Montego Bay

Christopher Columbus sailed into the bay in 1494 and named it "El Golfo de Buen Tiempo" or Fair Weather Bay. The first record of a Spanish settlement here shows it as Monterias. The Spaniards hunted the herds of wild hogs that used to roam the hills and produced and exported 'hog butter' or lard. The name Montego derives from the Spanish "manteca" meaning lard, and Montego Bay is shown on some ancient maps as Lard Bay, or Bahia de Manteca in Spanish.
Due in part to its location on the island's north shore, Montego Bay has long since earned the title of 'tourist capital of Jamaica.' It receives the bulk of international flights, and is home to Sangster International Airport, the larger of Jamaica's two main international airports. It is a tourist destination known for its duty-free shopping, cruise line terminal, and the sheltered Doctor's Cave beach with clear turquoise waters, which is one of the most famous beaches on the island.

By plane

• Sangster International Airport

  address: Montego Bay

By boat

Montego Freeport, built in the 1960s on what was called the Bogue Islands, is the port of Montego Bay. The Montego Freeport terminal consists of five primary berths two of which are dedicated exclusively for cruise shipping. There is a telecommunications centre for cruise passengers (and crew), snack and refreshment stand.
Transportation is available from the terminal building, supervised by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which also maintains a visitor information booth. Montego Freeport is about 3 km south of town. Taxis to downtown MoBay cost about US$10. Shuttle bus service from the cruise ship pier to downtown City Centre Shopping Mall for US$2 per person each way.

By foot

Gloucester Avenue-which is lined with tourist hotels, shops, and restaurants-has sidewalks on both sides and is best visited on foot. Aside from this road, walking may be considerably less safe.

By bus, taxi

Buses, minibuses and route taxis arrive and depart from the transportation station off Barnett St at the south end of St James St. There’s an inspector’s office (7AM-6PM) inside the gate where you can ask for the departure point of the bus you’re seeking.
Montego Bay Metro (952-5500; 19A Union St) is the municipal bus service (around J$100). Montego Bay Metro now operates three routes: Greenwood to City Centre; Sandy Bay to City Centre; and Cambridge to City Centre.
Taxis are readily available, but as with all cities be aware that some drivers will be less honest or reliable than others. follow your instincts; never get into an unmarked car with someone who offers you a ride, and stick with taxi services you recognize. Your hotel can suggest trustworthy drivers. Reliable driver (as used by the Bird's Nest and Five Gable include Frankly (local phone 581 5712) and Smith (local phone 787 7889)
Another very common way of getting anywhere outside the vicinity of your hotel is by tour van. If you book a tour to the falls or the canopy, the driver will usually pick you up at your hotel. For more on tours, check the Do section below.

• The Centerstage Theatre

  phone: +1 876-968-7529
  address: Dominica Dr. New Kingston
  Small but cozy. Family-oriented musicals in patois.

• Cornwall Beach

  phone: +1 876 952-3463
  Snorkeling, swimming, and other fun beach activities.

• Doctor's Cave Beach

  phone: +1 876 952-2566
  address: Gloucester Ave
  The water is crystal clear and snorkeling is available. It can get a bit crowded during busy season, but its still a great place to go for the family.

• Dunn’s River Falls & Park

  phone: +1 876 974-2857
  address: Ochos Rios, Jamaica, W.I.
  Dunn's River Falls & Park comes to mind which is in Ochos Rios that is about two hours from Montego Bay by taxi cab. There are four rivers combined into one unending flow of rapid descent that drains directly into the Caribbean Sea. Adventurous tourist can climb the falls by forming a human chain led by an experienced Dunn’s river falls guide.

• John Halls Montego Bay Adventure TourThorough and thrilling tour of Jamaica's beauty and culture.

• KiteBoarding Jamaica

  phone: +1 876-583-2255
  address: Bounty Bay, Trelawny
  Jamaica's only Kite surfing center, great kite surfing on the Caribbean sea, suitable for all levels.

• Montego Bay Sea Trek Adventure

  address: Doctor's Cave Beach
  Underwater adventures on the ocean floor.

• Walter Fletcher Beach

  phone: +1 876 979-9447
  Swimming, boat rides, and other beachtime fun.

• Chukka Caribbean Adventures

• Mayfield FallsMayfield Falls is the less-touristy option and much calmer than Dunn's Falls. They are a 1,5hr drive south-west from MoBay. For an entrance fee of $15 local guides offer 1,5hr tours where you climb up the falls and return on a short trek. The tour includes jumping in pools, diving through tunnels and climbing stones. Jumping from a high tree might also be possible. You might ask your guide for a unofficial "nature tour" which takes you 2hrs up the falls through fields (maybe ganja as well) and means climbing the falls down. With driving there you will also have the chance to see rural life on Jamaica as you pass through little farmer villages.

Jamaican Taxi Tours

Jamaican Taxi Tours provide professional and licensed drivers who can take you to the desired destination and sightseeing tour comfortably and safely. Our tours are ideal for every traveler, covering various interests such as archaeology, history, culture, religion and the best aspect of Jamaica in the most relaxing and exciting way.

Travel Around Jamaica Tours

Travel Around Jamaica Tours is a Montego Bay, Jamaica based private airport transfer and tour company, which offers private airport transfers to all hotels, resorts and villas in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. As well as private transfers to popular tourist destinations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril.

Tours

• Dreamer Catamaran Cruises

  phone: +1 876 979-0102
  address: Rapsody Tours, Charters & Cruise Limited, Gloucester Avenue
  The Dreamer Catamaran cruises are a great way to explore the Caribbean Ocean. On the Catamaran cruise, there is an opportunity for sight seeing, snorkeling, drinking, sun bathing. The staff is very friendly, helpful and patient, making sure new comers to snorkeling feel comfortable with their equipment and what to look for while exploring the sea. After snorkeling, alcohol is served on the catamaran, along with massages by the crewmemebers. The Dreamer Catamaran cruises are fun, safe, and a great experience.

All day, representatives from tour companies will stroll the beaches, offering parasailing, horseback riding, and a million other fun activities; if you're interested, keep your ears and eyes open for these guys, but remember to always play it safe and go with companies you recognize and trust. A lot can go wrong during these activities if the people in charge don't know what they're doing!

• Rockland Bird SanctuaryEnjoy the many varieties of birds that make the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary a wonderful nature place. @ Rocklands Road, Wiltshire, Anchovy Montego Bay

• Montego Bay shopping center. You can find more reasonably priced souvenirs, and eat some real native Jamaican food. A traveler can find really great deals on gourmet coffee in which is produced right on the island, and Jamaican spices, art and scented body oils. You can get there by taxi or local shuttle.

Most restaurants also serve drinks. Try a tropical drink or grab a cold Red Stripe in the signature brown bottle, then relax and take in the scenery!

• Pier One Seafood

  phone: +1 876 952-2452
  address: Howard Cooke Blvd
  Open-air restaurant serving well-liked seafood and umbrella drinks with a great view of the bay.

• Evelyn's

  phone: +1 876 952 3280
  address: Whitehouse (near Sandals Montego Bay)
  Very reasonable prices, right on the beach, and the food is heavenly.

• Pork Pit

  phone: +1 876-952-3663
  address: 27 Gloucester Ave
  Right on the main strip in town, serving what some say is Jamaica's best jerk chicken and pork cooked over coals.

• Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville

  address: Gloucester Ave
  A tourist spot on the "hip strip" Gloucester Avenue, that is great for the whole family. Jamaica is known for their Jerk and Curry Chicken, which are both excellent here at Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville. They have entertainment, a hot tub, a 110 foot water slide that leads you into the ocean where there is also a water trampoline. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville also has a gift shop, with a wide variety of souvenirs including t-shirts, shorts, hats, shot glasses, key chains, etc. This is a great place to get away from the resorts, it is located about 15 minutes from the resort areas and is always a great place to grab a bite to eat. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is always a great reminder of home, and always has a sense of “home” even in other countries.

• Day-O Plantation Restaurant

  phone: +1 876-952-1825
  A favorite spot for romantic occasions, offering garden dining and Jamaican fusion cuisine.

• Belfield 1794Located in an old sugar mill and offering Jamaican favorites in an unusual setting.

• The Pelican Grill

  phone: +1-876-952-3171
  address: Gloucester Avenue Hip Strip

• Royal Stocks English Pub

  phone: +1 876 953-9770

Budget

• Bethel Court Guesthouse

  phone: +1 876-476-7239
  Mount Salem. Here you will have your own private furnished apartment.

• The Bird's Nest

  phone: +1 876-583-2255
  address: Patterson Avenue, Ironshore
  Jamaica's first and only sports orientated hostel. The Bird's Nest is run by passionate kite surfers.

• Caribic House

  address: 69 Gloucester Ave
  Hostel - very much budget accommodation. Great views of the beach from the third floor. Across the street from Doctor's Cave Beach. $35/night (double occupancy).

• Hotel Gloriana

  phone: +1 876 979-0669
  address: 1-2 Sunset Blvd
  A cheap place to sleep, with lovely staff, but the rooms are very basic. $30/night.

• Ridgeway Guest House

  address: 34 Queens Dr
  An inexpensive, well-liked guest house run by a very hospitable and helpful staff. $50/night.

• The Jamaica Grandiosa Resort

  phone: +1 876 979-3205
  address: 3 Ramparts Close
  Another budget option, with nice views and a friendly staff.

• Grand Palladium Resorts & Spa

  address: Lucea
  All Inclusive 3 Meals daily plus snacks and all drinks and house wines with meals included. Free activities (snorkeling, sailing, paddle boating) all of these activities are located on the beach adjacent to the Grand Palladium Resort. Lifeguard on duty.

• Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort

  phone: +1-877-834-3613

• Five Gables

  phone: +1 876-312-3472
  address: Lot 285 Fairview, Ironshore
  Five Gables is a hostel in a villa in the suburb of Ironshore. The house consist of multiple rooms with bathrooms, a kitchen and a huge community area. Outside, the property features a pool, a sun deck with bar, hammocks and chairs as well as a garden. It is closely associated with the bird's nest. Even if it appears fully booked on hostel world, call the owner Ian, he might let you camp in the garden or offers you another room right next door.

Mid-range

• Allspice Villa Bed & BreakfastNewly refurbished bed and breakfast villa overlooking Montego Bay, owned and managed by a young American couple. $125-200 per night.

• Doctors Cave Beach HotelA moderately priced hotel that is centrally located along Gloucester Avenue (called the Hip Strip). A well established alternative for those seeking a good value. $115-170/night.

• El Greco Resort

  address: P.O. Box 1624
  Popular resort village. Furnished one and two bedroom air-conditioned suites, just a elevator ride down to famous Doctors Cave beach.

• Royal DeCameron Resort

  phone: +1 876 952-4342
  Oceanview rooms and patio, includes all food and drinks (including international drinks and wine). 3 Beaches, and 2 pools. 1 Al a carte restaurant and 1 buffet.

• Rose Hall Resort & Spa, a Hilton Resort

  phone: +1 876-953-2650
  Rose Hall Road, Montego Bay. This island resort in Montego Bay was a legendary sugar plantation during the 18th century.

• Royal Reef Hotel in Montego Bay

  address: Greenwood P.O. Box 10 Falmouth, Trelawny
  The Royal Reef Hotel is a luxury hotel.

• Altamont West Hotel

  phone: +1 876 620-4540
  address: 33 Gloucester Ave

Splurge

• Half Moon Rose Hall

  phone: +1 876 953-2211
  address: Half Moon P.O., Rose Hall
  A large hotel with golf courses, spa facilities, a variety of vacation villas, and conference and meeting facilities.

• Riu Montego BayIronshore P.O, Rose Hall. Less than three miles from downtown Montego Bay, and 1.7 miles from the airport, it has a wide variety of activities and comfortable accommodations in a beautiful setting, including an on-site spa, entertainment by the pool and on the beach during the day and on stage at night. $400/night The Riu Montego Bay has a total of 5 bars and 5 restaurants. The restaurants include a Steak House, Italian Restaurant, Asian Restaurant, Main Restaurant and a pool-side buffet. There are 2 pool-side bars, and 2 inside the resort and 1 sports bar. The sports bar is open 24 hours with a mini-casino located right next door. There is always entertainment during the day at the pool area and at night, either in the entertainment area, or on the beach. The Riu Montego Bay is a great vacation spot for everybody.

• Silent Waters Villa

  phone: +1 847 304-4700
  address: River Road, Great River Private
  Luxury villa with nice views and good service. The 5 guest suites and the owner's villa can accommodate one group of up to 20. Tennis court, 2 pools, heliport, 14 staff.

• The Tryall Club

  phone: +1 876 956-5660
  address: Alice Eldemire Dr., Hanover Parish
  A splurge, but worth it. A world-renowned golf course designed by Ralph Plummer lies on this property, making the Tryall one of the premier golf destinations of the Caribbean. Each villa has a private pool along with personal staff that cater to your needs. Ots her amenities at the Tryall is a kids club, 9 tennis courts(four which are red clay), and a private beach.

While Montego Bay is a relatively safe city, normal precautions should be observed. Stay in groups, and stick to tourist areas. The rural areas are especially dangerous.

By Air

You can get domestic flights to Kingston's second airport Tinson Pen.
A weekly international service to Santiago de Cuba is also available, costing approximately US$400 (June 2012) with Air Jamaica Shuttle

By Bus

The Montego Bay Bus station, in downtown Montego Bay has buses serving most of the larger cities throughout the country including Black River, Ocho Rios, Spanish Town & Kingston.