What do you do in a place where it’s summer all year, famous for its beaches and diving spots as well as amazing food? Everything! The culture, the people, the place itself boasts an escape that is as close as you can get to paradise. Top that with souvenirs unique to Montego Bay and endless spots to take beautiful photos in. Memories you’ll fondly look back on full to the brim and beyond. You can stay in luxurious vacation rentals or, if you’re with family, kid-friendly resorts in Montego Bay. Things to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica, are almost too many to mention. Read on and see how your vacation can be the most amazing yet. Let’s go!
1. Come and revisit history at Fort Montego
Fort Montego holds an interesting vista into how Montego was born. You will be able to see the various relics of the past here and appreciate even more how Montego Bay played a crucial role in the evolution of Jamaica. The guides lend an interesting vantage point on the stories these relics tell and how colorful battles were won or lost as well as how the people of Montego Bay drew strength from their love of the place.
Fort Montego
Address: Fort Montego, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Fort Montego
Price: Free
2. Try horseback tours at Braco Stable Horseback Ride 'n Swim
Relaxing pace and a great way to see Montego Bay. Tour guides from Braco Stable Horseback Ride ‘n Swim will be there to teach you the basics of horseback riding, along with making sure you’ll enjoy the trail from land to sea. Better schedule ahead as their package is one of the most popular among tourists, especially during the spring break season.
Braco Stable Horseback Ride 'n Swim
Address: Braco, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Braco Stables
3. Pick handmade gifts at Crafts Market
You’ll find yourself amongst the company of artisans and see their work. The shops are small houses brightly painted and as vividly colored items are also found inside. There are other services found here, too. For example, you can have your hair beaded as a way to keep the Jamaican spirit with you throughout your stay at Montego Bay. The Crafts Market is also right in the middle of the cultural hub of Jamaica. You can have a full day’s agenda and get all the important tourist spots covered.
Crafts Market
Address: Fort Street, Montego Bay, Jamaica
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4. Attend polo lessons at Half Moon Equestrian Centre
Posted by Half Moon Equestrian Centre on Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Half Moon Equestrian Centre will show you how much they love the sport, the horses, plus a whole gang of adorable creatures. You can opt to take lessons and people at Half Moon will gladly lend a hand. They do offer a beach ride and this is the more popular choice taken by visitors. The love for animals is too infectious especially when you spend time with folks who care for them a lot.
Half Moon Equestrian Centre
Address: Half Moon Resort, Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Half Moon Equestrian Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 100 USD
5. Chill and heal at Doctor's Cave Bathing Club
The bathing club was donated by Dr. Alexander James McCatty in 1906 and thus got its name not only due to the donor but also to the popular news that the waters at this cave are curative. The club offers crystal clear waters and at a temperate of 22 to 28 degrees centigrade year-round. Sir Herbert Barker, a renowned British Osteopath boosted the good news and since then Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club became an established place to visit in Montego Bay. It’s best to make this one of the last stops on your adventure. Nothing quite refreshes the traveler with a dip in the healing waters of Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club.
Doctor's Cave Bathing Club
Address: White Sands Beach PO Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
6. Encounter wildlife at Animal Farm & Nature Reserve
What a #beautifulday @animalfarmjamaica . . . . . . . . #bluesky #lush #greenery #farmlife
Posted by Animal Farm & Nature Reserve (Jamaica) on Friday, 19 April 2019
Take the whole gang and have a fascinating tour of the Animal Farm & Nature Reserve. You’ll get to know the details on what Montego Bay holds proudly as its local flora and fauna. The guides will gladly tell wonderful stories on how the environment is unique as well as the unusual interplay that brought about the curious creatures found here. You will see various birds, animals, critters and insects that thrive in Montego Bay. To cap the tour, you’ll get to feed the birds at the aviary, too. A good chance for fun selfies to take home.
Animal Farm & Nature Reserve
Address: Montpelier Hills, Lot 169, Copse, Lethe, Montego Bay
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
7. Book action-packed ATV tours with Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Adventure made for two!
Posted by Chukka Caribbean Adventures on Monday, 5 October 2015
Chukka Caribbean Adventures has branched out and now includes ATV rides as part of their tour choices. You can go solo or take your best friend with you and rock the ATV as a pair. You’ll be traversing a rugged path up and down hills and valleys of Montego Bay. The guides will be there for a worry-free, safe and secure adventure. It’s rugged fun for the whole family!
Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Address: #2, Montego Freeport Shopping Centre, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Website: Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
8. Relax and be carefree at Dead End Beach
Dead End Beach is one of the free public beaches in Montego Bay. It features the bare necessities as well as the pulse of local folks in Jamaica. This is usually the first stop as it’s nearest to the airport. You can grab a bite to eat from the many food stalls that abound the shoreline. You can take a break here first and test the waters, so to speak before you head on to the next item on your list. Dead End Beach is also in close proximity to other popular places worth looking into on your first day at Montego Bay.
Dead End Beach
Address: Kent Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Feel the adrenaline rush with Liberty Tours Jamaica
Test out how unbelievably exciting it is to soar high in the air with Liberty Tours Jamaica’s Zipline Adventure. It’s a fast ride but you surely won’t miss the amazing view of Montego Bay while swiftly grazing the treetops. You’ll also get a breathtaking vista of rivers and villages. The brisk sea breeze surrounding you at all times. It’s a worry-free adventure. The staff will help you prepare and relax while setting you up for the zipline ride safely and securely.
Liberty Tours Jamaica
Website: Liberty Tours Jamaica
10. Be in awe of local art at Gallery of West Indian Art
The Gallery of West Indian Art is known for being one of the best places to showcase the works of local artists not only from Jamaica but also from Cuba and Haiti. Most are vividly vibrant paintings showing the life in the islands. There are also handmade jewelry available made by artisans. Beautiful items to bring home as gifts or keep as souvenirs for a great vacation. Truly, if you are a collector of West Indian art, you’ll be able to find a treasure among the gallery’s collections.
Gallery of West Indian Art
Address: 11 Fairfield Road Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Gallery of West Indian Art
Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed from Tue - Thu & Sat - Sun)
11. Have thrilling adventures with Captain's Watersports
The friendly guides at Captain’s Watersports will have you jet-skiing like a pro in no time. They also offer lessons in parasailing if you’d like to be more adventurous in watersports. They do offer packages that can bring the whole family for a whole day of fun at the sea. No need to worry for they always make sure all activities are safe and secure. Better get cameras ready for cool pictures to bring home. Should you like to have a boat trip arranged, the team at Captain’s Watersports will surely make it a journey you’ll fondly look back on.
Captain's Watersports
Address: Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Captain’s Watersports
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
12. Give go-karting a try in Aqua Sol Theme Park
Get pools, slides and the sea and you’ve got a perfect combination of some fun for the whole gang. Aqua Sol Theme Park prides itself in the slides they have. They offer the best option to go to and from the pool and then into the sea. There are other family-friendly activities, too. For example, you can go for a banana boat ride, try out go-karting or play a round or two of tennis. A lot of things to do and have a full day of fun at the beach.
Aqua Sol Theme Park
Address: Walter Fletcher Beach Complex, Gloucester Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica
13. Settle back and relax at Closed Harbour Beach Park
The shoreline lends a perfect view of Montego Bay and the surrounding areas. Currently, this is being developed as a thriving community that would carry the vision of being one of the premiere sites not only to visit but to choose as home. Despite the development plans, the current state of Closed Harbour Beach Park will still be preserved to allow visitors to enjoy the venue.
Closed Harbour Beach Park
Address: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. See amazing sunsets at Old Hospital Park
Locals point to the Old Hospital Park to get the best vista when wanting to see the sunset. The atmosphere and the facilities at the venue also lend a nostalgic vibe. The Old Hospital Park is also at the center of where the most popular tourist spots are. You can simply enjoy the day visiting these haunts soon after seeing the sunset. There are benches found around the park as well as pathways that feature relics and sculptures that embody the history and spirit of Montego Bay.
Old Hospital Park
Address: Gloucester Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica
15. Experience the spirit of Rastafari Indigenous Village
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This is worthy of a visit where you’ll be able to meet, mingle with and see how the Rastafarian philosophy is alive and well in Montego Bay, Jamaica. There are retreats available here, too. You do need to book ahead to be able to make sure you have your slot secure. You will be exposed to the culture and the way of life of a Rastafari. The folks here make their own musical instruments, particularly the drums. Spending some time here will help you see a new perspective.
Rastafari Indigenous Village
Address: Montego River Gardens, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Rastafari Indigenous Village
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 1pm; Tue: 10am - 1pm; Thu 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri)
16. Take a refreshing bamboo river raft ride with Island Routes Adventure Tours
Riding on a bamboo raft while traversing a calm river can be one of the most thrilling yet calming adventures you can have. The folks at the Island Routes Adventure Tours will be able to make the experience even more enjoyable for you. There are also a lot of choices and tour packages that Island Routes Adventure Tours offers. Be sure to book your chosen adventure ahead of time. The team will surely make your stay at Montego Bay one of the most memorable of adventures.
Island Routes Adventure Tours
Website: Island Routes Adventure Tours
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
17. Catch curious history at Barnett Estate Plantation
Bellefield Great House captures the essence of Jamaica’s plantation-rich history: expansive views, tropical gardens, and...
Posted by JCAL Tours on Tuesday, 15 November 2016
The Barnett Estate Plantation tour will give you a glimpse into how one of the richest families in the history of Montego Bay lived. There is a host of trivia that’s colorfully shared by the guides here, too. Aside from the history, the mansion itself is perched above the sea and offers a beautiful view of Montego Bay. There is also an option to take a jitney ride and explore the 300-acre (121.4 hectares) farm. You can explore the various areas still used as farmland. Worth stopping by and keeping it as part of your adventure.
Barnett Estate Plantation
Address: Barnett Estate, Bellfield, (Off the Fairfield Main Road), Montego Bay, Jamaica
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
18. Revisit an intriguing past at Rose Hall Great House (from USD 30.0)
History lends an interesting turn at the Rose Hall Great House. It not only gives you a taste of the roots of Montego Bay but also includes a ghost story. The Rose Hall Great House is also a popular tourist spot with its gardens featuring most of the local flora and fauna. Please note that you do need to book ahead if you’re planning to include this as an interesting chapter in your vacation. You might bump into the ghost of Annee Palmer, the White Witch of Rose Hall.
Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House & Garden Tour Ticket
Duration: 1 hour
19. Admire local art at Hip Strip art galleries
Posted by Montego Bay Hip Strip on Sunday, 2 September 2018
The vibe, energy, and spirit of Montego Bay is reflected in the artworks seen at Hip Strip. You can take a look at the shops there and you’ll likely find a good souvenir. There are also nearby food stalls that serve delicious street food fare uniquely Jamaican. There are also clubs and restaurants along the area where you can enjoy singing and dancing that rocks the beach ambiance. Absolutely a corner in the Jamaican sun that you need to check out to complete your vacation.
Hip Strip
Address: Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Jamaica
20. Shop for gifts and souvenirs at Fairview Shopping Center
Going home after a fantastic vacation at Montego Bay would also mean having some souvenirs and surprises for dear friends and family. The Fairview Shopping Center will have these available for you. Their range of stores also covers the most basic services that tourists will find very convenient. There are popular brands should you need basic necessities or fill up a prescription. If you’re also missing fast food meals, this is the right place to go to.
Fairview Shopping Center
Address: Alice Eldemire Drive, Montego Freeport, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
21. Explore diving spots at Montego Bay (from USD 211.0)
This is the perfect opportunity to learn scuba diving and at the same time, see the treasure of underwater life at Montego Bay. The scuba diving package is complete and readily available for nature enthusiasts. All staff are professionals in the field of scuba diving and will share their techniques and know-how so you can enjoy your adventure. It’s best to plan ahead and make sure you’ve got all the things you need, including the spot for your lessons. If you already are an experienced scuba diver, you’ll definitely be assisted by the Montego Bay team on where the best dive spots are.
Discover Scuba Diving in Montego Bay
Duration: 3 hours
22. Dine on spicy Jamaican delicacies at The Pelican Grill
This Sunday try our Breast of Chicken stuffed with herbed vegetables & cream cheese served with garlic roasted potatoes and vegetable medley
Posted by The Pelican Grill Montego Bay on Saturday, 11 May 2019
The Pelican Grill is popularly known for its excellent Jamaican cuisine. You can be sure that you’ll have the best dining experience here and be able to catch the flavors that make Jamaica jump out of the culinary field. They can accommodate romantic dinners for two, or you can have a celebration for a large group. Just book ahead and let the staff know of how you’d like the occasion to be. The venue is also popular for its close proximity with the other popular places that are top picks for travelers. They also have menus if you want to explore how the folks at The Pelican Grill are passionate about their craft.
The Pelican Grill
Address: Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: The Pelican Grill
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
23. Enjoy great music and good food at Pier One
Posted by Pier One Montego Bay on Friday, 25 January 2019
Imagine dancing to the music at an open-air venue with cool breeze brushing past. This is how you’ll be spending your time at Pier One. They have special events year-round that showcase the local talent. This can be a live band, stand-up comedian, or dance groups. The venue is located on a peninsula overlooking the sea. A definite plus to have a great time and party. It’s also known for serving a wide variety of seafood dishes and local favorites, too. Definitely a must-go-to category in your itinerary.
Pier One
Address: Howard Cooke Blvd, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Pier One
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
24. Go flyboarding at Montego Bay (from USD 52.0)
Thrill-seekers will find flyboarding one of the most exhilarating adventures around. You are propelled in the air and enabled to do hover, twist or somersault in the air. The flyboarding team will gladly give you lessons and tips on how to get the techniques. No worries at all if it’s your first time. Most of all, there are multiple time slots available so you can easily book this as part of your vacation itinerary. Have a blast!
Flyboard Activity from Montego Bay
Duration: 35 minutes
25. Relish amazing Jamaican food
Posted by Peppa's Cool Spot on Monday, 23 May 2016
Get to enjoy and mingle with Chef Peppa at his restaurant. Peppa’s is known as the ‘Cool Spot’ among the locals and it finds immense popularity due to the deliciously prepared dishes. He’ll also be able to share stories and details about Montego Bay that’s as interesting and spicy as the cuisine. You’d immediately know that the food was prepared passionately by Peppa. Something to look forward to as part of your vacation.
Peppa's
Address: Ramparts Close, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Website: Peppa’s
Opening hours: 11am - 1am (daily)
Fun and fascinating things to do in Montego Bay
These are only some of the activities you can do at Montego Bay, Jamaica. You’ll never run out of choices that all members of your family will enjoy. There is adventure out there for thrill-seekers like you. Should you choose Montego Bay as the venue for celebrations, you can be sure to have a memorable time that would have stories of it told and retold fondly. The carefree and welcoming spirit of Jamaicans mirrors how the beauty of Montego Bay nurtures their way of life. Better make a plan now for a wonderful trip.
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