Montego Bay, Jamaica
Thrill, Sunshine & Tough Truths — My Honest Jamaica Travel Experience
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Visited: November
Type of Traveler: Adventure Seeker, Couple
Vibe of Trip: Thrilling, Scenic, Relaxing
Traveler Details: Age Range: 20s | Food Preferences: Foodie & Local Cuisine Lover | Travel Style: Adventure Seeker | Mid-budget | Resort Lover
First Impressions: The Chaos and the Calm
We landed in Montego Bay, Jamaica during the late afternoon, eager for sunshine and island energy. Customs was crowded but fairly efficient—kiosks first, then a border agent, and before long, we had our luggage and were stepping outside into the warm, salty air.
That’s when things got… chaotic.
We had pre-booked transportation through our hotel, but trying to locate the correct shuttle or desk was frustrating. The transportation pickup area at Sangster International Airport is crowded and noisy, and unless your hotel has a very obvious check-in desk, you’ll likely need to ask around. I don’t fault the hotel directly, but more signage would have helped.
Eventually, we found our driver and settled in for the hour-long ride to our hotel. The drive itself was scenic and mostly peaceful, but if you don’t like arriving after dark, keep in mind that many shuttles make multiple stops before your destination.
Hotel Experience: Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay
By the time we arrived at Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay, the sun had set, but the hotel still greeted us with smiles and efficiency. The check-in process was smooth, and we were quickly handed our keys and headed to our room—a Junior Suite Deluxe Sea View on the adults-only side of the resort.
And that view? Breathtaking.
Waking up to the sound of waves, stepping onto the balcony to sip coffee in the lounge chair, and watching the early morning light hit the water… it was a moment of peace I didn’t know I needed.
The all-inclusive food and drinks were solid, with one caveat: many dishes were tailored toward international tourists. If you’re looking for authentic Jamaican cuisine, you’ll have to leave the resort. I absolutely understand the business reasoning, but it left me craving more cultural flavor.
On the flip side, the drinks? Incredible. Jamaican rum is on a different level, and I didn’t experience a single hangover—truly a resort miracle.
Standout hotel features:
• Private beach area with a calm, rock-blocked ocean cove
• 3 pools (though they close at night, which was a letdown for night swimmers)
• 5 restaurants on site — we enjoyed Rodizio Brazilian Steakhouse the most
• Nightly entertainment and rotating guest activities
• Consistently helpful and friendly staff
This was a child-free, peaceful environment, and I appreciated being able to relax without excessive noise or crowding.
What We Did: Adventure Excursions in Montego Bay
We found a full-day adventure tour through TripAdvisor that included horseback riding, ATV riding, ziplining, and a visit to Dunn’s River Falls — all in one epic day.
Here’s the breakdown:
Horseback Riding in the Ocean
We started with a slow trek through forest trails before riding the horses into the ocean. It was magical in the moment, but note: horses do what horses do, so keep some distance unless you want an unexpected splash.
ATV Riding
Fun, but limited. The guided trail was narrow, and we didn’t have much freedom to explore or pick up speed. The views were beautiful, but I wouldn’t prioritize this again.
Dunn’s River Falls
An absolute highlight — but be prepared.
• The water is COLD.
• You’ll need water shoes with good grip to safely climb from the bottom up.
• We saw more than a few slips and falls, so take your time.
Lunch Break
We stopped for a bite before ziplining, and I had some of the best oxtail I’ve ever tasted. I wish I remembered the name of the spot, because I would go back just for that dish.
Ziplining
We finished the day with 2–3 zipline runs, fast and thrilling with great overhead views. If you have a fear of heights, consider skipping — but if you’re a thrill-seeker, go for it.
We returned to the hotel sore, sandy, and in need of a hot shower. It was a packed day, but definitely one I’ll never forget.
What I Wish I Knew
• The airport shuttle pickup process can be very confusing — look for clear signage or prepare to ask around
• Not all resort food is authentic — you may need to explore off-property for real Jamaican flavors
• ATV trail is limited — don’t expect long, open tracks
• Dunn’s River Falls is physically demanding — wear sturdy water shoes
• Arrive during daylight if possible — night arrivals can be disorienting
Would I Recommend It?
This one’s hard to answer.
While we had a great time, I cannot ignore current safety concerns in Jamaica, particularly for female travelers. Although we felt safe on our resort and never encountered danger personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending Montego Bay to solo travelers or women traveling without a guide or group right now.
Final Travel Tips
• Visit in November or summer for better rates and fewer crowds
• Bring grip water shoes for Dunn’s River Falls
• Pack for humid heat and water-based excursions
• Consider Club Mobay Departure Lounge at the airport — $35 and so worth it
• Skip ATV riding if you’re short on time — other activities offer more value
• Travel smart — just because you’re on a resort doesn’t mean you should let your guard down
That said, Jamaica has so much beauty, soul, and joy. For couples, families, or adventure travelers who stick to reputable resorts and guided tours, it can be a phenomenal experience.
