Flights to Montego Bay

 

Montego Bay is the fourth-largest city in Jamaica, situated on the northwest coast surrounded by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and the sea. Home to more than 110,000 residents, tourism is the major economic driver in a region that formerly prospered from sugar and banana plantations.

Also known as “MoBay,” this city is one of three cruise ship destinations in Jamaica. Cruising the crystal-clear Caribbean attracts more than 1.5 million visitors who disembark and spend a day shopping, dining and visiting the sights and sounds of this reggae-infused nation. The snorkeling and diving are top-notch at Montego Bay Marine Park, a protected cove with crystal clear blue water and coral reefs.

Other popular activities for water enthusiasts are sailing, kayaking, and fishing -- or hitting the beach to enjoy the island vibe. Folks who would rather just soak up the sun and swim in the surf gravitate toward Doctor’s Cave Beach, a longtime favorite public beach, or Walter Fletcher Beach, which has its own amusement park.

The heart of the town of Montego Bay is Sam Sharpe Square, home of the Montego Bay Cultural Centre’s National Gallery West and Museum of History.

Sangster International Airport (MBJ), the larger of two international airports in Jamaica, is located in Montego Bay. Named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport by the World Travel Awards, Sangster International has one runway and one terminal serving 30 airlines, including Delta Air Lines.

To ease visitors’ arrival to the island, Club MoBay offers a “Meet and Greet” experience that fasttracks arrivals and departures through immigration, security and customs for a fee. Club MoBay’s VIP Lounge serves snacks, rum punch and the chance to freshen up and await the arrival of ground transportation.

Quick bite dining options include Jamaica Bobsled’s, Moe’s, Island Deli, and Viva Gourmet Market. Full-service restaurants include Margaritaville and Cricket’s Sports Bar.

Pick up last-minute souvenirs at an array of shops including Hard Rock Café apparel, Harley Davidson clothing, Jamaica Heritage souvenirs, Flights of Fantasy jewelry, Coffee & Spice, and Tortuga Rum Company.

  • Taxi service is provided by two companies, JUTA and JCAL. The Authorized Taxi Desk is located outside the Customs exit.
  • Eight car rental agencies are located in the Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall, after exiting Customs.
  • Tour operators greet passengers after Customs in the Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall, where they will be directed to their shuttle.
  • Courtesy shuttle service is provided to guests staying at Sandals, Half Moon, Couples, Hyatt Zilara/Hyatt Ziva, and Club MoBay. After exiting Customs, they will be greeted by customer service representatives who will direct them to their shuttle.

Explore Montego Bay’s marine life at Montego Bay Marine Park, featuring 15 acres of protected coral reef. This park is a national nature preserve accessible to the public. Visitors can snorkel to view tropical fish and coral up close or take a glass bottom boat or catamaran ride.

Immerse yourself in the history of Jamaica at the Museum of History located at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre’s National Gallery West.  Learn about the indigenous Tainos Cohaba ceremonies, the arrival of the Spanish and the English, and the trans-Atlantic slave trade and rebellion.

Tour Rose Hall Great House, the former home of the “White Witch of Rose Hall”. Built in 1770, the imposing Georgian mansion was the site of a killing spree at the hands of Annee Palmer, who murdered three husbands and many lovers over the years. Tours include a stop in the dungeon, now called Annie’s Put, where a drink called  Witches Brew is served.

Glide through a rainforest like a bird in the jungle with Chukka Caribbean Adventure’s Canopy zipline tour. Brave the heights and pass through a series of decks, platforms and traverses mounted in the trees.

Situated 2,000 feet above sea level in the mountains overlooking MoBay, the Ras Natango Gallery and Garden not only features gorgeous, lushly landscaped grounds, but it’s a terrific place to shop for locally-made gifts. There’s also a restaurant and art gallery with original fine art paintings by artist Ras Natango and his son, Ayale.

Half Moon resort offers two miles of oceanfront on 400 acres of manicured grounds. With 398 rooms, guests have 12 types of accommodations to choose from, all decorated with Queen Anne-inspired furnishings made in Jamaica. Half Moon has five restaurants, including the award-winning Sugar Mill, named the best restaurant in Jamaica. Amenities include a fitness center, spa, championship golf course, tennis, sailing, water sports, an equestrian center, and a children’s village.

Sunscape Splash Montego Bay is an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort located on a secluded peninsula. Here guests can play at a water park, play golf, take dance lessons, watch movies on the beach, and more. There are 308 rooms to choose from, including suites and family rooms with private balconies or terraces.

The Royal Decameron Cornwall Beach Hotel in Montego Bay is a more intimate all-inclusive resort with just 146 rooms, all with sea views and a balcony or terrace. But it still offers all the attractions visitors to a Montego Bay resort expect, such as nine bars, four restaurants, a marina, tennis courts, live entertainment, game room, fitness center, and swimming pool.

The temperature remains fairly constant year-round in Montego Bay, where average highs are in the high-80s and average lows are in the low-70s. That translates into a climate that is typically hot, humid, windy, and partly cloudy.

What changes in Montego Bay is the amount of rainfall it experiences. There are two wet seasons, May and September through November, when rainfall can average 4 to 6.5 inches a month. Hurricane season is June through November.