Great, off-the-beaten-path places to go in Montego Bay Jamaica?

Question

I'm going to Montego Bay soon, and I'm looking for really good, off-the-beaten-path places to go - sights, beaches, restaurants, shopping, etc. I'm a really independent traveler and I don't like to stick to the usual, cliche tourist traps! Any suggestions are really appreciated!

Answer 1

I guess most of the people didn't really understand you don't want the usual tourist places.... I agree..YS falls is nice..... Middletown is interesting and a nice drive through some lush green vegetation. Reggae Beach (Ocho Rios) has a really nice vibe, and while there will be a sprinkling of tourists, the times I have been it is mostly locals. It's a beach with trees and bush and dramatic cliffs. I highly recommend it.  If your a fan of Bob Marley, Nine Miles is a nice day trip. Cousin's Cove is also a nice quiet little town with an incredible cave that has many different tunnels and natural spring water running through it if you hike long enough in the cave. You will need the local guide....sorry, can't remember his name since it's been so long.  I have traveled into the hills and spent a night up in the hills of Trelawny. Never a problem.  I also like going to the local sound system dances and stage shows. Stay away from places like Margarittaville...way,way too touristy and quite expensive. Have a great time!!!!!

Answer 2

Going "off the beaten path" in Jamaica could lead to more adventure than you might want.  Don't think it's a good place to be going out on your own.

Answer 3

Jamaica is NOT THE COUNTRY to go very far off the beaten path in... There's danger in the hills.

Answer 4

Check out Margaritavill, Dunn's River(just out side Mobay).

Rosehall Great House and Puertoseco Beach

Answer 5

Try Rocklands Bird Sanctuary in Anchovy. Hummingbirds feed from your hand.

Answer 6

There is the Brewery on the hip strip. One really good beach is Doctor's cave beach. For shopping there are some good stores on St. James street, all the locals shop there. I would really advise u that u always make sure u have some local currency when you go shopping. When people see the U.S. dollars they more than likely will overcharge u. Also please be safe going out there on your own.

Answer 7

I have lived "off the beaten track" with Jamaican Families, and I am also an independent traveler.  However, I would not travel too far into the hills without a member of my Jamaican Family.  If you run into car trouble, police help is few, far between, and long time in responding.  

Depending on where you are staying, the concierge at your resort might be able to arrange a small tour, if you tell them where you would like to go.  Perhaps you could round up a small group of like minded "indies" whou would like to make a day of it with you.  Also - check out the first link below, for accommodations that are small locally run places that let you "meet the people"   I've never tried it, but it looks like a possiblity to see the Jamaica I saw.  

Here are some cool places:

Rafting on the Martha Brae River.  A tourist thing to do, but its just you and your guide, so you aren't thrown in with a buncha ugly tourists.  It's as hokey as you want to make it.

Glistening Waters, or Luminous Lagoon outside of MoBay near Falmouth.  There is a nice outdoor restaurant there, and you can drop in for an early dinner, then, after dark you will take a boat out on an amazing mangrove lagoon where there are tiny bioluminescent organisms in the water.   When the water is agitated, by humans or by schools of fish, or rays, the water glows like millions of diamonds or lightning bugs.  DO jump overboard and watch your body make water angels, or glitter drip from your hands.   The bottom is a little creepy, like pudding, but get over it!  It's a once in a lifetime experience.  

If you can find transport across the Island, to the South Shore (a rickety 50 mile road cross the interior)  Go to YS Falls for a swim and a swing among tiered cascades.    It is not as long and plunging as Dunns River, but it is less touristy.  

Nearby you will find Black River and a 1.5 hour boat tour upriver where you will see rafts of water hyacinths, watch your guide feed local crocodiles, and see lots of birds & flowers

If you have a car you can direct, ask them to take you to Middlequarters nearby, where little ladies will swarm your car to sell the local specialty - Pepper Shrimp. HOT HOT HOT.  Eat it with Bammy, a flat cake made from casava.