Montego Bay Highlights Tour with Shopping and Bamboo Rafting

Montego Bay , Jamaica

Montego Bay Highlights Tour with Shopping and Bamboo Rafting

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(4 reviews)

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the best of Montego Bay with an unforgettable blend of history, culture, shopping, and relaxation on the Montego Bay Highlights Tour with Shopping & Bamboo River Rafting.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the city, where you'll explore Montego Bay’s rich history with stops at a local museum, the oldest church in Jamaica, and the Harbor Street Craft Market, where you can browse handmade souvenirs and authentic Jamaican crafts. Next, we take you to the lively Hip Strip, home to Margaritaville, duty-free shops, and local boutiques, perfect for picking up gifts and keepsakes.

Then, escape into nature as you head to the lush countryside for a bamboo rafting adventure on the Great River. Glide along crystal-clear waters on a hand-crafted bamboo raft, taking in the serene tropical surroundings. To complete your experience, enjoy a relaxing limestone foot massage, an age-old Jamaican therapy known for its soothing and exfoliating properties.

Available options

Montego Bay Highlights Tour with Shopping and Bamboo Rafting

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Entry/Admission

Detailed itinerary

Embark on a breathtaking journey into the lush hills of St. James to the charming village of Lethe, where nature’s beauty and relaxation await. As you travel through scenic countryside roads, take in panoramic views of rolling green hills and serene valleys before arriving at the tranquil Great River.

Here, you’ll glide along the crystal-clear waters on a hand-crafted bamboo raft, surrounded by lush tropical scenery. Immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of nature as your experienced guide treats you to a rejuvenating limestone foot massage, a traditional Jamaican therapy known for its healing and exfoliating properties. The combination of gentle river currents, fresh mountain air, and natural limestone therapy creates a truly refreshing and unforgettable experience in the heart of Jamaica’s countryside.

Stop 2

You will make a stop at the renowned Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, also known as the Hip Strip, where you can relax at Margaritaville, enjoying refreshing drinks and stunning ocean views, or explore local shops for souvenirs and gifts.

Your journey through Montego Bay includes stops at the local museum, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich history, the oldest church in Jamaica, a testament to its colonial heritage, and the local handcrafted market, where artisans showcase unique Jamaican crafts.

To complete the experience, we will take you to one of Montego Bay’s top authentic Jamaican restaurants—Pork Pit, Scotchies, Pier One, or similar—where you can savor the island’s signature flavors in a true local setting.

Stop 3

The Harbor Street Craft Market is a vibrant open-air marketplace known for its diverse selection of handcrafted goods. Here, you’ll find an array of handmade souvenirs, including t-shirts, beaded jewelry, straw items, batik fabrics, and intricately carved wooden pieces, all crafted by local artisans. A favorite among cruise passengers, this market offers a unique opportunity to shop for authentic Jamaican keepsakes while experiencing the island’s rich artistic culture.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch & Drinks (Available to Purchase)

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Montego Bay

Montego Bay, known as MoBay, is a vibrant coastal city in Jamaica, famous for its stunning beaches, lush resorts, and rich cultural heritage. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering everything from luxurious spas to thrilling water sports.

Top Attractions

Doctor's Cave Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Montego Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. The beach is part of the Doctor's Cave Beach Club, which offers amenities like food, drinks, and water sports.

Beach Half day Free (entry fee for the beach club)

Rose Hall Great House

A historic plantation house with a rich and somewhat haunted history. The house offers guided tours that delve into its past, including the legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (entry fee for tours)

Martha Brae River

A scenic river that offers bamboo rafting tours. The gentle current and lush surroundings make for a relaxing and picturesque experience.

Nature Half day Moderate (tour fee)

Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue)

A vibrant strip filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. It's a great place to experience the local nightlife and culture.

Entertainment Evening Varies (shopping, dining, and entertainment expenses)

Montego Bay Marine Park

A protected marine area that offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The park is home to a variety of marine life and coral reefs.

Nature Half day Moderate (snorkeling and diving tour fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Jerk Chicken

Chicken marinated in a spicy jerk sauce and grilled over an open fire. The sauce typically includes Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other spices.

Dinner Contains meat, can be spicy

Ackee and Saltfish

A traditional Jamaican breakfast dish made with ackee (a fruit) and salted codfish, cooked with onions, peppers, and spices.

Breakfast Contains fish, can be spicy

Curried Goat

Goat meat slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful curry sauce. It's often served with rice and peas.

Dinner Contains meat, can be spicy

Rice and Peas

A staple side dish made with rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, and spices. It's often served with meat dishes.

Side Dish Vegetarian, can be vegan if made without meat

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Zip-lining Hiking Caving Beach relaxation Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak tourist season with the best weather conditions. The days are sunny and warm, perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration. However, it's also the most crowded and expensive time to visit.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Jamaican Patois (Creole)
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Jamaican Dollar (JMD)

Time Zone

EST (UTC-5)

Electricity

110VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Montego Bay is generally safe for tourists, especially in the tourist areas and resorts. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas. Be cautious of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Avoid walking alone at night

Getting there

By air

Sangster International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By bus

Montego Bay Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Public transportation in Montego Bay consists of route taxis (minivans) and buses. They are affordable but can be crowded. Route taxis are shared and follow specific routes, while buses are less frequent and follow a set schedule.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue) Dead End Beach Fairview

Day trips

Ocho Rios

75 km (47 miles) • Full day

Ocho Rios is a vibrant town known for its waterfalls, beaches, and lush landscapes. It offers a variety of attractions, including Dunn's River Falls, Mystic Mountain, and Dolphin Cove.

Negril

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Negril is a laid-back beach town known for its stunning beaches, especially Seven Mile Beach, and its vibrant nightlife. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with activities like snorkeling, diving, and cliff jumping at Rick's Café.

Runaway Bay

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to Full day

Runaway Bay is a scenic area known for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and adventure activities. It's home to the Green Grotto Caves and the Runaway Bay Golf Club.

Festivals

Reggae Sumfest • Early to mid-July Montego Bay Cultural Festival • Mid-July Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival • January

Pro tips

Try local jerk cuisine, especially jerk chicken and pork, which is a must-try in Montego Bay
Visit Doctor's Cave Beach early in the morning to secure a good spot and enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters
Explore the Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue) for shopping, dining, and nightlife, but be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
Book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and the best prices
Use reputable tour operators and taxis, and negotiate fares in advance to avoid overcharging