Montego Bay, Jamaica Family Travel Guide presented by
Winter-Spring 2013
An introduction to
Montego Bay, Jamaica Presented by
Thomas Cook Kids First Family Vacations A selection of all-inclusive family resort vacation packages designed to provide the ultimate holiday experience for parents and children.
Cover images courtesy of depositphotos.com.
Montego Bay, Jamaica Situated on the north shore of Jamaica, Montego Bay is the islands second largest city. Famous for its duty free shopping, turquoise blue water and glitzy hotels, it’s also Jamaica’s most popular tourist resort. Despite being a mere 70 minute plane ride from Miami, Montego Bay feels like a completely different world. The vibrant colours of Jamaica are both present and truly intoxicating. The moment you land, you are officially on Jamaican time. Should you find yourself dreaming of white sand beaches, coconuts and delicious Jamaican rum, here are a few important things to know.
Climate Jamaica experiences a tropical climate. Average temperatures in Summer range from 79 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Average temperatures in Winter, on the other hand, range from 73 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season officially lasts from May until November but in general, you can expect most of that rain to fall in September and October. Like most of the Caribbean, hurricanes are a genuine threat between June and November. In recent years however, hurricanes have been noticeably absent on the island.
When to Go The year round sun of Montego Bay ensures that an enjoyable family vacation can be had regardless of when you visit. It is worth noting however that the resort has a definite high season which lasts from December until April. Time your visit outside of these months and you can expect to pay up to forty percent less for both your airfare and your accommodations. You can also expect fewer crowds and significantly more tranquil beaches.
Things to See and Do From exotic birds to golf along the coastline, there’s more to Montego Bay than lazy days at the beach. Here are five of the best things to do in the region. • Montego Bay Marine Park: Small nature reserve with a wide selection of indigenous sea life. Includes the opportunity to go both snorkeling and scuba diving. • Animal Farm: Deep in the hills overlooking Montego Bay, Animal Farm is a bird lovers paradise. Set on a small private estate, highlights include exotic birds, indigenous butterflies and spectacular views. • Cinnamon Hill Golf Course: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Cinnamon Hill is arguably Jamaica’s most impressive golf course. Both challenging and beautiful, if you’re a keen golf fan, it’s not to be missed. • Half Moon Bay Equestrian Centre: Home to both well trained horses and professional, multilingual staff, highlights include both polo and horseback rides on the beach. Not to be missed, especially if you have kids in the family. • Visit Kingston: Excursions to the capital of Jamaica are both widely available and start at $70 per person. Typically lasting around ten hours, most excursions include both a guided city tour and a visit to the surprisingly impressive Bob Marley Museum.
Downtown Montego Bay Most visitors to Montego Bay only witness the glitzy side of Jamaica. If you’d like to get a glimpse of how real Jamaicans live, it can be found less than a kilometre away in the old town. While certainly a little intimidating, the area is surprisingly safe provided you visit both by day and with due caution. The sidewalks might be non-existent but there’s plenty to see and do. The architecture around the main square is truly unique and if you’re looking to purchase some authentic souvenirs, this is the perfect place to go. The street food is also both delicious and ridiculously cheap.
Where to Eat Speaking of food, there’s no shortage of memorable dining experiences to be had in Montego Bay. Here are five of the most popular. • Scotchies: Always highly rated on Trip Adviser, this is where you go for real Jamaican cooking. Simple dishes, cooked to perfection. A favourite among both tourists and locals. • Seagrape Terrace: Famous for its delicious seafood, the Seagrape Terrace is an open air restaurant that looks out directly over the sea. To make the most of your visit, arrive by day and order the grilled lobster. • The Twisted Kilt Lounge: American style restaurant offering family favourites with a Jamaican twist. Excellent value, live sports shown daily and arguably the best jerk chicken in town. • Corallo: Upscale Italian restaurant, serving traditional Italian dishes in a warm, intimate atmosphere. Not the cheapest restaurant in Montego Bay but certainly one of the nicest. • Mystic India: Authentic Indian flavours served in an elegant, yet family friendly, setting. Generous portions, excellent value and incredibly welcoming staff.