If you’re dreaming of an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation, Montego Bay should be at the top of your list of destinations! Located on Jamaica’s north coast, the city boasts beautiful white sand beaches and clear turquoise water. Plus, there’s a coral reef only 300 feet off the shoreline that everyone from amateur to experienced snorkelers can visit. The high season is from mid-December to April, but the climate is hot and sunny year-round. Another bonus? You can catch a nonstop flight from almost any major U.S. city, including New York, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, and D.C.
As a travel specialist, I’ve been lucky to visit Montego Bay many times and love sending couples and families there! With all-inclusive resorts and plenty of things to do, it’s no secret why it’s become such a popular destination. Today, I’m sharing the best things to do in Montego Bay so you can make the most out of your trip. Whether you’re considering this destination or you’ve already booked your ticket, you won’t want to miss this guide to the city’s top attractions.
What to Do in Montego Bay
Hike to Dunn’s River Falls
Dunn’s River Falls is one of Montego Bay’s most popular day tour attractions! Located in Ocho Rios, it’s a two-hour drive from the city. Once there, you can hike up the 180-foot-high cascading waterfall, which takes about 1.5 hours. The natural swimming pools along the route offer places to stop, have a snack, and enjoy the scenery. You also have a choice between “wet climbing” (hiking directly up the waterfall) or “dry climbing” (hiking along the adjacent trail).
Take a Catamaran Tour
This activity is the best way to explore the area around Montego Bay! Most catamaran cruises also make stops for snorkeling and swimming. It’s a perfect opportunity to cool off in the ocean and spot the native wildlife.
Raft Down the Martha Brae River
The Martha Brae River is a three-mile-long body of water running through Montego Bay’s lush jungle. You can rent a traditional bamboo raft to enjoy a relaxing afternoon floating down the river and soaking up the tropical sunshine!
Do a Rum Tasting
If you want to taste authentic Jamaican rum, I recommend touring the Appleton Estate or Hampden Estate. The latter tour begins with a 40-minute drive through the sugarcane fields and then goes into a guided tour of the working distillery. It concludes with an authentic Jamaican lunch paired with a rum flight! The Appleton Estate tour is similar, featuring a distillery tour, lunch, and tasting of ten different rums.
Hit the Beach
If you’ve come to Montego Bay, you’re probably a beach lover (I can relate!). The area boasts several world-class beaches, but Doctor’s Cave Beach and Cornwall Beach are the best.
Doctor’s Cave is five miles of pure white sand and is the most popular beach in Montego Bay. Most beachside hotels offer their guests free access, but all non-patrons must pay a $7-$10 fee per person for entry. It’s an additional $7 fee for every chair and umbrella you bring. Spots fill up quickly during the high season, so get there early! Don’t forget cash to purchase food and drinks on the beach (that way, you can stay as long as you like and won’t lose your spot!).
Cornwall Beach is a smaller area than Doctor’s Cave, so it can get crowded when cruise ships are there. However, it offers a beautiful and clean place to relax most days. The admission fee is $5 per adult and $3 per child.
Where to Stay in Montego Bay
The Secrets portfolio offers several all-inclusive luxury stays in Montego Bay, including Secrets St. James, Secrets Wild Orchid, and Breathless. All three resorts are adults-only and share the same property with gorgeous mountain views. It’s a great place to have your destination wedding or take your next romantic getaway. You’ll enjoy the resort’s relaxing island atmosphere with access to the party vibe at Breathless if you’re a Preferred Club guest (think DJ at the pool all day and night!). Another perk? The resort is just a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Are you considering a Montego Bay destination wedding? Get inspiration from Brooke and Lesley’s intimate wedding at Secrets Wild Orchid.
Bridie Travel is here to serve you, whether you’re getting ready to tie the knot, honeymoon, or take a much-needed vacation. I know the stresses of everyday life are enough without planning an international trip on top of that! With my connections, insider tips, and experience, I’ll facilitate the dreamy escape you’ve fantasized about. All you have to do is step on the airplane! Let’s get started.
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