Montego Bay Jamaica Travel Guide
Montego Bay is a popular tourist destination in Jamaica and has a great range of hotels, beaches and activities for visitors. The climate is warm and sunny all year round with the exception of a few months that can experience rainfall.
The best time to visit Montego Bay is in March when the weather is a little cooler but still very pleasant, with average highs of 80degC and bath-like seawater temperatures. It also boasts a very low rainfall rate, with average daily showers lasting only a few minutes.
What to Expect
Jamaica is a tropical island known for its swaying palm trees, frothy waterfalls and luscious beaches. It is a popular vacation destination and also a cruise port. The country is renowned for its all-inclusive resorts and day-trip excursions.
Many Canadians visit Jamaica on 7-day all-inclusive trips, while others make the trek to Jamaica for a weekend getaway. The Caribbean is a popular destination for weddings and couples seeking a romantic vacation.
If you want to avoid tourist crowds and crowded hotels, opt for a local guesthouse or hotel. This will give you the opportunity to interact with locals and see the real Jamaica.
The best places to stay in Montego Bay are located near the beach and are more affordable than other options. For example, The Spa Retreat in Negril has a great location and offers a diverse menu of meals.
There are also plenty of small, family-run hotels to choose from. Scotchies and Miss T’s Kitchen are two of the top restaurants to try in Ocho Rios.
Marijuana is widely available in Jamaica, and has become an integral part of the culture thanks to reggae music and Rastafarianism. It’s legal to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, although possession of more than this is still a serious offense.
The majority of Jamaicans are friendly and happy to help; you’ll likely have no problem navigating the island. But be aware that Jamaica is a ganja-rich country, and you’re likely to encounter vendors selling marijuana (or “di holy herb”) on the streets or at tourist attractions.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re planning to visit Jamaica, it’s important to know the best time of year to travel. This will help you make the most out of your trip and avoid unpleasant weather conditions.
The ideal time to visit Montego Bay is between January and March, which is considered the dry season. This is the cheapest time to fly to Jamaica and offers the best climate conditions.
It’s also a popular choice for honeymooners and couples. It’s a great time to take advantage of low hotel prices and enjoy the perks of all-inclusive resorts.
Shoulder seasons of May and November are also a good option for those who want to travel without the crowds. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather, great hotel prices and less hassle.
If you’re looking to take a fun and exhilarating adventure, consider visiting the Martha Brae Rafting Village near Montego Bay. This two-hour tour is packed with activities like ziplining, river tubing, and more.
Located in the scenic countryside, this is a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Jamaica. You’ll learn about the flora and fauna as you float down the river.
You can also go snorkeling in Montego Bay’s marine park and take a tour to Green Grotto Caves, which was formerly a pirate hideout. The water here is warm and safe to swim in.
Bucket List of Activities
From a laid-back tropical paradise by day to a vibrant party hub at night, Jamaica offers an incredible array of unique adventures. From hiking through mountain ranges cast in blue mist to zip-lining through a flower forest, there are plenty of experiences that will make you want to come back again.
One of the most popular activities in Montego Bay is snorkeling. The sapphire seas surrounding the island are teeming with marine life, so you’ll want to get out on a boat and see it all! A tour of a local reef will give you a chance to see barracuda, trumpetfish and other species.
You can also go on a tour of the animal farm and nature reserve, where you’ll find exotic animals and birds. There are many things to do, including walking through a bird aviary and hand-feeding birds, which is a great way to get to know them.
Another popular activity is a ride on a dolphin. Dolphins are some of the friendliest sea creatures and they love human interaction! On a Dolphins Cove tour, you can swim with them, shake their hands and even get kisses.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to explore the natural world, a safari of a mangrove forest will offer you a chance to observe crocodiles and other reptiles up close. If you’re a daring soul, you can even hold an adolescent crocodile.
Safety
Safety is important to consider when traveling anywhere, but it is especially so when you are visiting a destination like Montego Bay Jamaica. The best way to stay safe while traveling is to be aware of your surroundings and follow the common sense rules that any other tourist would.
If you have a reputable tour guide, you can rest assured that they will take you to a safe and enjoyable destination. It is not unusual for tourists to get robbed or attacked while on vacation but if you are careful, you can minimize your chances of becoming a victim.
The risk of crime in Montego Bay is low for most tourists, especially those who are staying at all-inclusive resorts and sticking to tours and excursions with a local tour operator. If you are planning to explore the city center alone at night, you may want to consider staying at a hotel or resort that offers a safe or secure room.
Travelers should also make sure to lock their doors and windows at all times. This is especially helpful when staying in a ground-floor or balcony room where criminals are likely to be trying to break into your room.
Female travelers should also remain vigilant and avoid situations that could put them in harm’s way. Sexual harassment (including catcalling and unwanted advances), rape, and sexual assault are not uncommon in Jamaica, so women should always exercise a high degree of caution no matter where they are traveling.
Currency
The Jamaican dollar (J$) has been the island’s official currency since 1969. Banknotes are printed by De La Rue Currency Ltd. in England, while coins are minted by the Bank of Jamaica. Each high-value note features a portrait of a national hero or former Prime Minister, while popular landmarks and local scenes appear on the back.
You can convert your own currency into JMD at the Bank of Jamaica’s exchange bureaus at both airports, cruise ship piers and most hotels. However, if you are not familiar with the island’s currency, we recommend you wait until you arrive to change your money.
There are also many ATMs throughout the island, which dispense both local cash and US dollars. These machines are found in shopping malls, petrol stations and banks, and can be a convenient way to access your funds.
Another option is to carry traveler’s checks. These can be cashed at most establishments, but you should check with your bank about fees before using them.
Most tourist areas accept both USD and J$, though some will quote prices only in US. This is especially true at resorts. For small items like bus fares, taxi rides or roadside snacks, local vendors and drivers will usually quote in J$. In all other situations, we recommend you take both currencies with you. The Jamaican dollar is prone to fluctuation and has been known to weaken on a daily basis, so it is best to be prepared.
Languages Spoken and Culture
Jamaica has a diverse population with many foreign nationals settling in the country. Most speak their native language at home, but English is the main language used for education, business and government.
Jamaicans are very proud of their culture and heritage. The country is known for its rich music and folk tales, as well as its pristine beaches.
The island is home to several different types of religions, including Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist and Pentecostal denominations. Christmas is an important holiday in the island, with various denominations observing services such as Communion, candlelight ceremonies, concerts and all-night prayer meetings.
Another important part of the culture is family. The Jamaican family is a close-knit network of aunts, uncles and cousins that provide emotional and economic support to its members.
In addition to English, the majority of Jamaicans speak Jamaican Patois, which arose as a form of English creole that combined several African languages, as well as Arawakan (the Aboriginal language), French, Chinese and Portuguese. It is a lively dialect that can be heard in all parts of the island.
While the language can be hard to understand in some situations, such as in a sporting event or in dark rum bars, it’s also full of enthusiasm and character. This makes it fun to learn and speak, especially if you’re planning on visiting the country with friends or relatives.
