Montego Bay, commonly referred to as MoBay, is the second largest city in the island nation Jamaica. It has a population of 428,000 people (2018). Montego Bay is the capital of St. James Parish, one of the 14 parishes of Jamaica. It is a popular spring break destination.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Christopher Columbus sailed into the bay in 1494 and named it "El Golfo de Buen Tiempo" or Fair Weather Bay. The first record of a Spanish settlement here shows it as Monterias. The Spaniards hunted the herds of wild hogs that used to roam the hills and produced and exported 'hog butter' or lard. The name Montego derives from the Spanish "manteca" meaning lard, and Montego Bay is shown on some ancient maps as Lard Bay, or Bahia de Manteca in Spanish. Due in part to its location on the island's north shore, Montego Bay has long since earned the title of 'tourist capital of Jamaica.' It receives the bulk of international flights, and is home to Sangster International Airport, the larger of J…
Gloucester Avenue-which is lined with tourist hotels, shops, and restaurants-has sidewalks on both sides and is best visited on foot. Aside from this road, walking may be considerably less safe. Buses, minibuses and route taxis arrive and depart from the transportation station off Barnett St at the south end of St James St. There’s an inspector’s office (7AM-6PM) inside the gate where you can ask for the departure point of the bus you’re seeking. Montego Bay Metro (952-5500; 19A Union St) is the municipal bus service (around J$100).
The Centerstage Theatre, Dominica Dr. New Kingston, ☏ +1 876 968-7529. Small but cozy. Family-oriented musicals in patois. 1 Rose Hall Great House, Rose Hall Rd, ☏ +1 876-953-2323, greathouse@rosehall.com. M-Tu 9:15AM-4PM W-Sa 9:15AM-8PM, closed on public holidays. One of the great Jamaican Georgian plantation houses which is now run as a historic house museum. Perch on top of a hill with stunning views of the ocean, the historic house offers a glimpse into the country's rich history. Entrance tickets cost 30USD for adults and 12 USD for children. (updated Feb 2024)
Cornwall Beach, ☏ +1 876 952-3463. 9AM-5PM. Snorkeling, swimming, and other fun beach activities. US$3.20/2 (adults/children). Doctor's Cave Beach, Gloucester Ave, ☏ +1 876 952-2566. 8:30AM-Sunset. The water is crystal clear and snorkelling is available. It can get a bit crowded during busy season, but it's still a great place to go for the family. Adult US$5, child under 12 $2.50 - extra for chairs and umbrellas. Dunn’s River Falls & Park, Ochos Rios, Jamaica, W.I, ☏ +1 876 974-2857. 8:30AM - 4PM. Dunn's River Falls & Park comes to mind which is in Ochos Rios that is about two hours from Montego Bay by taxi cab.
Most restaurants also serve drinks. Try a tropical drink or grab a cold Red Stripe in the signature brown bottle, then relax and take in the scenery! Pier One Seafood, Howard Cooke Blvd, ☏ +1 876 952-2452. Open-air restaurant serving well-liked seafood and umbrella drinks with a great view of the bay. Evelyn's, Whitehouse (near Sandals Montego Bay), ☏ +1 876 952 3280. M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Very reasonable prices, right on the beach, and the food is heavenly. Pork Pit, 27 Gloucester Ave, ☏ +1 876-952-3663. Right on the main strip in town, serving what some say is Jamaica's best jerk chicken and pork cooked over coals. Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Gloucester Ave. 11AM-?.
While Montego Bay is a relatively safe city, normal precautions should be observed. Stay in groups, and stick to tourist areas. The rural areas are especially dangerous.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Montego Bay typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 22 rainy days.
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