Search for a place or activity
River rafting in the forests of Montego Bay, Jamaica

Itineraries for Your Trip to Montego Bay

Montego Bay locals share their perfect days.
Find your Montego Bay itinerary

2 Days in Montego Bay for First Timers

Curated by Margot Bigga journalist who has lived in the UK, the US, France, and India.

With two days in Montego Bay, you’ll have enough time to check out local beaches and historic attractions and get out into the surrounding areas to see the region’s rich natural and cultural offerings. Here’s how to plan your time.


Day 1: Morning

Jamaica’s northern coastline is known for its beautiful, white-sand beaches, and Montego Bay is no exception. Spend your first morning here at Doctor’s Cave Beach, a well-maintained, private beach with calm waters that make it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Grab lunch at the seaside restaurant.

Day 1: Afternoon

In the afternoon, head over to the Rose Hall Great House, one of the most interesting historic sites in town. Dating to the late 18th century, this old plantation house has been beautifully restored with period furniture across its numerous rooms. According to local legend, the house is haunted by a former resident, and ghost stories take center stage in the tours here.

Day 1: Night

In the evening, make your way out to the Luminous Lagoon. This brackish body of water earns its name because of the presence of phosphorescent phytoplankton that create an enchanting glow. Boat tours depart from the Glistening Waters Restaurant in Falmouth, and tours from Montego Bay that include round-trip transportation are available.

Day 2: Morning

Many of Montego Bay's most popular attractions are a bit out of town, but worth the trip. Among these is Dunn's River Falls, a terraced waterfall that descends into a series of refreshing rock pools ideal for swimming. Those who don’t mind a short trek can hike to the top of the falls for great views of the surrounding jungle.

Day 2: Afternoon

While most people associate Bob Marley with Kingston's Trench Town neighborhood, the reggae superstar was actually born in Nine Mile in the parish of Saint Ann. It's a popular attraction for reggae fans to this day, and visitors can take guided tours of the area from Montego Bay, learning about Marley's life and visiting his mausoleum.

Day 2: Night

In the late afternoon, make your way back to Montego Bay in time to board a sunset catamaran cruise, where you can listen to reggae music as you sail the Caribbean waters. Many cruises include free snacks and drinks and stop at local beaches along the way for evening swim sessions.

See more things to do in Montego Bay