[Private] Rockland Bird Sanctuary & Montego Bay Highlights

TOUR DETAILS

BIRD SANCTUARY: Nestled between the trees and the lush, green vegetation of Wilshire in Anchovy is the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to at least 15 of Jamaica’s most exquisite bird species including doves, finches, humming birds also Doctor birds (Jamaica’s national bird). The bird sanctuary is located at a quaint little house, home to a local Jamaican.  The setting here is absolutely peaceful and relaxing. As soon as you enter the sanctuary, the humming birds will be making their approach just for you to put out your finger for them to perch. It is definitely a bird lovers paradise and a must see!

SAM SHARP SQUARE STOP: 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 STOP: The tour will continue to the St., James Parish Church for a 30 minutes visit. This Anglican Church, built in 1775 is one of the oldest churches in the Montego Bay area. It boasts an amazing architecture and some of the contents ranging back from as far as over 200 years ago. Built to last for centuries, this church is still fully functional as back in the days when it was first constructed. Be sure to read the marble plaques and headstones that displays an array of exquisite poems well wishes written in old English. Feel free to browse around and read the headstones. The church will always accept a contribution at your pleasure.

RICHMOND HILL GREAT HOUSE SITE: Our next stop will be at the apex where the once elegant Richmond Hill Great House stood (The house was destroyed by fire in December of 2019). This colonial style Great House was located 500 feet above the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay City. Built in 1804 by members of the Dewar family, original owners of the Dewars Whisky. This Great House sat strategically on top of a hill in the center of town and was home to several movie scenes including James Bond Movies. From there, you get a panoramic view of the entire city of Montego Bay. The view stretches over 25 miles (40.23 meters) beyond. It is still the perfect spot to take your panoramic photos. Your tour guide will tell you all about the rich history of Richmond Hill Great House while doing your walk through. After a few minutes stop it will be time to head to the Hip Strip for shopping.

MONTEGO BAY HIP STRIP STOP: The Montego Bay Hip Strip is one of the most active souvenir shopping areas you will find in Jamaica. 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.