Montego Bay Marine Park

Montego Bay Marine Park was declared in 1992 as the first of its kind in Jamaica, covering about fifteen square kilometres of reef, seagrass beds and mangrove along the bay from the airport to the Great River. It protects a reef system under real pressure from development, sediment and overfishing, and the park's work is as much about enforcement and mangrove restoration as about visitors. Dive sites along the drop-off are the main draw.

What you actually see

• The reef drop-off - the wall along the outer edge of the bay, the main dive area.
• The mangroves - stands at Bogue and around the bay, under restoration.
• The seagrass beds - shallow habitat between the shore and the reef.
• The fish sanctuary zones - no-take areas within the park boundary.

When to go

December to April is the drier season with the clearest water. Hurricane season from June to November reduces visibility. Mornings are calmest for diving.

Honest expectations

Reef condition is much reduced from what it was and coral cover is low in places; this is honest about the pressure it is under. Cruise ship and boat traffic affects some sites. Enforcement of the no-take zones is inconsistent.

Nearby

Montego Bay is on the shore, and Rocklands bird sanctuary is inland.