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Ready to explore the best Montego Bay has to offer? You’ve come to the right place!
Montego Bay is a destination that has captured my heart and has me returning time and time again. From relaxing on the pristine sands of Seven Mile Beach to chasing adrenaline with activities like river tubing or ziplining, I’ve explored it all.
As a frequent traveler to this tropical paradise, I’ve uncovered its best hidden gems and must-do experiences. Whether you want to sip on premium rum at Appleton Estate rum or float down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, there is something on this list for everyone. So let’s get to it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE experience was this ATV, catamaran, zipline, and horseback ride combo tour! This tour is jam-packed and a great value for money, we had so much fun on these thrilling adventures and also had time to relax and enjoy nature!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Montego Bay
- 1. Experience Montego Bay with a local
- 2. Explore the Jamaican countryside and local Rastafari culture on an ATV
- 3. Visit Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls
- 4. Eat your way through Montego Bay
- 5. Float down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft
- 6. Visit Bob Marley’s hometown
- 7. Get your adrenaline pumping on a river tubing adventure
- 8. Go on a combo adventure tour – zipline, catamaran cruise, horseback ride, and ATV
- 9. Take a day trip to Negril
- 10. Taste rum at Appleton Estates Distillery
- Where to Stay in Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Montego Bay
1. Experience Montego Bay with a local
- Price: $60 – $119 USD (depending on pickup location)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Explore Montego Bay with a private guide, see important landmarks, visit Margaritaville and the “Hip Strip”, learn about Jamaican culture from your guide
- Inclusions: Private guide/driver, hotel or port pick-up/drop-off
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re heading to Montego Bay, this half-day private tour is a perfect way to soak up the city’s vibes, especially if you’re short on time or want to see all the highlights in one go!
I loved how personalized and flexible this tour was. Since it’s private, you can tailor it exactly how you’d like. Whether you’re curious about local life, eager to stroll the famous “Hip Strip”, or just craving some beach time, this tour has you covered.
You’ll start with a guided overview of Montego Bay, getting insights into how the locals live and work. From there, the adventure is yours to choose. Maybe you’ll dive into a plate of jerk chicken at Scotchies or sip a cool cocktail at Margaritaville (make sure you bring a bathing suit and try the water slide!)
Don’t get me wrong, we love a good group tour, but sometimes it’s so refreshing to go on a private adventure. Everything is done at your own pace, and all of the logistics are taken care of, making the experience completely stress-free.
Plus, having a local guide all to yourself is such a big bonus. They know the safe neighborhoods and all the best local spots. We learned so much about Jamaican culture and history from our guide when we first visited Jamaica! And I’m not the only one who has had a blast on this tour – just look at the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Check availability for this private sightseeing tour here!
2. Explore the Jamaican countryside and local Rastafari culture on an ATV
- Price: $165 USD
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Time: 8 am, 10 am, or 12:45 pm
- Highlights: Explore the Jamaican countryside on an ATV, swim in a natural mineral pool, visit a ganja field, taste fresh fruits, and enjoy a homemade lunch in a local village
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, driver/guide, bottled water, lunch, fruit tasting
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Then you must do this half-day ATV tour! We love ATV tours because they allow us to explore parts of the country that many other tourists don’t get to see – plus they’re a lot of fun!
The day started in the peaceful village of Roaring River, where we were greeted with fresh juice and hand-roasted Blue Mountain coffee. We learned a bit about the area’s local people and culture before participating in a quick ATV tutorial. Before we knew it, we were off, riding through lush forests, vibrant farmland, and epic winding trails!
Along the way, we made plenty of stops to soak in the scenery. One of my favorites was the natural mineral pool where we got to cool off and go for a swim. We also visited a ganja field, which was fascinating to see up close, and tasted fruit straight from the trees – it doesn’t get any fresher than that!
The adventure wraps up with a delicious homemade lunch. Everything was freshly prepared with ingredients sourced straight from the local market, and the flavors were unreal!
We think this tour is the perfect option for those wanting to experience the more authentic side of Jamaica beyond the resorts in a fun and thrilling way. It costs $165 USD per person, which is a pretty good deal considering it is one of the most popular activities in all of Montego Bay (check out the 1,600+ 5-star reviews here)!
Don’t miss out, secure your spot on this fun ATV tour here before it sells out!
3. Visit Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls
- Price: $125 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Head to Ocho Rios for a day of activities, swim in the pristine Blue Hole, hike to the Secret Falls, walk up the waterfall cascades at Dunn River Falls
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide, skip-the-line entry tickets
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 750+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re staying in Montego Bay and craving a full-day adventure, this tour to Ocho Rios is absolutely worth the journey. It’s a chance to see some of Jamaica’s most stunning natural wonders all in one day!
First up is the Blue Hole, a series of hidden natural limestone pools and caves. The water here is such a vibrant blue it almost doesn’t look real! We had so much fun jumping off the cliffs and doing the Tarzan Swing into the mineral-rich pools.
But the best part was when we did a quick 5-minute trek to a secret waterfall. It was so gorgeous and our guide helped us to get some great photos!
Then, it’s on to the iconic Dunn’s River Falls, where we got to climb up a cascading, 600-foot waterfall! And don’t worry, if at any point the climb becomes too strenuous or you want a break, you can relax in the nearby rock pools and try out a natural water massage instead!
The tour also includes some scenic stops and interesting commentary during the drive along the north coast. So even though the drive is around 2 hours, it went by really quickly and I enjoyed listening to the stories about Jamaica’s rich history.
I think this is the perfect tour for any adventure lovers out there. It’s a long day, but it’s worth every second – and I’m not the only one who thinks that – have a look at all of these amazing reviews!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
4. Eat your way through Montego Bay
- Price: $130 – $165 USD (depending on pickup location)
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Time: 7 am or 11 am
- Highlights: Taste your way through Montego Bay on a private tour, try a variety of traditional Jamaican cuisines, sip on delicious Blue Mountain Coffee, learn about Jamaican culture
- Inclusions: Private transportation/guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, all food and drink samples
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
There’s one thing I never skip while traveling, and that’s a good food tour. Food tours are the perfect way to try something new and learn more about the culture of the area that you’re visiting – and this private Montego Bay food tour does exactly that!
Before this tour, I hadn’t tried much Jamaican cuisine other than jerk chicken. But now that I’ve been on the tour, Jamaican food is one of my favorite types of cuisine!
We did the breakfast tour, but there is also a lunch option that sounds equally as amazing. We tried hearty classics like chicken curry, boiled dumplings, and yam before stopping by a patty shop for the best beef patties I’ve ever had!
We also got to try some fresh coconut and pineapple and wash it all down with a delicious Blue Mountain coffee, which is world-renowned for its rich flavor.
As we moved through the tour, we also explored the vibrant streets of downtown Montego Bay, including Sam Sharpe Square. This busy town center is buzzing with energy and full of fascinating history that we learned about from our guide.
If you’re a foodie like me, you can’t miss out on adding this activity to your itinerary. You will leave with a whole new appreciation for Jamaican cuisine and a very full stomach!
Read the great reviews and secure your spot on this food tour here!
5. Float down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft
- Price: $135 USD
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Time: Start time can vary – check with the tour provider
- Highlights: Float down the Martha Brae River aboard a private bamboo raft for two, enjoy scenic views of the lush vegetation around the river, and buy food or drinks to enjoy while you float
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, local captain, bamboo raft fee, life jackets
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into Jamaica’s natural beauty, rafting down the Martha Brae River is a must!
After a scenic 45-minute drive from Montego Bay, you’ll arrive at the lush riverbanks, where you’ll board the 30-foot (9-meter) bamboo raft. This is a private experience, so it’s just you and one guest with a skilled local captain on board. They will guide the raft gently downstream while you enjoy the surrounding tropical vegetation and nature sounds.
If you want to add some more fun to the experience, make sure you bring some cash to buy food and beverages that you can enjoy while you float. And if the nature sounds aren’t doing it for you, there is an option to play some music on board as well!
When we went, our guide let us take a turn steering the raft which made for some really awesome photos!
The ride lasted about an hour and was the perfect way to escape the bustling resort. Once we reached the end, our driver was waiting to take us back to our hotel in air-conditioned comfort.
We think this is the perfect activity for couples looking for a romantic getaway or who are celebrating a honeymoon. It’s a very highly rated experience (check out the reviews here) that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for all the other fun activities on your itinerary!
Book this tour with over 500 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Visit Bob Marley’s hometown
- Price: $135 USD
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Visit the village of Nine Miles where Bob Marley was born, see Mt. Zion where he composed many of his songs, learn about Bob Marley’s life and the Rastafarian religion
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional driver/guide, entrance fees
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Attention Bob Marley fans! You cannot go to Jamaica without doing this Bob Marley tour!
As a fan of reggae music and Jamaican culture, visiting Bob Marley’s birthplace in Nine Miles was a dream come true. It’s located about 2.5 hours away from Montego Bay, but the drive was filled with stunning views and interesting commentary from our guide, which made the journey go by quickly.
Once in Nine Miles, we were greeted by a Rastafarian guide who brought Marley’s story to life with heartfelt anecdotes and fascinating facts. Did you know Bob often meditated on Mount Zion, a peaceful spot that inspired many of his greatest songs? After seeing it for myself, it’s easy to see why – it’s such a serene place!
The tour also took us through Bob’s first home, complete with his childhood bed and even the rock he used as a pillow. It was incredible to stand in the very place where classics like One Love may have been born. But what really touched me most was visiting the Ethiopian church where Marley rests alongside his beloved guitar.
If you’re a fan of Bob Marley, or simply curious about his life, this tour is a must. You’ll learn so much about the musician as well as the Rastafarian religion in general which I found very interesting. It’s a popular activity that tends to book up (look at these great reviews), so make sure you book in advance!
Book your Bab Marley tour here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
7. Get your adrenaline pumping on a river tubing adventure
- Price: $89 USD
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: Start time can vary – check with the tour provider
- Highlights: Go river tubing down Jamaica’s Rio Bueno, enjoy the jungle landscape and look for wildlife, relax on the beach or go swimming at Bengal Bay
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, river tube, safety equipment
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
For a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy, you must try river tubing on Jamaica’s Rio Bueno!
This 3.5-hour excursion combines gentle adventure activities like river tubing and rope swings with relaxing beach time. It’s an activity that any age will enjoy, and anyone over the age of 4 can participate in.
The adventure begins with a short trek through the lush jungle to the starting point. Here, you’ll gear up with life jackets and helmets before hopping into an inner tube and letting the current take you down the winding river.
There is a good mix of gentle rapids and calm stretches, so you get the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation during the journey. Plus, you’ll get to stop along the way to try out a rope swing and admire the jungle scenery. Then at the end, you’ll hit Bengal Bay’s white sandy shores, where you can relax on the beach or go for a swim.
I have to give a shoutout to our guide, Davian, who went above and beyond to make sure everyone was having a good time on this tour. He was very knowledgeable and told us all about the local flora and fauna which I appreciated – plus he was hilarious!
This tour is only $89 USD per adult, making it one of the more affordable quality experiences in Montego Bay. It’s such a fun time, believe me, you won’t regret adding this one to your itinerary!
Reserve your spot in advance here, and don’t pay a thing until just before you leave!
8. Go on a combo adventure tour – zipline, catamaran cruise, horseback ride, and ATV
- Price: $239 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Zipline through the jungle and over river canyons, ATV through the Jamaican backcountry, horseback ride in the Caribbean Sea, enjoy a catamaran cruise with rum punch and an onboard DJ
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide, all activities, lunch
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Imagine riding an ATV through Jamaica’s backcountry, ziplining through the jungles, horseback riding in the warm Caribbean sea, and partying on a catamaran all in one day – it’s possible on this epic full-day combo tour!
This tour provides some serious value for money. It includes 4 epic experiences for only $239 USD per person, which also includes lunch and transportation. It’s the perfect way to get a bit of adventure, nature, and relaxation all in one!
The day kicks off with an ATV ride through a historic estate, where you’ll explore the island’s lush landscape and feel the thrill of navigating its rugged terrain. Then, get ready to fly through the jungle canopy on a zipline course with incredible views.
Next up, you’ll get to horseback ride not just along the beach, but in the water itself! It was such a unique experience that I had never done before, but I already can’t wait to do it again!
After all of these adrenaline-filled activities, it’s time for some relaxation on board a catamaran. You can snorkel or swim in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, or even head out on the kayak or paddleboard. And back on board the rum punch is flowing and vibes are high with an onboard DJ!
If you’re looking for one activity to splurge on while in Montego Bay, we highly recommend this one because it combines so many experiences into one. It also has tons of great reviews that you can read here if you need any more convincing!
Check availability and book this epic combo tour here!
9. Take a day trip to Negril
- Price: $125 USD
- Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Time: Start time can vary – check with the tour provider
- Highlights: Relax on Seven-Mile beach, watch the sunset and the famous cliff divers at Rick’s Cafe, learn about pirate history at Fort Charlotte
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, private guide/driver, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Negril is a popular destination in Jamaica known for its laid-back vibe and stunning beaches. It’s the perfect place to go on a day trip from Montego Bay and the best way to do it is on this private tour!
We love private tours because you get personalized attention from your guide and can explore at your own pace. You can even customize the itinerary to your liking to make sure you’re getting enough time at each of your desired stops, or you can let your knowledgeable local guide decide the route. This is what we did and we were not disappointed!
The day started at Fort Charlotte, a historic site offering breathtaking views of the sea where we learned all about Jamaica’s fascinating pirate history. Afterward, we went to Negril’s famous Seven-Mile Beach, where we had a couple of hours to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Next, we went to the iconic Rick’s Café, known for its incredible cliff divers. Here, you’ll have the chance to watch locals perform daring dives into the sea from dramatic cliffs and can even dive off yourself if you’re feeling brave!
It was the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Caribbean with a cocktail in hand and live music playing in the background.
We recommend this experience to anyone wanting to explore the more laid-back side of Jamaica. The day doesn’t feel rushed at all and you’ll be led by an experienced guide who can offer insider knowledge and ensure you don’t miss any hidden gems along the way!
Book this tour here to access flexible payment and cancellation options!
10. Taste rum at Appleton Estates Distillery
- Price: $139 USD
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Tour the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica, taste sugar cane, molasses, and fine aged rums, and visit the YS waterfalls and natural swimming pools
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, Appleton Estate Rum tasting, lunch
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
When in Jamaica, rum tasting isn’t just an activity – it’s a rite of passage! But you can’t just taste any rum, you have to try the best, which is why you must go on this Appleton Estates rum tour!
This tour takes you to the iconic Appleton Estate, where you’ll dive into the wonderful world of Jamaican rum at Jamaica’s oldest sugar estate and distillery. In fact, it’s been in continuous operation since 1749!
You’ll get to explore the estate while sipping on a delicious cocktail and sampling fresh sugar cane and molasses. And to top it off, you’ll get to indulge in a guided tasting of three premium, aged Appleton rums. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Jamaican rum and maybe a bottle (or two) as a souvenir from the gift shop – I know I did!
But, the day doesn’t end there! Next, you’ll head to one of Jamaica’s most stunning natural attractions, YS Falls. These cascading waterfalls are surrounded by lush gardens and make for the perfect place to go for a refreshing swim.
Whether you’re a rum connoisseur or are new to the world of rum – we know you’ll have a great time on this tour. It costs only $139 USD per person, which includes both of the activities mentioned above along with transportation and a delicious lunch. We think it’s worth every penny and know you will too!
Learn more about Appleton Estates and book your tour here!
Where to Stay in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Montego Bay, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! There are plenty of options, whether you want something all inclusive, and beach front, to explore the city, or a budget friendly stay.
Luxury – $$$
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa is an all inclusive resort with a private beach, a water park, and a golf course. It is the definition of paradise! The rooms are modern with floor to ceiling windows, ranging from double to king rooms. You can choose to have a resort view, mountain view, or an ocean view with beach access.
Prices start around $400 USD per night, but it’s all inclusive. Check all the options and book this room on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
If you’re looking for an all inclusive stay at a moderate price point, the Deja Resort All Inclusive is a fantastic choice. It’s located near the popular Hip Strip and within walking distance to Doctor’s Cave Beach. The rooms are comfortable and charming, ranging from double rooms to suites. You can also enjoy the onsite pool, restaurant, and spa!
Rooms start around $200 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Three Palm Villa is a top-rated guest house, and a great budget-friendly stay. It’s situated inland, but you can enjoy views from the terrace and each room has a patio with views. You can book a standard hotel room for $65 USD a night or an apartment style room for $85 USD per night. The rooms are clean, the staff is amazing, and this is an overall great value for money.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Montego Bay here.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Montego Bay was a total dream vacation, with the bright blue water, white sand beaches, reggae, rum, ATV rides, and so much more! These are just the top 10 best things to do, but the truth is, there is so much more to explore in Montego Bay, you’ll never be bored.
Before you take off, check out our other travel guides! We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few other blog posts to help you plan your next getaway: