Montego Bay Holidays

Top attractions

Although Montego Bay is famous for its pristine beaches and clear blue waters, there’s much more to a holiday here than simply lying on the sand. In fact, there are lots of amazing things to do in Montego Bay.

• One unique thing to do in Montego Bay is to visit Rose Hall, a beautiful 18th century Georgian mansion that's become one of Jamaica’s most notorious buildings. Said to be haunted by the ghost of white witch Annie Palmer, it's said that her spirit can sometimes be seen roaming the old hallways.
• Shopaholics will instantly fall in love with Montego Bay, which has many duty free shopping opportunities to help you keep the costs down when picking up souvenirs and gifts. From sprawling malls to local open air markets selling handicrafts, make sure you have room in your suitcase for trinkets!
• In just 90 minutes, you can be at one of Jamaica’s most famous attractions. Dunns River Falls in nearby Ochos Rios is a magnificent natural waterfall, with a drop of 55 metres right down into the Caribbean Sea. It takes about an hour to climb up the falls for breathtaking views.
• Of course, many travellers coming to Jamaica will count Montego Bay’s beaches among the top attractions, and it’s easy to see why. Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the most famous in the area. A part of the protected Montego Bay Marine Park, this is exactly what you imagine when you think about Jamaica.

Beaches

Montego Bay beaches really do have to be seen to be believed. The city is home to some of the most stunning Caribbean beaches, with soft, fine white sands that lead all the way down to the blue waters.

• Dead End Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica, offers one of the most authentic Caribbean beach experiences. It’s stunning and sandy, but if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, you won’t find it here… it’s located right next to the airport! It can be noisy obviously, but the views of the low flying planes are incredible.
• Doctor’s Cave Beach does charge non-members for access, but the small fee is well worth it. Located on Montego Bay’s ‘Hip Strip’, there’s a very energetic, on-the-go vibe here, yet it still manages to retain its relaxed Jamaican culture. It’s also home to one of the very best beach bars in Montego Bay.

Eating out

A big part of any holiday to Montego Bay is sampling the local cuisine. Food plays a massive role in Caribbean culture, and there are many different dishes to try out while you're there.

• There are lots of seafood restaurants in Montego Bay serving up fresh fish from the local waters. Don’t miss out on dinner at the Houseboat Grill, Pelican Grill, and Sugar Mill Restaurant. If you’re wondering what to have, look for ackee and saltfish, the delicious national dish of Jamaica.
• Much of the Jamaican Caribbean cuisine focuses on foods such as coco bread, callaloo, and big platefuls of green beans, rice, carrots, and marinated jerk chicken, all of which are considered staples in the Jamaican diet. Carb-heavy, these dishes are designed to keep you feeling satisfied for hours.
• If you’re not such a fan of Caribbean cuisine, don’t panic! There are many international restaurants around, and Indian restaurants in Montego Bay can be found practically all over the city. Mystic India is one to try, serving up authentic Indian cuisine such as kebabs, pakoras, curries, and tikka dishes.
• When it comes to drinks, you won’t find much in the way of local wines, but you will find plenty of island rum made from the local sugar cane. Enjoy it with a mixer, or in a fruity cocktail by the beach. For beer drinkers, Red Stripe is Jamaica’s famous pale lager that goes down a treat on a hot summer’s day.

Nightlife

Montego Bay nightlife really can be whatever you want it to be! From sipping cocktails under the stars to dressing up and dancing the night away in lively Caribbean hotspots, there’s something for everyone.

• Some of the best bars in Montego Bay can be found along the ‘Hip Strip’; an avenue lined with vibrant restaurants and trendy bars which lure Jamaica’s younger crowd. Even if you don’t go in, it’s a great experience strolling along the venues, listening to the music blaring and soaking up the energetic vibe.
• No matter what time of day it is, it’s 5 o’clock at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville! This Caribbean/classic Americana style bar can be found around the world, with Margaritaville Montego Bay being notable for its attached waterpark. Sip on cheap cocktails as you watch thrill seekers rocket out of the flume.
• If you love to dance, drink, and socialise, there’s plenty of places in Montego Bay to do just that. Favourites include the Blue Beat Ultra Lounge, the Groovy Grouper Beach Bar & Grill, and the Brewery Sunset Restaurant and Lounge; an English-style pub with a cultural mix of food and drinks.

Family holidays

Thinking of taking the kids to the Caribbean? There are many amazing family activities in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with this island being considered one of the most exciting places for children to visit.

• Inspired by the famous movie, the Kool Runnings Adventure Park in nearby Negril is fantastic for children of all ages. With water slides, adventure rides, paintballing, go-karting, and even an astronaut experience to keep the little ones busy, adults can relax and unwind at the on-site restaurants and bars.
• Jamaica is home to some of the Caribbean’s best beaches and beautiful blue waters, but you may not even have to venture out of your hotel for a great swimming experience. Many all inclusive family hotels in Montego Bay boast spectacular pools where it’s easier than you'd think to spend a full day.
• If your kids like nature and animals, they’ll love Montego Bay. Whether it’s trotting along the beach on horseback, swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove, or enjoying the colourful bird life at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, there’s lots of choice. And for adults, the scenery here is simply stunning.
• And for kids that want a bit more adventure, little thrill seekers will love the Jamaican bobsled adventure in nearby Ochos Rios, and the Jamaica Zipline where you can zoom through the Jamaican rainforest. For younger children, the less scary Ochos Rios chairlift is an excellent option.
• The summer months are perhaps the best for travelling to Montego Bay, giving you an opportunity to join the crowds for the Reggae Sumfest, where you can listen to the sounds of the Caribbean. Round off a busy summer day with dinner at one of Montego Bay’s best family restaurants, like the Sky Beach Bar.

Couples holidays

Book yourself a room in a luxurious Montego Bay Jamaica couples' resort, and enjoy a romantic getaway that you’ll never forget. A true paradise, this part of the world feels like it was made for lovers.

• There are many wonderfully romantic restaurants in Montego Bay, where you and your loved one can sip cocktails, enjoy a delicious dinner, listen to soft music, and gaze out of the open windows across the rich blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. It’s a great opportunity to simply enjoy each other’s company.
• For couples who love exploring the great outdoors, the John Crow Mountain National Park in eastern Jamaica is the ideal setting. The 195,000 acre enchanting green space is where the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee grows. You can hire bikes here and cycle to the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory.
• If you and your partner enjoy learning together, take a walk through the Green Grotto Caves close to Discovery Bay. Once upon a time, these caves were occupied by pirates, but today they’re a fantastic attraction where you feel like you’re a million miles from the world above… down here, it’s just you two.
• To enjoy Montego Bay from a different perspective, there’s nothing better than a rafting adventure for two. Float along Jamaica’s longest river, the Rio Grande, and take a trip through the ‘Tunnel of Love’ with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Don’t forget to sneak a quick kiss underneath the tunnel for luck!

Culture

From Montego Bay museums, to the cuisine, and the friendly, welcoming locals, Jamaican culture is vibrant, bold, and very beautiful. And, just like other Caribbean islands, Jamaica has its very own way of life.

• There are more churches per capita on the islands than any other place in the world. The vast majority of the population are Christian, and you don’t have to wander too far to find beautiful places of worship such as the Saint James Parish Church with its stunning stained glass and palm tree-lined gardens.
• Jamaica is a former British colony, which means there’s a great deal of English influence in the local Creole language. This makes it easy to pick up a few familiar words and phrases, such as ‘thenk yuh’, ‘gud day’, and ‘gud mawnin’ in Jamaican Patois.
• A big part of the culture in Montego Bay is centered around the idea of family. Jamaica is a very close knit country, filled with friendly locals who treat you as one of their own. Embrace this familiar, family culture and chat with the wonderful people who live here.

More Montego Bay beaches

• Located directly opposite the exhilarating Aquasol Water Park is Walter Fletcher Beach, where coconut trees conceal the clear water from the main road. The water here is very calm, making it an excellent spot for swimming, and there’s easy access to all the trendy bars of the ‘Hip Strip’.
• If you fancy a day out, head to Seven Mile Beach in Negril, on the island’s west coast. It’s only a short distance from Montego Bay, and as Jamaica’s most famous stretch of sand it’s well worth visiting. With a long 4 mile stretch connected to a smaller 3 mile stretch at Bloody Bay, there’s always somewhere to sit.
• For a beach experience that’s hard to find back home, be sure to check out the nudist beach at Bloody Bay. Of course, as this beach welcomes nude sunbathing, it’s not a particularly popular choice for families, so you’ll find it’s much quieter than other stretches of sand… ideal if you want a hidden gem.