saint James
The price is ₹23,051 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹23,051
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,291 reviews)
"The facility was clean and very accessible from airport. A very good family atmosphere great entertainment."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lawrence Pool House
Lawrence Pool House
3.5 out of 5
232 Bratton Ave, Montego Bay, St. James Parish
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Doctor's Cave Beach and Rose Hall Great ...
6.6/10 (48 reviews)
"VERY GOOD"

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Lawrence Pool House
Montego Bay Club Apartments
Montego Bay Club Apartments
4 out of 5
11 Queens Drive, Montego Bay, St. James Parish
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Doctor's Cave Beach and Montego Bay Cruise Ship ...
7.2/10 Good! (11 reviews)
"Loved the location near Doctors Cave Beach, food and shops. Room was very modern and clean. Building is older but location is second to none. Host was extremely responsive and welcoming. If you are taking a taxi, make sure you have the address that takes you to the top road, as there is no access ..."

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2024

Montego Bay Club Apartments
Montego Bay Club Resort
Montego Bay Club Resort
3 out of 5
11 Queens Drive, Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Saint James
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Montego Bay. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Doctor's Cave Beach and Montego Bay ...
3.8/10 (31 reviews)
"This property is well located on the hip strip. It is a property in transition. The restaurant and pool are closed; not sure if they are going to open. Security is good. Lots of stuff to see and do nearby. The Doctor’s Cave beach and a Starbucks are across the street but the beach requires a fee ..."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2024

Montego Bay Club Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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