Montego Bay City Tours

Explore Montego Bay in a unique way with the region's best tours. From the mystery of the Luminous 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 travellers looking for relaxation. Don't miss this handy guide to the city's top excursions and tours, with prices, pros, cons and everything you need to choose the best options for you.

Get your adrenaline pumping with a quad bike tour of Montego Bay

Quad biking| ©bahari
Quad biking| ©bahari

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

Cool off in the natural river pools and breathe in 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're likely to crave a quick dip during the experience. Bring a swimming costume and an extra change of clothes.
  • What the tour may include: Transfer service to your accommodation. Lunch. Fruit and juices. Snacks. Non-alcoholic beverages. Visit to a farm. Local guide service.
  • Pros: One of the most complete packages to enjoy a half day in Montego Bay.

Book a quad tour

Cruise across the Shining Lagoon on board a cruise ship

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

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

With your guide, you'll 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 over an hour's drive, you 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 emit a fluorescent light as they move.

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 spectacle at its best.
  • What the tour may include: Shuttle service to and from your accommodation. Cruise on the Luminous Lagoon. Welcome drink. Local guide service.
  • Pros: The ride is magical, especially if you take it after sunset.

Book a cruise on the bioluminescent lagoon.

Experience bamboo rafting in Montego Bay

Bamboo rafting in Martha Brae| ©Ted Weeks
Bamboo rafting in Martha Brae| ©Ted Weeks

Embark on a tropical adventure when you book your bamboo rafting experience on the Martha Brae River in Montego Bay.

Bamboo rafting tours start with a transfer from your accommodation. You then transfer to the rafting village of Lethe. At the jetty, you board a bamboo raft, almost 10 metres long, to enjoy the tandem ride. Listen to local stories and anecdotes as the raft makes its way through the jungle. You can relax and enjoy the 5km journey, guided by a certified rafting skipper.

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

Interesting details

  • 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 transport to and from the river. Certified rafting guide service. Entrance to the Lethe farm.
  • Pros: It is a unique experience, not only because of the crystal clear waters you will cross, but also because of the type of transport and navigation.

Book a rafting experience on the Martha Brae River

Catamaran tour of Montego Bay

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

Climb aboard a catamaran with ska and reggae beats 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.

Choose between swimming and snorkelling 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. By 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. Snorkelling equipment.
  • Pros: For those looking for an adult boat ride in Montego Bay, this is an excellent alternative.

Book a catamaran tour

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 through the historic centre of Montego Bay.

This type of tour starts after pick-up from 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 Centre,
  • The Cage.
  • The historic St. James Parish Church.

Another highlight of the tour is the famous Rose Hall Great House, also known as the Rose Hall Haunted House. 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 provides an insight into Jamaica's past and some paranormal legends.

Book a Rose Hall Haunted House Tour

Take a bike tour of the Blue Mountains

If you love cycling 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'll cycle through beautiful countryside, through coffee plantations and past paradisiacal waterfalls where you can stop for a refreshing dip.

Plus, your guide will explain everything you need to know about the history of the area and, of course, the flora and fauna you'll 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 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'll visit the musician's hometown, including his childhood home and Mount Zion, his temple of songwriting and musical inspiration.

You will also 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 pushchair friendly.
  • What the tour may include: Rastafari tour guide. Transfer to and from your accommodation.
  • Pros: You will see the most iconic places in 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 tour of Spanish Jamaica includes 5 essentials, and the Green Grotto Caves are key to understanding the country's history.

Upon arrival at the Green Grotto Caves, your guide will take you on a tour of the labyrinthine 1.5-kilometre limestone cave, made up 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. Transport service to and from the accommodation. Professional guide service.
  • Pros: Groups are usually small, ensuring a more personalised 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 10km from the centre of Montego Bay. This activity is ideal for those with a special interest in the different species of Caribbean birds. And if you are travelling with children, it works as an introduction to Jamaica.

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

Among the activities on offer is the feeding of the birds, who will come right up to you to enjoy the nectar you offer them. Once the tour is over, you will be taken back to your accommodation so that you can reminisce about 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 schedule your visit among your things to do in Montego Bay in May, it's the breeding season.
  • What the tour may include: Shuttle service to and from your accommodation. Entrance to the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Expert guide service.
  • Pros: Often you can arrange transport from the airport to the sanctuary and back to your hotel, it's a great 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 the scams, despite their considerable decline, are still present. It is best to book tours or excursions in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Know the area. Montego Bay is an island that owes much of its beauty to the sea and the jungle present. The historical reason why natives and even invaders found safe haven here is that there are plenty 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 like Trenchtown that are unsafe. It's best to be accompanied by knowledgeable staff.