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Montego
Bay, Jamaica
Also see Visitor Information
for general Jamaica visitor topics.
Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city, but
it is the island's tourism capital. It has the largest
selection of hotel accommodations and a very good public
transportation system. You will never lack things to do
in Montego Bay.
Montego Bay can be divided into three areas. There is
the city itself with its crowded, colorful streets. There
is the " hotel area" which is the mile-and-a-half
strip running from the town, past the celebrated Doctor's
Cave Beach and out to the Dead End Bar. Thirdly, there
are the outlying hotels and villas on beach or hillside.
Whether you are looking for an active vacation or something
a little more "laid back", you will find accommodations
to suit.
Shopping
The main Crafts Market is on Harbour Street close to Sam
Sharpe Square, but there are two smaller ones in the hotel
area, one next to Fantasy Hotel and another on Fort Street
on the site of a 17th century fort.
There are a number of other shopping areas in Montego
Bay where the visitor can shop for souvenirs: St. James
and Fantasy Plazas are situated in the hotel area and
Montego Bay Plaza is on the waterfront in town. Farther
from the city center is the Montego Freeport Shopping
Center to the west of town and the Blue Diamond Plaza
to the east. Holiday Village, also to the east, in front
of Holiday Inn, is the largest shopping center in Montego
Bay.
Half Moon Shopping Village, is a very luxurious shopping
area, attached to the Half Moon Hotel.
Dining
Restaurants are around every corner and the best of European
American, Far Eastern and Jamaican cuisine is offered.
It is impossible to include all the wonderful eateries
you could encounter on your trip to Montego Bay.
Recreation
Beaches
Doctor's Cave Beach is Montego Bay's most famous. It has
five miles of pure white sand and crystal clear water
which have made this beach a popular destination for tourists
and families. Adjacent Cornwall Beach has the same fluffy
sand and clear waters. Walter Fletcher Beach has changing-rooms,
snack bars and tennis court.
Nightlife
Day & Night, MoBay’s happening hip strip has something
for you - great beaches, fine food, trendy bars and a
non-stop party vibe that sizzles year round.
Water Sports
Water sports are available at all the above and at most
ocean-front hotels.
Fishing
Fish rocky shorelines, sand flats, seagrass and mangrove
areas for bonefish, tarpon, snook or permit, or fish floating
seaweed lines for deep sea monsters like mahi-mahi, tuna,
mackerel, wahoo, marlin and others. Night fishing, family
fishing, and coastal trolling trips are also available.
Tennis
Many hotels have tennis courts - some lighted. Half Moon
where the pro is Jamaican champion Richard Russell has
13 courts, seven of them lighted, and 4 squash courts.
Tryall also has a resident pro.
Golf
There are 4 championship courses including Rosehall, Half
Moon, Ironshore and Tryall which is the venue of the annual
Johnny Walker Championship for the best of the best.
Tours
Martha Brae River - Take a scenic tour down the Martha
Brae River.
Visit the Rose Hall Great House. This former English-style
sugar plantation is now open to the public.
Horseback Riding
There are several very nice stables located around Montego
Bay offering experiences from mountain trails to beach
rides, or take a swim with your horse!
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