Travel Information >> Jamaica
>> Jamaica Travel Information
>> Montego Bay of Jamaica
|
|
Montego Bay of Jamaica
|
On Jamaica’s northwest coast, Montego Bay is the essence of the complete resort where flowering trees, velvety meadows and palm-covered hills edge a turquoise sea and bleached white beaches.
Called "el golfo de buen tiempo" (the gulf of good weather) by Christopher Columbus, it was dubbed Bahia de Manteca (Lard Bay) by the Spanish, and later became a major shipping port for sugar and bananas.
At the turn of the century, travelers came from far and wide to sample the waters of Doctor’s Cave Beach, which were said to cure almost any ailment. Today, the beach is as popular as ever, while "Mobay" has grown to become the country’s premier tourist destination and second-largest city.
Home to the annual Reggae Sumfest festival in August, Montego Bay is the heart of the "Jamaican Riviera", with more guest rooms than any other part of the island, from five-star hotels and sprawling all-inclusive resorts to charming inns, guesthouses and some of the most luxurious private villas in the Caribbean.
Some of the world’s best golf can be enjoyed at the area’s four 18-hole championship golf courses, including the renowned Tryall Golf, Tennis, and Beach Club.
Scuba-diving can be enjoyed in the protected waters of the Montego Bay Marine Park, with 10 square miles of spectacular coral reefs just off the coast from Sangster International Airport.
Fishing charters are popular with sporting types in search of the prized blue marlin, and yachting is equally popular, with the Montego Bay Yacht Club hosting the bi-annual Pineapple Cup Miami to Montego Bay Yacht race.
Shopping may be the most popular sport of all and can be indulged on Harbour Street, where the Crafts Market is alive with vendors selling straw, batik and woodcarving. Nearby, duty-free shops overflow with everything from Scottish cashmere, perfume and cigars to liquor, china and crystal.
History also lives in the legendary plantation Great Houses that dot the countryside. The most famous is Rose Hall, haunted by the ghost of the notorious Annie Palmer, who murdered three husbands only to be killed by her slave lover. Greenwood Great House, built by a cousin of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning more than two centuries ago, is another beautifully restored reminder of the days when sugar was king, and features a fine collection of rare musical instruments.
Visitors can hand-feed hummingbirds, grassquits and dozens more endearing species at the Rocklands Bird Feeding Station in Anchovy. Or you can venture further afield: From Montego Bay, excursions depart for almost every place on the island--including the uncharted limestone hills of Cockpit Country, where the fabled Maroons (descendents of slaves who escaped from the Spanish) still live in the town of Accompong.
Falmouth, an 18th-century port town on the coast toward Ocho Rios, is well worth a visit. Or, take a rafting trip down the Great River or the Martha Brae and enjoy a slice of serenity. Nearby, horseback riding is offered at Good Hope Plantation, where miles of trails wind through rolling countryside.
Gloucester Avenue’s "Hip Strip," is the pulse of the town and boasts restaurants, art galleries and duty free shopping.
And Montego Bay boasts some of the island’s most romantic, scenic and elegant dining. You’ll discover a variety of eateries, from cafes and seaside gourmet restaurants to spicy local food at roadside stands.
So, from bird watching to music festivals, a golf tournament or a river ride on a bamboo raft, you’ll find it all in Montego Bay, Jamaica’s complete resort
Activities
In addition to the highlighted sports, the following are also available in the resort areas: Camping, Jogging, Parasailing, Sailing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Tennis, Waterfall Climbing, Waterskiing
Biking
Bicycles are available for rental at some resort properties and at bike rental companies who also rent motorcycles of various CC ratings.
Kryss Bike Rental Limited
Tel: 876-940-0476
Fax: 876-940-4913
Quality Bike Rental
Tel: 876-979-3531
Tropic Ride Car & Bike Rental
Tel: 876-952-7096
Deep Sea Fishing
Charters can be arranged for half or full days through hotels or directly through operators. Approximate cost for half a day, US$300, includes boat, captain, crew and equipment. Four to six passengers, depending on boat size. Popular game fish include marlin, tuna, barracuda, bonito, kingfish and dolphin.
Independent operators:
Rhapsody
Tel: 876-979-0104
Seaworld
Tel: 876-953-2188
Diving
Jamaica's underwater world is filled with spectacular caves, canyons and crevices...schools of shimmering tropical fish...star, rose and giant pillar coral. All the equipment you need is available from licensed diving operators.
Jamaqua Dive Centre
Tel: 876-973-4845
Poseidon Divers
Tel: 876-952-3624
Sandals Inn
Tel: 876-952-4140
Sandals Montego Bay
Tel: 876-952-5510
Sandals Royal
Tel: 876-953-2231
Seaworld Resort
Tel: 876-953-2250
Golf
Braco Village Resort Golf Club
9 holes, par 28 (8 par threes and one par four); putting green; driving range.
Half Moon
18 holes, 7,119 yards, par 72. Clubhouse, restaurant, bar, pro shop.
Tel: 876-953-2560/3105
Ironshore
18 holes, 6,633 yards, par 72. Clubhouse, restaurant, bar, pro shop.
Tel: 876-953-2800
Tryall
18 holes, 6,221 yards, par 70. Official PGA Tour approved course. Home of the World Championship of Golf. Clubhouse, restaurant, bar, pro shop.
Tel: 876-956-5660
Wyndham Rose Hall
18 holes, 6,598 yards, par 72. Clubhouse, restaurant, bar, pro shop.
Tel: 876-953-2650 |
|
|
|
