In 2023, I have the privilege of traveling to Montego Bay twice. The first time was a girl’s trip in February for one of my best friends’ birthday. The second time was a girl’s trip in December to celebrate my cousin’s graduation from college. I flew out of Atlanta, GA, on the first trip, and Charlotte, NC, during the second trip. Non-stop flights from both locations to and from Montego Bay lasted approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Both trips were AMAZING! Here are a few highlights from my time in Montego Bay.

Snorkeling and Dunn River Falls

For my best friend’s birthday, our excursion included taking a party cruise where we were able to snorkel and then hike Dunn River Falls. Our bus picked us up from our hotel in Montego Bay and drove us to Ocho Rios. I honestly don’t remember how long the drive took because we picked up other people, and I was drowsy from our adventures out the night before. We started with snorkeling, and to be honest, I don’t have many pictures from it, even though I had my phone in a waterproof case to snap pictures of fish. My friend and I both know how to swim, but swimming in the ocean is a different ballgame! I remember telling the guides that I knew how to swim, and they gave me concerned looks when I was hesitant to jump in the water. Thankfully, we had a guide that let us cling to a lifebuoy and he led us around. I wasn’t able to record the fish underneath us because I had to focus on not letting the lifebuoy go.

After snorkeling, we went straight to Dunn River Falls. The falls were beautiful, but it was difficult to take pictures without someone in the shot as there were many people also hiking. The falls are a really popular location. Since the rocks were slippery, we had to hold hands the majority of the way up for safety reasons. Overall, it was a nice hike and I recommend having great water shoes. You’re literally going up the waterfall as water is flowing downstream and it was sometimes hard to find stable footing. As a clumsy person, I am proud to say that I only slipped once during the hike. After the hike, we went back to the boat, where we were fed and then drank as much as we could before docking. There are many companies that you can book an excursion like this with. We were able to do so through our hotel.

ATV and River Rafting with Limestone Massages

To celebrate my cousin’s graduation, our excursion included riding ATVs and river rafting with limestone massages. We’d seen pictures and videos of this beforehand and were super excited to actually do it. We were picked up from our hotel and taken to the ATV location. During the drive, we noticed a few sprinkles and hoped that it wouldn’t be anything more than that. As we were being given instructions on how to use the ATVs, the drizzling started to pick up. By the time we started moving, (we even had a delay because someone from another group couldn’t get it together on the ATVs), the rain began to pick up, and we were soaked. The trail was at an incline and once I got a feel for the ATV, it was fairly easy to maneuver. Our guide led us to a small farm where we stopped to see the birds and a mini marijuana garden. Our next stop was at the top of the mountain. I wish the rain would’ve calmed down at this point because I could tell that it was a stunning view of Montego Bay below. We could see the ocean from the top of the mountain, but the rain clouds blocked the full view. Having on prescribed sunglasses, plus sunscreen getting into my eyes because of the rain, plus the ground being more slick, made it a scary ride back. I was so relieved that no one ran off the trail! We were all so happy that it was over, and we were off to our next adventure.

By the time we made it to the river rafting location in Lethe, the rain thankfully stopped. My cousins were on one raft, and I was on the other with a different guide (he was very handsome)! This excursion was much more relaxing than our previous one. As we went down the river, we drank rum punch that was much stronger than what we had at the hotel. Our guides allowed us to play music, and we received limestone massages that felt amazing! I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Jamaica.

Food/Drinks

The food and drinks that we had were biggest highlights for me of both trips. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort in February and the Riu Reggae in December. Both resorts were all inclusive and included unlimited access to the bars. Both resorts also had amazing food in their buffet. They also both had jerk huts that were only open for a certain time of the day. The Holiday Inn served jerk pork and chicken and Riu Reggae served jerk chicken. I have had the best oxtails, rice and peas, cabbage, and even curry goat. After my first trip to Jamaica, I have random cravings for Jamaican food and I always feel so happy and full afterwards.

Views

The pictures speak for themselves. Jamaica is a beautiful country and always delivers breathtaking views, especially of the ocean. When I’m stressed, I reflect on my time near the waters.

I pray that I am able to go back to Jamaica in the near future! If its a “feel good” place and never disappoints in the area of hospitality. Cheers!