Montego Bay Travel Guide

Montego Bay is the capital of Saint James Parish on Jamaica’s north coast, and is a major cruise ship port with numerous beach resorts and golf courses outside its commercial core.

Things to Do in Montego Bay

Montego Bay showcases numerous popular beaches, including Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach, which is home to an amusement park. Other amusing activities include snorkeling and diving at coral reefs in Montego Bay Marine Park.

Montego Bay is also a hot spot for shopping and nightlife, especially in Bayfront Gloucester Avenue, known as the “Hip Strip”, where you can find hotels, shops and parks, plus bars that play reggae and dancehall music.

In downtown Montego Bay travelers will find sites like Sam Sharpe Square and Burchell Memorial Baptist Church honoring Samuel Sharpe, who spearheaded an 1831–1832 rebellion that helped lead to the freeing of Jamaica’s slaves, the 18-century Rose Hall Great House plantation with a famous ghost story attached to it, and the town of Falmouth with lovely well-preserved Georgian architecture. Finally, you can´t miss the breathtaking Glistening Waters, also known as “Luminous Lagoon,” which glows green from resident microorganisms.

Best Time to Visit Montego Bay

Montego Bay´s weather is beautiful all year-round, ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s. However, the best time to visit Jamaica is November to mid-December when the weather is the most pleasant and the hotel and flight deals are the easiest to find.