Thank you for visiting our site on Montego Bay, Jamaica. Below is a brief history of Montego Bay followed by a description of trips, shopping, restaurants and night life. Once you are finished reading be sure to visit our main page for: other towns of Jamaica, pictures of Jamaica, facts about Jamaica and other Jamaican links.

Montego Bay has a number of unique attractions to enjoy. Dhana Car Rental and Tours, Ltd. can help you experience these sites by renting a car. Reserve online now or call toll free for more information 1-866-276-1884. We have rates as low as US$175 per week, plus taxes and insurance. Click here to find out why Dhana's rates are so low.

City streets are crowded, colourful and lively. Country folk flock in to visit markets, shops and banks. Guests from hotels and cruise ships make their way to in-bond shops and Crafts Markets. Housewives, office girls and market higglers promenade round bar-front discussion groups and sidewalk domino games.

Compared to Palm Beach, it is not exactly an elegant town. Ergo, don't compare it to anywhere. Enjoy its noisy, untidy, lively Caribbean charm.

Architecture is a mixture of last-century "gingerbread" wooden houses interspersed with modern buildings, many of which harmonize because Georgian facades never really went out of fashion.

Sam Sharpe Square, a pleasant cobble stoned hub of activity, is roughly the centre of the town where stands the Cage, formerly a jail for runaway slaves, and the ruins of the Courthouse, built in 1804 and destroyed by fire some 20 years ago.

It is only now in the process of being rebuilt.

City Centre, in true Jamaican tradition, is not the centre of the city but it is the centre of in-bond shopping where all the major in-bond stores are situated.

The main Crafts Market is on Harbour Street close to Sam Sharpe Square, but there are two smaller ones in the hotel area, one next to Fantasy Hotel and another on Fort Street on the site of a 17th century fort.

There are a number of other shopping arcades in Montego Bay where the visitor can shop for souvenirs: St. James and Fantasy Plazas are situated in the hotel area and Montego Bay Plaza and Bay West Plaza are on the waterfront in town. Further a field lies the Montego Freeport Shopping Centre to the west of town and the Blue Diamond Plaza to the east.

Holiday Village, also to the east, in front of Holiday Inn, is the largest shopping centre in Montego Bay, with an extensive selection of in-bond stores, souvenir and craft stores, all within easy walking distance. It also boasts an art gallery.

Half Moon Shopping Village, is a very luxurious shopping area, attached to the Half Moon Hotel.

On the western side of the harbour, Montego Freeport has been developed on what was once the mangrove swamps of the Bogue Islands. Here are the deep water piers where cruise boat passengers and freight are unloaded. Here too is the site of the Montego Bay Free Zone, which employs a great number of Montegonians in the manufacture of such things as T-shirts and sportswear, all for export. Jamaica Digiport International, a hi-tech telecommunications centre, is also at Montego Freeport.

The name Montego Bay derives from the Spanish name — Manteca Bahía or Bay of Lard, so called because of the lard-making industry made possible by the hunting of wild boars which abounded in the surrounding hills.

Montego Bay was a sugar and banana town but the sugar factories have closed down and bananas are now shipped out from Kingston and Port Antonio so the picturesque sight of women carrying bananas on their heads and singing the TallyMan song while carrying out their back-breaking work, is a thing of the past.

Montego Bay's original claim to resort fame was the fabulous Doctor's Cave Beach which attracted celebrities and socialites from all over the world. The Beach is said to be fed by mineral springs and it certainly rejoices in the most uncommonly clear and sparkling water.

In recent years, other beach clubs have been developed in the area, each with its own special character. Walter Fletcher Beach is closest to town on Gloucester Avenue. Cornwall Beach is just a little beyond Doctor's Cave, Tropical Beach and Rose Hall Beach lie further out of town.

Montego Bay boasts a wide selection of accommodation, from the older, well-established luxury hotels and the newer all-inclusives to the many small and much more intimate places. Villas await those who want to get away and do their own thing.

Montego Bay has a number of unique attractions to enjoy. Dhana Car Rental and Tours, Ltd. can help you experience these sites by renting a car. Reserve online now or call toll free for more information 1-866-276-1884. We have rates as low as US$175 per week, plus taxes and insurance. Click here to find out why Dhana's rates are so low.

Montego Bay offers a great deal to photographers, adventurers or those afflicted by curiosity or inability to sit on a beach for long periods. These people should contact their hotel tour desk or rent a car, or bike and with a copy of Focus on Jamaica firmly in hand, sally forth to discover this exotic land. There are so many things to do to that one visit to Jamaica is not enough.

Shopping in Montego Bay
Part of the pleasure of a vacation is buying souvenirs or simply splurging out on something you have always wanted. Jamaica offers the necessary temptations.

City Centre Plaza in Montego Bay is a plaza devoted almost entirely to in-bond stores but you will find others in the Holiday Village and Half Moon Shopping Village, in larger hotels and at Montego Bay Plaza on the waterfront. Be sure to bargain in these stores - it is expected.

The main Crafts Market is on Harbour Street in town but there are two smaller ones in the hotel area, one next to Fantasy Hotel and another on Fort Street on the site of a 17th century fort.

Art Galleries in Montego Bay
A visit to Lester Art Gallery in the hills above Reading can also be a tour in itself or can be combined with visits to other places of interest. The Gallery is devoted to works of Polish sea captain and painter the late Michael Leszczynski, who anglicised his name to Lester and is famous for the work of his Jamaica period. The gallery is at his former home and studio which he built in the 1950s on a cliff side at the village of Belmont. The house has stunning views. Call 605-1299 and arrange a visit. In the same area are Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and Mountain Valley River Rafting.

Aquasol Theme Park
Situated on the dazzling white sand Walter Fletcher beach, this theme park offers enough entertainment to keep you busy all day. It has a go-kart track with 10 Honda bumper carts and water sports such as kayaking, parasailing, banana boating and glass bottom boating in addition to trampolines, wave runners, beach volleyball and two professional tennis courts. The Voyage sport's bar and restaurant not only serves excellent food, there are 42 big-screen TV's for sporting events, pool tables, slot machines and many other games. 979-9447

Montego Bay Underseas Tours
The "Coral See" looks a bit like a submarine but it is really a boat with an air conditioned underwater viewing compartment six feet under the surface where you can sit in comfort and watch the wonders of the Montego Bay Marine Park. Coral, hundreds of different fish, turtles, and sting rays are all displayed for your enjoyment. 940-4465.

Belvedere Estate
Belvedere is a family-owned estate set on one thousand acres of land just minutes away from Montego Bay. It was one of the first sugar cane plantations in Jamaica and is still a working estate. The owner, Mr. Pat McGann, has opened it to the public so that all can share the natural beauty of its rivers and waterfalls, its ruins and exotic plants and birds. 952-6001

Bird Sanctuary
A visit to Rocklands Feeding Station in Anchovy, only minutes away from Montego Bay, is a must for all bird lovers and bird watchers. Feeding time is four o'clock .

Bob Marley Experience and Theatre
Situated in the Half Moon Shopping Village. Shows every hour on the hour are a touching tribute to Bob Marley. This tastefully produced documentary film is a must for all lovers of his music and for those who have never had the pleasure of watching Bob Marley in concert. The adjoining shop has the largest selection of Bob Marley T-shirts in the world. 953-3946.

Caribbean Showplace
This entertainment Centre at Ironshore offers a games room, two restaurants and a "state of the art" nightclub with two bars cater to every taste.

Chukka Blue Adventure Tours
Situated at Blue Hole, Sandy Bay, this company offers a horseback-riding tour through an ancient sugar estate. The tour meanders for two and a half hours through the picturesque Jamaican landscape and finishes with a dip in the sea (horse and all). First class horses, and equipment as well as experienced guides ensure a memorable experience for all.

They also offer an exciting bike tour through the cool hills of Hanover down to the beach.

Yet another tour is aptly named the Heritage Tour. Safari jeeps meander deep into the Jamaican countryside, taking in the occasional great house on the way. 817-3624

Coral Cliff Gaming/ Entertainment Lounge
A flashing neon sign is the GO signal for the "Hip Strip's" best seven nights of live entertainment. From live jazz to fabulous fashion shows, cabaret or vintage reggae, it is exciting, entertaining and exhilarating. Coral Cliff, Montego Bay's gaming lounge, is a haven for conservative and adventurous players alike. Slots range in denomination from US$0.50 to US$5.00 for jackpots as big as your dreams. 952-4130

Tryall Golf Club
The Tryall resort sits in a beautiful 2,200 acre estate with sweeping vistas down to the incredibly blue Caribbean sea. The 72 par 18 hole golf course here is world-famous. Call 956-5660.

Rose Hall Beach Club
They call themselves the water sports capital of Jamaica and with great reason. Name any water sport and they have it — waterskiing, wave runners, para sailing, kayaking, diving, fishing, snorkeling, hydrospeeding. The list goes on. If you are a water sports fan or would like to learn any of the above. this place is a must. The club now offers family and corporate memberships at very reasonable prices. 680-0969

Rose Hall Great House
This is without doubt the most celebrated Great House in Jamaica. It was once the home of the notoriously wicked Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Rose Hall, who murdered three husbands and terrorized her slaves. U.S. entrepreneurs, John and Michele Rollins, restored it to its original glory, complete with furnishings from the same time period. Charming Jamaican hostesses will chill your blood with tales of the evil Annie. A refreshing walk in the beautiful gardens will restore your equilibrium — or should you need stronger sustenance you can find it in Annie's Pub in the dungeon of the Great House. 953-2323

Tours To Cuba
Vacation Outlet and Tropical Tours can add a Latin flavour to your holiday with a side trip to Cuba which lies a mere 90 miles from Jamaica's north coast. Day or weekend trips are on offer. Tour historic Havana, dance to the rhythms of salsa. Call Vacation Outlet at 971-3859 or Tropical Tours at 952-0400

Water Sports
Companies like Cool Aqua Sun Sports (680-0969), North Coast Marine Sports (953-9266), Captain's Watersports & Dive Centre (952-5860), offer expert services. Call for weather and visibility conditions.

Cambioman
At 8 Market Street, Montego Bay changes money at very competitive rates. 940-0691

However, if you look for it you will find evidence of past splendour in the architecture, not only of the unusual old church and court or town house but of its many old Georgian dwelling houses.

Falmouth has its share of tourist attractions which should be on your list of places to visit.

Glistening Waters
At Rock, just beyond Falmouth is the amazing Luminous Lagoon. It is one of the most spectacular wonders to be found in Jamaica. Schedule your trip for after dark and take a boat ride from Glistening Waters Marina (954-3229). The water is luminous when agitated and you can see the outlines of fish and streaks of light as they swim around. Words fail to do it justice, so go see for yourselves.

Deep Sea Fishing Trips can also be arranged on one of the marina's fully equipped fishing boats.

King Pepper
A company which produces such spicy ( and with a name like King Pepper can you doubt it?) Jamaican favourites as Jerk Seasoning, Hot Pepper Sauce and Jerk Ketchup to name a few, welcomes visitors to its factory just beyond Falmouth on the road to Ocho Rios. Look for their sign on the deep bend just past the bridge.

Restaurants in Montego Bay

Whatever your culinary fancy, Jamaica has it all. If you want to grab a quick bite or luxuriate through a seven course meal; if you want to eat Italian, Japanese, French or even Jamaican food, there are chefs to cater to your every whim and there are prices to suit every pocket. Beyond advising that you should not leave Jamaica without trying such delicacies as ackee and saltfish, rice and peas, pumpkin soup, roast breadfruit, jerk chicken, Jamaican patties or ginger beer, we simply present you with a list of restaurants and leave the choice to you.

Most restaurants offer a pick-up service when you call to make a reservation.

Akbar is an authentic Indian restaurant, as the attractive decor designed by Jamaican artist, Dawn Scott, proclaims, and it more than lives up to the reputation of its renowned sister establishment in Kingston. The menu offers dishes with such exotic names as Chicken Tikka Masala and Vegetable Jaipupi and will please beginners as well as long-time devotees of the cuisine. Call 979-0133.

Belfield 1794 on the Barnett Estate is unique in that it stands in what was once a sugar mill. The sturdy circular, stone building round which oxen once plodded, turning the great press which squeezed the juice from the sugar cane, has been creatively remodeled into an attractive dining room and bar. Soft lighting warms the stone walls and creates a cozy atmosphere where diners can enjoy the best of fare. A tour of the Barnett Estate Great House could be an added bonus to an enjoyable meal. 952-2382.

The Brewery on Miranda Ridge offers a cozy, pub atmosphere in its sports bar and tasty bar food with no less than 12 varieties of burgers on the menu. They also have an attractive restaurant patio, overlooking the bay. 940-2613

Caribbean Cafe at Caribbean Showplace in Ironshore is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., offering casual dining with island foods and specialties. 953-8263.

Day O Plantation. A pretty garden terrace for dining under the stars. Seafood features strongly. The Day O Snapper is one of our favourites. Host is musician Paul Hurlock, so live music goes with the scenery and at weekends a steel band and dancers add to the entertainment. Wonderful setting for weddings. They will make all the arrangements for you. 952-1825.

Docks Caribbean is on the beach, by the pool at the Coyaba Hotel, five minutes to the east of Montego Bay airport. Food is excellent, prices are reasonable and the home-made cakes are "out of this world". Open 10-30 a.m to sunset. Enjoy a live Reggae band every Thursday night. 953-9150.

Dolly's - situated on Sunset Boulevard at Hotel Gloria Plaza, between Sundance Resort and the airport, Dolly's clientele comes from all the resort area hotels especially to enjoy her Jamaica-style cuisine. You can't leave Jamaica without sampling her sweet potato pudding served warm with a special sauce, so good it was featured on NBC television. Prices are reasonable and smoking is permitted on the outside patio. 979-0045.

Dunn's Villa, a short hop from the Wyndham Hotel, has an excellent chef. Jamaican country-style dinner is served every night and we especially recommend the steamed fish in coconut milk and their home-made ginger beer. Happy Hour from 6 pm to 8 pm. Friday night is "Jerk Night", a barbecue featuring Jamaica's famous jerk spices, by the pool. Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 am to 3 pm. Their garden party is a special event. Call ahead for reservations. 953-7459.

Glistening Waters in Falmouth. A dining experience you should not miss. Dinner beside the magic waters of the luminous lagoon with its darting fish etched in eerie light. Seafood is the specialty. Open 8 am to 11 pm every day. 954-3427.

Greenhouse on Gloucester Avenue opposite Doctor's Cave, has a pleasant, coffee shop ambience with good food at reasonable prices. 952-7838.

Estate Cottage at Caribbean Showplace in Ironshore is open from 6-30 p.m. to 11-30 p.m. Reservation only. The decor blends old Jamaica charm with ultra-modern elegance and the cuisine is international, featuring Caribbean specialties. 953-8263.

Guangzhou on Miranda Ridge, offers daily lunch time specials which attract a faithful local clientele while its superb panoramic view of the bay make it a romantic setting for dinner. The genuine Chinese chef will prepare your favourite Chinese dish to order. 952-6200

Ma Lou's. Take a culinary cruise and taste the Caribbean at this gourmet jewel. From her journey to the islands, Ma Lou has captured the essence of their indigenous flavours and prepares an exciting array of delectable dishes just for you. 952-4130

Marguerite's is one of the finest seafood restaurants in the island. Enjoy an romantic and intimate dinner served on the starlit water's edge terrace by an attentive staff. Creatively prepared Caribbean seafood specialties include Cognac Lobster, Pimento Smoked Blue Marlin and Tijuana Shrimp. Flambeau specialties are prepared at your table and an imaginative selection of imported steaks, vegetarian specials and pastas complete the culinary experience. Open for dinner only. Reservations are preferred and complimentary shuttles are provided in the Montego Bay area. Call 952-4277.

Margueritaville, centrally located on the Hip Strip and where the party never stops. By day bounce about on the water trampolines, relax in the rooftop hot tub or ride the monster slide that plunges 110 feet into the Caribbean. At night the danceteria swings to the latest international and local sounds. But whenever you visit sample the grilled specials, fajitas, burgers and authentic local fare. Wash it all down with one of the 52 tropical flavors of margueritas or bongs of beer. Something's always happening at Margeritaville. Call 952-4777.

The Native in an attractive location on Gloucester Avenue. Excellent Jamaican food at reasonable prices. Their Boonoonoonos (Jamaican for "excellent") Platter lets you sample a number of local delicacies while their salad bar overflows with tropical goodies. Seafood specials on Fridays nights. Superb lunch buffet Fridays and Sundays. Call 979-2769 for free pickup.

Orlando's Cuban Cafe, a must for lovers of Cuban cuisine. Located on the Hip Strip. 952-8554.

The Pelican. For thirty five years a favourite eating place for locals and visitors. A comprehensive international menu is enlivened with daily Jamaican specials while their Jamaican breakfasts are a Montego Bay institution. Round off your meal with one of their famous sundaes or a banana split and you'll still be within your budget. Situated on Gloucester Avenue. 952-3171.

Richmond Hill Inn at the top of Union Street, on the top of a hill with the best view in town, offers European cuisine with a Jamaican touch. Lobster is a specialty of the house. Open 5-30 pm to 11 pm every day. 952-3859.

Rose Hall Beach Club has an attractive restaurant right on the beach, offering a wide variety of snacks and dishes to keep your energy going while you sample their watersports. 680-0969.

Royal Stocks, an authentic English Pub and Steakhouse at Half Moon Shopping Village with gleaming wood and polished brass decor. Darts, satellite T. V., "good oldies" music and blackboard menu add to the "pub" atmosphere. Good old English favorites like steak & kidney pie and fish and chips. Great steaks, fresh garden salads, Caribbean seafood and daily chef specials offer hearty fare. A children's menu to welcome youngsters is available. 953-9770.

Rio Brac Rest Stop half way between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios is an ideal place to break your journey.

Rumjungle. Located at Coral Cliff, Montego Bay, this cafe and bar adds an exciting twist to Montego Bay's nightlife. More than 100 varieties of rum, an incredible list of specialty drinks. An exotic Caribbean menu and live entertainment into the wee hours of the morning. Unwind and be intoxicated by the mysteries of the Jungle. 952-4130.

Sugar Mill on the Golf Course at Half Moon Hotel. A pretty spot for lunch, under the shade of the almond trees and a romantic spot for dinner by candlelight, under the stars. The cuisine is international with a touch of Jamaica and the Caribbean serenely blended to remind you, if you were in any doubt, that you are in the tropics. Seafood features strongly on the menu 953-2314.

Tapas. This restaurant is hidden behind the Coral Cliff Hotel and is well worth searching for. The name originates in Spain where bars serve snacks with wine. Montego Bay's Tapas has a strong Spanish influence with Arabic overtones and a dash of Caribbean flair. All this is orchestrated by Canadian-trained chef, Oliver Magnus, who changes his menu every week. We especially enjoyed his "Tapas" dish - a sampling of several items on the menu, such as smoked duck and lamb with jerk sauce and guava glaze. 952-2988.

The Vineyard is at Coyaba Hotel, five minutes beyond the airport to the east of Montego Bay. The hotel is the only "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" in Jamaica and the dining room certainly reflects that distinction. Executive Chef, Oliver Oertel, who hails from Germany, is a former Gold Ribbon winner and was voted "Chef of the Year" in Jamaica. The food is excellent and well worth a visit. 953-9150.

The Voyage at the Aquasol Theme Park on Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay is a sports bar and restaurant right on the beach. It offers such old-time Jamaican favourites as Jerked Chicken and Oxtail and Beans along with a comprehensive international menu. Personalized pan pizzas let you do your own thing. 979-9447.

Town House on Church Street. A favourite dining place of the rich and famous, their guest book includes such famous names as Sean Connery, Steve McQueen, Dustin Hoffman, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russel.

The red brick walls with their fine art collection, and candlelight gleaming on glass and silverware gives this place a strong character. A well established restaurant, the Town House's reputation for great dining and fine wines has not dimmed in over thirty years. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day. 952-2660.

Night Life
Sunset in Jamaica is symbolic, not so much of the end of the day, but the beginning of the throbbing tropical night. Sunset watching is a required pursuit; there remains only to choose the spot.

Annie's Pub, situated in the dungeon at the Rose Hall Great House naturally has great atmosphere. They sometimes host live music events.

Coral Cliff Entertainment Lounge at the Coral Cliff Hotel offers varied entertainment seven nights a week with live jazz, fashion shows, cabaret and vintage reggae. There is no cover charge and free transport from your hotel cab be arranged. Call 952-4130

Coyaba Hotel offers Seafood by the Sea on Thursday with a live Calypso band. On Friday there is live jazz in the Polo Grounds Bar and on Saturday a lively Native Show on the beach. Non-guests are welcome. Call 953-9150.

Margueritaville swings every night until the last guest goes home and there is always something different to do. Check it out at 952-4777.

Royal Stocks. English Pub and Steakhouse at Half Moon Shopping Village has all the atmosphere of a genuine English pub. Good food, good booze and good company, darts, satellite T. V., slot machines and occasional live jazz. 953-9770.

The Brewery on Miranda Ridge celebrates Happy Hour every day from 4pm to 6 pm with Karaoke on Tuesday and Friday. 940-2613

Witch's Hideaway at the Dunn's Villa, close to the Wyndham Hotel, has Happy Hour every evening from 6 pm to 8 pm. 953-7459.

The Voyage at the Aquasol Theme Park on Gloucester Avenue hosts regular beach parties and theme nights throughout the year with live entertainment and fun galore. Call to see what's on during your visit. 979-9447.

SUNSET CRUISES
Cool Aqua Sun Sports claim they have the best sunset cruise ever onboard their "Lady Sharon". Enjoy their lavish hospitality from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with complimentary rum drinks and Jamaica Reggae moves as the sun slowly sinks in the west. 680-0969.

Sharky's, the distinctive tour boat with the gaping jaws, offers occasional evening dance parties from Pier 1. Call 971-1049.

NIGHTCLUBS IN MONTEGO BAY

Tropigala Night Club, situated at Caribbean Showplace in Ironshore, is open from 8 p.m. with game shows, cabaret with glamorous showgirls and international performers. Call 953-8263 for more information.

BEACH PARTIES
Check Aquasol Theme Park 979-9447, Rosehall Beach Club 953-2341 Caribbean Beach Park 953-8263, Cornwall Beach, 952-4439, to see what is on.

LINKS TO INFO ON OTHER JAMAICAN TOWNS

Below is a list of other major towns in Jamaica:

Kingston

Port Antonio

Ocho Rios

Montego Bay

Negril

Mandeville & the South Coast

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