
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay worth booking?
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay is a 6-hour experience in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from $135 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (18)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $135 per person
This half-day tour will take you to Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and to tourist highlights in Montego Bay including Sam Sharp Square, Saint James Parish Church, Richmond Hill Great House and hip-strip shopping.
What you get
About this experience
This half-day tour will take you to Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and to tourist highlights in Montego Bay including Sam Sharp Square, Saint James Parish Church, Richmond Hill Great House and hip-strip shopping.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- Entrance fee to Richmond Hill Great House
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan/bus
- Entrance fee to Bird Sanctuary
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Souvenir photos or other items for sale
What you'll see and do
Hip Strip
The Montego Bay Hip Strip is one of the most active souvenir shopping areas you will find in Jamaica - It is 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.
60 minutes here
Sam Sharpe Square
Get your cameras ready as you make your way from the port. We drive on the left so, don't be alarmed as your driver makes his way through the busy Barnett Street (longest street in Montego Bay) to downtown. Our first 15 minutes stop will be at Sam Sharp Square where statues of slaves who were severely punished in the year 1832 for the Christmas day rebellion that took place in 1831 are on display. Feel free to exit the vehicle and browse The museum at the Montego Bay Civic Centre.
15 minutes here
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
This 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 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. See 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.
90 minutes here · Admission included
St. James Parish Church
Built in 1775, the St. 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.
75 minutes here · Admission included
Our next stop will be at Richmond Hill 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.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SNL Jamaican Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children 17 years or younger must be accompanied by a paying adult
- Infant meals not included
- Dress code is casual
- A moderate amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walk shoes are recommended
- Limited amount of wheelchair transportation available
- Limited amount of child seats available
- Persons must be 18 or older with ID to consume alcoholic beverages
- Minimum number apply. If we do not meet the minimum the tour may be rescheduled, an alternative suggested or canceled.
- Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby/pickup point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
- Pickup time subject to change based on local traffic conditions and inclement weather.
- • Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the customer can be prevented from participating in the activities if they are found to be intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience!
We truly enjoyed this excursions with SNL. It was booked last minute and they were able to accomodate us on shirt notice.
via Tripadvisor
Did go
We did not go do to not enough people for this event . So we are waiting for a full refund at this time 😭
via Viator
An AMAZING day!!!
Thank you SNL tours for allowing us to customize the trip from Runaway Bay (Bahia Principe Luxury), and especially FRANKLIN for the awesome time you showed us. You were waiting patiently for us in the morning- 1 hr early! Then took us through some interesting areas to show us what houses in Jamaica looked like on the way to sanctuary. The Rocklands bird sanctuary is beautiful & quiet, thx Fritz for welcoming us. The birds are sweet it was a nice experience. However, our guide mentioned there's a zoo in Falmouth and to be honest, I think that might be a much better idea for the tour because Fritz gave us maybe 2 fun facts about doctor birds and then we were left to chase 3 birds around for the next hour...5-10min lulls where no birds were coming to feed. There wasn't a consistent/ large number of birds for it to feel like a "sanctuary"... You stick around with hopes that more birds will come but it didn't happen fast enough. The time it takes to drive up the mountain isn't worth it for what you're doing. However, we tried to make the best of it. Then Franklin took us to downtown Montego Bay and we went to Sam Sharpe Square... we also saw the beautiful St. James Church... The Pastor was there and he showed us around, gave us so much info about the Church and that was wonderful he was so kind. We felt so blessed to be in Jamaica exploring on Jamaica's Independence Day August 6th...that was so special. Unfortunately we didn't go see Richmond Hill house, I guess that area was closed because of independence day... We went to shop on hipstrip and then Franklin was nice enough to stop roadside to get some street curry crab omg that was the bomb.com... Woyy Jamaica you guys can cook! Thank you so much again for the experience SNL & Franklin - you went above and beyond... great laughs and talk!! We learned so much and appreciate you sharing the day with us! Hope to see you guys soon xoxo!!!
via Tripadvisor
recommend 100%
I definitely recommend this tour. The bird sanctuary is just a few minutes drive and in a calm environment. The guide Copely was excellent. I felt safe the entire tour, he shared a lot of knowledge and we had a good laugh!
via Tripadvisor
Not dependable!
Cancelled due to not enough people. No notice. I called to see what the pickup time was and was told then!! 8 pm the night before. Hire a taxi to take you to either place. Cheaper and you get the same experience. Bird sanctuary was lovely. In the City you can walk from the historical old town to hip strip. Shop or not.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by SNL Jamaican Tours, who run 48 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.6.
See everything SNL Jamaican Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Montego Bay.
How much does Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay cost?
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Prices start at $135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Montego Bay usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Montego Bay is not rushed.
Is Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Montego Bay, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Montego Bay can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Montego Bay and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Montego Bay within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Montego Bay?
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On Outty we rank every Montego Bay experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings, Blue Hole and Dunn's River Falls Private Tour from Montego Bay, Montego Bay Clear Kayak Drone Photoshoot & Video. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Montego Bay?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Montego Bay?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Driver/guide; Entrance fee to Richmond Hill Great House; Transport by air-conditioned minivan/bus; and Entrance fee to Bird Sanctuary. Not included: Gratuities; Food and drinks (available to purchase); and Souvenir photos or other items for sale. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 55 listed pickup locations in and around Montego Bay. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Montego Bay. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Rocklands Bird Sanctuary & City Highlights plus Shopping from Montego Bay?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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