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Montego Bay, Jamaica
A popular vacation paradise for more than 65 years, Montego Bay continues to please with something for everyone. Take an excursion to the extravagant Great Houses of yesterday, or ride down a river on a bamboo raft. Sunbathe on Doctor's Cave Beach, the largest in Montego Bay. Dine at restaurants with menus ranging from Continental cuisine to the fresh catch of the day. You'll also find 3 championship golf courses, tennis facilities, and ample opportunities for watersports. Visitors can choose from sprawling resort complexes, or more quaint, intimate hotels.
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Montego Bay, Jamaica
Only steps away from Montego Bay airport, Montego Bay offers travelers a fantastic opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of an energetic city set in the midst of absolute paradise with awe-inspiring all-inclusive resorts, myriad golf courses to chose from, wonderful shopping and more. It is the ideal location for 2 people in love, or for a family looking to create new memories. Package Includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Roundtrip transfers between Montego Bay airport and hotel
- Luggage handling
- Assistance of a local destination representative
- Hotel taxes and service charges
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Honeymooners
Many romantic resorts, encircled by beauty, create an ideal setting.
Families
A bustling beach town and a Caribbean hub for shopping, dining, and watersports.
Golfers
Home to some of the Caribbean's best championship golf courses.
Singles
Alive both day and night with restaurants, sightseeing spots, nightlife, and shops .
What's the climate like?
| Average High |
82° F |
85° F |
88° F |
87° F |
| Average Low |
72° F |
74° F |
77° F |
76° F |
| Average Rainfall |
2.7" |
3.6" |
4.5" |
6.3" |
The northeast trade winds and mountain breezes keep the temperature pleasant year-round. Water temperature is approximately
78°F.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Roundtrip transfer between the airport and your hotel is included. Transfer time to the hotel zone is approximately 10-20 minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are the preferred form of transportation in Montego Bay. It's best to agree on the cab fare prior to getting into the taxi and to carry small bills, since drivers are often not able to make change.
Walking
During the day, walking is an option in the Hip Strip area. However, outside of this area, sidewalks are seldom available, making walking less desirable.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
Begin your evening on the beach, watching a beautiful Caribbean sunset over Montego Bay and the distant hills as you enjoy a frosty Red Stripe beer. If you so desire, dance the night away to cool reggae sounds at a beach party.
All-inclusive resorts offer several on-site dining options and many all-inclusive resorts offer on-site discos as well. See the hotel descriptions for more detailed information.
- Glistening Waters Restaurant and Marina
A fantastic waterfront dining experience with views of the spectacular Luminous Lagoon at Rock in Falmouth, near Montego Bay.
- Jamaica Bobsled Bar
A casual restaurant and bar featuring pizza and dedicated to the famous Jamaica bobsled team. Hip Strip.
- The Native
Featuring a gorgeous view from the verandah, The Native serves a variety of local cuisine such as stewed oxtails, curried goat, and jerk chicken and pork, all cooked and served gourmet style. Gloucester Avenue.
- Pier One on the Waterfront
Jamaica's best open-air seafood restaurant featuring fabulous sunsets over the Caribbean and panoramic views of the bay. Montego Bay.
- Royal Stocks English Pub
A traditional English Pub serving ales, cocktails, and traditional fare. Located in the Half Moon Village Shopping Center.
- Tapas
Hard to find and out of the way, but once you get there you'll love this small, romantic restaurant that serves sublime Spanish cuisine accompanied by classical music. Located across the street from Margaritaville.
Nightlife in Montego Bay centers around the Hip Strip and is the place to be to dance the night away. Some popular places for late night action include Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Chillin, Jackpot Jungle, The Brewery, Rum Jungle, and many others.
Where should I go shopping?
Good buys in Jamaica include woodwork, straw items, beads, embroidery, and crafts, all offered for sale at the craft markets. Gold, silver, china, and electronic equipment are available in the duty-free stores. And don’t forget to pick up some world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.
In Montego Bay, shop Harbour Street, the largest craft market on the island. Be sure to check out the nearby duty-free shops at Half Moon Village and the shopping center in downtown Montego Bay, where you’ll find everything from cashmere and perfume to cigars and liquor.
When are the local events?
Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival
January. Held at the Rose Hall Resort & Country Club and features local and international legendary jazz and blues musicians.
Jamaica Carnival
February – April. Held in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. Flamboyantly costumed groups parade and dance in the streets. Top music performers from Jamaica, Trinidad, and other Caribbean islands play reggae and calypso music.
Spring Break
March – April. Held in Montego Bay and Negril. The Caribbean's most dynamic spring break experience! Montego Bay comes alive with live reggae concerts, beach volleyball competitions, fashion shows, prizes, and surprises.
Get Up, Stand Up Comedy Show
April. Breezes Montego Bay and MTV Networks present the Get Up, Stand Up Comedy Show.
Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest
July. This annual music festival is held at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay. Showcases top local and international reggae artists.
What are my golf and recreation options?
Golf
Customize your vacation with discounted greens fees and gain access to hotel-affiliated golf courses with a stay at select hotels or receive great discounts and advanced tee times at independent golf courses.
Hotel-Affiliated Courses
- Cinnamon Hill Ocean Course
Offers an open, windswept front 9 then a tight, trappy back 9 bordered by jungle. Designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril.
The following hotel has use of this course when the Platinum All-Inclusive plan is purchased:
- Rose Hall Resort and Country Club (includes unlimited golf)
- SuperClubs Ironshore Golf Club at Montego Bay
Excellent layout with many trees. Holes are dug left and right with a number of sand traps. The variety of the terrain is very challenging. Designed by Robert Moote.
The following hotels have use of this course:
- Breezes Montego Bay by SuperClubs (includes unlimited golf, transfers not included)
- Starfish Trelawny (includes unlimited golf, transfers not included)
- Grand Lido Braco (includes unlimited golf, transfers not included)
- White Witch Golf Course
Course winds through the mountains of Jamaica's historic 4,000-acre Rose Hall Plantation. Highlights include panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from 16 of its 18 holes. Designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril.
The following hotel has use of this course when the Golf Option is purchased:
- Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall
Sportfishing
Most major hotels offer full- or half-day deep-sea fishing excursions. Blue marlin is the prize but wahoo and tuna are well worth the fight.
Snorkeling
Experience some fun underwater adventures at the Montego Bay Marine Park. Scuba diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed in the protected waters stretching nearly 6 miles along the coast. The Bay’s principal attraction is the profusion of sponges in a rainbow of colors.
Scuba Diving
Montego Bay is famous for its wall dives. Airport Reef, considered to be the best dive site on the island, is known for its coral caves, tunnels, and canyons.
Travel tidbits
Take a Walking Tour
Take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Montego Bay to experience the city's rich history. Begin your tour at The Dome, built in 1837 and used to manage the city's water supply, and meander to see St. James Parish Church, Town House Restaurant, Burchell Baptist Church, and end at Sam Sharpe Square, an important sight in the fight to end slavery in Jamaica. In the square, you'll see The Cage, which was used as a temporary prison for slaves, the Civic Centre which houses a museum dedicated to the history of St. James Parish, and the Sharpe Monument, a comemorative sculpture depicting a preacher delivering a sermon to interested listeners.
Maroons
The Maroons make for an interesting story and an educational afternoon. In the early 17th century, the Spanish were under attack and set their slaves free to flee the island. Then, the free slaves became the legendary Maroons, and continued to fight the British to maintain that freedom until a peace treaty was signed in 1739. Today, you can visit this self-sufficient society living high in the mountains, just as they did 300 years ago.
Rose Hall Great House
Tour this beautiful ornate estate, once the home of Annie Palmer, the white witch of Rose Hall. Dead for more than 170 years, her legend still evokes memories of her monstrous reign as the mistress of the Great House. All 3 of her husbands met their death at her hands, while countless slaves suffered as a result of her ruthlessness. Her evil reign ended with her murder in 1831. Be sure to take your camera; many visitors have discovered shadows in the pictures revealing the spirit of the ghost, that legends say still haunts the house today.
Doctor’s Cave Beach
A spectacular crescent-shaped beach located in the heart of both tourist and local action. Fees apply to use the public beach area. Hotel guests of Breezes Montego Bay are not charged a fee to access the beach. Doctor's Cave Beach got its unique name when Sir Herbert Baker, an English osteopath wrote an article describing the beach's curative powers.
Good to Know:
Sangster International Airport
MBJ
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| December – April |
| May – November |
| Jamaican Dollar (called Jay) |
| English |
| Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time and does not adjust to Daylight Saving Time. |
| Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
10-15% is customary, but make sure the tip hasn’t already been added to the bill. At many of the all-inclusive resorts, tipping in the restaurants and bars is not allowed.
Be sure to tip the guides on excursions such as Dunn’s River Falls and rafting tours. |
| Jamaica is very casual. Shorts are allowed at most restaurants, except fine dining establishments. Bring a sweater, since some of the air-conditioned places can be cool at times. |
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Montego Bay, Jamaica
The following options are available in Montego Bay:
Golf - White Witch Golf Course
The Ritz-Carlton White Witch golf option can be booked for any number of rounds, in conjunction with a Ritz-Carlton hotel stay. Round(s) of golf must be booked for the specific date(s) you wish to play. Package includes 1 round of golf (18 holes or 9 twilight holes after 2:30pm), advanced tee times, complimentary shuttle to the golf course, shared cart, caddie, range balls, and all applicable taxes. Caddie gratuity is not included. The par-71, 6,719-yard course was named by its creators, golf course architects Robert Von Hagge and Rick Baril, in reference to the 19th-century beauty, Annie Palmer, who owned the 4,000-acre sugar plantation on which the course is built. The course features panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from 16 of its 18 holes and located just 10 minutes from the hotel. Tee Times: Advanced tee times can be made up to 45 days in advance by contacting the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa at 876-953-2800. Ask for the golf concierge desk. Cancellation Policy: Standard cancellation policies apply (subject to change without notice). It is the consumer and/or travel agents responsibility to cancel all confirmed tee times. If play is not available due to inclement weather (decided by the golf course), a refund may be requested through our Customer Relations department upon return from your trip.
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Private Transfer Upgrade
Private transportation to your hotel will be arranged when this optional upgrade is purchased. This option includes nonstop, roundtrip private transfers to your hotel on your arrival and departure dates, luggage handling, and tax. Tipping is at your discretion. Vehicle types include Land Rovers and 6-8 passenger minivans.
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Tour - Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour
Experience the friendly vibes of the community that influenced Bob Marley. An authentic Rastafarian guide will share with you the natural world of this legendary reggae star. You will get the chance to stand on Mt. Zion, Bob's meditation place, in addition to seeing his small bedroom and final resting place. Tour Includes:- Pickup at your hotel and transportation to/from Nine Mile
- Entrance fee
Other information:- Half-day tour
- Operates Monday and Thursday (subject to change)
- Bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Be prepared to tip your guide
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Jamaica, passengers need to confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Tourwise representative at the hotel or by calling Tourwise at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Chukka Caribbean Jungle River Tubing
This is your opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy Jamaica's natural beauty as you float down a beautiful river. Watch flowing streams join the river and be sure to catch a glimpse of the many indigenous jungle animals in their natural habitat. Experience the rush, the excitement, and the thrill brought on by the different moods of the river as it changes pace along this magical, unspoiled thoroughfare. Tour includes:- Roundtrip transportation between your hotel and tour starting point
- Detailed safety instruction
- Water, fruit beverages, or rum punch
Other information:- Approximately 2 hours
- Operates daily (subject to change).
- Wear aqua socks or sandals and your swimsuit; bring sunscreen and sunglasses or a hat.
- Be prepared to tip your guides, bring cash for shopping
- Pregnant women may not participate in this activity
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Maximum weight limit is 250 pounds
- Book for the date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time. Upon arrival in Jamaica, passengers confirm the tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Tourwise representative at the hotel or by calling Tourwise at the number provided in your travel documents.
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Tour - Chukka Dune Buggy Safari Tour
Tour the back roads of Jamaica behind the wheel of your very own custom-made tubular framed Chukka Dune Buggy. After being fitted with your helmet and secured in your "sports utility vehicle," shift into drive, and head off. On your exhilarating journey you'll take a step back in time as you drive across lands once occupied by the early settlers. Be sure to watch out for rare exotic birds that can only be seen in their natural habitat. Dusty, muddy, and ready for more adventure, change gears to cruise through small communities, then prepare for your nonstop drive back to the base. Your tour includes: - Roundtrip transportation between your hotel and tour starting point
- Detailed safety instruction and use of helmets
- Use of Chukka Dune Buggy
- Water or fruit beverages
Other information:- Half-day tour, 2-3 hours
- Operates daily (subject to change).
- Wear close-toed shoes and clothes that can get muddy, or your swimsuit; bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Pregnant women may not participate in this activity
- Minimum age is 18 years, with a valid driver's license
- Book for the date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time. Upon arrival in Jamaica, passengers confirm the tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Tourwise representative at the hotel or by calling Tourwise at the number provided in your travel documents.
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Tour - Horseback Riding in Ocho Rios
Enjoy a countryside ride before reaching the Caribbean Sea. Once there, work on your tan while you ride bareback and your horse swims in the sea. Great fun for both beginners and experienced riders. - Includes pickup at your hotel and transportation to/from the stables
Other information:- Half-day tour
- Operates daily
- Bring sunscreen and a hat
- Be prepared to tip your guide
- Rider weight limit is 240 pounds
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Jamaica, passengers need to confirm their tour times and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Tourwise representative at the hotel or by calling Tourwise at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Irie Adventure with Dunn's River
First, visit Columbus Park and see Jamaican artifacts on display. Later, raft gently down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft made for 2. Here the tranquility and beauty of Jamaica will leave you feeling relaxed. To finish your day, visit Dunn's River Falls and, with the help of a guide, climb through the cascading water to the top of the waterfall. Tour includes:- Pickup at your hotel and transportation to all attractions
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
Other information:- Full-day tour
- Operates Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from Montego Bay and Ocho Rios areas, and Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Negril area hotels (subject to change).
- Bring or wear your swimsuit (and aqua shoes to climb the falls), sunscreen, and a hat.
- Be prepared to tip your guides
- Book for date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time for passengers. Upon arrival in Jamaica, passengers need to confirm their tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Tourwise representative at the hotel or by calling Tourwise at the number provided in their documents.
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Tour - Martha Brae River Rafting
This peaceful tour allows you to relax and experience the serenity and natural beauty of inland Jamaica from the comfort of a 30-foot bamboo raft built for 2. Your captain will guide you through the plant and water life of this tropical island. Tour includes:- Roundtrip transportation between your hotel and tour starting point
- Services of a captain/guide
- Detailed safety instruction
- Water, fruit beverages or rum punch
Other information:- Approximately 4 hours
- Operates daily (subject to change).
- Wear aqua socks or sandals and your swimsuit; bring sunscreen and sunglasses or a hat .
- Be prepared to tip your guides, bring cash for shopping and purchasing Red Stripe beer
- Book for the date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time. Upon arrival in Jamaica, passengers confirm the tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Tourwise representative at the hotel or by calling Tourwise at the number provided in your travel documents.
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Tour - Mystic Mountain Sky Explorer and Rainforest Bobsled
A one-of-a-kind experience in Jamaica. First, you will ride the Sky Explorer to the top of Mystic Mountain, offering breathtaking views of Ocho Rios. Next, on to the park's signature attraction, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, featuring a 3,000-foot-long gravity track that will take you through the rainforest on custom designed, high-tech sleds where you can control the speed, going as fast and fun as you want. The bobsled evokes Jamaica's Olympic team and is a thrilling ride through dense tropical landscapes. Tour includes:- Roundtrip transportation between your hotel and Mystic Mountain
- Entrance to the park
- Sky Explorer ride to the top of Mystic Mountain
- Safety briefing
- 1 ride on the bobsled
Other information:- Approximately 2 hours
- Operates daily (subject to change).
- Wear comfortable shoes; bring sunscreen and sunglasses or a hat.
- Bring cash for shopping
- Pregnant women may not participate in this activity
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Maximum weight limit is 250 pounds
- Book for the date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time. Upon arrival in Jamaica, passengers confirm the tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Tourwise representative at the hotel or by calling Tourwise at the number provided in your travel documents.
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Tour - Mystic Mountain Tranopy
The best value at the fun-filled adventure park, Mystic Mountain, combines 3 activities. First, you will ride the Sky Explorer to the top of Mystic Mountain. Next, hop onto the park's signature attraction, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica. The bobsled is a thrilling ride evoking the fun of Jamaica's Olympic team, which whisks you through dense tropical landscapes in custom-designed, high-tech sleds that glide on a 3,000-foot-long gravity track through the rainforest. Last, but not least, you will ride the zip-line down through the forest via 5 zip-lines, 1 vertical descent, and 1 hanging bridge. Tour includes:- Roundtrip transportation between your hotel and Mystic Mountain
- Entrance to the park
- Sky Explorer ride to the top of Mystic Mountain
- Safety briefing
- 1 ride on the bobsled
- Detailed safety briefing and zip-line practice run
- 1 zip-line descent
Other information:- Approximately 3-4 hours
- Operates daily (subject to change).
- Wear close-toe shoes; bring sunscreen and sunglasses or a hat.
- Bring cash for shopping
- Pregnant women may not participate in this activity
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Maximum weight limit is 250 pounds
- Book for the date you choose. Reservations are made ahead of time. Upon arrival in Jamaica, passengers confirm the tour and hotel pick-up/drop-off times with the Tourwise representative at the hotel or by calling Tourwise at the number provided in your travel documents.
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