Montego Bay, Jamaica a Tropical Paradise
Montego Bay is cosmopolitan with a friendly down-home feel.
Locals call it "Mo Bay", and by the time you leave friendly, relaxed Montego Bay, Jamaica, you'll be on a first-name basis with this fun resort town as well.
Situated in northwestern Jamaica, Montego Bay is a city full of energy, from its role as bustling industrial and port town to its pretty golden-sand beaches to its very posh vacation resorts on the Caribbean Sea and the city's rockin' nightlife.
The residents of Mo Bay pride themselves in being the friendly, laid back sort, unlike, they note, their brothers and sisters in the big city of Kingston. The phrase "Hey Mon, no problem" is uttered often and you'll find that you'll be saying it too before your vacation is over. That's just the way life is here.
Enjoying Montego Bay Activities
Many vacationers travel here just for the stylish and elegant five-star resorts and the magnificent beaches that are part of these posh properties.
Away from the resorts, however, the most popular public beach seems to be Doctors Cave. The water here is so clear and visitors with children will enjoy having changing rooms, restrooms, and food stands nearby.
The beaches provide not only a great place to sun but also to enjoy the best in watersports. Both diving and snorkeling are quite enticing in Montego Bay. The waters near the city boast shallow reefs, deep caves, and diverse marine life.
Boat charters are plentiful and Montego Bay is an ideal location for deep-sea fishing. Charter a boat for a half-day or full-day fishing expedition.
For an exciting water adventure, travel to the Martha Brae River for a bamboo river raft excursion. The 30-foot rafts are suitable for all ages, making this a fun family activity.
If you prefer land-based activities, Montego Bay is home to a half dozen excellent golf courses, a few which have hosted major PGA tournaments. Tee times disappear fast in the winter months so be sure to book your golf games before you arrive.
Attractions
It's tough to pull yourself away from the water and the golden beaches here, but if you do, take a tour of some of the area's Great Houses. These were once the plantation homes of wealthy landowners and several are available to tour.
While these Great Houses are large and ornate, they represent a sad time in Jamaican history as many were home to thousands of slaves who built these homes and were then retained to work there, where they were treated inhumanely.
For a bit of Jamaican nature, the Rocklands Wildlife Station provides a place to view native wildlife and interact with the birds that live here.
For shopping or to have your hair braided, head for Gloucester Avenue, the most popular tourist district in Montego Bay and home to lots of stores, restaurants, and street vendors peddling their interesting and affordable wares.
When to Go
Rains aren't frequent in Montego Bay, but when they do occur, it's mostly between the months of June and October, when hurricanes are a possibility.
When it's cold in Europe or North America, then it's time to head to Jamaica. Visiting Montego Bay during the winter makes outdoor pursuits enjoyable as the temperature is moderate and the humidity more comfortable than during the summer months.