Things To Do

Doctor's Cave Beach

By far one of the most popular beaches in Jamaica, Doctor’s Cave Beach got its name in the 1920s, when a famous British osteopath made a public pronouncement that the water on Doctor’s Cave Beach had curative powers. This unlikely declaration lured visitors from all over the world, and not soon after lots of hotels sprung up in the area. It has been a major touristic hot spot ever since, whether or not there was ever any truth to the doctor’s words. Cruise visitors often frequent the beach, and it’s also popular for snorkeling. There’s a small charge for admission (US$6). There are changing rooms, restaurants, gift shops, and rentals spots (chairs, umbrellas, etc.)

Appleton Estate

Products by Appleton Estate stand out on the world stage, but they are uniquely Jamaican. This company makes fine rums and offers tours to anyone who wants to learn more about their processes. To get there you’ll have to take a two-hour journey by car, but the trip is well worth it in the end. You can also speak with your resort about signing up for a tour of Appleton Estate to take you there. Once you get there, you can take a tour of the distillery, and sample some of the products available. The Appleton Estate Rum Experience includes welcome cocktails, a guided tasting tour with local rum experts, a film about the rum industry, and a tour of the Estate. It’s all super interactive, and the Estate is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. A tour begins every hour.

Montego Bay Cultural Centre

Have an artsy day at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre where you’ll find various exhibits of which ancient Jamaican arts and craft are the central focus. There are also sometimes displays on Rastafarian culture, and other relevant topics. During this tour you’ll learn more about Jamaica’s heritage, and art. The Centre opened in 2014, and features both a gallery and museum showcasing various paintings, sculptures, and other cultural artefacts.

Green Grotto Caves

Popularized by James Bond fame, Live and Let Die to be precise, a visit to the Green Grotto Caves is one of the top things to do in Jamaica. The Caves of course, were and are an important part of history, before their appearance in the famous James Bond Movie. Green Grotto is a 1.5 km long cave system that historically served as a hiding place for both slaves and Spanish soldiers. Today the caves are home to millions of bats. Even used as a night club in the 90s, today you can enjoy a leisurely tour of the caves, which includes walking down 65 steps to the underground lake featured in the James Bond submarine scene.

Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios

Enter the world of these gentle bottlenose beauties with a special kiss and caress while you get a chance to make friends, touch and have an up-close experience with the dolphins. Also, learn some interesting facts about these wonderful creatures from a knee deep water platform.

Dunns River Falls Tour

Experience the majesty of Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most magnificent natural treasures. Join hands and be part of a human chain ascending the slopes of this 600 foot waterfall, one of the few in the world that empties directly into the sea. Pose for snapshots and soak in lagoons filled with pure waters cascading from high in the mountains above Ocho Rios.

Scotchies

One of our favorite places to stop when we are back home. Enjoy a taste of authentic Jamaican food at this roadside restaurant. No vegetarian options here, but plenty of jerk chicken, pork and fish plus a host of Jamaican side dishes that we are sure you'll enjoy!

Margaritaville Montego Bay

Rose Hall Great House

There are a few plantations that you can explore near Montego Bay, and Rose Hall Great House is on top of the list for most. The Great House was originally built in 1770. It was once a plantation home and has since been restored. Some say the Rose Hall Great House is haunted, by the White Witch of Rose Hall, and there is a pretty dark accompanying history, if word of mouth is to be believed, but most people tour the space anyway in comprehensive day tours, and pretty scary night tours. Book your tour of the Rose Hall Great House with Island Routes.

Martha Brae River Raft Tour

Picture this: You’re gliding down a peaceful river surrounded by greenery as far as the eye can see. Flowers and trees of all varieties drift past, or is you drifting past… you can’t be sure, as your mind is completely at ease, and the only thing that matters is how perfect the whole experience is. This is a journey down the Martha Brae River, which is a famous river rafting experience in Jamaica. Soak in the whole experience, map out the countryside in your mind, memorize the Reggae songs being sung by the guides, remember it all because this is a once in a lifetime experience. River rafting tours leave from the Martha Brae Rafting Village, which is about 32 kilometers from Montego Bay. On site you’ll find a picnic ground, swimming pools, restrooms, shops, a medicinal garden, and more. Bring your swimsuit just in case.

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

Bird lovers, this is the perfect tour for you. At the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, you’ll get to come up close to rare birds, some of which are endemic to Jamaica. You can simply watch them in their natural environment, take photos, document your experience, and even feed the exotic birds. With a bottle of nectar in hand (provided to guests on arrival), you’ll be the center of attraction for hummingbirds which will flock all around you for a taste. Look out for the long-tailed Doctor Bird, Jamaica’s national bird. Rocklands is about 30 minutes by car from downtown Montego Bay.

Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden

Considered an “eco-tourism gem”, Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is an outdoor gallery and botanical garden. High up in the mountains, it was created with love by the Williams family, advocates for recycling and repurposing, as can see in how the attraction is designed and managed. Educational tours are available at Ras Natango, which include explorations of the gardens which are filled with more than 18 different species of plants, and are loved by birds, especially hummingbirds. You can try an art class here, shop for souvenirs and art, and stay for lunch. The Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is in Camrose District, but you can get here easily as the admission includes a shuttle from Montego Bay.

ATV Safari Montego Bay

There’s nothing quite like an epic ATV tour on rugged and scenic Caribbean terrain. It’s a great way to have an adventure while still taking in the sights along the way. Ride with Islandroutes on your four-wheel ATV adventure that’s thrilling, fast, and sometimes a little muddy. Get loose as the driver (safely of course) or kick back as a passenger as you take in panoramic coastal views. The tour takes about two hours, and includes stops at various viewpoints, drinks and lunch, and brief lessons on Jamaica’s flora and fauna. By the time you’re done exploring the trail, you’ll probably have fallen more in love with Jamaica.