If you’re looking for a beach holiday that’s loaded with tropical weather, lively nightlife, spice-filled cuisine and plenty of outdoor adventures, then Montego Bay is the place for you. As Jamaica’s second largest city, MoBay is the perfect base to explore the whole island. From culinary tours and horse riding on the beach to zip line adventures and 4x4 safaris, there’s something to suit everyone.
Top six things to do in Montego Bay
1. Spread out on one of the city’s beaches
One of Montego Bay’s biggest draws is its beautiful beaches. Doctor’s Cave Beach is among the most popular, thanks to its proximity to Gloucester Avenue, popularly known as the hipstrip. The gin-clear waters here are said to have healing powers, attracting beachgoers from around the world to bathe in them. Aquasol Beach Park is a great pick for families, thanks to the range of activities you can pick from, whereas Cornwall Beach is far more spacious and tranquil, so it’s the perfect place to go if you want to relax by the coast.
2. Discover Dunn’s River Falls
Located near Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s most famous landmarks, and it’s an easy excursion to do from Montego Bay. This series of terraces interspersed with lagoons extends right into the Caribbean Sea. One of the must-try activities here is climbing up the cascading falls and soaking in the small natural pools that are dotted along the way. If you don’t fancy tackling the climb, then you can follow the steps that run alongside the falls – they also make for great selfie-taking spots.
3. Get stuck in with some water-activities
The waters around Montego Bay are ideally suited for all types of water-based activities. Step aboard a sunset catamaran cruise and admire Jamaica’s coastline while listening to chilled-out reggae music. Opt for a sailing or snorkelling trip and you can dive into the blue and swim with schools of tropical fish. Alternatively, you can stay above water and try your hand at paddle-boarding or tubing. Head inland, meanwhile, and you can book a bamboo rafting session on the Martha Brae River. It’s one of the most popular activities on the island, and you’ll explore a maze of rainforest-wrapped waterways, which are home to everything from capuchin monkeys to raccoons.
4. Get your adrenaline pumping in Montego Bay’s countryside
Featuring jungle-covered mountains and fast-flowing rivers, Montego Bay is a great place for adventure seekers. Fly through Jamaica’s jungle canopies during a heart-racing zip-lining experience. Or join a 4x4 safari and rev your way around the rolling Jamaican countryside, whizz down the famous Blue Mountain during a full- day biking trip or hurtle through dense rainforest on a bobsledding adventure at Mystic Mountain. And, if you’re looking for something at a slower pace, choose a horse-riding excursion and enjoy a laidback trot along the coast.
5. Sample Montego Bay’s flavourful fare
Jamaica is famed for its flavoursome and colourful cuisine. Taste local dishes such as fiery jerk chicken, hearty stews and curry goat during a guided culinary tour. If you’re a coffee lover, you can head for the Blue Mountains to spend a day exploring their plantations. One of the most sought-after coffees in the world, Blue Mountain coffee is lauded for its lack of bitterness. For something a little stronger, visit the Appleton Estate Rum Factory and tour the sugar cane plantations. Here, you can learn about the history of the rum industry and sit down for a tasting session.
6. Visit Bob Marley’s home at Nine Mile
The birthplace and hometown of reggae legend Bob Marley is a place of pilgrimage for music fans. It’s about two hours’ drive from Montego Bay, and the journey there weaves through the winding mountains of St Ann Parish, so don’t forget to bring a camera with you. When you arrive, you can tour his childhood home, which has been transformed into a museum. See historical artefacts, including guitars, awards and photographs, and listen to the tales of Bob Marley’s childhood and musical career from a Rastafarian guide and before visiting his mausoleum. Super fans can also book excursions to his former home and the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.
