Montego Bay is the place to be if you love tropical beaches where golden sand is fringed by swaying palm trees and lapped by the blue Caribbean Sea. With the sociable rhythm of reggae music spilling from bars, wonderful plantation houses that are full of history, and beautifully designed golf courses with superb sea views, you'll be amazed at the variety of things to do in Montego Bay. Think of everything you know about the country and you're probably picturing this destination already! This lively resort town is the perfect place for a relaxing beach or golf holiday with a generous helping of local culture, from the shops and bars of the Hip Strip to the chance to take the world-famous Bob Marley Experience tour.
Top things to do in Montego Bay
We've put together a list of the top things to do in Montego Bay. So whether you're a nature lover or have the kids with you, love a good fright or want to know more about the history of this fabulous place, here's our choice of the top picks.
The Montego Bay Hip Strip
If nightlife is at the top of your list of things to do in Montego Bay, then head to the Hip Strip, where you'll find a generous mix of restaurants and bars playing live music. Dive into some traditional Jamaican culture, order a cocktail with fresh tropical fruits, and try the island's famous jerk chicken dishes. This is the Caribbean at its most vibrant.
The Rose Hall Great House
- The night tour: Visit the house that is allegedly haunted by the woman known as the White Witch, Annie Palmer. Nothing is more atmospheric and as exciting as a spooky night tour, although be warned, it will be scary! It might seem strange to include something like this on your list of things to do in Montego Bay, but if you're looking for an experience you'll never forget, this will certainly tick the box.
- The day tour: Alternatively, if you'd prefer to simply enjoy the picturesque gardens and explore the Rose Hall Great House's beautiful Georgian interior, it's better to visit during the daytime. This huge estate, refurbished in the 1960s, was also the home of Johnny Cash, one of America's best-selling country music artists, and you can even book a Johnny Cash Great House tour to learn more about his life.
The Bob Marley Experience
You could certainly argue that no visit to this part of Jamaica would be complete without visiting the home of one of the island's most famous icons. The Bob Marley Experience is dedicated to the legendary reggae artist, who was born in the village of Nine Mile in 1945 and spent most of his childhood here. It's one of the most popular things to do in Montego Bay, as you might expect. Travel through lush tropical forestry and picturesque market towns before you reach the village, where you'll be able to see Bob Marley's childhood home. Visit the mausoleum, where the musician was laid to rest, and see Marley's old recording studio, where you'll find all sorts of memorabilia and other personal items. The attraction is still run by members of Bob Marley's family today.
The Montego Bay Marine Park
Visit this stunning tropical oasis with pristine sandy beaches and thriving marine life. See its breathtaking coral reefs and mangroves, and if you're up for an adrenaline rush, book a diving session with one of the local PADI-approved scuba diving schools. One of the most unforgettable things to do in Montego Bay.
The Martha Brae Rafting Village
Relax and unwind on the incredible Martha Brae Rafting and Luminous Lagoon Tour, where you'll raft on the beautiful Martha Brae River with an experienced guide. You'll visit to Miss Martha's Herb Garden, where you'll learn about Jamaica's prized herbs and their role in healing and medicine. The tour also includes a complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off, and finishes with a fantastic Jamaican beach party.
Dunn's River Falls
If you're happy to head further afield, visit Dunn's River Falls, one of the great natural wonders of the Caribbean. 180 metres long, it's reachable via quite a lengthy hike, which typically takes between an hour and an hour and a half, although many walkers create hand-held chains to make the climb easier. It's a great way to make new friends, too! Make the effort to go on this trek because once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the dramatic falls that plunge straight into the sea. From waterfalls to rafting, music to ghost tours, you'll find plenty of memorable things to do in Montego Bay and other areas of Jamaica.
