Montego Bay , Jamaica

Montego Bay Scenic Tour

Active

(19 reviews)

1h - 4h

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Montego Bay Scenic Tour offers a few hours of learning about the history of Jamaica's second city - Montego Bay. You will learn about slavery and colonial days, visit historical sites, as well as the museum (Montego Bay Cultural Centre) located in Sam Sharpe Square (the heart of the city). Here you get to see historical artifacts as your knowledgeable guide shows you around.
You will visit other sites that offers a breathtaking view of Montego Bay and its environs or where your can shop for souvenirs, rum and coffee or even grab a bite and mingle with the locals while adhering to COVID protocols.
You are also given the opportunity to be in charge of your tour based on your personal interest. If you choose not to spend long periods at an attraction site you have the option to move on.

Available options

Montego Bay Scenic Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

View the panoramic view of the coast and golf course (formerly the slave plantations) of this historic great house and learn about Rose Hall's slave history and the legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall.

Stop 2

You will walk the streets of this cobblestone town, which is in the center of downtown Montego Bay while your guide provide a rich history of the square. You will hear about how the square got its name and about one of Jamaica's national heroes.

You will view and hear the history one of Jamaica's oldest yet finest Anglican churches.

You will visit Gloucester Avenue or "Hip Strip" in Montego Bay. This is a trendy part of the city with shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and art galleries such as Usain Bolt's own restaurant - Tracks and Records. Here you can stroll through the street and purchase souvenirs if you wish.

Walk the grounds of the Richmond Hill Great House overlooking Montego Bay and hear about its history.

Towards the end of your tour, we will head to Scotchies, Montego Bay's finest jerk center where you can indulge in a real taste of Jamaican jerk chicken or pork or any item on their menu.

What's not included

Fees to Attractions

Lunch

Alcoholic Beverages

Bottled water

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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