Montego Bay, located on the northern shore of Jamaica, is a popular tourist destination with plenty of hotels and restaurants as well as a port for cruise ships. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, notably Doctor’s Cave Beach, in addition to outdoor attractions like gardens, golf courses and adventure tours. Other popular places of interest for visitors include museums, shops and historic homes.
Check out our list of the best things to do in and around Montego Bay, Jamaica.
1. Visit Half Moon Equestrian Centre
Location: Rose Hall, Jamaica
Time Needed: 30 minutes - 2 hours
Half Moon Equestrian Centre is in the luxury Half Moon resort. For more than 30 years, the clinic has provided support and rehabilitation for injured and abandoned horses.
Visitors can interact with these magnificent horses at Pony Park, a great experience for younger children. Older participants, depending on skill level, can ride horseback, jump and take polo classes.
The beach experience is a popular option where you tour on horseback down to Half Moon Bay and swim with your horse. Private instruction in dressage, riding and polo also are available.
2. Climb Dunn's River Falls
Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Time Needed: 6-8 hours
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Dunn's River Falls is one of the most popular things to do in Jamaica because of its unique nature and accessibility to the cruise ports. Because Dunn's River empties into the Caribbean Sea, you'll find an on-site beach. However, the most crowd-pleasing thing to do is climb the 960-foot-tall falls, and if you are looking for even more adventure, plan to zipline over the falls.
If you need a break from activities or are unable to climb, there's an observation deck where you can observe the falls. Don't forget your water shoes, and if you plan to carry your phone, have it in a waterproof pouch. For the best chance to avoid the crowds, visit near opening time on weekdays when cruise ships aren't in port.
3. Visit Ocho Rios Blue Hole
Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Time Needed: 6-8 hours
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Blue Hole in Ocho Rios is part of a river system that has sloping waterfalls and is named for the soft blue hue of the water. During a visit, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the falls, swim in the cold spring water that fills the lagoons, and jump in from rope swings.
Wear water shoes for this excursion. The trail and rocks at Blue Hole can be slippery. Many tours combine Dunn's River Falls with Blue Hole because of their proximity to each other. If planning an adventurous day, consider booking this day trip from Montego Bay or this waterfall tour if you'd rather enjoy a private trip over a group tour.
Also be careful when booking a tour or driving due to the risk of name confusion. Blue Hole in Ocho Rios is sometimes called Secret Falls and Irie Blue Hole. There are also multiple locations in Jamaica named Blue Hole. You're looking for the one in Ocho Rios.
4. Take a Catamaran Cruise of Montego Bay
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
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Venture out in the bay on a catamaran cruise. Most are floating parties that include an open bar and light snacks, and they are a popular thing to do for adults in Montego Bay. You’ll typically be able to swim and snorkel in the beautiful ocean waters as well as enjoy music. Many catamaran cruises are adult-only, so check age limits prior to booking.
5. Meet the Animals at the Animal Farm and Nature Reserve
- Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Time Needed: 1-4 hours
Among the fun places to visit in Montego Bay is the Animal Farm and Nature Reserve, where you can take guided tours, bird-watch and interact with animals. The animals on the property include several species of birds, rabbits, pigs and even a rescued cow.
Book ahead for a guided tour of the farm or a guided hike on the grounds to learn about the local plants and animals. Birdwatching tours are also available. If you prefer to venture out on your own, consider the nature reserve's self-guided option.
6. Marvel at the Luminous Lagoon
Location: Falmouth, Jamaica
Time Needed: 3 hours
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The tour of the Luminous Lagoon is a highlight among the many things to do in Jamaica. The lagoon is one of the most popular bioluminescent bays in the world. Bacterial cells make fantastic blue lights; they illuminate when the water is disturbed.
The journey runs at night, typically 30 to 45 minutes on the water. If possible, plan your tour during the new moon – the darker the night, the brighter the glow of the water appears. Wear water shoes and a swimsuit if you plan to take a dip in the glowing water. Luminous Lagoon is 3 to 5 feet deep in most areas.
Tip: Unfortunately, typical phone cameras do not capture this phenomenon well. If you don't have a higher-quality camera of your own, be prepared to purchase photos from the tour company.
7. Learn about History at Greenwood Great House
Location: Rose Hall, Jamaica
Time Needed: 1 hour
Suggested Activity: Greenwood Great House Entry Ticket
Greenwood Great House was built in the 1780s and was used primarily to lodge and entertain the guests of Richard Barrett, a one-time Speaker of the House of Assembly and cousin of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The stunning house, constructed from cut stone, was spared from burning during the Great Jamaican Slave Revolt of 1831-32, unlike many other plantation houses on the island. It appears much as it did when originally constructed.
Guests can peruse Barrett’s original library, which has hundreds of books. You also will find paintings, antique furniture and a collection of rare musical instruments dating back to the 17th century. Guided tours are 45 minutes. Afterward, grab a drink at The Level Crossing, the on-site pub.
8. Have Fun on a Diving or Snorkeling Tour of Montego Bay Marine Park
Location: Pier One Complex, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time needed: 2-4 hours
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Montego Bay Marine Park is a protected area that makes up the bay. Choose from diving, snorkeling, fishing and sightseeing boat excursions. On diving and snorkeling trips, you can see the most spectacular coral reefs, and your guide will point out conch, crabs, lobsters, stingrays, urchins and any other marine animals that you happen to cross paths with.
9. Delight in Nature at Ahhh… Ras Natango Gallery & Garden
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
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Overlooking the city of Montego Bay, the gardens of Ahh… Ras Natango Gallery and Garden feature flowers and plants in an idyllic setting. Tours of the garden last about an hour, though visitors can linger afterward to enjoy nature. Several species of birds, including hummingbirds can be spotted in the garden. The gallery features artwork that celebrates Jamaican plants, animals and culture.
10. Enjoy Doctor's Cave Beach
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
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Doctor's Cave Beach was the best-known beach in Jamaica by far in the 1920s after a British osteopath claimed it had curative properties. The declaration attracted tourists, and many hotel owners came to the area to take advantage of the market.
Today, the beach is owned and operated by Doctor's Cave Bathing Club, and it’s one of the best things to do in Montego Bay for cruise passengers and people staying in Montego Bay. Amenities at the beach include a changing and shower area, restrooms, and beach chair and umbrella rentals. Admission to the beach is a small fee.
11. Try Tropical Fruits at Croydon in the Mountains
Location: Catadupa, Jamaica
Time Needed: 4 hours
Suggested activity: Croydon In The Mountains - Exotic Fruits & Flowers
Not far from Montego in the Catadupa Mountains is the Croydon Estate, where you can tour the grounds and enjoy a tasting of tropical fruits grown here. Depending on what’s in season when you visit, you might try breadfruit, jackfruit, star fruit, mango, lychee or pineapple.
The gardens have been curated into lush, verdant scenes and the mountain locale offers views of Montego and the surrounding area. It’s also the home to several hummingbirds that you might spot on your tour.
12. Experience Green Grotto Caves
Location: Discovery Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 1 hour
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A visit to the Green Grotto Caves is among the best things to do in Jamaica. The cave was important long before it was a setting for a scene in the famous 1973 James Bond movie "Live and Let Die." There is evidence that Green Grotto Caves, about three quarters of a mile long, was once used by Taíno Indians. The Spanish army used the caves in the mid-17th century, and people hid in them while attempting to escape enslavement.
In the 1990s, the owner ran a nightclub in the caves. Now Green Grotto is an enjoyable excursion where you can see an underground lake and some of the tens of thousands of bats that make the cave system their home.
13. Have an Adventure on a Horseback Ride
Location: Various locations
Time Needed: 1-3 hours
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Enjoy the unique and natural beauty of Jamaica from a horseback ride. On a guided ride, you can trek across scenic landscapes with views of the ocean. On rides that include an ocean swim, ride a horse across the beach and into the water, an exciting experience for horse lovers.
14. Play a Round of Golf at Cinnamon Hill Golf Course
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 4 hours
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course is among the best things to do in Montego Bay for golfers. The 18-hole course offers expansive seaside views. Originally designed by Hankie Smedley in 1969, the course was redesigned in 2001 by von Hagge, Smelek & Baril. Sometimes there is a strong sea wind here, either to your benefit or your opponent’s. One thing is certain – you'll never have any dull play here.
15. Sunbathe at Dead End Beach
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Dead End Beach, also known as Buccaneer Beach, is frequented by local Jamaicans. Tourists visit to enjoy watching the low-flying planes coming in and out of nearby Sangster International Airport.
Dead End Beach is at the end of Kent Avenue in Montego Bay. It is free to visit, but there are no amenities.
16. Stroll Down the Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue)
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
The Hip Strip, a section of Gloucester Avenue, is near Doctor's Cave Beach. The many souvenir shops and restaurants make it a favorite for many travelers. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Montego Bay is popular for its lively atmosphere and the restaurant's tasty food.
Many cruise passengers frequent the Hip Strip, which features several shopkeepers and street vendors. Expect to bargain or haggle if you buy souvenirs.
17. Spend the Day at Cornwall Beach
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
Cornwall Beach offers breathtaking scenery, and it's less busy than other beaches in Jamaica, like its neighbor, Doctor's Cave Beach, adding to the charm. There is a small fee to use the beach, and this peaceful place has everything needed for an excellent day, including restroom facilities, umbrellas and chair rentals, snorkeling gear rentals and locker rooms. There is also a beachside restaurant and bar to grab a bite to eat.
Tip: Occasionally, events are held at the beach, so if you want to visit on a less crowded day, go when cruise ships are not in port.
18. Enjoy the Outdoors at Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope
Location: Falmouth, Jamaica
Time Needed: 4-8 hours
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Good Hope was once a Jamaican plantation, but today it is an exciting destination that offers guided bamboo rafting and tubing down the Martha Brae River, ziplining in the canopy for thrills and amazing views as well as dune buggy tours. There are also several pools with a waterfall, and an Appleton Estate rum tasting.
19. Join a Jamaica Food Tour
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
Suggested activity: Private Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril
Trying delicious dishes seasoned with local spices is an interesting experience in a foreign country, but tourists may not know where to find authentic cooking. Joining a Jamaica food tour makes it easy.
The walking and eating excursion is three to four hours long, and you'll visit restaurants in Montego Bay to try Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken and pork, oxtail, and more while you enjoy the sights of Montego Bay.
20. Enjoy Art at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 1 hour
Have a creative day at Montego Bay Cultural Centre where you can learn about the art and history of Jamaica. It houses the National Museum West and the National Gallery West where you will find an exhibit on Rastafarian culture and works by current Jamaican artists. Montego Bay Cultural Centre is located in Sam Sharpe Square.
21. Tour Rose Hall Great House
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 1-3 hours
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Rose Hall Great House was constructed in the 18th century and named for one of the original residents, Rose Palmer. The house was restored in the 1960s, and today, visitors can take 45-minute guided tours of the house and grounds. If you are looking for a spooky experience, take the night tour and learn about the legend of Annie Palmer, the White Witch said to haunt the estate.
If ghost stories are not your thing, no worries! The estate has two golf courses, so you can play a round, enjoy the lovely grounds, and feel relaxed by the seaside views.
22. Hike the Blue Mountains
Location: Start at Kingston or Buff Bay
Time Needed: All day
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Consider a day trip (or a couple of days) to explore all that Blue and John Crow Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Kingston, has to offer. The Blue Mountains are home to species of animals endemic to Jamaica that can't be found anywhere else, including several birds. It also offers a cold climate at the mountain peaks. Near the summit of Blue Mountain is an elfin forest, named for the stunted growth of the trees and other plant life due to the thinner air and often near-freezing temperatures.
Take a tour of the Blue Mountain Peak Trail, a steep and challenging trail that, on clear days, has spectacular views unlike anywhere else in Jamaica. Guided hikes typically start at midnight or a few hours after, so hikers can enjoy dawn at the summit. Visitors can also take tours of coffee farms to learn about how Blue Mountain Coffee is grown and how it's different from coffee grown elsewhere.
23. Parasail Across Montego Bay
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Time Needed: 2 hours
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Parasailing flights typically last 10 to 15 minutes and are a thrilling way to see Montego Bay and get a bird's-eye view of the ocean. This adventure has age and size limits, so check with your tour operator before booking. If you want to go parasailing, but are nervous about the activity, keep a few safety tips in mind. The operator should explain the safety protocols before you start. You should be wearing a life jacket, and your harness should fit snugly. Also, there should be at least two tour operators on the boat — one driving and one operating the parasailing equipment.
24. Visit YS Falls
Location: Cornwall, Jamaica
Time Needed: 3-8 hours
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Head down to YS Falls. The estate boasts a tiered waterfall that empties into a natural pool where you can swim and play. Pack water shoes and a swimsuit.
While at YS Falls, you can also opt to zipline through the canopy and over the falls to get views of the lush green jungle from up to 40 feet in the air. On the grounds are beautiful gardens filled with ginger lilies and many other flowers and plants.
25. End Your Vacation at Club Mobay Departure Lounge
Location: Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica
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Spend those last moments of your vacation like a VIP. Club Mobay Departure Lounge features comfortable seating with light snacks and beverages included. There are even spa services, so you can experience some last-minute pampering before boarding your flight. Club Mobay also features a play area for children.
Book your space with Club Mobay before your departure to ensure you have access to the lounge. After checking in with your airline, enjoy the Club Mobay's fast track line through security and relax in the lounge before boarding.
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