Spanish conquistadors, grand sugar plantations and slave rebellions have colourfully shaped the history of Montego Bay. Today the relics invite tourists to come and experience colonial times by day and to partake in the festivities and nightlife of this now modern city by night.

This place calls out to partiers, fine gourmets, sun seekers and golfers with its happening strip offering great beaches, great food, magnificent golf courses and a 24 hour party atmosphere.

Beaches:

Doctor's Cave Beach has water reputed to bring remarkable healing powers from the ocean.

Walter Fletcher Beach is a fun beach with fine white sand and clear calm waters.

Tropical Beach Club and Rose Hall Beach Club both offer beach volleyball and other beach games.

Au Naturel Beach is available for those who like to bare it all.

History: The first settlers were the Tainos natives who lived peacefully in this land. Columbus discovered the bay in 1494 and called it El golfo de buen tiempo, the gulf of good weather. Later it became the main shipping port for pig's lard, Mantega, which earned it the title of Bahia de Manteca (Lard Bay). The name was finally dropped as sugar and bananas took over as the primary exports.

The town remained small till the 18th century and was never seriously targeted by pirates and when taxes were implemented in the 1780s the town took expansion. Today it is Jamaica's second largest city after the capital Kingston and today's economy revolves around tourism.

Activities: Resorts and beaches offer all water sport activities like catamarans, power boats, kayak and many more. Scuba diving and snorkeling among the protected waters of Montego Bay Marine Park, who offer large coral reefs teeming with exotic fish, is incredible. Deep-sea fishingexpeditions are popular with catches including the prized blue marlin. Sailing tours are available at the Montego Bay Yacht Club.

Jamaica has wonderful golf courses which include: the Half Moon Golf Club, home of the Red Stripe Pro Am, the 18-hole Tryall Club, the Rose Hall Plantation's White Witch Golf course, the Ironshore's 18-hole and the Cinnamon Hill Golf Club.

Many horseback riding facilities are to be found in the area. So tours include a visit to various plantations. Bicycles and mopeds can be rented as well to explore the island. So many more activities can be enjoyed. Some favourites are: hiking, white-water rafting expedition, safari tours, tubing and tennis.

Attractions and sights: