Montego Bay

Travel Guide
Montego Bay featuring tropical scenes and general coastal views
This Caribbean city offers the essential vacation ingredients: white-sand beaches, a rich history and a relaxed pace.

Relaxation is one of the top reasons why visitors come to Montego Bay, and the beautiful beaches here offer the perfect place to indulge in nothing but enjoying the glorious Jamaica weather. The beaches have white sand, clear water and coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling just 300 feet (92 meters) from the shoreline. Order cocktails from the beach bar and have them delivered to your rented lounge chair. The locals operate on “Jamaican time,” which means that service might sometimes be slow but it will always be friendly. Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach are the city’s major draws, offering calm water and white sand. For adventure, try wave running, jet skiing and scuba diving, all of which can be done at the city’s main beaches. Aquasol Theme Park also offers a range of watersports, plus go-kart racing and tennis, making it an ideal place for families. Elsewhere, local crafts markets and grand colonial architecture provide a glimpse of Jamaican culture, both past and present. Jamaica became a British colony in 1655, and slavery was introduced on sugar plantations soon after. At Rose Hall Great House you’ll get a glimpse of Montego Bay’s part in the country’s history of slavery. The plantation house was built in the 1770s and one of its former residents, Annie Palmer, referred to as the White Witch of Rose Hall, is said to haunt the home still. Explore Sam Sharpe Square, the heart of the city. A bronze monument commemorates Sam Sharpe, the 19th-century Baptist minister who led a major rebellion that contributed to the end of slavery in the area. Today, he is considered a national hero. The cobblestone square is full of beautiful colonial architecture and is great for people-watching. Restaurants and cafés line the major downtown thoroughfares of St. James Street and Market streets. Enjoy seafood brought fresh from the nearby Caribbean Sea, or try a dish seasoned with jerk spice, a Jamaican speciality. Montego Bay is a quaint city on the Caribbean Sea, about three hours by car from Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Pristine beaches, friendly locals and a rich culture make it a popular, family-friendly destination year-round.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in Montego Bay page.

Where to stay in Montego Bay

Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive
Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
Rose Hall, St. James, Montego Bay, Saint James
The price is $207 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
$207
per night
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (1,780 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly, beautiful scenery, nice and helpful staff, good food and entertainment"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2023

Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay All-Inclusive
Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
Mahoe Bay, Ironshore, Montego Bay, Saint James
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,373 reviews)
"I have stayed at RIU’s in the past but this was my first time in Jamaica. I really like that cleanliness is important. You never see trash or anything laying around. If there is a mess or accident it is attended to immediately. I also like the food options. The menu is built around the country you ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2023

Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Hilton Rose Hall an All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton Rose Hall an All-Inclusive Resort
4.5 out of 5
Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Saint James
The price is $369 per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$369
per night
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,750 reviews)
"Fabulous!"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2023

Hilton Rose Hall an All-Inclusive Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Celebrity Villa Jamaica
Celebrity Villa Jamaica
3.5 out of 5
451 Lambert St, Ironshore, Montego Bay, Saint James
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly villa in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
6.8/10 (25 reviews)
Villa Guest House in Ironshore
"Overnight only but this place is definitely good for large family groups cuz U have the whole house. TV's need adjustment so they can be viewed by guests. Info sheet by TV's could help... very pleasant quiet neighborhood & great view of the sea & Sandals sea huts in the far distance. Kitchen available ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2023

Celebrity Villa Jamaica
Lawrence Pool House
Lawrence Pool House
3.5 out of 5
232 Bratton Ave, Montego Bay, St. James Parish
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Montego Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Whitter Village and Blue Diamond Shopping ...
6.6/10 (41 reviews)
"It was beautiful but hot water was not hot"

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2023

Lawrence Pool House
Beautiful gated spacious condo 5 minute walk to beach, restaurants and Hip Strip
Beautiful gated spacious condo 5 minute walk to beach, restaurants and Hip Strip
Montego Bay
Stay at this apartment in Montego Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a balcony or patio. Popular attractions Aquasol Beach Park and Doctor's Cave Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Amazing!
"We made a last-minute booking, and Suzanne was very accommodating. The check-in process went smoothly, thanks to her clear instructions. Whenever we needed anything, Suzanne responded promptly. The apartment was clean and nicely decorated, with all the amenities listed. It's conveniently located ..."

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2023

Beautiful gated spacious condo 5 minute walk to beach, restaurants and Hip Strip
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Montego Bay

There are various ways of getting around Montego Bay and the surrounding area, but traveling by taxi is by far the simplest. The distances you will need to cover are fairly small, so you shouldn’t end up spending too much money. Do make sure, though, that if your taxi has a meter it is recording a reasonable price. For non-metered taxis, always negotiate a price before you get into the vehicle. Visit the Port Authority of Jamaica website.Browse Montego Bay rental cars.

Best time to visit

Like all of Jamaica, Montego Bay will be hot and sunny no matter when you visit. There are slight fluctuations in temperature throughout the year, but you will never need more than a T-shirt and shorts. Despite the fairly consistent weather, high season is generally confind to mid December to mid April. Try to visit outside these months to benefit from lower hotel prices and more peaceful beaches.

Popular places to visit

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Montego Bay

Cities near Montego Bay