The second largest city in Jamaica, Montego Bay is the capital of St James Parish and has a population that is the third largest after the country’s capital Kingston and Spanish Town. With its picturesque beaches, clear turquoise blue waters, low mountains and its famous duty free shops, Montego Bay makes for a much desired tourist destination.
Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1494 and gave it the name ‘Golfo de buen Tiempo’. However the origins of the name Montego Bay is derived from the Spanish word ‘manteca’, which means lard. The name was chosen because during the Spanish era, the port at Montego Bay was used for the export of lard, leather and beef.
From 1511 to 1655, the country was a Spanish colony, but after Oliver Cromwell’s Caribbean visit, the Spaniards were forced to leave the island. From mid-17th century to 1834, the island became a chief sugar port. Montego Bay was declared a city in 1980 and today it is a busy tourist destination with several luxury resorts spread across the city.
The city’s infrastructure is very modern and is still being developed to make it one of the most advanced tourist destinations in the whole of the Caribbean islands. There are a number of stately homes and mill-works that visitors can explore here, of which the White Witch’s Rose Hall is the most sought after places of interest. Good Hope is another colonial building that has been transformed into a luxury villa.
Montego Bay also has two world class golf courses in the city. Apart from this, there are limestone forests that offer hidden trails and caves that one can explore. You can even choose to take a bamboo raft excursion through the enchanting green forests. Of the beaches, the Doctor’s Cave Beach is the most famous beach in Jamaica because of its turquoise blue crystal clear waters, luscious white sands and calm waters that make it possible even for a novice to swim here with great ease.
Apart from being a private club, Doctor’s Cave Beach has a certain section open for general public, where visitors can enjoy apart from the fabulous beach, a number of beach activities that are offered here. The beach also forms a part of the Montego Bay Marine Park that is home to a wide variety of marine species that are found in the coral reef. Snorkeling facilities are available for a closer look at these species.
Jamaica’s largest airport, Sir Donald Sangster International Airport is located in Montego Bay while it is also a cruise line terminal and a free port. Apart from this one can also get here by rail, buses or taxis.
Photo by Marius Mihaescu provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Michael Braxenthaler provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by mauricia provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Marius Mihaescu provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by VIAJERO22 provided courtesy of Panoramio.com