Montego Bay vs Ocho Rios: Whether you’re dreaming of dancing in the white sand as the sun sets on Montego Bay, or lounging on a beautiful beach in Ocho Rios, everyone’s got their ideal place they want to visit. But when it comes to holidaying in Montego Bay vs Ocho Rios, which should you choose?
Jamaica is a Caribbean island that serves as a tourist destination for those seeking fun in the sun. Jamaica can be split into two sections: the lush, tropical north and the dry, desert-like south. In the southern region, the island is known for its white-sand beaches and cane sugar plantations. The northern area, on the other hand, is made up of thick jungles and vast mountain ranges home to waterfalls and Tablelands coffee producers. Deciding which region to visit can be tough at first sight – but luckily we’ve done all the reading for you!
Montego Bay: Overview
When it comes to choosing the best place to visit in Jamaica, it really depends on what you’re looking for. Both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios have a lot to offer, but they each have their own unique flavor.
Montego Bay is the more developed of the two cities, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and activities to keep you busy. It’s also home to some of the best beaches on the island, including Doctor’s Cave Beach and Cornwall Beach. If you’re looking for a laid-back place to relax and soak up the Jamaican sun, Montego Bay is the place for you. It’s a popular spot for cruise ship passengers, so there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants to enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to find all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay.
Ocho Rios: Overview
Ocho Rios, on the other hand, is a bit more rustic and off the beaten path. This city is known for its lush jungle landscape and spectacular waterfalls. It’s also a great place for adventure seekers, with plenty of hiking trails and zip lining options. And of course, no trip to Ocho Rios would be complete without a stop at Dunn’s River Falls. If you want to experience the best of Jamaican culture, then Ocho Rios is the place to be. There’s plenty to see and do, from visiting the Bob Marley Museum to hiking through Blue Mountains National Park.
Montego Bay vs Ocho Rios Beaches
Montego Bay: Montego Bay is the more developed of the two beach destinations. This means that there are more hotels, restaurants, and shops to choose from. However, it also means that the beaches can be more crowded. If you’re looking for a party scene, Montego Bay is probably the better choice. There are also a lot of beach activities to keep you busy, like jet skiing and parasailing.
Ocho Rios: Ocho Rios is a bit less developed than Montego Bay but this has its own advantages. The beaches here are quieter and more relaxing. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Ocho Rios is probably a better choice. However, there are fewer restaurants and shops to choose from.
Montego Bay vs Ocho Rios Things To Do
Montego Bay:
- Visit Doctor’s Cave Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Jamaica.
- Go on a Bob Marley tour to learn about the life and legacy of the legendary reggae artist.
- Take a tour of Rose Hall Great House, an 18th century plantation house with a dark history.
- Shop for souvenirs at Hip Strip, a popular shopping area full of duty-free shops.
- Go on a boat excursion to see the dolphins at Dolphin Cove.
- The famous Margaritaville is also just a short distance away so make sure you have your dancing shoes ready for an evening of fun!
Ocho Rios:
- Explore Dunns River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most famous natural attractions.
- Ride through Paradise Park on the Blue Hole Mineral Springs Water Slide.
- Visit Coyaba Gardens & Mahoe Falls, two beautiful gardens full of waterfalls and tropical plants.
- Take a glass bottom boat tour to see the reefs and marine life around Ocho Rios.
- Go ziplining
Montego Bay vs Ocho Rios Weather
When it comes to weather, both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios have their pros and cons. Montego Bay is known for its beautiful weather year-round, while Ocho Rios experiences a more tropical climate with different seasons.
Montego Bay is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for sunny skies and warm temperatures. The average temperature in Montego Bay is 28 degrees Celsius, with only a few days of rain each year. If you’re visiting during the winter months, you can still expect to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
Ocho Rios, on the other hand, experiences a wetter climate with more rainfall. The average temperature in Ocho Rios is 26 degrees Celsius, but the humidity can make it feel much hotter. Ocho Rios is a great place to visit if you’re looking to escape the cold winters of North America or Europe.
Best Hotels in Montego Bay
Looking for the best hotels in Montego Bay? Look no further! This list rounds up the top-rated hotels in this Jamaican city, sure to make your vacation one to remember.
- The Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa – This luxury resort is located on the beautiful Montego Bay coastline, and features elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and a variety of features and amenities to keep guests entertained.
- The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall – Another luxurious option, the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall features all-inclusive accommodations and amenities, plus stunning ocean views.
- Half Moon – A family-friendly resort situated on a 500-acre estate, Half Moon offers a variety of activities and amenities for guests of all ages to enjoy.
Best Hotels in Ocho Rios
Looking for the best hotels in Ocho Rios? Look no further! Here are our top picks for the best places to stay in this Jamaican paradise:
- RIU Ocho Rios – This all-inclusive resort is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a fun-filled vacation. With plenty of activities on offer, as well as a beautiful beachfront setting, RIU Ocho Rios has something for everyone.
- Jamaica Inn – Another great option for couples, Jamaica Inn offers seclusion, elegance, and pure luxury. With its own private beach and first-class service, Jamaica Inn is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Sandals Royal Plantation – A beautiful, all-inclusive resort located right on one of Ocho Rios’ nicest beaches. The Sandals Royal Plantation features spacious rooms with private balconies, personalized butler service, and 16 restaurant options offering Mediterranean, Caribbean and French cuisine.
Montego Bay vs Ocho Rios: The Verdict
Montego Bay is an amazing Jamaican destination that provides you with a plethora of options for activities and attractions to explore with your family or friends. The city offers top notch nightlife, high-quality dining, and beautiful scenic views. In contrast, the Ocho Rios has a quieter atmosphere, however its language may be hard to understand at times because of its intense diversity. If you’re in search of more structure and something more off the beaten path than Montego Bay offers, you might want to head to Ocho Rios!
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