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

SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive
SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
8 Kent Avenue, Montego Bay, Saint James
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $246 per night from Apr. 25 to Apr. 26
CA $246
per night
Apr. 25 - Apr. 26
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,055 reviews)
"Love the private beach and the Colonial style building. Small resort so everything was close ie dining, swimming, bar. Did not like the noise on the streets at night. VERY loud. Ocean view room you are constantly harassed by locals if you seen on your balcony. Some staff were miserable. Did not seem ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2023

SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive
S Hotel Jamaica - All Inclusive - Boutique Hotel
S Hotel Jamaica - All Inclusive - Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
7 Jimmy Cliff Blvd, Montego Bay, Saint James
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $705 per night from Apr. 25 to Apr. 26
CA $705
per night
Apr. 25 - Apr. 26
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,287 reviews)
"Everything was excellent, people were very friendly welcoming and caring, never seen before"

Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2023

S Hotel Jamaica - All Inclusive - Boutique Hotel
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 $262 per night from Apr. 16 to Apr. 17
CA $262
per night
Apr. 16 - Apr. 17
Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Half Moon Bay ...
6.8/10 (1,207 reviews)
"the property was very accommodating to our needs and we had a pleasant stay/. Night entertainment need more work. could use less salt in the food. Blood pressure spiked."

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2023

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.
BurgAnn Villa
BurgAnn Villa
3 out of 5
Hartfield S, Montego Bay, St. James Parish
Stay at this 3-star villa in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions SuperClubs Ironshore Golf and Country Club and Whitter ...
WunderVoll
"Eine wunderbare Erfahrung mit der bezaubernden Anne Shakes in ihrer traumhaften Villa❣️"

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2023

BurgAnn Villa
Celebrity Villa Jamaica
Celebrity Villa Jamaica
3.5 out of 5
451 Lambert St, Ironshore, Montego Bay, Saint James
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly villa in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the WiFi and the helpful staff ...
7/10 Good! (22 reviews)
Villa Guest House in Ironshore
"Overnight only but this place is definitely good for large family groups cuz U have the whole house. TV's need adjustment so they can be viewed by guests. Info sheet by TV's could help... very pleasant quiet neighborhood & great view of the sea & Sandals sea huts in the far distance. Kitchen available ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2023

Celebrity Villa Jamaica
Montego Bay Club Beach Resort
Montego Bay Club Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
11 Queens Drive, Montego Bay, St.James
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bathrooms in our ...
3.4/10 (12 reviews)
"Awesome view. Super convenient. Easy parking."

Reviewed on Oct. 20, 2022

Montego Bay Club Beach 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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