Once you’ve gone through the whole process of deciding on a vacation destination, booking flights, booking a resort, and possibly coordinating a whole group, having to plan out your entire itinerary from scratch might sound like a nightmare.
Vacations are meant for relaxing, no? Whether you’ve done all of the above already, or are still wondering if Montego Bay is the place for you, leave the planning up to someone else with these 10 Montego Bay excursions.
Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls Combo Day Trip from Montego Bay
This day trip lets you experience two of Jamaica’s most popular natural attractions — Dunn’s River Falls and Ocho Rios Blue Hole (which includes Secret Falls). The excursion departs from Montego Bay and takes you to Ocho Rios, a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away.
Blue Hole is the first stop. At this natural wonder of sinkholes, lagoons, and waterfalls, you can cliff jump, explore caves, and swing on a rope across the scenery. From Blue Hole, a short trek through the rainforest takes you to the Secret Falls.
From there, you’ll make your way to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls. Climb to the top, zipline back to the base, and then end the afternoon with a jerk meal at the renowned Scotchie’s restaurant!
Reggae & Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise from Montego Bay
When visiting a tropical island, you simply can’t pass up on going on a cruise. Island Routes’ Catamaran Cruise is a party over the bright blue Caribbean Sea. Addictive reggae tunes are played live by a DJ onboard.
Montego Bay’s coral reefs are in excellent condition and the cruise makes a stop for you to snorkel at one of them. Afterward, the bar onboard opens with unlimited drinks which will certainly keep you going.
The second stop at Montego Bay’s Margaritaville allows you to try out more watersports and get lunch (and more drinks!) before boarding the shop back to your hotel.
Rastasafari Experience from Montego Bay
If you’re looking for a unique excursion in Montego Bay, this is the one for you. The Rastasafari Experience is the perfect blend of culture and adventure.
The first stop is at the Roaring River community near Montego Bay. Here you can learn about and experience Rastafarian and overarching Jamaican culture from the locals themselves.
From there, you’ll learn how to ride an all-terrain vehicle and begin your adventure through the surrounding area of forest and farmland. Several stops along the way afford you the chance to swim, pick fruits, and visit a ganja field.
It’s back to Roaring Rivers to end the tour with a homemade lunch cooked by one of the locals, made with produce from the community’s market.
Jet Ski And Parasailing in Montego Bay
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone trying to get out of their comfort zone, this combo jet skiing and parasailing excursion will give you exactly what you need. Zooming through and over the Caribbean Sea on a sunny day is an experience not far from paradise.
As far as excursions go, this one is relatively short at only 2 hours total; you can manage to squeeze it into a busy schedule. If time isn’t a concern, a speed tubing add-on is available!
No prior experience is needed for the water sports included in this excursion, as you’ll be getting a safety briefing and quick lesson from your guide beforehand.
Food Tasting Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine
Foodies rejoice! Broaden your horizons and try a bit of everything the local food scene has to offer as you drive around Montego Bay.
Jerk chicken, of course, is a staple for any food tour. You’ll also stop to try the Jamaican patty, a popular snack food made with a variety of fillings, as well as grilled fresh fish. Tropical fruits like coconut, mango, pineapples, and sugarcane will make great palate cleansers after the fact.
All along the tour, the guide entertains and edifies, letting you know the history of classic Jamaican recipes and how they have evolved over time.
Private Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Tour
There’s no better way to spend a lazy morning than making your way down a river on a bamboo raft. The raft in question is no joke — it’s 50 feet long! — and is headed by a local rafting captain who will take you safely along the Martha Brae River.
This excursion is perfect for couples, as the rafts are made to hold just two passengers (larger groups can travel in pairs).
At the end of the route, you’ll make your way back to the starting point by car. A few stops along the way will give you the chance to take more pictures and buy souvenirs.
Glistening Waters, Luminous Lagoon Night Tour
The Luminous Lagoon is one of very few places in the world where you can witness a rather curious natural phenomenon. At night, microorganisms glow blue-green as the water in the lagoon moves them around.
After driving out to the outpost and having a drink, a boat will take you out into the lagoon where you can see the living lights for yourself. You can take a dip into the water to get up close and personal with the magic!
There’s magic overhead too, as you can get a wonderful view of the stars above as you float through the warm water of the lagoon.
Ultimate Park Admission with Bamboo Rafting, Zip & Tube, Rum Tasting
This combo tour takes place at Good Hope Plantation, an 18th-century former estate from the days of slavery.
Within the 2000-acre grounds of the estate, there’s a Nature Adventure Park with a plethora of activities to choose from; educational, relaxing, and exhilarating.
You can learn about Jamaican history with a tour around the property, including the Great House. Ride a bamboo raft or go tubing down a river and then try an exhilarating zipline over the cockpit country hills. End the day by savouring a selection of Jamaica’s finest rum.
Bunker’s Hill Tour — Bunker’s Hill Cultural Xperience & River Tour
Many tours advertise themselves as taking vacationers “off the beaten path” but this one truly has the authority to make that claim!
Bunker’s Hill in Trelawny (the next parish over from Montego Bay) is a place with a rich history of Tainos and Maroons. On this excursion, you can learn from your guide about Jamaica’s inspiring history and diverse ecology while you experience the island’s untamed nature.
You’ll hike through Jamaica’s lush rainforest, cross a river, and climb into a cave that was used by Maroon warriors. The day ends at a riverside “cook shop” where your meal will be cooked over a woodfire.