10 Best Things To Do in Montego Bay

I love Montego Bay, Jamaica. We spent our honeymoon there so this country will always have a special place in my heart. My husband and I also recently revisited Montego Bay in August. Jamaica is a beautiful country filled with lots of nature, culture, and delicious food.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Montego Bay in August (or any time of the year), you’ve come to the right place. Before our trip, I spent hours researching activities, logistics, and combing through reviews of attractions and tour companies.

I decided to put a blog post together featuring some of my best recommendations. Be sure to stick around until the end to get tips on how to get around in Montego Bay and what I’ve found that works since transportation in Jamaica is very different from the U.S.

10 Best Things To Do in Montego Bay in August

1. Doctor’s Cave Beach

Jamaica is very hot and humid in August. Doctor’s Cave Beach is a clean and private beach in the heart of Montego Bay. Admission is about $8 per adult and $4 per child 12 and under. The beach is very clean and you can order a variety of drinks and food items from Pier One cafe.

Visitors can relax on the white sand or swim in the clear, turquoise water. The beach is not crowded, so it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some peace and quiet.

2. Explore the Hip Strip

The Hip Strip is the hub of Montego Bay’s nightlife. This bustling street is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can enjoy a local dish, dance to reggae music, and shop for souvenirs. The street is always lively, so you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

If you’re looking for souvenirs or authentic items, you can also find pretty much anything on Hip Strip and at a competitive price. Some of the shop owners do like to haggle as well. You can use this to your advantage to score a great deal while still supporting local businesses.

3. Visit Margaritaville

If you’re looking for safe things to do in Montego Bad that involve nightlife fun, there’s a Margaritaville located conveniently in downtown Montego Bay. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Montego Bay Resort which provides a free shuttle ride to and from Margaritaville each night.

It’s a great place to catch stunning views, dance, and enjoy delicious drinks.

4. Go On a Rafting Adventure on the Martha Brae River

The Martha Brae River is a picturesque spot in Montego Bay where visitors can go on a 3-mile rafting adventure. The river is surrounded by dense vegetation, and the tour guides share interesting facts about the history of the area. This fun raft ride is a peaceful way to explore the beauty of Montego Bay and get in touch with nature.

The tour lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes and is conveniently located just 40 minutes from Montego Bay.

5. Stop By Rose Hall Great House

The Rose Hall Great House is known for its eerie past and ghost stories, but it is also a great spot to learn more about Jamaican history.

The house used to be owned by a wealthy and powerful plantation owner named Annie Palmer. Take a guided tour of the house and you can even visit Annie’s tomb located on the property. I think there’s a “haunted” tour at night, but we went during the day and it was pretty interesting to see the rooms and learn more about the family.

6. Ride Through the Countryside with a Rastasafari Tour

Get up close and personal with Jamaica’s lush countryside by taking a Rastasafari Tour. This tour takes you on a journey through rural Jamaica with a Rastafarian guide who will teach you about the Rastafari culture, traditional Jamaican medicinal herbs, and the agricultural practices in the area. You will also get a chance to interact with local farmers, artisans and musicians.

This was honestly my favorite tour of our recent trip if you’re looking for things to do in Montego Bay in August! I loved riding in the ATV the whole time and learning more about the culture. We got to see farm animals up close and we even stopped for a swim in the mineral pool.

We finished off the tour with a delicious vegan lunch before heading back. This was a group tour we booked through Tripadvisor which included transportation to and from our resort.

7. See Waterfalls and Cliff Jump at Dunns River Falls

Dunns River Falls is one of Jamaica’s most famous natural attractions. Located in Ocho Rios, a two-hour drive from Montego Bay, this waterfall is 180 feet tall and has several levels of cascading rocks. Take a guided tour to climb the waterfall and end it with a refreshing swim in the natural pool. For the more adventurous, you can jump off the rocks and into the pool below.

Several tour companies offer guided trips to Dunn River Falls so you’ll definitely want to compare options to see what works best for you and your group.

8. Sip on a Rum Punch at Ricks Cafe

Rick’s Cafe is a popular spot in Jamaica where visitors can watch the sunset while enjoying a rum punch. Located on the cliffs of Negril, this bar has picturesque views of the ocean, and visitors can watch as locals jump off the cliffs into the water below.

Ricks Cafe also serves great food and is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration. This is located quite a drive from Montego Bay so if you go plan to make it a day trip.

9. Go to Reggae Sumfest

Join the locals and immerse yourself in the vibrant Jamaican music scene by attending Reggae Sumfest. This annual festival highlights the best of Jamaican reggae and dancehall music, with artists from across the globe performing on-stage. Make sure you plan well in advance as the festival draws huge crowds and sells out quickly.

This event usually takes place in August each year, but the dates can vary.

10. Horseback Riding in the Water

Take a break from the beaches and enjoy a unique experience with the horseback ride in the water tour. These tours offer an unforgettable experience as you ride horses in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. These gentle giants will take you on a relaxing ride, revealing scenic views and providing lasting memories for you and your friends and family.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around in Jamaica?

Jamaica doesn’t have a huge public transit system and there is no rideshare option. People mainly get around by using shuttles, cars, or route taxis. If you’re vacationing in Montego Bay, Jamaica, one of the best ways to get around is by booking a car transport.

Several tour companies and independent drivers you can hire provide safe transportation to where you need to go. My husband and I booked a roundtrip car from the airport in advance for only $20 per person which isn’t bad.

Then, we utilized some local tour companies to help us get around the island.

Should I Book a Guided Tour or Private Tour in Montego Bay?

Yes! Definitely book some tours or excursions while in Jamaica. There is so much to see and explore. Even if your resort is amazing, it’s worth heading out for at least a day or two during your trip.

We wanted to play it safe and book through TripAdvisor, and this helped us find a lot of reputable tour companies. You can book and pay directly through TripAdvisor and we usually received instructions from the company or our driver the night before.

Yes, some of the tours are costly, but you have to remember that this goes toward the cost of gas and maintenance of the vehicle as well as compensation for the driver’s time. Plus, I’d pay not to have to drive on the opposite side of the street and deal with the local traffic. Some attractions in Negril or Ocho Rios are more than an hour away from Montego Bay.

If you have a large group and book a private tour, you may be able to split the costs if there is just one flat fee vs a per-person fee. Overall though, the tours are fun, and it’s great to hear recommendations and tips from a local guide.

What Are Some Cheap Things To Do in Jamaica?

While some of the tours might cost a bit more, there are still several cheap things to do in Jamaica. One option is to visit the closest public beach. Doctor’s Cave Beach has a very cheap entry fee and you can stay the whole day and even bring your own food if you want to.

I’ve also found that admission to the museums and plantation houses are pretty affordable. The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary in Montego Bay also has some cheaper tours and a low admission fee.

What Are Some Things To Do in Montego Bay Tonight?

Maybe you’re in Montego Bay now on vacation are looking for some fun last-minute ideas. One of the most unique things to do in Montego Bay during the evening is the Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon Night Tour.

Experience a natural phenomenon that only occurs in just a few places in the world. This lagoon is surrounded by mangroves, and the water glows a beautiful blue light as it’s illuminated at night. This is a group tour for only $60 per adult that takes you for an evening swim in the bioluminescent waters. Pick up and drop off from your hotel is included.

Tons of Things To Do in Montego Bay in August and Year Round

Montego Bay is a perfect destination for anyone looking for relaxation, adventure, and some cultural experience. From soaking up in the sun and experiencing a thrilling rafting adventure to exploring the island’s history, there is something for everyone. Make the most of your August in Montego Bay by visiting these 10 best places. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures to capture the memories!