Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & St James Parish Church

Montego Bay , Jamaica

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & St James Parish Church

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

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About this experience

This tour offers an enriching experience for visitors to Montego Bay, Jamaica, that combines adventure with relaxation in one of Jamaica’s most beautiful settings. From hand-feeding hummingbirds while enjoying a beautiful Birdseye view of the ocean at a bird sanctuary to exploring a historical church, this tour encapsulates the essence of what makes Montego Bay a popular destination for travelers. This tour is designed to showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area while providing a fun and engaging experience for tourists.

Available options

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & St James Parish Church

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Pick up & Return to Hotel/Resort or Montego Bay Cruise Port

Entrance/Admission to Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary is a renowned avian haven located near Montego Bay, Jamaica. Established in the early 1950s by Lisa Salmon, a pioneering figure in Jamaican ornithology, the sanctuary has become a significant site for birdwatching and conservation. It is home to exquisite bird species, including the Jamaican Mango, Doctor Bird, Vervain humming bird, and finches. Avid bird watchers can go on a journey within the sanctuary to locate other bird species such as the Streamertail (Jamaica’s national bird), Caribbean Dove, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo, Jamaican Woodpecker, Jamaican Oriole, Orangequit, and Jamaican Tody. One of the unique experiences offered at the sanctuary is the opportunity for visitors to hand-feed wild birds.

The Reggae Dancehall Wall of Fame celebrates Jamaica’s rich musical heritage by honoring influential reggae artists and their contributions to music globally. This attraction features murals and plaques dedicated to legendary musicians such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and many others who have shaped reggae music over the decades.

St. James Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in Jamaica, dating back to 1775. This Anglican church is notable for its stunning architecture and historical significance within the community. The church features beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork that reflect its colonial past. Visitors can explore the church grounds and gravesites of notable figures from Jamaican history.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

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