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Plan Your Trip to Montego Bay: Best of Montego Bay Tourism

Montego Bay, Jamaica

While this Jamaican spring break favourite is great for party animals, it can also be surprisingly low-key. Montego Bay has excellent duty-free shopping, high-energy nightlife, and stunning beaches with clear, calm waters and bright white sand. You can browse the “Hip Strip” shops for handmade souvenirs, feed hummingbirds at Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, or chow down jerk chicken under a thatched roof. Water sports are another Montego Bay mainstay—the underwater crevices of Widowmaker’s Cave offer one of the best diving experiences on the island. If that sounds intimidating, opt instead to float serenely down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, and let your troubles melt away under the sun.

Essential Montego Bay

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How to do Montego Bay in 2 days

Luminescent lagoons, catamaran cruises, and beachfront bites
Read on

A cruise guide to one day in Montego Bay

If you’ve booked a Caribbean cruise, chances are Montego Bay is on the itinerary. The colourful city—locally known as MoBay—straddles the northwestern coast and is one of Jamaica’s most popular areas. These recommendations will help you make the most of your time because there is a lot to see. Spoiler alert: Don’t miss the best jerk on the island.
Nasha Smith, Gros Islet, St. Lucia
  • Hip Strip
    869
    The Strip is MoBay’s buzzy main artery, dotted with restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs. One of the high points is its walkability. Meander along the wide ribbon of road and pick up a memento along the way. It’s also never too early to savour an authentic Jamaican beef patty from one of the stalls and wash it down with a Red Stripe beer.
  • Doctor's Cave Beach
    2,387
    It’s almost impossible to visit a Caribbean island without spending some time at the beach, and Doctor’s Cave is certainly worth the trip. The beach—with its shell-hued, powdery sand, and gin-clear water in various shades of blue—is believed to have healing properties. The folklore draws the crowds, so brace yourself. But there’s room for everyone, not to mention great snorkelling. Tip: Bring cash as there’s a small entry fee.
  • Montego Bay Cultural Center
    16
    I always try to maximise my time on short trips, and this stop does just that. The cultural centre sits on Sam Sharpe Square, a historical site named after one of Jamaica’s national heroes. It adds a contemporary layer to the island’s rich past, and the museum narrates the story of western Jamaica through artifacts, photographs, and displays. The pièce de résistance is an exhibition featuring works by Jamaican artists from Kingston’s National Gallery.
  • Martha Brae River
    1,964
    I’m not a swimmer, so, for me, this tranquil respite is the next best thing. During the hour-long tour, you’ll glide along a three-mile stretch of the jade-green Martha Brae River on a 30-foot-long bamboo raft. But don’t worry, you’ll be guided by a trained expert the whole time. As you pass under the canopy of trees, you’ll hear melodic birdsong. You can even have a go at poling the raft yourself, which makes for a stunning keepsake photo.
  • Pork Pit
    1,222
    For lunch, head to Pork Pit to experience the true essence of jerk. It’s an easy 15-minute stroll from Doctor’s Cave Beach. Look out for the bright yellow exterior or simply follow the aromatic scent wafting down the street. The menu features flavorful jerk chicken, pork, and seafood smoked over a wood-fired pit, as well as local staples like red beans and rice. I recommend the jerk chicken wings and pillowy dough festival, which lives in my head rent-free.
  • Scotchies
    3,798
    You can never have too much jerk, and there is no better place to grab a plate (or two) than this Jamaican institution. Scotchies is arguably the best jerk joint on the island. You’re guaranteed maximum flavour and generous portions. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there is a homemade fire sauce crafted from the Scotch Bonnet peppers that give the spot its name.
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Montego Bay travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Beach Quality and Resort Recommendations

According to forum posts, travelers have highlighted Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach and S Hotel as offering the best beach experiences in Montego Bay. These hotels are praised for their soft sand and clear water, with Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach being particularly noted for its historical significance as the original site of Cornwall Beach.

Resort Amenities

Travelers have also mentioned that both properties, especially S Hotel, offer a vibrant atmosphere with easy access to local attractions on the Hip Strip. The S Hotel is recognized for its chic, modern vibe and an impressive rooftop pool bar.

Alternative Options

For those considering different experiences, forum users suggested other resorts like Sandals Royal Caribbean for its proximity to the airport and exclusive beach access. Additionally, some travelers recommended exploring options outside of Montego Bay, such as Negril, for an even greater beach experience, particularly highlighting properties like Negril Treehouse.

Travel Convenience

The proximity of these resorts to Montego Bay’s airport is frequently mentioned, making them convenient choices for travelers looking to minimize transit time upon arrival in Jamaica.

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Local Taxi Services

According to forum posts, local taxi services are commonly used for transportation in Montego Bay. Some travelers recommended arranging round-trip taxi services in advance, particularly when planning to visit nightclubs or restaurants outside of resorts.

Private Drivers

For many users, hiring private drivers has been a preferred method for personalized and flexible travel around Montego Bay and to specific destinations like the Appleton Rum Plantation or for airport transfers. Private drivers can be arranged through recommendations on travel forums or through local businesses.

Public and Resort Transfers

Travelers have called out the availability of public bus services, although they are limited to a few routes with infrequent schedules. Resort transfers are also mentioned, but opinions vary, with some finding them overpriced compared to other options like private transfers.

Airport Transportation

According to forum posts, many travelers opt for airport shuttle services, with companies like Reggae Tours and JTL being recommended for their reliability and service quality. Pre-booking these services is advised to ensure availability and convenience, especially when traveling with family or groups.

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Access to Amenities

Some travelers noted that while guests at Riu Reggae have access to facilities at Riu Montego Bay, the reciprocal might not be true. It’s advised to contact the resort directly for the most current rules regarding facility sharing.

Room and Resort Quality

Forum posts indicate varying experiences with room and resort quality at Riu locations in Montego Bay. Some users expressed dissatisfaction with customer service and safety concerns, including serious allegations of mistreatment. However, others had positive experiences, highlighting enjoyable entertainment and decent food options.

Beach and Location

The beach at Riu Reggae is described as man-made and small, which might not appeal to all travelers. The location near the airport is convenient for transport but can be noisy due to aircraft, which could affect guests sensitive to sound.

Recommendations

Travelers have called out inconsistencies in the quality of experiences and suggested checking recent reviews or considering other resorts for more reliable satisfaction. Some posts recommended alternative accommodations that might offer a quieter environment or more consistent customer service.

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Arrival and Departure Services

According to forum posts, Club Mobay offers both arrival and departure services at Montego Bay airport. For arrivals, the service may include expedited processing through immigration and customs, although this does not apply to the expedited immigration service but provides access to the arrivals lounge.

Departure Lounge Benefits

Travelers have highlighted that the Club Mobay departure service includes access to a comfortable lounge with amenities such as an open bar, free WiFi, free international phone calls, and various food options like patties, salads, sandwiches, and chips. Additionally, it offers a separate security line, which can be advantageous during busy airport hours.

Value Considerations

Some users mentioned that the worth of Club Mobay services depends on the time and day of travel. For instance, during less busy times at the airport, the service might not be as valuable compared to peak times when the airport experiences higher traffic.

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Beach Quality

According to forum posts, the beach at Hyatt Zilara in Montego Bay is noted for being rocky in some areas, which could affect guests' enjoyment of beach activities. Travelers have suggested that the beach on the family side (Hyatt Ziva) might be more pleasant.

Accommodation and Amenities

Some travelers said that although the Hyatt Zilara offers modern facilities and good upkeep, it has not been significantly updated since its opening in 2015. The resort provides adult-only areas where guests over 18 can enjoy amenities such as pools, bars, and grills, even if staying in the family section (Hyatt Ziva).

Nightlife and Atmosphere

For guests interested in nightlife, the Hyatt lacks a dedicated nightclub. This could be a consideration for those looking for vibrant evening entertainment. The general atmosphere is reported to be more suited to family activities, located primarily in the Ziva section.

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Amenities and Facilities

According to forum posts, Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach offers connecting rooms and is an all-inclusive resort, which includes access to various bars, including a rooftop option. It provides an excellent beach, described as the best section of resort beaches in Montego Bay. The resort is noted for its location on the hip strip, allowing easy access to local shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

Entertainment and Dining Options

Travelers have highlighted that Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach shares facilities with the adjacent Royal Decameron Montego Beach, enhancing the variety of available amenities. It has live music, pool entertainment, and a swim-up bar. For dining, guests have access to reservation-required restaurants at both the Cornwall and the original Royal Decameron locations, with praised food options like mimosas and fried chicken available nearby.

Location Benefits

The resort's strategic location directly on the hip strip offers guests the convenience of exploring Montego Bay's vibrant street life easily. Its proximity to the airport also adds to the convenience, making it a desirable choice for travelers looking to maximize their vacation time.

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Currency Usage in Montego Bay

According to forum posts, US dollars are commonly used in Montego Bay, especially within the tourist industry, including resorts and excursions. Prices are often listed in US dollars for convenience.

Local Economy and Currency Conversion

Some travelers mentioned that the local economy prices goods and services in Jamaican dollars. Visitors can ask for prices in Jamaican dollars and perform conversions if necessary. It is advised to carry both US dollars and Jamaican dollars to use the currency that offers the best value during transactions.

Currency Exchange Recommendations

Travelers have advised against exchanging currency at the airport due to unfavorable rates. Instead, using banks or cambios on the island is recommended. Some ATMs also provide options to withdraw US dollars or Jamaican dollars, allowing flexibility for travelers.

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Access to Other Resorts

According to forum posts, guests at Secrets St. James have access to the facilities at Secrets Wild Orchid and can also access Breathless resorts until 6 PM unless they are Preferred Club guests, which allows them unrestricted access.

Beach and Shade Availability

Some travelers mentioned that the non-Preferred Club section of the beach at Secrets St. James has limited shade options, which might be a consideration for guests needing protection from the sun.

Entertainment and Dining Options

Travelers have called out that Secrets St. James offers nightly entertainment and has a variety of dining options. However, not all restaurants are open daily; the availability varies, with weekdays having at least four restaurants open and weekends having more.

Accommodation and Mobility

For guests with mobility issues, it's noted that the resort is large, and some facilities can be a considerable distance from accommodations, especially from the St. James side to the Wild Orchid side of the resort.

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