After we landed in Jamaica, we went to the car rental place. The car was not available that day, and we were asked to come next morning to collect it. We were a bit disappointed, as our visits to other cities depended on us having the car. Luckily, we did get the car the next day morning.
The hotel we stayed in Montego Bay was within walking distance to restaurants and beaches.
Doctor’s Cave Beach – Our hotel was within walking distance of this beach. This is one of the best beaches in Montego Bay. In the early 1920s a famous British osteopath declared that the water had curative powers after swimming here, a claim which began to lure visitors from around the world. The cave for which the beach is named was destroyed by a hurricane in 1932, but the beach is as popular as ever and is often crowded with cruise ship passengers. There is an admission fee to get into the beach. Beautiful beach with clear green water.
Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay – Built in 1770, Rose Hall is a restored plantation house with beautiful ocean views. Legendary Annie Palmer (the White Witch) ruled here with cruelty and met a violent death. Today her home is adorned with period furniture and visitors can choose between a day tour or a spooky candlelit evening tour topped off with tales of ghost sightings.
Martha Brae River – Rafting the Martha Brae is one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist attractions. At Martha Brae Rafter’s Village guests can glide down a picturesque stretch of the river on bamboo rafts poled by local guides. This relaxing trip is a great way to soak up some of the tropical scenery and many guides will share information about the flora and fauna.
Sam Sharpe Square – In 1976 Charles Square was renamed Sam Sharpe Square in honour of national hero Sam Sharpe who was from Montego Bay. Sharpe was executed in the Montego Bay Market Place on May 23, 1832 for his role in the 1831-32 Emancipation War. The square includes several heritage structures: the Sam Sharpe Monument, the Cage, the Civic Centre and the Freedom Monument and a fountain. The Cage was built in 1806 as an overnight jail for runaway slaves, disorderly seamen, and vagrants. The Sam Sharpe Monument, designed by Kay Sullivan, portrays Sharpe holding his Bible and speaking to his people. Today, the square is packed with street vendors and traffic, but it’s a key place to visit on most sightseeing tours.
The Court House, now the Civic Centre, was built in 1803. It was at this Court House that the trial of many of the enslaved Africans, including Sam Sharpe, who participated in the Emancipation War, was held. Sharpe was tried here on April 19, 1832.
Other attractions in and around Montego Bay
- Mayfield Falls – It is about 37km south of Montego Bay in Westmoreland valley, and will take a little more than an hour to get there. The falls here are small, easy to explore, and the perfect size for splashing in and walking through. You can visit 21 natural pools and underwater caves here. Pack a towel and wear water shoes as the stones are quite slippery. There is a café on-site and an opportunity to rent water shoes and a locker.