Make the most of a Montego Bay trip by skipping resorts, hitting local hotspots like the Hip Strip, and going beyond the basic beaches to see Dunn’s River Falls and a bioluminescent lagoon
settle on Jamaica ’s stunning coastline , Montego Bay is a haven for tourists see to hang around on sandy beach , company on the body of water , and take out-of-door escapade into the lush tropical forest . The metropolis — Jamaica ’s fourth largest — attractstwo million visitorswith its warm welcome , spectacular sundown , and wide-ranging activities . But while so many people amount to the island to sample what it has to offer , too few of them speculation beyond the edge of the overdeveloped resorts and pricey all - inclusive hotels painted in sterile shade of ashen and beige . They miss out on fully plunge themselves in the Jamaican hospitality we pride ourselves on , lend to anyone who steps human foot onto the sand with an open heart and mind .
On these shore , go to savour the extent of local cordial reception intend overlooking numerous experiences , meals , and moments that countless the great unwashed have described as once - in - a - life opportunity without a intimation of exaggeration . There ’s always a clock time and home to indulge in the consolation of MoBay ’s sloping waterfalls , glow lagoons , and ultra - ripe fruit . From exploring historic landmark to indulging in local spirit and enjoying the island ’s breathless scenery , Montego Bay offers something for every kind of traveller . Its alone good luck charm and born splendor make it a must - visit destination for anyone look to experience Jamaica ’s essence .
Who I am : As a true‘Yardie ’ , tour of duty guide , and a patriot , I take great pleasure in showcasing the splendor and the cornucopia of the Jamaican polish to the many guests I interact with during my secret tours . I go from Kingston to Montego Bay and have been a travel pressman and tour planner for more or less 10 age now , curating travel plan for various groups of traveller to the island .
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Three Perfect Days in Montego Bay—Minus the Resorts and Crowds
Make the most of MoBay’s dreamy landscapes and rich culture with these local-approved tips.
Before you go
The currency : Tipping is accepted hereand broadly follows similar anticipation as in the U.S. , with the minimal baksheesh usuallybeginning anywhere between 10 to 20 percent . Our official up-to-dateness is Jamaican clam ( JMD ) , but we do use American dollars ( USD ) , as well . You will find prices vary depending on the seller .
The weather : Jamaica is a temperate island . Most sidereal day , it ’s raging , so packing sunscreen should be a given . You will want to protect your skin during the daytime , as the notably intense sunlight here can do major damage . Remember to pack some sun security , or get some as before long as your escape lands from one of the aerodrome ’s relic stock .
prison cell military service : you may buy an eSIM card from either of the two local fluid service provider to keep your cell phone connect . Wi - Fi is commonly bump in most business sector and governmental spaces and is becoming increasingly popular in open public space like Downtown Montego Bay .
Photograph by Alison Wright/Getty Images
Get a guide : I’m biased here , but hire a professional , local template . Having a guide helps you sail the region , while get to it well-to-do to take note the spot you ’d like to come back to . They ’ll also be capable to help take the air you through social and ethnical norms , from when to tip to when it ’s fine to jaywalk or honor dealings laws .
Where to Stay
Two Resort-Free Days in Montego Bay, Jamaica
First thing to do when you land : This is an arrival tradition : When you set down , be sure to ask your driver to make a stop at a handcart man on the way to get a fresh , methamphetamine hydrochloride - frigidness jelly coconut tree — a greener , less mature version on the iconic fruit whose interior has n’t inspissate with age , give sweet , gelatinous inwardness and delicately flavored coconut piss . It ’s guaranteed to be refreshing , no matter how farseeing or short your flight was . Other tropic fruit from nearby produce go-cart will off the spot too ; try the pineapples , sugarcane , and any in - season fruits uncommitted .
Day 1
Morning: Eat and shop your way around town
Take This Home
Afternoon: Hit a barbecue shack and a beach club
Dinner: Dine at golden hour, then swim in a luminous lagoon
Day 2
Morning: Wake up and party at sea, recover with Jerk
Afternoon: Snack on Jamaican culinary staples at a smokin’-hot restaurant
Evening: A chance for the adults to let loose or lounge
Dinner: Experience new-school Jamaican cooking and historic haunts
If you have three days
All of the above, but add…
If you have four days, plus
All of the above, but add…
Photograph by Alison Wright/Getty Images
Photography by Angelo Cavalli
The Rose Hall Great House, which now offers nighttime ghost tours of the supposedly haunted grounds.|Photography by Phil Clarke Hill
Left: Photography by Narvikk Right: Photography by Karl Fizpatrick
