Montego Bay

Travel Guide

Montego Bay
Montego Bay
Doctor\'s Cave Beach which includes a beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes
Montego Bay featuring general coastal views and tropical scenes
Montego Bay which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and sailing

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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Ironshore

Though Ironshore might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Blue Diamond Shopping Centre and SuperClubs Ironshore Golf and Country Club.

Ironshore
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Catherine Hall

Catherine Hall might not have many top sights, but Saint James Parish Church and Montego Bay Marine Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Catherine Hall
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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 Rose Hall Great House and Half Moon Golf Course.

Northern Estates
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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
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White House

If you're spending some time in White House, Jamaica Beaches and Tropical Bliss are top sights worth seeing.

White House
Hotel Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive

Hotel 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 pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,834 reviews)
"This was my third trip to RIU Montego Bay. I had a lot of fun ☺️"

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

Hotel Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall - Adults Only - All Inclusive

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall - Adults Only - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Rose Hall Road, Montego Bay, Saint James
The price is CA $646 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $646
CA $646 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,284 reviews)
"The resort was nice and relaxing, the food could’ve been a bit better but overall I enjoyed it."

Reviewed on Aug. 5, 2025

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall - Adults Only - All Inclusive
S Hotel Montego Bay - Luxury Boutique All Inclusive Hotel

S Hotel Montego Bay - Luxury Boutique All Inclusive Hotel

4 out of 5
7 Jimmy Cliff Blvd, Montego Bay, Saint James
The price is CA $429 per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
CA $429
CA $499 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,010 reviews)
"Loved the location of this property. Also enjoyed the food, service and all around vibes. Close to everything and felt safe to leave the resort and walk around."

Reviewed on Aug. 3, 2025

S Hotel Montego Bay - Luxury Boutique All Inclusive Hotel
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.
Holiday House Second floor Ste

Holiday House Second floor Ste

3.5 out of 5
65 Kent Ave, Montego Bay, St. James Parish
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Doctor's Cave Beach and Rose Hall Great House ...
7.2/10 Good! (7 reviews)
"Great place and host"

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Holiday House Second floor Ste
Nianna Coral Bay Splendid Townhouse- 4

Nianna Coral Bay Splendid Townhouse- 4

3.5 out of 5
646 Coral Gardens Avenue, Montego Bay, Saint James
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 beach bars. Popular attractions Rose Hall Great House and Doctor's ...
9/10 Wonderful! (24 reviews)
"Felt like home away from home."

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2025

Nianna Coral Bay Splendid Townhouse- 4
Dalley's Cozy Apartments

Dalley's Cozy Apartments

3 out of 5
46 Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, St. James Parish
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and concierge services. Popular attractions Doctor's Cave Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
"Nice spot. Check in could have been better but everything else was good."

Reviewed on Jul. 23, 2025

Dalley's Cozy Apartments
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