Visit Montego Bay in Jamaica

By Dave Pipitone

Home to the country’s largest international airport named after Sir Donald Sangster, Montego Bay in Jamaica is a city which is known for its duty- free shopping and cruise line terminal.

One of its most popular spot is Free Port where it is nestled on an attractive peninsula jutting into the sea. Its protected Doctor’s Cave Beach has lucid turquoise waters enveloped with panoramic low mountains.

The fourth largest in population, Montego Bay in Jamaica is only next to Kingston, Spanish Town and Portmore.

Montego Bay has a population of 120,000. The city is located in Saint James Parish on the northwestern coast of the island.

Several American and British airlines as well as Air Jamaica, stop in the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport which connects flights to Northern America and Europe. Southern cities in the United States such as Houston, Atlanta, Tampa and Miami can be reached in less than three hours.

Montego Bay in Jamaica is believed to have come from a Hispanic term “manteca” which means lard. It was believed to have been corrupted during the Spanish colonization since together with beef and leather, those were exported.

It was only in 1655 when the Caribbean expedition headed by Oliver Cromwell was able to drive away troops of Christopher Columbus. During the period where slavery was rampant, the town chiefly operated as a sugar harbor. It was from the middle of the 17th century down to 1834 and even extended until the 20th century.

The Christmas Rebellion or Baptist War between 1831- 1832 marked the end of the final major slave revolt that was led by Samuel Sharpe. In 1975, he was recognized as the national hero and the main square was coined in his honor.

By an act of parliament issued in 1980, Montego Bay in Jamaica was declared as a city. However, it did not mean that it is already autonomous since it continues to be an integral part of Saint James Parish.

At present, it is recognized for its huge infirmary such as the Cornwall Regional Hospital as well as with dock facilities, fine restaurants, shopping boutiques and second homes for several upper class natives from Kingston.

The coastland is now occupied by numerous tourist resorts, some newly built and some that have been serving for quite a while. There are also some lots devoted to sugar cane plantations with original edifices and mill works still standing.

White Witch’s Rose Hall and Tyrall that feature world- class golf courses are the most famous of its kind. The attractions in Montego Bay include plenty of sights and activites.

Make sure to visit those such as the Dolphin Cove, Croydon in the Mountains, Caliche Rainforest, Canyon White Water Rafting, Phillip Country Tours, AguaSol Themepark and Glistening Waters, among the others.

Visit Montego Bay in Jamaica

More Articles on Be Smart - Save on Your Next Jamaica Vacation