12 Fun Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica | 2024 (with Photos)
If you are planning a trip to sunny Montego Bay, Jamaica, you are in for a treat. This stunning Caribbean location has it all.
From the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course to the "Hip Strip" of clubs and bars, there are so many fun things to do in Montego Bay.
Regardless of what kind of fun you are into, Montego Bay has something for everyone. So, book your flights to Sangster International Airport and get ready to explore all Montego Bay has to offer.
Most Recommended Thing to Do
Top Choice Hotel
Half Moon Hotel
Our Top Choice Restaurant
Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife
Best Time to Visit
Warm weather, clear skies, and vibrant cultural festivals.
Average Temperature
Tropical, warm, sunny, with occasional afternoon showers.
Transportation Options
Taxis, buses, car rentals, motorcycles: transportation options in Montego Bay.
Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)
$$
My Top Recommendation
Indulge in the delicious local cuisine, try the mouthwatering jerk chicken or fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants, while sipping on a refreshing Jamaican rum cocktail as you enjoy the stunning ocean views.
At night, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife scene, dancing to the infectious rhythms of reggae music in the lively bars and clubs that line the famous Hip Strip. Montego Bay truly offers an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of the island with the warmth and friendliness of its people.
What You'll Need to Bring
- Valid passport
- Lightweight clothing
- Sunscreen
What Not to Miss
- Doctor's Cave Beach
- Hip Strip
- Rose Hall Great House
- Dunn's River Falls
- Montego Bay Marine Park
What to Avoid
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
- Avoid displaying excessive wealth or flashy jewelry.
- Avoid engaging in illegal drug activities.
Table of Contents
1. Stroll Down the Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue)
No visit to Montego Bay is complete without taking a leisurely stroll down the Hip Strip, also known as Gloucester Avenue.
The vibrant Hip Strip at Gloucester Avenue is the heart of Montego Bay's tourism industry and offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as Doctor's Cave Beach.
Don't forget to grab lunch at the sunset patio of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. You'll also find local eateries and street vendors selling traditional food and drinks on Gloucester Avenue, so you can have a traditional Jamaican lunch.
If you are visiting Montego Bay for the first time, this should be stop number one.
2. Discover the Magic of Dunns River Falls: A Must-Visit Attraction in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay
Dunn's River Falls is one of the most iconic attractions in Jamaica and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ocho Rios.
This natural wonder, Dunn's river falls, is a series of terraced waterfalls that cascade down over 180 meters (600 feet) of limestone rocks and flow into the Caribbean Sea.
Visitors to Dunn's River Falls can climb up the falls with the help of experienced guides.
There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy at Dunn's river falls, such as swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the nearby craft market.
Dunn's River Falls is truly a natural wonder that embodies the beauty and magic of Jamaica. You can book a tour that takes you to these falls, as well as Secret Falls and Blue Hole.
3. Guided Tours - Spend the Day at Aqua Sol Theme Park
If you're looking for a fun-filled day on your Montego Bay vacation, Aqua Sol Theme Park is the perfect destination.
There are multiple swimming pools, a lazy river, and a wave pool at the theme park where you can relax and cool off on hot days.
For those seeking even more excitement, Aqua Sol offers a range of non-water attractions, such as go-karting, mini-golf, and a paintball course. There's even an arcade with a variety of games to play.
4. Experience Adventure and Natural Beauty: Blue Hole, River Tubing, and Ziplining at Montpelier in Montego Bay
If you're looking for a thrilling adventure in Montego Bay, look no further than the Blue Hole and River Tubing excursion at Montpelier.
At the Blue Hole, you'll have the opportunity to jump, swim, and dive into the cool, clear water of this stunning natural pool.
After your refreshing dip in the Blue Hole, get ready for an exciting river tubing adventure down the Great River.
The most iconic zipline adventures near Montego Bay are at the Montpelier Jungle Outpost. The property was once a sugar plantation. It's a short hike to the estate, past the stunning Montpelier waterfall and the Great River.
You'll love the brilliant beaches in Montego Bay and there are many for you to enjoy. Doctor's Cave Beach, right on the “Hip Strip,” is perfect for families.
The fine sand at Doctor's Cave Beach and its gentle and shallow water allow kids to splash around safely.
Divers and snorkelers can explore the protected waters of the Montego Bay Marine Park, as well as the reefs fringing the beaches.
5. Learn the History of Sam Sharpe Square and Try Local Cuisine
Sam Sharpe Square is one of the most historically significant sites in Montego Bay and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Jamaican history and culture.
This charming public square is named after one of Jamaica's most famous freedom fighters, Sam Sharpe, who played a key role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule.
Sam Sharpe Square is located near the Burchell Memorial Baptist Church.
Once you have sampled the history of Montego Bay, you can sample the flavors. Jamaican food tours are a great way to taste the local cuisine.
6. Discover Montego Bay's Best White Sand Beaches: From Doctor's Cave to Buccaneer Beach
Montego Bay is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches, which offer crystal clear waters and a range of activities and amenities for visitors.
From popular public beaches like Doctor's Cave and Cornwall to secluded spots like Dead End and Tropical Bliss, Montego Bay has something for everyone.
Doctor's Cave Beach
Doctor's Cave Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica and has been attracting visitors for over a century. The Doctor's Cave beach is known for its crystal clear waters, which are said to have healing properties due to their high mineral content.
Cornwall Beach
Cornwall Beach is another popular public beach located in the heart of Montego Bay. The beautiful Cornwall beach offers a range of activities, including jet ski rentals, parasailing, and beach volleyball.
For those looking for a more secluded spot, Dead End Beach and Tropical Bliss Beach offer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
Negril Beach
If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, Negril Beach and Buccaneer are both popular spots for water sports and activities. Negril Beach is famous for its stunning sunsets and the lively atmosphere of its beach bars and restaurants.
Buccaneer Beach
Buccaneer Beach, on the other hand, is a great spot for snorkeling and diving, with its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life.
For those seeking a more private beach experience, there are many resorts and hotels in Jamaica that offer their own private beaches.
These secluded spots offer a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation and are ideal for those seeking a more exclusive beach experience.
7. Greenwood Great House and Green Grotto Caves: Montego Bay Excursions
Jamaica is known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and lush greenery. While in Montego Bay, you should take a trip to the Greenwood Great House and Green Grotto Caves. These are two great Montego Bay excursions.
Greenwood Great House
Greenwood Great House, located in the town of Greenwood just outside of Montego Bay, is a historic plantation home that has been preserved as a museum. The Great House also boasts the island's largest musical instrument collection.
Green Grotto Caves
Green Grotto Caves, on the other hand, is a natural wonder located in Discovery Bay, just a short drive from Montego Bay. Here, you can see an underground lake
Both Greenwood Great House and Green Grotto Caves are worth the visit and combined make up a 50-mile day trip (100-mile round trip) from Montego Bay.
8. Serenity on the River: Bamboo Rafting, Martha Brae River
Taking a bamboo raft along the tranquil Martha Brae River is a popular and unforgettable experience in Jamaica and one of the best things to do in Montego Bay.
This picturesque river is located in the town of Falmouth, just a short drive from Montego Bay, and is known for its serene beauty and crystal-clear waters.
The Martha Brae River is named after an Arawak Indian legend of a witch named Martha Brae who lived on the banks of the river.
Bamboo rafting tours leave from Martha Brae Rafting Village. Many tour companies offer hotel pickup as part of combined tours.
9. Adventure Awaits: Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Chukka Caribbean Adventures is a popular outpost in Jamaica that offers a variety of outdoor adventures, including horseback riding and ATV tours.
Chukka Caribbean Adventures partners with local animal rescue organizations to provide a home and care for injured and abandoned horses.
During the horseback ride, visitors will not only get to experience the beauty of Jamaica but also learn about the care and rehabilitation of these horses.
Note that you can also enjoy ATV tours at Sandy Bay, which is west of Montego Bay, and Chukka Caribbean Adventures.
10. Things to Do in Montego Bay: Discover the Haunting History of Rose Hall Great House
Rose Hall Great House is a historic mansion in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Built-in the late 18th century, Rose Hall is known for its haunting history and has been featured in numerous books, movies, and television shows.
The Rose Hall Great House was once the home of Annie Palmer, also known as the "White Witch of Rose Hall." The White Witch is rumored to have been a master of voodoo and witchcraft.
According to local legends about Rose Hall Great House, Annie Palmer was a cruel slave owner who murdered her lovers and husbands. She was later murdered by Takoo, a plantation slave, and now she haunts the house.
The Rose Hall tours include a visit to the underground tunnels where the slaves once lived and worked, as well as the well-preserved bedrooms and living areas of the mansion. Rose Hall is an unmissable attraction.
11. Witness the Magic of the Luminous Lagoon with a Guided Tour
The Luminous Lagoon is a natural wonder located in Falmouth, Montego Bay, Jamaica. It is one of only a few places in the world where the phenomenon of bioluminescence can be observed year-round.
When these microorganisms are present in large numbers, the water in the Luminous Lagoon glows and you will be transfixed by the blue and purple lights you observe.
The tour guides are knowledgeable and can provide information about the lagoon and the science behind bioluminescence.
12. Discover the Beauty of Jamaican Birds at Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary is a hidden gem located in Montego Bay Marine Park, Jamaica. It is home to over 15 different species of birds, including the famous Jamaican Doctor Bird.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary with knowledgeable and friendly guides who provide information about the different bird species and their behaviors.
In addition to the bird tours, the sanctuary offers a range of activities for visitors including hiking, swimming, bamboo rafting, and relaxing in the hammocks.
There is also a small gift shop on site where visitors can purchase bird-themed souvenirs.
FAQs Regarding Things to Do in Montego Bay Jamaica
In this section, we'll take a look at, and answer, some of the most frequently asked questions relating to things to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
What is famous about Montego Bay?
Montego Bay is known for various historical landmarks and natural attractions such as the Rose Hall Great House, Dunn's River Falls, and the Luminous Lagoon. Montego Bay is also famous for its fun tropical island activities, such as zip-lining in the jungle canopy, bamboo rafting, and snorkeling.
Is Montego Bay, Jamaica worth visiting?
Yes, Montego Bay is definitely worth visiting. Here, you can see Rose Hall Great House, book various thrilling Montego Bay tours, explore the natural wonders of Ocho Rios on a day trip, and visit an Animal Farm and Nature Reserve, where you will find outdoor cooking facilities.
Can you walk around Montego Bay?
Yes, it is possible to walk around Montego Bay, but it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Wander around souvenir shops, tropical gardens, and art galleries, while spotting local flora and Jamaica's national bird, the doctor bird.
How do I spend a day in Montego Bay, Jamaica?
If you only have one day in Montego Bay, you can take a horseback ride, have a rum punch on a Montego Bay beach, or wander around downtown Montego Bay, stopping at Montego Bay Cultural Centre to learn about the art and history of the area.
Summing Up: Fun Things to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica
From its pristine beaches and turquoise waters to its lively music scene and warm hospitality, this Jamaican gem has something to offer every traveler.
Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Montego Bay's diverse array of activities, including snorkeling, exploring historical landmarks, or indulging in delicious local cuisine and the great Dead End beach, will leave you with unforgettable memories.
So, embark on a journey to Montego Bay, where paradise meets passion, and immerse yourself in the tropical allure that this captivating city has to offer.
