Montego Bay

Montego Bay, commonly referred to as MoBay, is the second largest city in the island nation Jamaica, a member of the British Commonwealth. Montego Bay is the capital of St. James Parish, one of the 14 parishes of Jamaica.

Montego Bay Halal Explorer

Christopher Columbus sailed into the bay in 1494 and named it "El Golfo de Buen Tiempo" or Fair Weather Bay. The first record of a Spanish settlement here shows it as Monterias. The Spaniards hunted the herds of wild hogs that used to roam the hills and produced and exported 'hog butter' or lard. The name Montego derives from the Spanish "manteca" meaning lard, and Montego Bay is shown on some ancient maps as Lard Bay, or Bahia de Manteca in Spanish.

Due in part to its location on the island's north shore, Montego Bay has long since earned the title of 'tourist capital of Jamaica.' It receives the bulk of international flights, and is home to Sangster International Airport and the larger of Jamaica's two main international airports. It is a tourist destination known for its duty-free shopping, cruise line terminal, and the sheltered Doctor's Cave beach with clear turquoise waters, which is one of the most famous beaches on the island.

Get in

By plane

Sangster International Airport IATA Flight Code: MBJ Montego Bay 18.503611, -77.913333 is on the northwest part of the island, very close to the cruise ports at Montego Bay and Ochos Rios. - Sangster International Airport Sangster Airport

By boat

Montego Freeport, built in the 1960s on what was called the Bogue Islands, is the port of Montego Bay. The Montego Freeport terminal consists of five primary berths two of which are dedicated exclusively for cruise shipping. There is a telecommunications centre for cruise passengers (and crew), snack and refreshment stand.

Transportation is available from the terminal building, supervised by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which also maintains a visitor information booth. Montego Freeport is about 3 kilometers south of town. Taxis to downtown MoBay cost about US$10. Shuttle bus service from the cruise ship pier to downtown Downtown Shopping Mall for US$4 per person each way.

Get around

By foot

Gloucester Avenue-which is lined with tourist hotels, shops, and restaurants-has sidewalks on both sides and is best visited on foot. Aside from this road, walking may be considerably less safe.

By bus, taxi

Buses, shuttle vanes and route taxis arrive and depart from the transportation station off Barnett Street at the south end of Street James St. There’s an inspector’s office (7AM Monday - 6PM) inside the gate where you can ask for the departure point of the bus you’re seeking.

Montego Bay Metro (952-5500; 19A Union St) is the municipal bus service (around J$100). Montego Bay Metro now operates three routes: Greenwood to Downtown; Sandy Bay to Downtown; and Cambridge to Downtown.

Taxis are readily available, but as with all cities be aware that some drivers will be less honest or reliable than others. follow your instincts; never get into an unmarked vehicle with someone who offers you a ride, and stick with taxi services you recognize. Your hotel can suggest trustworthy drivers. Reliable driver (as used by the Bird's Nest and Five Gable include Frankly (local phone 581 5712) and Smith (local phone 787 7889)

Another very common way of getting anywhere outside the vicinity of your hotel is by tour van. If you book a tour to the falls or the canopy and the driver will usually pick you up at your hotel. For more on tours, check the Do section below.

What to see in Montego Bay

The Centerstage Theatre - Dominica Dr. New Kingston ☎ +1 876-968-7529 Small but cozy. Family-oriented musicals in patois.

What to do in Montego Bay

Cornwall Beach - ☎ +1 876 952-3463 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM US$3.20/2 (adults/children) Snorkeling, swimming, and other fun beach activities.

Doctor's Cave Beach - Gloucester Ave ☎ +1 876 952-2566 Opening Hours: 8:30AM Monday - Sunset US$5/2.50 (Adults/Children under 12) - Extra for chairs and umbrellas The water is crystal clear and snorkeling is available. It can get a bit crowded during busy season, but its still a great place to go for the family.

Dunn’s River Falls & Park - Ochos Rios, Jamaica, W.I. ☎ +1 876 974-2857 Opening Hours: 8:30AM - 4PM Adults US $20 Children (2-11 years old) US $15 Dunn's River Falls & Park comes to mind which is in Ochos Rios that is about two hours from Montego Bay by taxi cab. There are four rivers combined into one unending flow of rapid descent that drains directly into the Caribbean Sea. Adventurous tourist can climb the falls by forming a human chain led by an experienced Dunn’s river falls guide.

John Halls Montego Bay Adventure Tour - - Adults: 75.00 Children:31.50 Thorough and thrilling tour of Jamaica's beauty and culture.

KiteBoarding Jamaica - Bounty Bay, Trelawny only 20min from Montego Bay ☎ +1 876-583-2255

Jamaica's only Kite surfing center, great kite surfing on the Caribbean sea, suitable for all levels.

Montego Bay Sea Trek Adventure - Doctor's Cave Beach Opening Hours: 1 hour US$60 Underwater adventures on the ocean floor.

Walter Fletcher Beach - ☎ +1 876 979-9447 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 7PM, F-Su 9AM Monday - 10PM US$5/3 (Adults/Children) Swimming, boat rides, and other beachtime fun.

Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Mayfield Falls 18.352362, -78.085228 Renting a vehicle and driving on an adventurous unsealed road (in parts) might be the easiest way to get there. $15 + tip for the guide Mayfield Falls is the less-tourist option and much calmer than Dunn's Falls. They are a 1,5hr drive south-west from MoBay. For an entrance fee of $15 local guides offer 1,5hr tours where you climb up the falls and return on a short trek. The tour includes jumping in pools, diving through tunnels and climbing stones. Jumping from a high tree might also be feasible. You might ask your guide for a unofficial "nature tour" which takes you 2hrs up the falls through fields (maybe ganja as well) and means climbing the falls down. With driving there you will also have the chance to see rural life on Jamaica as you pass through little farmer villages.

Jamaican Taxi Tours - ☎ +1 (876) 429-8664 Jamaican Taxi Tours provide professional and licensed drivers who can take you to the desired destination and sightseeing tour comfortably and safely. Our tours are ideal for every traveler, covering various interests such as archaeology, history, culture, religion and the best aspect of Jamaica in the most relaxing and exciting way.

Travel Around Jamaica Tours - ☎ +1 (876) 287-2180 Travel Around Jamaica Tours is a Montego Bay, Jamaica based private airport transfer and tour company, which offers private airport transfers to all hotels, resorts and villas in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. As well as private transfers to popular tourist destinations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril.

Tours

Dreamer Catamaran Cruises - Rapsody Tours, Charters & Cruise Limited, Gloucester Avenue ☎ +1 876 979-0102 +1 876 979-0101 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM Monday - 1PM/3PM Monday - 6PM US $89 The Dreamer Catamaran cruises are a great way to explore the Caribbean Ocean. On the Catamaran cruise and there is an opportunity for sight seeing, snorkeling, drinking, sun bathing. The staff is very friendly, helpful and patient, making sure new comers to snorkeling feel comfortable with their equipment and what to look for while exploring the sea. After snorkeling, alcohol is served on the catamaran, along with massages by the crewmemebers. The Dreamer Catamaran cruises are fun, safe, and a great experience.

All day, representatives from tour companies will stroll the beaches, offering parasailing, horseback riding, and a million other fun activities; if you're interested, keep your ears and eyes open for these guys, but remember to always play it safe and go with companies you recognize and trust. A lot can go wrong during these activities if the people in charge don't know what they're doing!

Rockland Bird Sanctuary - Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM Enjoy the many varieties of birds that make the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary a wonderful nature place. Rocklands Road, Wiltshire, Anchovy Montego Bay

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Montego Bay

Montego Bay shopping center. You can find more reasonably priced souvenirs, and eat some real native Jamaican food. A traveler can find really great deals on gourmet coffee in which is produced right on the island, and Jamaican spices, art and scented body oils. You can get there by taxi or local shuttle.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Montego Bay

Montego Bay, a vibrant and popular tourist destination in Jamaica, offers a variety of dining options for Muslim travelers seeking halal food. Here are some of the top halal food spots in Montego Bay:

Atbaqu Samir

Rating: 5.0 (23 reviews)
Location: Mc Catty St
Opens 8 AM on Monday
Contact: +1 876-498-5047
Dining Options: Dine-in, Takeaway

Atbaqu Samir is a well-loved halal restaurant in Montego Bay, known for its delicious and authentic halal dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a quick Snacks, Atbaqu Samir offers a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. The restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Halal Meat Supplier

Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Location: 26 Miriam Way
Opening Hours: Opens 10 AM
Contact: +1 876-383-9444

For those who prefer to prepare their own meals, the Halal Meat Supplier in Montego Bay is an excellent resource. Offering a range of fresh halal meats, this supplier ensures that you can cook your favorite dishes while adhering to halal dietary guidelines. The option for no-contact delivery adds convenience for travelers who prefer to stay in their accommodations.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Montego Bay

eHalal Group Montego Bay is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Montego Bay. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Montego Bay.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Montego Bay ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Montego Bay. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Montego Bay, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Montego Bay are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Montego Bay

News & References Montego Bay

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Montego Bay

By Air

You can get domestic Flights to Kingston's second airport Tinson Pen.

A weekly international service to Santiago de Cuba is also available, costing roughly US$400 (June 2024) with Air Jamaica Shuttle]

By Bus

The Montego Bay Bus station, in downtown Montego Bay has buses serving most of the larger cities throughout the nation including Ocho Rios, & Kingston.