Montego Bay Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
capital of Saint James Parish, Jamaica
About Montego Bay
Christopher Columbussailed into the bay in 1494 and named it "El Golfo de Buen Tiempo" or Fair Weather Bay. The first record of a Spanish settlement here shows it as Monterias. The Spaniards hunted the herds of wild hogs that used to roam the hills and produced and exported 'hog butter' or lard. The name Montego derives from the Spanish "manteca" meaning lard, and Montego Bay is shown on some ancient maps as Lard Bay, orBahia de Mantecain Spanish. Due in part to its location on the island's north shore, Montego Bay has long since earned the title of 'tourist capital of Jamaica.' It receives the bulk of international flights, and is home to Sangster International Airport, the larger of Jamaica's two main international airports. It is a tourist destination known for its duty-free shopping
Top Attractions in Montego Bay
Explore the best things to see and do in Montego Bay:
- ★Chukka Caribbean Adventures
- ★Cornwall Beach
- ★Doctor's Cave Beach
- ★Dreamer Catamaran Cruises
- ★Dunn’s River Falls & Park
- ★Jamaican Taxi Tours
- ★John Halls Montego Bay Adventure Tour
- ★KiteBoarding Jamaica
Where to Eat in Montego Bay
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Belfield 1794
- 🍴Day-O Plantation Restaurant
- 🍴Evelyn's
- 🍴Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
- 🍴Pier One Seafood
- 🍴Pork Pit
Where to Stay in Montego Bay
- 🏨Altamont West Hotel
- 🏨Bethel Court Guesthouse
- 🏨Caribic House
- 🏨Doctors Cave Beach Hotel
- 🏨El Greco Resort
- 🏨Five Gables
Montego Bay Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: