Things to do in  Montego Bay

Jamaica’s top tourist destination, Montego Bay—MoBay to locals—boasts white-sand beaches, vibrant shopping and nightlife, golf courses, and near-permanent sunshine. Particular attractions include Doctor’s Cave beach with its gin-clear seas; the gingerbread-style houses of its resort center; and the Martha Brae River and Rose Hall estate house.

Montego Bay has a little bit of everything, including beach lounging, watersports, cruises, golf, horseback rides, forest ziplines, Martha Brae River rafting, and trips to waterfalls or the Rose Hall estate. By night, stroll the resort’s cobblestoned center, eat at buzzy restaurants, sip beach cocktails, and hit the “Hip Strip” nightspots.

Cruise passengers usually get a day in MoBay, as Montego Bay is known, but one or two weeks is better to experience its beaches and activities. Explore the downtown craft market, ride a river raft or rainforest ATV, or take excursions to the supposedly haunted Rose Hall or Dunn’s River Falls.

No. But two idyllic waterfalls are about a 90 minutes’ drive from Montego Bay. Most famous is Dunn’s River Falls on Jamaica’s north coast, where you can climb terraced cascades and swim in crystal lagoons. To the south is YS Falls, a series of seven tropical falls, also with natural pools.

Yes and no. It's safe to walk in tourist areas during daylight or stroll with others after dark—providing you’re vigilant. Unfortunately, crime rates are high in some of Montego Bay’s central neighborhoods, so it's best to avoid them. Wherever you are, especially along the “Hip Strip,” leave valuables at your hotel.

No. Jamaica is pretty affordable, and Montego Bay is only pricey if you stay at its upscale hotels and insist on expensive things. To vacation on a budget, stay at an all-inclusive resort and dine at beach shacks, where dinner can be as little as US $5 to $10 per person.