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Montego Bay from the air

Montego Bay, commonly referred to as MoBay, is the second largest city in the island nation Jamaica, a member of the British Commonwealth. Montego Bay is the capital of St. James Parish, one of the 14 parishes in Jamaica.

Understand

Christopher Columbus sailed into the bay in 1494 and named it "el Golfo de Buen Tiempo" or Fair Weather Bay. The first record of a Spanish settlement here shows it as Monterias. The Spaniards hunted the herds of wild hogs that used to roam the hills and produced and exported 'hog butter' or lard. The name Montego derives from the Spanish "manteca" meaning lard, and Montego Bay is shown on some ancient maps as Lard Bay.

Due in part to its location on the island's north shore, Montego Bay has long since earned the title of 'tourist capital of Jamaica.' It receives the bulk of international flights, and is home to Sangster International Airport, the larger of Jamaica's two main international airports. It is a tourist destination known for its duty-free shopping, cruise line terminal, and the sheltered Doctor's Cave beach with clear turquoise waters, which is one of the most famous beaches on the island.

Get in

By air

Montego Bay Sangster international airport is on the northwest part of the island. The airport is very close to the cruise ports at Montego Bay and Ochos Rios.

By sea

Montego Freeport, built in the 1960s on what was called the Bogue Islands, is the port of Montego Bay. The Montego Freeport terminal consists of five primary berths two of which are dedicated exclusively for cruise shipping. There is a telecommunications centre for cruise passengers (and crew), snack and refreshment stand.

Transportation is available from the terminal building, supervised by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which also maintains a visitor information booth. Montego Freeport is about 3km south of town. Taxis to downtown MoBay cost about US$10. Shuttle bus service from the cruise ship pier to downtown City Centre Shopping Mall for US $ 2.-per person each way.

Get around

Downtown Montego Bay

By foot

Gloucester Avenue-which is lined with tourist hotels, shops, and restaurants-has sidewalks on both sides and is best visited on foot. Aside from this road, walking may be considerably less safe.

By bus, taxi

Buses, minibuses and route taxis arrive and depart from the transportation station off Barnett St at the south end of St James St. There’s an inspector’s office (7AM-6PM) inside the gate where you can ask for the departure point of the bus you’re seeking.

Montego Bay Metro (952-5500; 19A Union St) introduced in 2000 a municipal bus service (around J$100). Montego Bay Metro now operates three routes: Greenwood to City Centre; Sandy Bay to City Centre; and Cambridge to City Centre.

Taxis are readily available, but as with all cities be aware that some drivers will be less honest or reliable than others. follow your instincts; never get into an unmarked car with someone who offers you a ride, and stick with taxi services you recognize. Your hotel can suggest trustworthy drivers. Reliable driver (as used by The Bird's Nest and Five Gable include Frankly (local phone 581 5712) and Smith (local phone 787 7889)

Another very common way of getting anywhere outside the vicinity of your hotel is by tour van. If you book a tour to the falls or the canopy, the driver will usually pick you up at your hotel. For more on tours, check the Do section below.

See

  • The Centerstage Theatre, Dominica Dr.

New Kingston, ☏ +1 876-968-7529. Small but cozy. Family-oriented musicals in patois. 

Do

Take a break from the sun and relax on the beach under a palm tree
  • Cornwall Beach, ☏ +1 876 952-3463. 9AM-5PM. Snorkeling, swimming, and other fun beach activities. US$3.20/2 (Adults/Children). 
  • Doctor's Cave Beach, Gloucester Ave, ☏ +1 876 952-2566. 8:30AM-Sunset. The water is crystal clear and snorkeling is available. It can get a bit crowded during busy season, but its still a great place to go for the family. US$5/2.50 (Adults/Children under 12) - Extra for chairs and umbrellas. 
  • Dunn’s River Falls & Park, Ochos Rios, Jamaica, W.I., ☏ +1 876 974-2857. 8:30AM - 4PM. Dunn's River Falls & Park comes to mind which is in Ochos Rios that is about two hours from Montego Bay by taxi cab. There are four rivers combined into one unending flow of rapid descent that drains directly into the Caribbean Sea. Adventurous tourist can climb the falls by forming a human chain led by an experienced Dunn’s river falls guide. Adults US $15 Children (2-11 years old) US $12. 
  • KiteBoarding Jamaica, Bounty Bay, Trelawny (only 20min from Montego Bay), ☏ +1 876-583-2255. Jamaica's only Kite surfing center, great kite surfing on the Caribbean sea, suitable for all levels. 
  • Montego Bay Sea Trek Adventure, Doctor's Cave Beach. 1 hour. Underwater adventures on the ocean floor. US$60. 
  • 1 Mayfield Falls (Renting a car and driving on an adventurous unsealed road (in parts) might be the easiest way to get there.). Mayfield Falls is the less-touristy option and much calmer than Dunn's Falls. They are a 1,5hr drive south-west from MoBay. For an entrance fee of $15 local guides offer 1,5hr tours where you climb up the falls and return on a short trek. The tour includes jumping in pools, diving through tunnels and climbing stones. Jumping from a high tree might also be possible. You might ask your guide for a unofficial "nature tour" which takes you 2hrs up the falls through fields (maybe ganja as well) and means climbing the falls down. With driving there you will also have the chance to see rural life on Jamaica as you pass through little farmer villages. $15 + tip for the guide. (updated Mar 2015)

Jamaican Taxi Tours, ☏ +1 (876) 429-8664, . Jamaican Taxi Tours provide professional and licensed drivers who can take you to the desired destination and sightseeing tour comfortably and safely. Our tours are ideal for every traveler, covering various interests such as archaeology, history, culture, religion and the best aspect of Jamaica in the most relaxing and exciting way. 

Travel Around Jamaica Tours, ☏ +1 (876) 287-2180, . Travel Around Jamaica Tours is a Montego Bay, Jamaica based private airport transfer and tour company, which offers private airport transfers to all hotels, resorts and villas in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. As well as private transfers to popular tourist destinations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. 

Tours

  • Dreamer Catamaran Cruises, Rapsody Tours, Charters & Cruise Limited, Gloucester Avenue, ☏ +1 876 979-0102, fax: +1 876 979-0101, . M-Sa 10AM-1PM/3PM-6PM. The Dreamer Catamaran cruises are a great way to explore the Caribbean Ocean. On the Catamaran cruise, there is an opportunity for sight seeing, snorkeling, drinking, sun bathing. The staff is very friendly, helpful and patient, making sure new comers to snorkeling feel comfortable with their equipment and what to look for while exploring the sea. After snorkeling, alcohol is served on the catamaran, along with massages by the crewmemebers. The Dreamer Catamaran cruises are fun, safe, and a great experience. US $89. 

All day, representatives from tour companies will stroll the beaches, offering parasailing, horseback riding, and a million other fun activities; if you're interested, keep your ears and eyes open for these guys, but remember to always play it safe and go with companies you recognize and trust. A lot can go wrong during these activities if the people in charge don't know what they're doing!

Buy

  • Montego Bay shopping center. You can find more reasonably priced souvenirs, and eat some real native Jamaican food. A traveler can find really great deals on gourmet coffee in which is produced right on the island, and Jamaican spices, art and scented body oils. You can get there by taxi or local shuttle.

Eat

Most restaurants also serve drinks. Try a tropical drink or grab a cold Red Stripe in the signature brown bottle, then relax and take in the scenery!

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
  • Pier One Seafood, Howard Cooke Blvd, ☏ +1 876 952-2452. Open-air restaurant serving well-liked seafood and umbrella drinks with a great view of the bay. 
  • Evelyn's, Whitehouse (near Sandals Montego Bay), ☏ +1 876 952 3280. M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Very reasonable prices, right on the beach, and the food is heavenly. 
  • Pork Pit, 27 Gloucester Ave, ☏ +1 876-952-3663. Right on the main strip in town, serving what some say is Jamaica's best jerk chicken and pork cooked over coals. 
  • Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville, Gloucester Ave. 11AM-?. A tourist spot on the "hip strip" Gloucester Avenue, that is great for the whole family. Jamaica is known for their Jerk and Curry Chicken, which are both excellent here at Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville. They have entertainment, a hot tub, a 110 foot water slide that leads you into the ocean where there is also a water trampoline. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville also has a gift shop, with a wide variety of souvenirs including t-shirts, shorts, hats, shot glasses, key chains, etc. This is a great place to get away from the resorts, it is located about 15 minutes from the resort areas and is always a great place to grab a bite to eat. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is always a great reminder of home, and always has a sense of “home” even in other countries. 
  • Belfield 1794. M-Sa 6:30-11PM.. Located in an old sugar mill and offering Jamaican favorites in an unusual setting. US$15-$20. 
  • The Pelican Grill, Gloucester Avenue Hip Strip (Across the street from the old Hospital Park on the Gloucester Ave. Hip Strip. Near Doctor's Cave Beach.), ☏ 1-876-952-3171, . (updated Feb 2015)

Drink

Sleep

Montego Bay

Budget

  • The Bird's Nest, Patterson Avenue, Ironshore, ☏ +1 876-583-2255. Jamaica's first and only sports orientated hostel. The Bird's Nest is run by passionate kite surfers. $20/night dorms, $30 private rooms. 
  • Caribic House, 69 Gloucester Ave. Hostel - very much budget accommodation. Great views of the beach from the third floor. Across the street from Doctor's Cave Beach. $35/night (double occupancy). 
  • Ridgeway Guest House, 34 Queens Dr. An inexpensive, well-liked guest house run by a very hospitable and helpful staff. $50/night. 
  • The Jamaica Grandiosa Resort, 3 Ramparts Close, ☏ +1 876 979-3205. Another budget option, with nice views and a friendly staff. $60/night. 
  • Grand Palladium Resorts & Spa, Lucea, toll-free: +1-888-774-0040. All Inclusive 3 Meals daily plus snacks and all drinks and house wines with meals included. Free activities (snorkeling, sailing, paddle boating) all of these activities are located on the beach adjacent to the Grand Palladium Resort. Lifeguard on duty. $60/night. Kids stay free. 
  • Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, ☏ 1-877-834-3613. (updated Feb 2015)
  • Five Gables, Lot 285 Fairview, Ironshore (Route taxis and buses commute between MoBay and Ironshore. From the junction you can either walk (2,5km uphill) or find a taxi (see Get Around, J$150)), ☏ +1 876-312-3472. Five Gables is a hostel in a villa in the suburb of Ironshore. The house consist of multiple rooms with bathrooms, a kitchen and a huge community area. Outside, the property features a pool, a sun deck with bar, hammocks and chairs as well as a garden. It is closely associated with the bird's nest. Even if it appears fully booked on hostel world, call the owner Ian, he might let you camp in the garden or offers you another room right next door. dorm $20 / double ensuite $70. (updated Mar 2015)

Mid-range

  • Allspice Villa Bed & Breakfast. Newly refurbished bed and breakfast villa overlooking Montego Bay, owned and managed by a young American couple. $125-200 per night. 
  • Doctors Cave Beach Hotel. A moderately priced hotel that is centrally located along Gloucester Avenue (called the Hip Strip). A well established alternative for those seeking a good value. $115-170/night. 
  • El Greco Resort, P.O. Box 1624. Popular resort village. Furnished one and two bedroom air-conditioned suites, just a elevator ride down to famous Doctors Cave beach. $112-177/night for 2-4 people. 
  • Royal DeCameron Resort, ☏ +1 876 952-4342. Oceanview rooms and patio, includes all food and drinks (including international drinks and wine). 3 Beaches, and 2 pools. 1 Al a carte restaurant and 1 buffet. 100$/person/night, including all beach activities. 

Splurge

  • Half Moon Rose Hall, Half Moon P.O., Rose Hall, ☏ +1 876 953-2211. A large hotel with golf courses, spa facilities, a variety of vacation villas, and conference and meeting facilities. Rooms and suites start at $350/night. 
  • Ritz Carlton, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Rose Hall, ☏ +1 876 953-2800, fax: +1 876 518-0110. Consistent Ritz-Carlton quality, at a surprisingly low (for the Ritz) price. Rooms and suites averaging $350/night. 
  • Riu Montego Bay. Ironshore P.O, Rose Hall. Less than three miles from downtown Montego Bay, and 1.7 miles from the airport, it has a wide variety of activities and comfortable accommodations in a beautiful setting, including an on-site spa, entertainment by the pool and on the beach during the day and on stage at night. $400/night The Riu Montego Bay has a total of 5 bars and 5 restaurants. The restaurants include a Steak House, Italian Restaurant, Asian Restaurant, Main Restaurant and a pool-side buffet. There are 2 pool-side bars, and 2 inside the resort and 1 sports bar. The sports bar is open 24 hours with a mini-casino located right next door. There is always entertainment during the day at the pool area and at night, either in the entertainment area, or on the beach. The Riu Montego Bay is a great vacation spot for everybody. 
  • Silent Waters Villa, River Road, Great River Private, ☏ +1 847 304-4700. Luxury villa with nice views and good service. The 5 guest suites and the owner's villa can accommodate one group of up to 20. Tennis court, 2 pools, heliport, 14 staff. $2,000-$4,857/night.. 
  • Tryall Club Villas, Alice Eldemire Dr., Hanover Parish (15-20 minute drive west of the city), ☏ +1 876 956-5660. A splurge, but worth it. A world-renowned golf course designed by Ralph Plummer lies on this property, making the Tryall one of the premier golf destinations of the Caribbean. Each villa has a private pool along with personal staff that cater to your needs. Ots her amenities at the Tryall is a kids club, 9 tennis courts(four which are red clay), and a private beach. $400/night. 

Stay safe

While Montego Bay is a relatively safe city, normal precautions should be observed. Stay in groups, and stick to tourist areas. The rural areas are especially dangerous.

Go next

By Air

You can get domestic flights to Kingston's second airport Tinson Pen.

A weekly international service to Santiago de Cuba is also available, costing approximately US$400 (June 2012) with Air Jamaica Shuttle

By Bus

The Montego Bay Bus station, in downtown Montego Bay has buses serving most of the larger cities throughout the country including but not limited to Black River,Ocho Rios, Spanish Town & Kingston.


This city travel guide to Montego Bay is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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