Sandals has some truly outstanding resorts all across Jamaica. Two popular choices among newlyweds and couples are the famous Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals South Coast.
While they are both Sandals Resorts, they have plenty of differences. Here we will compare the two to give you an idea of what to expect and help you choose the best one for you.
Our Quick Take
Sandals Montego Bay is close to the airport and gives you access to Sandals Royal Caribbean, allowing for more dining and bar options. Montego Bay is lively and does hear noise from the airport during the day, and the excursion activities are going to be more crowded.
Sandals South Coast has larger pools and is very spread out. While it takes a long winding drive to arrive, it provides more seclusion and feels somewhat off the beaten path. It is also more affordable than Sandals Montego Bay.
Location
Both resorts have a fantastic location overlooking the Caribbean, but the locations are very different.
As the name suggests, Sandals Montego Bay is located in the city of Montego Bay, right on the oceanfront. This means that you are going to arrive at the resort quickly after departing the airport. It also means the resort is going to hear the noise of the airplane engines as they go by. We found this annoying the first day we were there, but quickly got used to it, and the planes only fly during the day so they won’t disturb you at night.
Sandals South Coast, on the other hand, is situated in a more remote location, which is better for those who enjoy a little peace and quiet and are looking for a tranquil escape. It takes about 90 minutes to drive to the resort; the roads are winding and your driver will have to swerve around to avoid large potholes, so if you get motion sick you will want to be prepared.
Accommodations
Sandals Resorts are known worldwide for providing guests with luxurious, gorgeous accommodations, and at these resorts, it really is no different. From the standard Junior Suites to the best Butler Suites, there is a huge variety of room types to choose from to help you create the perfect vacation.
The suites boast spacious living areas, private balconies with beautiful views, smart TVs, and even whirlpool tubs. So no matter what type of room you choose to spend your vacation in, you’ll be able to enjoy luxurious and convenient amenities.
That said, one big difference that should be mentioned is that only Sandals South Coast offers Overwater bungalows. These can be a huge draw for many guests, who are looking for a dreamy, tranquil resort experience.
Sandals South Coast also has a Rondoval Suites that have their own private pool plus access to a larger pool that is shared with other guests.
Both resorts have been regularly updating the rooms so you will find some rooms with an older feel and some that have been renovated recently. The Longbeach area of Sandals South Coast, for example, was just recently reopened after an extensive renovation in 2024. The Overwater Bungalows have also been completely refreshed.
Sandals Montego Bay has great swim-up suites, including some that are directly on the beach and have personal butler service. There are also beachfront suites with large outdoor soaking tubs and walkout access to the sand.
Beaches and Pools
Whether it’s relaxing on the beach or taking a dip in the pool to cool off, both of these resorts have great options when it comes to their beaches and pools.
Both boast their own gorgeous stretch of beach, easily accessible from anywhere around the resorts, with some select suites and villas granting guests direct access.
Overall, the beach at Sandals South Coast is much longer, but both are big enough to allow for everyone to enjoy.
One thing to keep in mind is the beach at Sandals South Coast does have sea urchins, but we never had an issue with them by staying in the very sandy areas.
When it comes to pools, Sandals Montego Bay has 7 pools, most of them smaller than the ones at Sandals South Coast.
Sandals South Coast has 4 very large pools and 4 whirlpools. If you are looking for large pools then Sandals South Coast is the choice.
Food & Drinks
Sandals Montego Bay boasts a fantastic selection of 12 different restaurants, plus access to a further nine restaurants over at the neighboring Sandals Royal Caribbean. The on-site options range from traditional Caribbean food at the Jerk Shack, to tasty Pan-Asian cuisine at Tokyo Jo’s, with everything in between from British Pub fare to a good old-fashioned steakhouse.
At Sandals Montego Bay, they recently refreshed the menu at Oleander’s so it is served family style and we consider it one of the best restaurants at a Sandals resort.
At Sandals South Coast, guests can choose from a selection of nine different restaurants and eateries, including a fantastic ocean-front seafood grill, delicious Caribbean food, and gorgeous Pan-Asian cuisine.
New to Sandals South Coast are two food trucks, one serving tacos and the other, chicken tenders. They are open for lunch until 6pm and both were very good.
Both resorts also have great options for bars, with Sandals Montego Bay boasting 6 bars, including both swim-up and overwater bars, and Sandals South Coast boasting an amazing 7 bars, including a swim-up bar.
Overall, Sandals Montego Bay has more options, but there are enough options at Sandals South Coast to last several days without repeating.
Entertainment and Activities
When it comes to the entertainment and activities available at both Sandals Montego Bay, and Sandals South Coast, there is plenty on offer to see and do.
At both Sandals resorts, you can enjoy access to a great range of water-based activities, including PADI-Certified SCUBA diving and equipment, waterskiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, and use of snorkeling equipment.
There’s also a great range of land activities available, including tennis, beach volleyball, and access to a state-of-the-art fitness center. There’s also day and night entertainment and live shows, as well as a full-service spa to relax at (services cost extra).
Both resorts have recently embraced pickleball with new courts available and all the equipment you would need.
Excursions
When comparing excursions, Sandals South Coast has less variety but they are less busy. Sandals Montego Bay has more options, but many require a long drive and the attractions may be crowded.
Going to YS Falls near Sandals South Coast was one of the best excursions we enjoyed during our last trip to Jamaica.
Cost
While prices vary throughout the year, rates at Sandals South Coast currently start at $206 per person per night, while at Sandals Montego Bay they start at $279 per person per night, making Sandals South Coast less expensive than Montego Bay.
Final Thoughts
For us, if we had to choose between these two resorts we would go to Sandals Montego Bay. While we do not love the jet noise we love the proximity to the airport and everything the resort has to offer.
If you want a more secluded experience and do not mind the drive, Sandals South Coast might be the pick for you. Sandals South Coast is also more affordable than Montego Bay so we understand if that makes a difference for you.
When it comes down to it, the choice really does depend on your own personal preferences.
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.