Jan
10
Montego Bay Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Jamaica
A trip to Montego Bay
Not just a cheesy 1980s song, the birthplace of Bob Marley is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island of Jamaica. Though the garish cliché of the institutional beach resorts may be a put-off for some, there is much more than package deals and pina coladas to keep you occupied in Mo Bay. For the historian in the crew, Jamaica’s colonial history can be seen in the many rundown buildings in town, made all the more authentic by their neglect.
Flights to Montego Bay
Jamaica is a Caribbean island much favored by North Americans. Canadians and Americans flock to the island during the cold winter months at home. Montego Bay is the second city of Jamaica, but it certainly takes second place to no one when it comes to the yearly turnover of visitors. Most flights into Mo Bay during the months from December to February are charter flights, used to get frosty folks out of the snow banks and into their swimsuits. There are regular flights to Europe as well. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Montego Bay try Ebookers.
Arriving at Sangster International Airport, visitors will find all the amenities expected from a first class airport. The best way to get to where you’re gong is to take a taxi from the Arrivals terminal or if you’re one of the fortunate ones to be staying at a hotel with a shuttle service, just look for your name on a card.
Montego Bay
Sightseeing in Montego Bay
If you’re looking to defrag after a year’s work and want to be waited on hand and foot without lifting a finger or dealing with the hassle of handling money, an all-inclusive trip is probably for you. The bulk of the all-inclusive resorts are located on Doctor’s Cave and Cornwall beaches north of the city.
If you’re interested in a more local and authentic experience, head northeast along the coast and see the little villages nestled among banana plantations. For dedicated reggae fans, a pilgrimage to Nine Mile is a must, where you can visit the former home of reggae legend Bob Marley.
Fun by night, eating, drinking and partying
If you’ve come for a party, you’ve come to the right place. Jamaicans love to live it up, and sometimes they don’t even require a bar or a dance floor to get down. Impromptu jump-ups are commonplace, with the rum spilling from glasses in the middle of the street.
Seafood is a staple here, and expect some tasty treats fresh from the waters around the island. The other staple food of Jamaica is jerk chicken, readily available and incontestably delicious; and best accompanied with a rum-based drink.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Mo Bay is not exactly a shopper’s Valhalla, with much of the market fare geared for tourists, though lovers of kitsch should be able to dig up some prime gear. When in a place lie Mo Bay, the best thing to do is hit the road and take in the beautiful sights along the north coast. Keep your eyes open and the speed down however as the locals have reputations for driving carelessly.
Daytrips
There are a few appealing daytrip destinations within easy access of Montego Bay, most of which can be reached by hire car. The coastland near the city is dotted with plentiful tourist resorts, some of them placed on the grounds of historic sugar cane plantations that still feature their original structures and mill-works. The most popular are Tryall and the White Witch’s Rose Hall, both of which include world-class golf courses.
Another choice is a half-day, full day or evening cruise. In the morning, boats depart directly from hotels, and you can take part in a number of activities during the cruise varying from snorkelling to sailing. Evening cruises will take you to the middle of the Caribbean, where you can watch a fantastic sunset while being served wine and cocktails.
Other options for daytrips from Montego Bay include an excursion to the Appleton Rum Factory or a Black River safari tour. You can furthermore visit Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, and go shopping at the Parade. The town of Negril is home to several beaches, and Port Antonio invites you for a swim in the Blue Lagoon, while the more adventurous might choose to go on a Rio Grande rafting trip.
Must-see attractions
Montego Bay is a hub for dining and shopping, and its beaches are flanked by numerous all-inclusive resorts. The beach front is on the northern point of town close to the airport, with Doctor’s Cave Beach being a private, clean beach which can be accessed for a modest entry fee.
The old town of Montego Bay features several 18th century remnants that have been meticulously refurbished. Actually, there is plenty of history around the city, and various old estates are linked with the past. Rose Hall in particular is an exceptional relic of colonial times, full of detailed and fascinating history of intrigues and dark rumours.
The Greenwood Great House is another beautifully restored former plantation home which is filled with paintings, antiques, furniture and rare books from the 1800s. The spot to be for anyone visiting or residing in Jamaica is the Gloucester, or ‘Hip Strip’, in Montego Bay, where you will find over 60 shops, 13 hotels and more than 35 bars and restaurants.
Best time to go
Tourists come to Jamaica for the year-round warm Caribbean climate. July and August are the hottest months, with average highs of 32°C and lows of 23°C. The rainy season is from May to October, with the wettest months being September and October.
Jamaica’s high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, when hotels are booked months beforehand, everything is pricier, and the island is overflowing with tourists. If you prefer fewer crowds come in the shoulder seasons.
Rainy day suggestions
Should your sightseeing schedule get influenced by wet weather, you can check out the Blue Hole Museum situated in the hills, 10kms from Montego Bay. The museum houses the rebuilding of an Arawak village plus a mini zoo. And of course, there is the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, dedicated to the world-famous reggae musician and a must-visit on any music lover’s rainy day itinerary.
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