Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sam Sharp Square

In the very heart of the tourist capital lies the cobblestone square of Sam Sharp. The square is named after the Baptist deacon Sam Sharp, known for the “Christmas rebellion” in 1834. On the square there are the ruins of a prison building erected as early as 1804. The prison was originally intended to house runaway slaves and was used until 1906. Indeed, after the Spaniards nearly completely wiped out the local population, they began importing slaves from Africa. Here you can find a memorial to the national hero Sam Sharp and statues of enslaved people.

Rose Hall Mansion

In the very heart of Montego Bay, remarkable plantation mansions have survived to this day. One of the best-known is Rose Hall, built by a British slaveholder in 1721. During its heyday, the estate covered 2,600 hectares, where more than 2,000 enslaved people worked. The manor house has preserved many details and items that keep the history of colonial West Indies alive. In this home, everything is steeped in history, and even the surrounding trees serve as reminders of its former grandeur-such as the mahogany tree planted in front of the house in 1953 by Sir Winston Churchill. Rose Hall has been restored; today, there is a bar on the ground floor of the building. The mansion offers a wonderful view of the bay and its picturesque surroundings.

Belfield Great House

Belfield House and its estate are considered one of the oldest sugar plantations in Jamaica. Both the house itself and the sugar factory, owned by the Ker-Gerret family, were built in 1794. The Ker-Gerret family played a key role in the development of Montego Bay. This was a vivid and interesting period in Jamaica’s history. The story of this particular family begins in 1655, when the control gained by Great Britain over the island of Jamaica displaced the Spanish, who had been in Jamaica for more than 150 years. From ancient family records, it was established that the first member of the family line to arrive in Jamaica was from the Scottish Clan Kerr, which came to Jamaica with the British fleet in 1655.

Beaches in Montego Bay

Montego Bay is known around the world for its immaculate white sandy beaches. They are located in the north of the resort and stretch for 16 km. The most famous are Walter Fletcher and Doctor’s Cave. Each of them can be easily reached on foot from the center of Montego. Doctor’s Cave Beach is famous for a sandy beachfront strip up to 200 m wide, turquoise waters, and excellent infrastructure. Here you can take up any water sport, including diving, and also swim in pools with mineral water. The bright white Walter Fletcher Beach features calmer waters. You can spend your leisure time at the Sea Park, where they offer boat rides with a clear-bottom and jet skis, beach volleyball games, tennis, trampoline jumping, and more.

YS Waterfalls

YS Waterfalls were opened in 1990. This amazing natural wonder features seven waterfalls surrounded by lush gardens and magnificent trees. Some waterfalls cascade into a natural pool. Some areas are quite rocky and do not allow swimming in the pool. Throughout the waterfalls area, reserve staff are on hand to advise where you can swim and where you cannot. The natural pool, fed by underground and surface springs, is more suitable for children and adults who cannot swim. At the waterfalls, you can also take a canoe ride, gliding from the top of the waterfalls down to their base. These adventures are conducted with experienced guides.

Aqua Sol Sea Park

Montego Bay Marine Park is an eco-park in the style of Yosemite National Park or the Great Barrier Reef, whose duties include protecting and managing natural resources. Park entry is free. There is a wide choice of sports activities here, such as water trampolines, jet skis, rides on a “banana,” a boat with a glass bottom, and scuba diving. There is also a go-kart track, professional tennis courts, and the opportunity to take tennis lessons. You can play beach volleyball or table tennis, or simply relax in the sun on loungers by the shore. At Aqua Sol there are bars and a restaurant on the beach.

Rockland Bird Sanctuary

The founder of this unusual sanctuary was Mrs. Salmon, who in 1952 bought land in the jungle and began taming birds. After six years of work, patience, and endless love, the little birds stopped being afraid of people altogether and began flying into the sanctuary on their own to feast on sugar syrup right from their hands. Having visited the Rockland sanctuary, you’ll experience feelings like nothing else! Just imagine how a tiny hummingbird, trusting you, settles into your hands and flaps its wings so quickly it seems as though two transparent little clouds are swirling alongside the sides of its tiny body. And when the bird turns around, its plumage suddenly bursts into vivid colors with many shades.

Rafting on Martha Bré

Choose for your entertainment an exciting river excursion on a 30-foot bamboo raft and be captivated by the intriguing legend of Marta Gold, hidden in a mysterious cave. A 3-mile raft ride, guided by a qualified and experienced captain, will relax your mind and body. The beauty of nature will stay with you for a lifetime: traveling through the tropical splendor of forests and rivers will let you enjoy incredible landscapes. The legend of Martha Bray tells of an old witch, Arawak, who lived on the banks of the Metibereon River. Hearing stories about Arawak’s gold, Spanish hunters captured the witch to lead them to the treasures. Arawak pretended to comply with them and led them into the cave, where she suddenly disappeared. Terrified, the Spaniards rushed out of the cave, but the river swallowed them. And after that, the witch changed the course of the river forever.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check after booking your cruise in your “Personal account”.