The tourism capital of Jamaica, Montego Bay has one of the most famous beaches on the island with clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. This sunny resort city offers lively nightlife and excellent opportunities for sunbathing and water sports activities like sailing, jet skiing, cruising, fishing, snorkeling and diving. The nearby mountains offer also outdoor activities such as horseback riding and rafting.
Historical attractions. Montego Bay has a fascinating history. During the Spanish era (1511-1655) the city served as a port where leather and beef were exported. The city was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1494. During the period of slavery the city functioned as a sugar port and the last slave revolution took place in the area around Montego Bay. The old town has some 18th century buildings. Rose Hall Great House is the legendary home of the infamous Annie Palmer. One of the finest churches in Jamaica, St James Parish Church is located in Montego Bay and has some beautiful marble monuments.
The coastal city has miles of coral reef now designated as a marine park and beautiful white-sand beaches. Montego Bay Marine Park has diverse nature including mangrove forests and islands, white-sand beaches, rivers, sea grass beds, corals and rich animal life. Many hotels in Montego Bay have their own beaches but there are some public beaches with showers, changing rooms and water sports equipment rental nearby. The Caribbean Beach Park east of Montego Bay has quieter beach with facilities as well. Many tour operators in Montego Bay organize also outdoor sports activities such as whitewater rafting around Montego Bay.
White beaches and water sports in Montego Bay
Montego Bay is a good starting point to tourist activities on the north coast of Jamaica. There are numerous beach resorts nearby along the coastline and excellent golf courses where you can enjoy golf in Montego Bay. A variety of water sports are available in the top Carivbbean resort destination, including sailing, surfing and diving in Montego Bay. Montego Bay is located on a bay with magnificent mountains rising in the background. The sunsets of Montego Bay are just unforgettable. The city is made of two parts: the downtown and the main tourist strip, Gloucester Avenue. There are also good opportunities for shopping in Montego Bay.Historical attractions. Montego Bay has a fascinating history. During the Spanish era (1511-1655) the city served as a port where leather and beef were exported. The city was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1494. During the period of slavery the city functioned as a sugar port and the last slave revolution took place in the area around Montego Bay. The old town has some 18th century buildings. Rose Hall Great House is the legendary home of the infamous Annie Palmer. One of the finest churches in Jamaica, St James Parish Church is located in Montego Bay and has some beautiful marble monuments.
The coastal city has miles of coral reef now designated as a marine park and beautiful white-sand beaches. Montego Bay Marine Park has diverse nature including mangrove forests and islands, white-sand beaches, rivers, sea grass beds, corals and rich animal life. Many hotels in Montego Bay have their own beaches but there are some public beaches with showers, changing rooms and water sports equipment rental nearby. The Caribbean Beach Park east of Montego Bay has quieter beach with facilities as well. Many tour operators in Montego Bay organize also outdoor sports activities such as whitewater rafting around Montego Bay.
Tropical holiday resorts in Montego Bay
Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica located on the Northwest coast of Jamaica. The city has a hot and humid tropical climate with warm winters and hot summers. Short rainfalls can be expected from May to November, but there is enough sunshine for beach activities also during these months. The hurricane season in Montego Bay from September to November should be avoided. The peak season for tourism in Montego Bay is from December to April, when the prices tend to rise at many hotels in Montego Bay.
Photo: rappensuncle, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Visitor services. Montego Bay and the surrounding tourist resorts have excellent facilities for visitors. There are plenty of restaurants in Montego Bay serving both local Jamaican specialties like fresh seafood, fast food outlets and restaurants serving international delicacies. Montego Bay has a lively nightlife with discotheques, bars and music clubs playing all kinds of music and especially the famous Jamaican reggae.
Flights to Montego Bay arrive at the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport which serves both domestic flights from the major towns in Jamaica and flights to Jamaica from North America and Europe. Many cruise ships also arrive at the Free Port in Montego Bay.
Local transport. Taxis are the most popular method of transportation in Montego Bay for visitors, and can be found at hotels, airport and the city centre. Always negotiate the price before entering a taxi. Inexpensive buses and minibuses are used by locals, but they are often overcrowded and no timetables exist. As there are no bus stops the buses can be hailed on a street. There are many companies offering car rental in Montego Bay, though due to high prices and aggressive driving culture it might not be the most convenient way of travelling around Montego Bay.
Safety. Montego Bay is a relatively safe destination. However, as violent and other crimes are not rare in Jamaica, visitors are advises to exercise common caution and avoid travelling after dark.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Negril, Ocho Rios, Kingston
