This lively Jamaican city has white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. It's a major tourist hub with an international airport, universities, and shopping centers.
Montego Bay is Jamaica's second-largest city. You can relax on white-sand beaches, swim in the Caribbean Sea, or explore the lively Hip Strip. The city serves as a gateway to many of Jamaica's attractions, such as waterfalls and coral reefs. In Montego Bay, you can tour plantation houses, raft down rivers, or enjoy reggae music at local venues.
Swimming at Doctor's Cave Beach
Doctor's Cave Beach got its name from a doctor who once claimed its waters had healing properties. The beach has calm, clear water suitable for swimming and snorkeling. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you plan to spend the day sunbathing. Along the shoreline, you'll find several bars and restaurants where you can order a cold Red Stripe beer or try some jerk chicken.
Walking Along the Hip Strip
Gloucester Avenue, known locally as the Hip Strip, runs parallel to the shore and buzzes with activity day and night. As you walk along the street, you'll pass duty-free shops selling jewelry and local crafts, as well as restaurants offering Jamaican and international cuisine. In the evening, music plays from the street's bars and clubs. Margaritaville is a popular spot for tropical drinks and has a water slide that goes into the ocean.
Visiting Rose Hall Great House
Rose Hall Great House is a Georgian mansion built in the 1770s. Tour guides tell stories about Annie Palmer, nicknamed the "White Witch," who allegedly killed three husbands and practiced voodoo. While the truth of these tales is debatable, the house provides insight into 18th-century plantation life. Inside, you can see period furniture and decorations. The house also offers candlelit night tours for those interested in a more atmospheric experience.
Observing Marine Life in Montego Bay Marine Park
Montego Bay Marine Park protects a large area of coral reefs and mangroves. You can take glass-bottom boat tours to see fish and coral without getting in the water. For a closer look, you can join a snorkeling trip. You might spot parrotfish, angelfish, and even sea turtles swimming near the coral. The park includes several small beaches where you can rest after time in the water.
Floating Down the Martha Brae River
For a change from the beach, you can travel inland to the Martha Brae River. You'll ride on a bamboo raft guided by an experienced operator who uses a long pole to steer. The 3-mile journey takes about an hour, giving you time to observe the riverside vegetation and listen to your guide's explanations about local plants and animals. Some tours include stops at riverside bars or picnic areas.
Eating Jamaican Food
Montego Bay has many restaurants where you can try local dishes. Jerk chicken or pork, seasoned with spicy scotch bonnet peppers and allspice, is a Jamaican specialty. Scotchies, a casual outdoor restaurant, is known for its jerk dishes. For a more upscale meal, The Sugar Mill Restaurant at Half Moon Resort serves creative Jamaican-fusion dishes in an elegant setting. Don't miss trying Jamaica's national dish, ackee and saltfish, which is often eaten for breakfast.
