Montego Bay

Montego Bay is found on Jamaica's northwest coast and is the prime market town in the island's entire western region. It is also a major cruise ship destination and a place where people go when they want to indulge in immaculate Jamaican beaches. Commonly referred to as “Mo Bay,” Montego Bay offers fine strips of sand that are among the best in the Caribbean. Complementing the beaches is a relatively cosmopolitan vibe, and lacking is the overly hedonistic edge that you can expect to find in Negril.

There are numerous reasons why Montego Bay can make an excellent Jamaica travel base. It isn't as crowded as the destination of Ocho Rios, for example, and there are plenty of divine hotels and resorts to stay at. Add in the great golf, the amazing snorkeling, and the numerous shopping opportunities, and it only gets better. Of course, you might simply have the beaches in mind, which is understandable.

The most renowned beach in Montego Bay is Doctor's Cave Beach. Stretching for some five miles, this beautiful, gold-sand beach is long and inviting. The turquoise water beckons almost constantly, and on most days, a beach party atmosphere prevails. No other beach in Montego Bay is more popular than Doctor's Cave Beach, and during the winter especially, arriving early in the day is a good idea if you want to secure a good spot. There is a beach club at Doctor's Cave Beach, and it rents out snorkeling equipment, as is true of the beach clubs at Montego Bay's other local beaches.

When you're not having fun on the local Montego Bay beaches, you might consider a side trip to Rose Hall Beach. Found about ten miles east of Mo Bay, this beach is known for its secluded appeal and features the Rose Hall Beach Club.