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Montego Bay holidays offer warm Caribbean seas and All Inclusive done right.
Montego Bay holidays
Jamaica's most visited resort town is around a nine-and-a-half hour flight from the UK, and it has a laidback, sun-drenched vibe. Montego Bay’s well set up for holidays spent relaxing – it’s widely considered the All Inclusive holiday capital of the Caribbean – but there’s plenty to keep you busy, too, if that’s your preference.
Beyond the resort: what to do on Montego Bay holidays
Gloucester Avenue, known as the 'Hip Strip', is lined with bars, restaurants and shops. It's walkable, and definitely comes alive in the evenings. It’s a good place to do your souvenir shopping – its boutiques sell local products, like Blue Mountain coffee.
If you’re happy to go further afield, there are lots of options for activities. You can go rafting on the Martha Brae River – think drifting through tropical scenery on a bamboo raft. It's about 35 kilometres from Montego Bay, so the drive takes around 40 minutes.
Dunn's River Falls is about 90 minutes' drive away, near Ocho Rios. The 60-foott-long set of terraces dropping from a height of 180 feet makes a good daytrip.
Rose Hall, a fully restored 18th-century mansion, is also worth a visit for its popular evening tour telling the spooky story of Annee Palmer, the 'White Witch of Rose Hall'. It takes around 25 minutes to drive here from Montego Bay.
Montego Bay beaches
Doctor's Cave Beach is a standout beach in Montego bay. It's small, but well-managed. It has white powdery sand and calm, transparent turquoise seawater. There's a small entry fee of about £6.
Harmony Beach Park is nearby, and there’s no entry fee. It too has calm water that's safe for swimming. There are large green picnicking spots, a basketball court and a rubberised jogging trail.
For a quieter getaway, the more remote beaches near Rose Hall are less busy. Dead End Beach is free to use, and it’s mostly visited by local islanders rather than tourists.
Best places to stay in Montego Bay
Here are the top places to base yourself on a holiday to Montego Bay.
Hip Strip
Centrally located on the main Gloucester Avenue, the strip has some of the best hotels in Montego Bay for those who want to explore beyond their resort gates.
Rose Hall
This area is quieter and more spread out – it’s the main All Inclusive resort zone, about 15 minutes east of the town centre. It suits guests who like self-contained stays on Montego Bay holidays.
Ironshore
This is a good mid-point to stay on holidays to Montego Bay, between Hip Strip and Rose Hall. It has a serene atmosphere, offering villa stays and smaller boutique accommodation.
Why we love Montego Bay
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
"I love an evening trip to the Luminous Lagoon near Falmouth. Swimming in bioluminescent water that glows around you is unlike anything else in the Caribbean." – Penny Tetlow
Non-touristy activities
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary is a small wildlife sanctuary just outside Montego Bay. Most visitors stick to the beaches and miss it entirely. It’s only a short drive from town, and the journey’s definitely worth it for the experience of having wild hummingbirds landing on your finger to feed.
Free things to do
Sam Sharpe Square, in downtown Montego Bay, is the historic heart of the city, named after a national hero of Jamaica. Taking in the properly local atmosphere and colonial architecture are worth a couple of hours of your time.
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Read nowMontego Bay FAQs
November and December are the best months. It's just before peak tourist season, with balmy Montego Bay weather and less humidity than over the December holiday period.
If you’re planning a really relaxed stay, mostly in your hotel, it's worth finding an All Inclusive stay. You'll enjoy a wider range of facilities, entertainment and dining without paying the usual extra charges.
Yes, Montego Bay works well for families. It's a laidback, and welcoming place to take your family on holiday, with plenty of activities and experiences for all ages.
That depends on what type of holiday you’re looking for. Montego Bay is best for its mix of culture and city-like atmosphere. Negril is less commercial, more remote with a bohemian vibe.
When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.