Let’s answer the question, “What are the things to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica?”. Montego Bay (or “MoBay” as the locals call it) is Jamaica’s “Tourist Capital”. Every year many thousands of visitors spend their vacation here. It is located on Jamaica’s northwest coast and is the home of Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ). There is a wide range of attractions and activities to participate in that may interest you. Let’s begin.
Doctor’s Cave Beach Club
Doctor’s Cave Beach Club was founded in 1906. The water at this white-sand beach is translucent and is world-renowned for its mineral content. You’ll find a food court, a beach bar and a cyber cafe along the beach. It’s located between the Marine Park and the Hip Strip.
Rose Hall Great House
The Rose Hall Great House is the eighteenth-century Colonial home of Annie Palmer, a.k.a. “The White Witch of Rose Hall”. Although she died over a century ago, her memories linger on. The name Annie Palmer still evokes memories of her evil reign as the wicked mistress of the Rose Hall Great House.
The mansion has been renovated and is open to visitors. You may even visit a pub (located in the estate’s dungeons) after touring the mansion.
Things To Do In Montego Bay – Golf
You may not be aware but Montego Bay is a great destination for golfers. As a matter of fact, there are four legendary courses within easy driving distance of Montego Bay.
Let’s start with the Half Moon Golf, Tennis, and Beach Club. It’s included in Jack Nicklaus’ list of “Great Golf Resorts of the World.” In addition, it has gained much respect for its par-72 course.
Located nearby is another par-72 course, the Tryall Club. It has been hosted the Johnnie Walker World Championship. Golfers love the Tryall Club and return yearly in part because of the luxurious accommodations.
In Rose Hall (about 15 minutes drive east of Montego Bay) lies The White Witch Golf Course course at the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort. (It’s the newest golf course in Jamaica.) The course is challenging but the views from this par-71, 6,859-yard golf course are simply spectacular. The 150-foot drop at the ninth hole makes it a high point of the course.
Cinnamon Hill (formerly Three Palms) is now one of the top golf courses in the Caribbean. It’s situated on a former 400-acre sugar plantation. Along the way, you’ll see aqueducts and ruins of the old sugar mill. What a way to enjoy a round of golf!
Snorkeling
You can experience some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean just below the waves in Montego Bay. You’ll enter a vibrant world teeming with brightly colored fish that almost seem to welcome you to their habitat.
However, please use waterproof sunscreen, especially on your back. You can still get sunburned through the crystal clear water because the sun’s rays can still reach you. Don’t ruin your fascination of the underwater scenery with a sunburn.
Also, be sure to bring an underwater camera to preserve your memories of those many Kodak moments you’re sure to encounter. With the abundance of beautiful, exotic fish and ornate coral reefs, you’re sure to capture some beautiful photos!
River Rafting – River Tubing
Another of the things to do in Montego Bay, Jamaica is to visit a river. It doesn’t matter if you want a leisurely rafting trip down a lazy meandering river… or take a dip in a mineral pool… or experience the adrenaline rush of a fast-paced Jamaican river… because it’s all here.
Why not take a half-day rafting trip into unspoiled Jamaican rainforests with experienced international guides? Your safety will be of paramount importance and some trips are open to children as young as 4 years old.
Take a Sunset Cruise – Go For a Midnight Sail
You may opt to go for a cruise around Montego Bay. It matters not if your sailing style is a luxury yacht, or you prefer sailing aboard an old wooden sailing ship (kind of like a pirate).
Enjoy an unforgettable cruise complete with a mesmerizing Montego Bay sunset. (Dinner may be included in your cruise.)
For something else that words just fail to describe, you have to visit the “glistening waters” of the Luminous Lagoon near Falmouth. Millions of microscopic organisms produce a bioluminescent show visible nightly. Phosphorescent light is emitted by the organisms when the water is agitated. Watch and be amazed as the waters glow eerily in the dark by fishes darting about… You just got to see it!
Go Shopping For Arts & Crafts
Visit the Gallery of West Indian Art on Fairfield Road and purchase original works of art. They specialize in Haitian Art, Cuban Art, and Jamaican Art and have been in the business for over 40 years. In addition, there are exquisite carvings and handmade pottery. Of course, feel free to browse other nearby galleries and see what you’ll discover.
Before you leave check out the Crafts Market on Market Street. Grab a wonderful memento or two to remind you of your vacation (while also supporting the local economy). Bargaining with the vendors is expected… consider it a part of the fun!
A few more things to do in Montego Bay
- go sailing in a glass-bottom boat
- go parasailing
- take a bike tour
- go scuba diving
- rent a jet ski
- try an ATV off-road adventure
- visit a bird sanctuary