JM
Montego Bay
Jamaica’s main gateway, with resort beaches, great houses and river rafting nearby
Jamaica’s main gateway, with resort beaches, great houses and river rafting nearby
This restored 18th-century plantation house is known for the legend of Annie Palmer, the “White Witch of Rose Hall”. Tours, including evening ghost tours, explain the house and the history of slavery behind it.
Photo: Don Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 3.0
The main square honours Sam Sharpe, a national hero who led the 1831–32 Christmas Rebellion of enslaved people. Nearby is the old stone “Cage” lock-up.
Photo: andreyss, CC BY 3.0
Between Montego Bay and Falmouth, this house once owned by the Barrett family keeps period furniture and antique musical instruments.
Photo: Van Atrecht, CC0
Near Falmouth, raft captains pole long bamboo rafts gently down the Martha Brae river.
Tip your raft captain.
Photo: Donna-Kay Delahaye, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try jerk chicken or pork from a roadside jerk centre, ackee and saltfish, curry goat, patties and fresh fish with bammy.
Scotchies and other jerk spots are popular; resort food is plentiful but less local.
Sangster International Airport has direct flights from North America and Europe. Negril is about 1.5 hours away by road and Ocho Rios about 1.5–2 hours.
Use licensed taxis (red PP plates), hotel transfers or Knutsford Express coaches between towns.
Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, often at a rounded rate. Many visitors stay at all-inclusive resorts, which changes the budget considerably.
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
Beaches and history.
Swim at a Hip Strip beach and see Sam Sharpe Square.
Tour Rose Hall and Greenwood Great House.
Raft the Martha Brae and visit historic Falmouth.
Hurricane season runs from June to November; consider travel insurance.
Agree fares before you ride.
Confirm your hotel is open after the 2025 hurricane.
Stick to tourist areas at night and use reputable transport.
Quick answers for planning time in Montego Bay.
Yes, the airport and many hotels and attractions are operating, but some large resorts were not due to reopen until 2027.
About 1.5 hours by road.
The Jamaican dollar, though US dollars are widely accepted.
Its great house and the legend of the “White Witch”.
December to April, the dry season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Jamaica travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.