Guide to Montego Bay

"For a full on carnival-style atmosphere with pulsing reggae beats against a backdrop of breathtaking beaches, come and join the party at Montego Bay."

Montego Bay, or MoBay as it's more commonly known, is where the majority of the island's visitors head for. As Jamaica's second city there's plenty to do, although the majority of the activities involve the stunning beaches. Just off the coast there's ten square miles of coral reef, giving both divers and snorkellers a wealth of colourful marine life to discover. There are also all the usual watersports you would expect to find in a big resort including jet skiing, windsurfing and water skiing. Away from the water, the main resort area – or hip strip - is packed with hotels‚ shops‚ bars and restaurants. The whole place vibrates to the sound of reggae and lively locals all vie for custom - be it enticing you to eat in their restaurant, braid your hair, or getting you to buy a few souvenirs. True reggae fans visit in July during the popular Sumfest, when locals and visitors alike party for three days solid. Those of you who prefer more sedate activities can play a few rounds at one of MoBay's four golf courses. Or for something more mysterious visit Rose Hall, one of the island's finest plantation houses, which is reportedly still haunted by its former owner – the infamous White Witch. Alternatively, an outing every visitor is guaranteed to enjoy is river rafting. We're not talking the high-speed white water variety but the more gentle style punting along the water, on a handcrafted bamboo raft at a very tranquil pace. Choose to raft on either Martha Brae or Lethe's Great River, either way you'll get to see some great scenery and find it a thoroughly relaxing experience. Proving that while MoBay loves to party, thriving on a potent cocktail of reggae and rum punch, it still knows how to chill out.

Find the cheapest late deals to Montego Bay leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Montego Bay hotels and apartments

Rose Hall Resort And Country Club

Coyaba

Sunset Beach Resort And Spa

Montego Bay hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Montego Bay include Coyaba, Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort And Spa, Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, Rose Hall Resort And Country Club, Royal Decameron Montego Beach and Sunset Beach Resort And Spa.

More Jamaica holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Jamaica? Our Jamaica holiday destinations include Falmouth, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay.

Beaches

All the central beaches offer good swimming and golden sands (small cover charge). Stroll along and visit Doctor's Cave bathing beach, famed since the 1920's for its therapeutic waters, and Cornwall beach offers a true Jamaican feel with a small bar and reggae music.

Eating out

In the evenings, start the night in one of the local bars and follow with a meal in one of the many restaurants - often free pick-up to and from your hotel is provided.

Nightlife

In the evening choose from an array of bars and clubs. Margaretville's triples up as a bar, restaurant and nightclub. Then you could always check out The Brewery and Pier One, both offering good food, drinks and music. The Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge is also a good choice and presents live entertainment whilst providing slot machines for that harmless holiday flutter.

Shopping

Take a trip down Gloucester Road - known as the Hip Strip - where you can find various souvenir shops, duty free goods and local crafts at every turn. The Half Moon centre also offers a choice of souvenirs and holiday gifts to take home and remind you of your time in this wonderful resort. However, if you really do wish to shop until you drop then wander through the streets of the town centre and take your pick of the various shops, selling everything from clothes to local treats.

Local information

At the end of July Montego Bay goes crazy for the Sumfest festival where reggae music will keep you partying for three days. There are also some great activities for the more adventurous, such as quad biking and water rafting. If you prefer something a bit more mysterious visit the Rose Hall Guest House which is believed, in local circles, to be haunted by Annie Palmer, the white witch! If you feel like you need something a bit more calming than all of this then don't worry as the Rockland's Bird Sanctuary will allow you to unwind in peace.