[Shared] Bird Sanctuary and Montego Bay City Highlights

BIRD SANCTUARY: Nestled between the trees and the lush, green vegetation of Wilshire in Anchovy is the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. The Rockland Bird Sanctuary started in 1952 by Lisa Salmon, also know as the “Bird Lady” who open it’s doors to visitors in 1958. There are several different species that visit the location daily to spend quality time with visitors. Watch the birds fly around eagerly, waiting for you to put out a finger for them to perch while they gobble up the nectar from a handheld bottle or a finch perched and happily eating from your palm. The Rockland Bird Sanctuary is home to many species of birds such as the Jamaican Oriole, The Doctor Bird (national bird of Jamaica), White Winged Dove, Finches, Red Crowned Woodpecker and much more! Please note that these birds are not caged, they are wild birds that visits the sanctuary daily to feed and interact with visitors. After about 1 hour with the birds, the bird keeper will take you on a short walk in the woods, pointing out various local trees and plants. You might just see a Barn Owl sleeping somewhere between the sticks! This is truly a nature lover’s dream tour. It is definitely a bird lovers paradise and a must see!

SAM SHARPE SQUARE: This tour takes you to downtown Montego Bay. Your first 10 minutes stop will be at Sam Sharp Square. This area got its name from a freed slave who carried the same name and who led one of the bloodiest uprising in Jamaica on Christmas day in the year 1831. In this area, there is a statue of Sam Sharp and other slaves who were severely punished in the year 1832 for the Christmas day uprising that took place. Feel free to exit the vehicle and browse around. There is also the “Cage” which was originally constructed from wood in the year 1806. However, it was later reconstructed from bricks. The cage was used as a holding area for runaway Slaves who were held there until they were sent back to their plantations. It was also used as a holding area for vagrants and rowdy seamen who would get drunk and was behaving disorderly.

SAINT JAMES PARISH CHURCH: Built in 1775, the Saint James Parish Church was described by the famous English artist, James Hakewill, as “the handsomest church on the island” because of its exquisite Georgian architecture. View the numerous memorial tablets and monuments including a marble baptismal font installed in 1848, a large solid organ made of burnished mahogany, constructed in Liverpool, England in 1780; and a brass lectern made in the shape of an eagle with outstretched wings. The church’s interior also features several beautiful murals done by English sculptors from the 18th and 19th centuries, the most famous of which is John Bacon. We encourage you to read the marble plaques and headstones that displays an array of exquisite poems and well wishes written in old English. The most impressive characteristic a three-light Palladian window framed in carved burnished mahogany. The centre light in the window represents the crucifixion, while the sidelights represent the resurrection and ascension of Christ.

RICHMOND HILL GREAT HOUSE: Richmond Hill is where the elegant Richmond Hill Great House once stood. This colonial style Great House which was destroyed by fire on December 30, 2019 was located 500 feet above the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay City. The house was built in 1804 by members of the Dewar family, original owners of the Dewars Whisky. This Great House was strategically built at the highest point in the town centre and was home to several movie scenes including James Bond Movies. Entertainers LL Cool J, Alicia Keys, Eddie Murphy all visited this house. From the Richmond hill you get a panoramic view of the entire city of Montego Bay and beyond. The view is astonishing and stretches over 25 miles (40.23 meters). Your tour guide will tell you all about the rich history of Richmond Hill Great House while doing your walk through. Although the Great House is no longer there, this is still the number one spot to relax, take a breath and take pictures and feel the heartbeat of the city.

HIP STRIP SHOPPING: The Montego Bay Hip Strip is one of the most active souvenir shopping areas you will find in Jamaica – It’s known for some of the best souvenir shopping ever! There are several gift shops and craft markets selling various kinds of local art and crafts plus other items like T-Shirts, caps, mugs, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, Rums, Bob Marley and Usain bolt’s memorabilia. There is also duty free shopping, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Starbucks, Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, Harley Davidson Jamaica, just to name a few of the popular spots. On the Hip Strip you can also find elegant dining and authentic jerk chicken eateries. Most visitors to Montego Bay find the Hip Strip very convenient because of its varieties. Don’t forget to negotiate prices.

LUNCH: Lunch will be at one of our popular local jerk chicken restaurants.