Montego Bay City Tours

Explore Montego Bay in a unique way with the best tours in the region. From the mystery of the Shining Lagoon to bamboo rafting, there is something for every adventurer.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

8 min read

Montego Bay City Tours

Montego bay | Mark Bonica

Get ready to discover Jamaica's second largest city, which offers options for bird lovers, nature lovers, natural adventurers and travelers looking for relaxation. Don't miss this handy guide to the city's featured excursions and tours, with prices, pros, cons and everything you need to choose the best options for you.

Get your adrenaline pumping with an ATV tour of Montego Bay

Quad Biking| ©bahari
Quad Biking| ©bahari

Dive into the depths of rural life in Jamaica by booking an ATV tour. The experience is one of extreme outdoor adventure driving a quad bike through the trails and plantations of the region, surrounded by a tropical Caribbean paradise.

Refresh yourself in the natural pools of the river and breathe the fresh air of the area. You will also have the opportunity to visit a farm to learn about Rastafari culture, Jamaica's traditional spiritual movement.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 155 € per person.
  • Duration: 3-4 hours.
  • What you need to know: As you pass through pools, you will probably crave a quick swim during the experience. Bring a bathing suit and an extra change of clothes.
  • What the tour may include: Transfer service to the lodge. Lunch. Fruits and juices. Snacks. Non-alcoholic beverages. Visit to a farm. Local guide service.
  • Pros: It is one of the most complete packages to enjoy a half day in Montego Bay.

Book a quad tour

Sail the Shining Lagoon aboard a cruise ship

Getting to know the Luminous Lagoon| ©Daniel Gillaspia
Getting to know the Luminous Lagoon| ©Daniel Gillaspia

Enjoy one of the best boat rides in Montego Bay by hiring a cruise on the bioluminescent lagoon, a natural spectacle that attracts millions of visitors every year.

Together with your guide, you will be taken to the east of the island, passing along the north coast of Jamaica until you reach the town of Falmouth. After a little more than an hour's drive, you will arrive on the banks of the Martha Brae River, where a boat will be waiting to take you to the Shining Lagoon.

This Jamaican natural wonder is home to millions of microscopic organisms that, when moving, emit a fluorescent light.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 56 € per person.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • What you need to know: Since the main attraction is its fluorescent light, it is advisable to take a night tour to appreciate the show at its best.
  • What the tour may include: Transportation service to and from your accommodation. Cruise on the Luminous Lagoon. Welcome drink. Local guide service.
  • Pros: The tour is magical, especially if it takes place after sunset.

Book a cruise on the bioluminescent lagoon.

Experience bamboo rafting in Montego Bay

Martha Brae River Rafting| ©Ted Weeks
Martha Brae River Rafting| ©Ted Weeks

Embark on a tropical adventure by booking your bamboo rafting experience on the Martha Brae River in Montego Bay.

These types of tours start with a transfer from your accommodation. Then, you transfer to the rafting village of Lethe. At the dock, you board a bamboo raft, almost 10 meters long, to enjoy the tandem ride. Listen to local stories and anecdotes as the raft makes its way through the jungle. You will be able to relax and enjoy the 5 km trip, guided by a certified rafting expert captain.

During this adventure, you can sign up for a limestone massage while you sip a drink. There are bars, stores and rope swings set up all around. Just 40 minutes from downtown Montego Bay, you can enjoy this adventure ideal for nature lovers who want to relax in one of the most exclusive destinations in the world.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 108 € per person.
  • Duration: 3-4 hours.
  • What you need to know: The chances of getting wet on the raft are low. However, if you want to be absolutely sure that your belongings stay dry, it is best to use a watertight bag.
  • What the tour may include: Private transportation round trip. Certified rafting guide service. Entrance fee to the Lethe farm.
  • Pros: It is a unique experience, not only because of the crystalline waters that you will cross, but also because of the type of transportation and navigation.

Book a rafting experience on the Martha Brae River.

Catamaran ride on Montego Bay

Catamarans in Montego Bay| ©Thomas Collins
Catamarans in Montego Bay| ©Thomas Collins

Climb aboard a catamaran with ska and reggae rhythms in the background and get ready for unlimited fun in Montego Bay. Book a catamaran ride along the Caribbean coast to get active with the vibrant activities offered by this type of tour.

Decide between swimming and snorkeling to see the barrier reef while discovering the beauty of the reefs or stay on deck and enjoy the music with a live DJ.

This type of tour is common among young -and not so young- enthusiasts of the good vibes that Jamaica has to offer. At the end you will have enjoyed a day full of adrenaline, fun and marine beauty with your catamaran cruise.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 100 € per person.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • What you need to know: This is a type of tour focused on people over 18 years old.
  • What the tour may include: Transfer to and from accommodation. Boat ride. Visit to Jimmy Buffett's water park. Aperitif. Open bar on board the catamaran. Snorkeling equipment.
  • Pros: For those looking for an adult boat ride in Montego Bay, this is an excellent alternative.

Book a catamaran ride

Tour Montego Bay and the Great House of Rose Hall

Rose Hall| ©Press Tour
Rose Hall| ©Press Tour

Embark on an exciting tour of Montego Bay and the Great Rose Hall House, an adventure that takes you to see the historic center of Montego Bay.

This type of tour starts after pick-up at your accommodation and then visits some of the city's most iconic landmarks:

  • The iconic Sam Sharpe Square in Old Town MoBay, which pays homage to the brave fighter against slavery.
  • The Montego Bay Cultural Center,
  • The Cage.
  • The historic church of Saint James Parish.

Another highlight of the tour is the famous Rose Hall Great House, also called the haunted house of Rose Hall. This Georgian-style mansion sits atop a hill and, behind its imposing structure hides a peculiar horror story, the legend of the "White Witch", Annee Palmer.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 59 € per person.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • What you should know: Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the property's exquisite gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the island and the sea.
  • What the tour may include: Shuttle service to and from the hotel. Professional guide service. Entrance to the haunted house.
  • Pros: This type of guided tour allows you to learn about Jamaica's past and some paranormal legends.

Book the Rose Hall Haunted House Tour

Take a bike tour through the Blue Mountains

If you enjoy biking and are a nature lover, booking a bike tour of the Blue Mountains is a must.

The Blue Mountains are Jamaica' s natural jewel and on this 12-hour tour you will cycle through beautiful countryside, coffee plantations and paradisiacal waterfalls, where you can stop for a refreshing dip.

In addition, the guide who will accompany you throughout the day will explain everything you need to know about the history of the area and, of course, about the flora and fauna that you will discover along the way. An awesome plan!

Interesting details

  • Price: From 184 € per person.
  • Duration: 12 hours.
  • What you should know: This tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart conditions.
  • What the tour may include: Professional guide. Bike and helmet rental. Lunch and brunch.
  • Pros: This tour will take you through some of Jamaica's most lush landscapes.

Book a bike tour in the Blue Mountains.

Discover the most authentic reggae with Bob Marley

If you love reggae and are a fan of Bob Marley, you can't miss this tour to Nine Miles where you will visit the hometown of the legendary musician, including his childhood home and Mount Zion, his temple of composition and musical inspiration.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the mausoleum where the greatest exponent of reggae music in history is buried.

Throughout the day you will be accompanied by a Rastafarian guide who will explain the secrets of reggae music and the influence that the late Bob Marley has had and continues to have on Jamaican culture.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 116 € per person.
  • Duration: 7 hours.
  • What you need to know: This tour is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
  • What the tour may include: Rastafari tour guide. Transfer to and from your accommodation.
  • Pros: You will see the most emblematic places of Bob Marley's life.

Book a Bob Marley to Nine Miles Tour

Take a tour to Green Grotto Caves

Green Grotto Caves| ©tresrios
Green Grotto Caves| ©tresrios

A trip through the most Spanish Jamaica includes 5 essential points, and the Green Grotto Caves are key to understanding the history of the country.

Upon arrival at the Green Grotto Caves, the guide will take you through the labyrinthine 1.5-kilometer limestone cave, composed of numerous rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites.

In the caves you will be able to appreciate samples of rock art, as well as ceramic fragments and some traditional tools that show the lifestyle of the Taino Indians.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 101 € per person.
  • Duration: 4-5 hours.
  • What you should know: Not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
  • What the tour may include: Entrance to Green Grotto Caves. Shuttle service to and from accommodation. Professional guide service.
  • Pros: Groups are usually small, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Visit the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary in Montego Bay

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary| ©Leonidas Konstantinidis
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary| ©Leonidas Konstantinidis

Explore the incredible diversity of birds at Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, just 10 km from downtown Montego Bay. This activity is ideal for those who have a special interest in the different species of Caribbean birds. And if you are traveling with children, it works as an introduction to Jamaica.

The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary has been operating for more than half a century as one of the largest bird sanctuaries on the island and invites you to interact with these little animals. Its founder, Lisa Salmon, and now her nephew Fitz, have concentrated in this place about 320 species of the beautiful creatures that live in the Caribbean, including the robin hummingbird, the national bird of Jamaica.

Among the dynamics offered, highlights the feeding of birds, who will approach directly to enjoy the nectar you offer them. Once the tour is over, you will be taken back to your lodging so you can remember your encounter with these beautiful birds.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 75 € per couple.
  • Duration: 2 - 3 hours.
  • What you should know: I recommend you to schedule your visit among your things to do in Montego Bay in May, it is the breeding season.
  • What the tour may include: Shuttle service to and from the lodge. Entrance fee to the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Expert guide service.
  • Pros: Often you can arrange transportation from the airport to the sanctuary and from there to the hotel, it is a good way to make the most of your time on the island.

Why is it advisable to take a tour in Montego Bay?

Dunn's River Falls Excursion| ©Dan Arsenault
Dunn's River Falls Excursion| ©Dan Arsenault
  • Prices. Montego Bay is a tourist area par excellence and scams, despite their considerable decrease, are still present. It is best to book tours or excursions in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Knowledge of the area. Montego Bay is an island that owes much of its beauty to the sea and the jungle present. The historical reason why the natives and even some invaders found safe refuge is because of the abundance of nooks and crannies and places to get lost. Experts know the area and will be able to advise you.
  • Security. Although police presence has increased, there are still areas such as Trenchtown that are not recommended. It is best to be accompanied by knowledgeable personnel in the area.