Rafting excursions
Delightful excursions are available on the Martha Brae River and Great River, 40 minutes from Mahoe Bay:
Martha Brae: Beautiful trip down a 5-km. stretch of river, amidst lush vegetation. The guides are experts on the river and will show you the best places to bathe in its transparent waters.
Great River: This trip starts in the quiet village of Lethe and takes you through picturesque farmland and orchards.
Horse riding
There is a host of excursions that will help you discover the surrounding area. One of the most highly recommended ones goes from the Rose Hall estate to the nearby mountains. Another one takes you along some of the heavenly beaches in this area, where you will end up in the water with your horse.
This is a lovely experience for beginners, as the treks are not very difficult. Pony treks are also organised for youngsters.
Diving and snorkelling
Some of the best immersion points of the island are off the coast of Montego Bay:
Airport Reef: Considered the island's best diving spot. This is an enormous coral reef with a great variety of tropical fish. The place is unique for its large number of caves and tunnels. You can also swim amongst the wreckage of a DC3.
Montego Bay and Bogue Lagoon National Marine Park: Nature sanctuary with an abundance of turtles, barracudas, crabs and lobsters. There are also birds, such as herons, pelicans and woodpeckers.
The Point: Spectacular wall of coral 70 m. deep. The area is striking for its colonies of manta rays and sharks.
Party-cruises and dinner-cruises
These cruises enable you to have fun and discover the coast at the same time. Most of them have an open bar, good music and even offer the opportunity to snorkel. There are also evening cruises, with dinner included and a quieter atmosphere.
Golf
The best courses in the area lie just a few kilometres from the Riu Montego Bay hotel:
Tryall Golf Club: Considered the best course in the Caribbean, running between palms and fruit trees. The course affords spectacular views of the sea and mountains nearby.
Half Moon Golf Club: Another course with a world-famous reputation. It combines the difficulty of its holes with beautiful scenery set between mountains and the sea.
White Witch Golf Club: A winding course running between the lush, green hills of the Rose Hall plantation. Holes 16 and 18 offer magnificent sea views.
Fishing
Montego Bay is in the middle of the migratory route of several highly-prized species such as marlins and yellowfin tuna. There is also an abundance of dolphins and a local variety of mackerel called wahoo.
Specialities
Peppers stuffed with crab: Speciality from the west coast of Jamaica. A delicacy worth trying.
Meat with curry and coconut milk: Chicken, pork and kid dishes with coconut milk and curry sauces abound. This delicious way of preparing meat is reminiscent of Indian food.
Rum: Nowhere in the Caribbean is there a greater variety of rum than in Jamaica. You will find all kinds of rum, from smooth whites to extremely expensive, amber-coloured ones.
Going out
Riu Pacha: Located in the hotel Riu Montego Bay, this world-famous discotheque combines local rhythms with international music. Good atmosphere and partying guaranteed.
"Sumfest" Reggae Festival: Jamaica's most famous festival. Held in July in Montego Bay, with the participation of at least 50 of the best reggae artists of the day. Four days of good music, with concerts on the beach and partying in the very heart of the town, in Gloucester Avenue.
Shopping
Half Moon Shopping Village: Select, pleasant shopping centre where you will find a broad selection of international clothes and other articles. 3 km. from Mahoe Bay.
Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay: Lively street in the centre of Montego Bay where you will find all kinds of local souvenirs: rum, cigars or T-shirts.
Craft: Harbour and Fort Montego markets, both in Montego Bay, have a good selection of Jamaican craft goods.