Montego Bay Jamaica or Mo Bay as it is fondly called has my heart. My first trip was to Montego Bay and that is where my love for travel was born. Montego Bay, Jamaica happens to be one of my favorite travel destinations for so many reasons. Their hospitality is top notch, the locals are so friendly, the location is perfect (not a long flight), the water is clear, the nightlife is insane, the food is palatable, and the vibe is great for everyone and anyone. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, culture or a combination of these, you can never go wrong with Montego Bay Jamaica. I have been there twice, and I am here to share everything you will need to know to have a great trip to Mo Bay.
Know Before You Go
If you have been thinking about visiting Montego Bay Jamaica and reading this, you are about to have the best trip ever.
- Airport: If you must get to Montego Bay then you will most likely be flying there. The airport code is MBJ – Sangster International Airport. Most airports in the US and Canada have direct flights to MBJ.
- Best time to visit: December to April offers the best weather but it is a tropical destination with warm weather all year round. Be extra cautious when traveling during hurricane season.
- Currency: The local currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD) expect to use USD in tourist areas. Credit cards are also accepted but carry cash for small vendors.
- Entry Requirement: US Citizens and Canadians can travel to Jamaica without a visa. Green card holders do not require a visa; they need a valid passport and their green card for entry. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- Language: Jamaica is the biggest English-speaking country in the Caribbean. English is widely spoken everywhere. The local language is Patois.
- Getting Around: They drive on the left side of the road if you are thinking of renting a car. Always use licensed authorized taxis.
- Voltage: 110V same as in the US and Canada, hence no adapter is needed if coming from the US or Canada.
- Etiquette: Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in Jamaica. Bargaining is expected in markets but be mindful.
- Safety and Security: Resort areas are generally safe. Violent crime still exists in some areas of the city. So be cautious, use registered tour operators and avoid isolated spots solo. I never felt unsafe in Jamaica.
Where to Stay
Montego Bay Jamaica has an array of options when it comes to accommodation. Most of the hotels are all inclusive, a few regular hotels and Airbnb. Whatever your vibe is, Montego Bay has something for you. I have been to Montego Bay twice and stayed at 3 different hotels. All these 3 hotels had different vibes and different price points, but I enjoyed my stay and will recommend them.
RIU Montego Bay – When I first visited in May 2018, we stayed here. This is an all-inclusive resort, family friendly and budget friendly. It has lots of buffet style restaurants, multiple pool parties, vibrant nightlife and a kids’ club. This resort is perfect for social travelers, who are budget conscious, family friendly and love all inclusive.
Riu Reggae Montego Bay is an all-inclusive adult only resort. It is part of the RIU family hotel chain. Staying here gives you access to the other RIU properties (RIU Palace and RIU Montego Bay). It is known for its themed events and daily entertainments. The perfect place for adults wanting a party atmosphere, lively night life and a beautiful beach scene.
Breathless Montego Bay is a luxury adult only all-inclusive resort. It is stylish, modern and unlimited luxury all included. Their rooftop bar and pool take it. They also have live DJs, themed parties and lively entertainment. With its sister resort – Secrets wild orchid, you get access to this property – the beach, restaurants and pools. So, it’s like paying for one resort and enjoying 2 luxury resorts. One thing to know is that Breathless Montego Bay does not have a beach, but you can access the beach by visiting Secrets. That is where the beach is located. Secrets is a very short walk from Breathless, and they are even connected through a walk bridge.
All three properties are all-inclusive. The most expensive is Breathless Montego Bay and the cheapest is RIU Montego Bay.
Location wise, RIU hotels are perfectly located. They are closest to the airport, and you get a feel of the people.
If you want quiet, romantic, luxury and wild parties – Breathless is the hotel for you.
If you want fun and a good time – RIU Reggae Montego Bay is exactly where you want to be.
If you are traveling with kids but are down for a good time while staying within budget – RIU Montego Bay.
Things to do
Montego Bay Jamaica is a location with lots of things to do. What you should note is, where these activities are located are very far from the resort/tourist area of Montego Bay. I am talking about a minimum of 2hrs drive one way, plan to be out all day. You get picked up by the tour company very early (be ready in the lobby at the pickup time you are given, because they are time conscious) and only return in the evening after 5pm.
- Dunn’s River Falls: This is a popular waterfall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Climbing the waterfall is a popular activity with the help of a tour guide. The falls have uneven terrain that forms like stairs which is what you climb. The tour guude instructs you to hold hands and form a human chain for the climb. The climb takes about 1hr 30mins with photo breaks along the way. It does not get hot here because of the lush vegetation in the area that covers the falls, keeping the sun away and you, cool during the hike. It is a fun activity to try, and you will be proud you did it. To prepare for this, you need towels (to dry yourself up after the hike). Water shoes are a must. To prevent slip and fall, you must wear water shoes. You won’t be allowed to do the hike without water shoes; they sell them there as well. You also need a plastic pouch for your phone. Wear a swimwear that you can move in freely since you will be getting wet – it is a water activity. Cost wise I did it in 2018 and the price is different now.
- ATV Jungle tour: This is also a full day activity, be prepared for it. For this activity, the amount you pay gives you the liberty to choose 3 activities you want to do, and, in the order, you want to do them. We chose ATV, Ziplining, and Horseback riding. We started with ATV for the thrill and adrenaline rush and enjoyed it. After that, we were directed to go for ziplining. Another thrilling experience. I am not scared of heights, so I really enjoyed it. I think I enjoyed it more than the ATV. It was about 7 Ziplines and it gets higher as you go. We had a lunch break which was included in the cost and then went horseback riding as the last activity. This was the last activity because we had to get in water. It was my second time doing this activity and I enjoyed doing it with my girls. The truth is, I don’t like horseback riding just because it is an animal and you don’t know how a harmless kick will be interpreted by the horse.
- Rick’s Café: You cannot go to Jamaica and not make a trip to Rick’s café. If you did that, then you need to plan another trip to Jamaica because you haven’t been yet. What a way to spend your day. Rick’s café is in Negril Jamaica (everywhere from Montego Bay is such a drive). This is a very popular spot in Negril which opens daily at noon to enjoy cliff diving, live music, good food and watch the sunset. It has a very lively and scenic atmosphere. It really gives you an idea of the Jamaican culture – happy, music, party and fun. I highly recommend this.
- Bambo Rafting: The most chill and relaxing activity in Jamaica. Bambo rafting on Martha Brae River is a lovely activity. You get a ride around the river while enjoying music, fruit punch or drink of your choice and some good jerk meal cooked by a local along the riverbank. Then, you get to enjoy either a foot or full body limestone massage by your guide – relaxing. By the end of this tour, you return revived. For all my non-thrill seekers, this is for you.
- Enjoy your resort, you actually paid money for this so spend a day enjoying the resort (I am also speaking to myself) I am guilty about this. Book the nice resorts with every fun thing and only lay my head there to sleep and I am out.
- Visit the local market: if cultural immersion is what you enjoy when you travel, then you must do this. There is a craft market we visited (I don’t remember the name), where we bought lots of souvenirs. You are free to bargain but be mindful not to bargain them out of business. It is also a good way of supporting the locals. We also visited a fruit market. Jamaica has lots of tropical and exotic fruits. We still think about the juicy and sweet soursop we bought, among other fruits. We enjoyed it so much, it left a mark in our hearts.
There are so many different activities you can do in Jamaica, but these are the ones I did both times I have visited and I will recommend.
Jamaica is a great location for a quick trip, long weekend trip or one week trip. Any number of days you decide to spend in Jamaica will sure reward you with a good time. Whether you are going through a heart break, just a thrill seeker, an adventurer, a family reunion, or you just want solitude, Jamaica has something for you. And when you return, you won’t stop talking about it nor stop thinking about when you will return to Jamaica.
Jamaica! No problem.
