In Montego Bay, or MoBay as it is also known, it's hard not to get caught up in the Caribbean way of life. You'll surely feel "irie", as the locals say – which means life is pretty great – in a place so rich with culture and history, steel drums and reggae, spicy food and hot sun, all rolled into one beautiful setting.
Montego Bay is the second-largest city in Jamaica, after the capital Kingston, which is 85 miles to the south. Montegonians are proud of their "Friendly City" reputation and will welcome you into their fold. Gloucester Avenue, better known as The "Hip Strip", is where to head for beaches, restaurants, shopping and nightclubs.
Planning a Montego Bay holiday with the kids is the way to go! Spend hours, even days, at AquaSol Theme Park & Beach Park at Walter Fletcher Beach, where the exciting activities including all types of water sports, such as water trampolines, jet skis, banana boat rides, wave-runners, kayaks, pedal boats, a glass-bottom boat and snorkelling.
There are many other beach clubs in the area too, each offering distinctive amenities and services. Try water-skiing, parasailing, kayaking, diving, fishing or hydro-speeding. Look into taking out a club membership for the duration of your stay. For a little corner of paradise, stop in at Doctor's Cave Beach, which is said to be fed from mineral springs with uncommonly clear and sparkling water.
Montego Bay is Jamaica's tourism capital, where the streets are crowded and lively. You'll find markets, shops, banks and many other buildings with original and new Georgian façades. Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon is a special place to see a magnificent spectacle after dark - when agitated, the water becomes beautifully incandescent. Chukka Caribbean Adventures offers some of the wildest and most fun-filled excursions on the island, such as the Horseback Ride'n' Swim, Zion "Bob Marley" Bus Line, Jeep Safaris, River Tubing Safari and the Chukka Zipline Canopy tour, plus ATV, bicycle, hiking, airboat and dune buggy experiences. Relax in one of the many lounges playing jazz or calypso music, or discover welcoming pubs such as the one in Rose Hall Great House, which is said to be haunted by the "White Witch". a former mistress of the Great House. Top off a perfect day with a sunset cruise.
Photo credit: rappensuncle