So you’re planning a trip to Jamaica and have narrowed it down to a resort in Montego Bay and one in Ocho Rios. Which do you choose? The answer is, what is the main goal of your trip? Let’s start by laying out the pros and cons of each location.
Montego Bay:
Pros:
Close to the Montego Bay airport (MBJ) which is the most popular
Great for families
Great if you plan to stay on the resort your whole stay. Meaning, you don’t plan to explore the island itself much.
Safe because it’s filled with tourist
There are many neighboring resorts to visit while in Montego Bay
Many water sports are available such as kayaks, paddle boats, snorkeling, and jet skies.
Cons:
It’s very touristy. So you won’t get a very “authentic Jamaican experience”
The beaches aren’t as pretty due to the heavy tourism. Expect the beaches to be crowded.
Do to the crowds, don’t expect to see many exotic sea creatures if you plan to snorkel.
It’s more expensive because places will expect tourists to visit and therefore inflate prices for souvenirs and food.
There tend to be less Black people and Jamaicans at these resorts. Montego Bay is a popular tourist location for Europeans who are first time visitors to the Caribbean.
Ocho Rios:
Pros:
Great for young adults looking to party ( girls trip, bachelorette, dirty 30’s, couples trip).
More Jamaican’s and Black people tend to be on this side of the island
The popular Dunn’s River falls is located in Ocho Rios
Not as touristy as Montego Bay but still safe
Better chance of finding the “local food” and “local party spots
Less Tourist Traps
Better Beaches
More adult activities
Cons:
Further from the MBJ airport (new airport for Ocho Rios, Ian Fleming International Airport)
Not as family friendly due to more age restricted resorts being in the area.
More cruise ship traffic due to a popular docking site being in the area.
Conclusion:
Both areas of the island are beautiful and are well suited for a relaxing vacation. Montego Bay is better for families with children and for those who don’t plan to explore the island much. Ocho Rios is better for young adults, adventure seekers, and people who don’t have children. Now for couples, I would recommend Negril! But that’s a different article. If you would like to purchase travel insurance for your trip, click here for our recommendation.
I'm an avid traveler with a passion for exploring diverse destinations, and I've had the pleasure of immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Jamaica. My extensive firsthand experience allows me to provide insights into the nuances of different regions on the island. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article comparing Montego Bay and Ocho Rios for your trip planning:
Montego Bay:
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Pros:
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Proximity to Montego Bay airport (MBJ), making it convenient for travelers.
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Family-friendly environment.
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Ideal for those planning to stay within the resort and enjoy various amenities.
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Safety with a significant tourist presence.
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Access to multiple neighboring resorts and water sports activities.
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Cons:
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High tourist density, resulting in a less authentic Jamaican experience.
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Crowded beaches with less pristine views.
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Limited visibility of exotic sea creatures while snorkeling.
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Higher costs due to tourist-oriented pricing.
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Presence of tourist traps and a higher concentration of European tourists.
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Ocho Rios:
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Pros:
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Suitable for young adults seeking a lively atmosphere and various activities.
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Greater representation of Jamaicans and Black people.
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Dunn's River Falls, a popular attraction, is located in Ocho Rios.
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Less touristy but still a safe environment.
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Opportunities to explore local food and party spots.
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Better beaches and fewer tourist traps.
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Cons:
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Further from MBJ airport, with the Ian Fleming International Airport serving the area.
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Less family-friendly due to more age-restricted resorts.
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Increased cruise ship traffic due to a popular docking site.
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Conclusion: Both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios offer distinct experiences. Montego Bay is well-suited for families and those looking for a more relaxed vacation within the resort. On the other hand, Ocho Rios caters to young adults, adventure seekers, and those seeking a more local experience. Couples may find Negril to be a suitable option, as mentioned in the article.
Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions or if there's more information you'd like to explore!