Montego Bay

Travel Guide
Montego Bay featuring general coastal views and tropical scenes
This Caribbean city offers the essential vacation 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 meters) 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 with sights like Doctor's Cave Beach and Jamaica Beaches, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Montego Bay.

Hip Strip
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Mango Walk

Though Mango Walk might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Doctor's Cave Beach and Dead End Beach.

Mango Walk
Beautiful aerial view of Montego Bay with a cruise ship in port. We stayed at the couples only, all-inclusive Couples Ocho Rios resort for 3 days and this was on our way to 4 days at the Couples Negril resort. I highly recommend both of the resorts.

Coral Gardens

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

Coral Gardens
Sandals is the best a little $$ but well worth it....

White House

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in White House and surrounding area, you can visit Blue Diamond Shopping Centre and Dead End Beach.

White House
Early morning in Montego Bay. All is calm

Northern Estates

4/5(15 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Northern Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cinnamon Hill Golf Course and Rose Hall Great House.

Northern Estates
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Albion

While Albion isn't home to many top sights, Saint James Parish Church and Montego Bay Marine Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Albion
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 property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,950 reviews)
"We liked the property and what it offered with the all inclusive packages. I didn't like the restaurants food that you had to make reservations for. The food in the rose hall was better than it. The staffs were helpful.Always negotiate prices when it comes to the drivers and boat party. I will definitely ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
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 CA $330 per night from Apr. 12 to Apr. 13
CA $330
CA $385 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this 3.5-star all-inclusive property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,935 reviews)
"It was overall a pleasant stay! Staff was nice & friendly! The pool bar & grill was the best…right at the beach!!! We would definitely stay there again in the future!"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024

SeaGarden Beach Resort - 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 CA $374 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $374
CA $380 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our ...
6.8/10 (2,197 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 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.
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 Aquasol Beach Park are ...
7/10 Good! (10 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 Feb. 12, 2024

Montego Bay Club Apartments
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 Whitter Village and Blue Diamond Shopping ...
6.4/10 (46 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Feb. 16, 2024

Lawrence Pool House
Montego Bay Ironshore  Luxury Studios
Montego Bay Ironshore Luxury Studios
3 out of 5
Morgan Rd, Montego Bay, St. James Parish
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Blue Diamond Shopping Centre and Whitter ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Was amazing will definitely come back and tell everyone I can"

Reviewed on Feb. 4, 2024

Montego Bay Ironshore Luxury Studios
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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Cities near Montego Bay