Montego Bay holidays

Glide down the tranquil waters of the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft steered by a skilled captain. As the river meanders, you’ll hear stories and songs about the land and see native birds and other wildlife along the riverbanks. Rafting on the Martha Brae on a holiday to Montego Bay offers an intimate glimpse of Jamaica’s natural beauty and a special time of peace and connection.

Montego Bay is a great place to take a deep dive into Rastafarian culture and connect with traditional heritage. Visit the Rastafari Indigenous Village, nestled in the lush landscape, and engage with the Rastafarian philosophy and nature-based way of life. Discover the roots of reggae music, enjoy the natural flavours of Ital vegetarian cuisine, and embrace the wisdom of elders in this unique cultural exchange.

Delicious food doesn’t have to break the bank on a cheap holiday to Montego Bay. Roadside stands sell jerk chicken, grilled to perfection. Savour the richness of curried goat, served with fluffy rice and peas — a dish steeped in both history and spice. Try Jamaica’s national dish, ackee and saltfish, followed by cool, refreshing coconut water sipped straight from the shell.

Hip Strip is at the heart of the action, where the nights are equally as lively as the days. This bustling boulevard is a kaleidoscope of colours, flavours and sounds. Enjoy refreshing tropical cocktails and savoury Jamaican dishes. You’ll also be within walking distance of beautiful Doctor’s Cave Beach.

Good for: Dining, nightlife, beaches

Located among lush landscapes, rolling golf courses and the azure Caribbean Sea, Rose Hall is the best area to stay in Montego Bay for a touch of luxury and elegance. Enjoy the finer things in life with an intimate dinner in historic or trendy restaurants near the old Rose Hall Sugar Plantation and its breathtaking sea views. You’ll also find high-end boutiques for shopping in this area.

Good for: Fine dining, golf courses, resorts

If you’re debating where to stay in Montego Bay for a little peace and quiet, Freeport is a great option. This waterfront neighbourhood has luxury marinas, upmarket residences and world-class resorts. It’s a quieter side of the town and offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Enjoy private beaches, gourmet restaurants and morning strolls along the marina, plus easy access to boat tours.

Good for: Marina, waterfront dining, shopping

You’ll find plenty of things to do with family in Montego Bay. Go on a jungle adventure to the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, where colourful native birds land gently on your outstretched hands. Discover the mysteries of the deep at Montego Bay Marine Park, and go snorkelling among stunning coral forests. Or head to Walter Fletcher Beach with a Frisbee and a picnic lunch.

Navigate the spirited corridors of the Harbour Street Crafts Market, where the air buzzes with bartering and stalls overflow with colourful art, handcrafted jewellery and jipijapa straw hats. Stroll down the Hip Strip, Gloucester Avenue’s famous stretch, where boutiques feature local fashion, rum and the unmistakable aroma of Blue Mountain Coffee. For luxury seekers, visit Whitter Village for upscale shopping in Montego Bay.

Museums in Montego Bay tell the rich story of Jamaica’s past. Discover the island’s heritage at the Museum of St. James, which showcases artefacts and tales from the days of slavery to modern times. For a poignant reflection, visit Croydon in the Mountains, a living museum where agricultural legacy comes to life. Or step into Greenwood Great House, an 18th-century plantation home, where antique furnishings and rare musical instruments highlight history.

When the sun sets, Montego Bay wakes up. The Hip Strip lives up to its name, becoming a beacon for partygoers, where reggae beats spill out of lively clubs and bars. For a taste of local life, join a street dance, and lose yourself in the infectious energy of Montego Bay after dark.

Using flavours and techniques from all over the world, Jamaican cuisine takes centre stage at restaurants in Montego Bay. Make sure you try local favourites like fish escovitch, oxtail stew and Jamaican patty (beef-filled pastry). If you’re vegetarian, then good news. Rastafari culture has produced many unique vegetarian soups and stews. For dessert, try ‘gizzada’ (coconut tart), and see why Jamaicans also call it ‘bring me more’.

The beaches in Montego Bay have everything a sun worshiper or ocean lover could want. Step onto the soft white sands of Doctor’s Cave Beach, where the crystal-clear waters are believed to have curative powers. Or visit private Cornwall Beach with its top-notch facilities, such as beach chairs, showers and lockers. Join the locals at Dead End Beach, and watch planes land as you relax on the sand.