Sandy beaches at Ocho Rios © Paul Micallef

The second largest city in Jamaica and its most popular tourist destination, Montego Bay or 'Mo Bay' is abuzz with shopping centres, a variety of inland tourist attractions and beach-side water activities often set against Georgian colonial architecture. Montego Bay offers a great variety of attractions and there are many worthwhile daytrips and excursions out of the city.

The most popular sights are a choice of championship golf courses, the haunted and eerie Rose Hall, and one of the best beaches on Jamaica, the Doctor's Cave Beach with its celebrated crystal clear waters. The 'Hip Strip' is the most popular street for shopping and cocktails and is often the first stop for cruise passengers wanting to investigate the city.

Most cruise ships berth at Montego Freeport Terminal which can accommodate four cruise liners at once. The docks have five berths, two of which are used exclusively for cruise liners and another two used for both cargo and cruise ships, giving the area a bit of an industrial feel. There is a cruise terminal building used exclusively by passengers.

Contact

Tel: +876 922 0290

Email: paj@portjam.com

www.portjam.com

There is a tourist office inside the Montego Freeport Terminal building.

Transport

There are many taxis that wait just outside the Montego Freeport Terminal building. JUTA taxis come quite highly recommended. Mini buses are also common and pick up anyone standing by the side of the road when they pass.

Attractions

The Downtown Mo Bay area is a litany of markets for all kinds of shopping. Doctors Cave Beach and Rose Hall beach club are the most popular beach locations with mineral-rich clear water and every kind of possible water activity, which are also available at Montego Bay Marine Park. Inland are five championship golf courses and great jungle tours through the mountains. Other popular attractions include the supposedly haunted Rose Hall and the Bob Marley Experience in Half Moon Shopping Village.

Restaurants

Margaritaville - An active beach-side sports bar with western food.

Pier on the Waterfront - Open air seafood restaurant on the pier.

Sugar Mill Restaurant - Some Jamaican cuisine specialties in a formal setting.

Best Dish

Jerky

Shopping

Both Half Moon Shopping Centre and the City Centre have duty free shops selling luxury items. Multiple craft markets are also in downtown Mo Bay selling an eclectic mix of goods but expect to bargain hard.

Best Buy

Rum and coffee

Excursions

Visit Croydon in the Mountains

Take a Jamaica Swamp Safari

Do the Caliche Rainforest and Canyon White Water Rafting tours

Explore Falmouth town