Montego Bay Marine Park

Love the ocean and want to see the best of the Caribbean? Head out for a day trip to Montego Bay Marine Park, the perfect place for a family adventure. This huge site includes more than 20km of beautiful coastline and is teeming with marine life.

About the Montego Bay Marine Park

This stunning marine park is home to coral reefs, mangroves, and glorious beaches; it's an important site of scientific research as well as a fabulous attraction. If you're a nature lover and interested in the environment, this will tick all the boxes.

Snorkelling

If you're looking for an unforgettable family day out where everyone can get up and close with Caribbean nature and wildlife, don't miss the Montego Bay Marine Park. It's ablaze with awesome colours and tropical marine life that exist just below the surface. Enjoy the stunning sights of the nine-square-mile colourful coast, rich with vibrant flora and fauna. Just over an hour's drive along the coast is the conservation area that aims to protect the local coral reefs, sea life and mangroves through strict environmental regulations.

Scuba diving

If you want some serious adventure, try your hand at scuba diving and delve deeper into the phenomenal underwater world. You'll find numerous PADI-approved scuba diving centres in Montego Bay, where you'll be able to book diving trips; these will be suitable for beginners and intermediate or advanced divers.

How to get around

You can explore the park either by canoe or on a catamaran. Sail across the clear waves to stop off at popular snorkelling areas, where you can see the beautiful turtles and lively fish flashing about in the water. This is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences of your holiday in the Caribbean, and the kids will love trying to spot Nemo!

Getting to the Montego Bay Marine Park

The Montego Bay Marine Park is just a few hundred metres from the quirkily-named Dump-Up Beach, Events Park and the Transport Centre; plus it's only a short journey from most hotels in the area. So, it's easy and quick to get to for a day's relaxation and fun.

Practical information

The Montego Bay Marine Park and visitor centre is free to enter during normal working hours (Monday to Friday).

Other attractions

The Aqua Sol Theme Park

Just to the north of the Montego Bay Marine Park is the Aqua Sol Theme Park, a fantastic family attraction, which has everything from tennis courts, a go-kart racing track, water sports facilities and beach sports. Whether you'd prefer to sunbathe on the beach, read a book, or dive straight into the emerald water, the choice is yours. You'll find a children's playground, a well-equipped gym, and games sets such as Ludo, Draughts and Dominoes, which you're welcome to use free of charge. If you're looking for a great souvenir to take home with you, visit the arts and crafts store or the gift shop. You can also have some snacks and light refreshments at the snack bar, while you take a break from the sand or the sea.

Rose Hall

If you're a history buff, you won't want to miss this after you visit the Montego Bay Marine Park. Drop-in at the beautiful 18th-century mansion of Rose Hall, which is perhaps the most famous plantation house in Jamaica and is allegedly haunted by the White Witch! It's about 16km or a 25-minute journey from Montego Bay, so you can easily spend a morning or afternoon here, or all day if you prefer. Have a wander through its picturesque grounds, and see the impressive interior with its traditional Georgian décor and furnishings. You can visit Rose Hall at night, where you'll step into the spooky world of Annie Palmer, who's known as the White Witch; although this isn't for the faint-hearted! You may find it better to visit during the day, when you'll be able to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of this area.

The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

Thousands of Jamaican and migratory birds flock to the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary every year, which includes a beautiful garden with a delightful cottage. In Anchovy, a little to the west of Montego Bay, this wonderful natural attraction is renowned for its hummingbirds. The best time to see them is in the afternoon when you'll be able to hold them on your fingers. If you enjoyed visiting the Montego Bay Marine Park, you'll love this too.