Best things to do in Montego Bay

Doctors Cave Beach

The story of Montego Bay's most famous beach began in 1906, when a group of doctors decided to found a bathing club on a beach property donated for the purpose by Dr Alexander James McCatty. Access to the small beach at the time was through a cave, hence the name. The cave was destroyed in 1932 in a fierce hurricane, but the bathing club has lived on and the beach has become legendary. The water is warm and crystal clear, with its waters believed to have curative powers. Today, access to the beach is controlled through a smart entrance way and a complex of changing rooms, showers and a beach bar.

Website www.doctorscavebathingclub.com

Rose Hall

Legend has it that plantation-owner Annie Palmer was murdered at the Rose Hall Great House in 1831, but not before she had rid herself of three husbands (allegedly by using voodoo magic). Palmer was killed during a slave uprising on the estate, brought about by her battle with a slave for the love of the estate supervisor. She is now known as the 'White Witch of Rose Hall'. The house, originally built in 1780, was abandoned for many years but has now been restored. A gift shop and pub are in operation in the dungeon, where the white witch is said to have imprisoned and tortured victims. The story endures powerfully in the local imagination and makes exploring this wonderful house quite spooky, especially on a night time candlelit tour.

Website www.rosehall.com

Montego Bay Marine Park

The Montego Bay Marine Park protects some of Jamaica's best coral reefs and marine resources, divided into zones where different activities are allowed or restricted. The park's resource centre is found at Pier One Marina on the waterfront in downtown Montego Bay, providing information about the park and ecological presentations. Private operators also run undersea submersible tours of the reefs, while the marine park offers wonderful scuba diving and snorkelling. A really fun way to explore is to swim or snorkel out from Doctor's Cave Beach or Sunset Beach. This should only be attempted by experienced swimmers, who should have either a diver's flag or a bright life vest.

Falmouth

The old Georgian port of Falmouth makes for an interesting visit. The centre of the town is Water Square, which features a market full of little craft stalls that dates from 1895. Also of interest are plantation mansions as well as St Peter's Anglican Church and the William Knibb Memorial Church, a chapel built in memory of Jamaica's enthusiastic Baptist abolitionist. Besides the cultural attractions there are lovely beaches to roam and laze on. For the adventurous, there are river rapids and canopy jungle tours to be enjoyed just outside of the town. The famous Jamaican attractions of Dunn's River Falls and Dolphin Cove are also good excursions to combine with a trip to Falmouth.

Croydon in the Mountains

Nestled within a spellbinding landscape of lush foothills, wild flowers and trickling waterfalls, the Croydon Plantation will give travellers tremendous insight into the history and culture of Jamaica. National hero, Samuel Sharpe, was born here and would later be instrumental in the emancipation of Jamaica when, as a slave, he led the Christmas Rebellion of 1831. Today, this plantation and heritage site produces some of the finest coffee beans and tastiest pineapples in the world.

Visitors can learn about the history and processes of coffee and pineapple production on the plantation's fantastic guided tours, and will have the chance to savour some of the exquisite produce. Transport to and from the main Montego Bay hotels and the Grand Palladium Resort in Hanover is provided by the plantation.

Website www.croydon-estate.com

Hip Strip

The Hip Strip is undoubtedly Montego Bay's liveliest area and is jam packed with sun-seeking visitors from dawn till dusk. It's full of wonderful local eateries and relaxed bars where reggae music is the only thing on the playlist. Tourists looking to let loose and have a real rum-fuelled party should check out the wild local nightclubs. Strolling along the strip and experiencing the vibe is essential on a trip to Montego Bay, which is the perfect place to trawl for souvenirs, enjoy a few cocktails and meet locals, many of whom are friendly and willing to dispense valuable advice about what to see and do in Jamaica.

Greenwood Great House

The Greenwood Great House was built between 1780 and 1800 and is generally regarded as the greatest of Jamaica's Great Houses. It was the residence of a notorious Richard Barrett, said to have presided over 33,600 hectares and 3,000 slaves. It stands as testament to both the grandeur and cruelty that the British brought to the Caribbean. Greenwood has not undergone extensive renovations, with a tour taking in the Barrett's original library, fine antique furniture and a collection of unusual musical instruments. Described as 'the finest antique museum in the Caribbean', an excursion to the Greenwood Great House is highly recommended for visitors to Montego Bay who are interested in the colonial history of the island.

Website www.greenwoodgreathouse.com

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with Jamaica's wide variety of colourful birdlife. Founded in 1954 by Lisa Salmon, the highlight of the trip is the opportunity to hand-feed hummingbirds (including the Doctor Bird, Jamaica's national bird) while relaxing in the shade on the patio. The sanctuary is lush and full of plants and flowers, so apart from the bird sighting opportunities, it's a lovely place to wander off for a nature walk. The sanctuary is nearby Montego Bay but the roads are bad, so many prefer to travel with a tour and an experienced driver.

Montego Bay

Things to do in Montego Bay

Doctors Cave Beach

Rose Hall

Montego Bay Marine Park

Falmouth

Croydon in the Mountains

Hip Strip

Greenwood Great House

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

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Doctors Cave Beach

Rose Hall

Montego Bay Marine Park

Falmouth

Croydon in the Mountains

Hip Strip

Greenwood Great House

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary