Rocklands Bird Sanctuary (Montego Bay) — Attraction in Jamaica

A truly special and peaceful place!

I didn't know what to expect as some reviews didn't really paint much of a picture for Rocklands but it was absolutely incredible. A hidden gem and a world away from the busy city just a few miles away.

We left our taxi and Fritz met us at the entrance with sugar water bottles. The birds are wild and free (no cages at all) and there were approximately a dozen different species to see close by, feeding and drinking around us, including a couple of woodpeckers! We sat down and Fritz showed us how to place our bottles in our hands. The hummingbirds were the star of the show for us and they came to drink from our sugar water countless times, sometimes for a good long while! Fritz answered many of our questions and identified some birds for us which we had never seen before. He also told us the history of the sanctuary and his emotion shone through, I could tell how much he loved this place. Meanwhile, tiny little finches sat on our lap and at our feet to eat the seeds which Fritz placed there for us when we sat down. We managed to see some iguanas and toads in amongst the grounds as we walked round and the sound of birds singing was absolutely beautiful and unique.

I've never been anywhere like this before and felt totally immersed in nature. The views back into Montego Bay were beautiful and made for great pictures, too. I didn't want to leave and can only hope to return again in the future!! It was my birthday when we went and one I will cherish forever.

Fritz - thank you SO much. Your knowledge, passion and kindness made the day so wonderful for us. I felt like I had made a friend that day. One of the most laid back, friendly and caring men I've ever met and the birds/animals loved you too. Fritz, thank you for caring about Rocklands as much as you do, you are a credit to the sanctuary and nature.

If you are thinking of going to Rocklands, you will not regret it! A...

What an amazing experience! We were immersed in a beautiful lush garden landscape surrounded by the spectacular humming birds, finches and owls that live there. Beautiful seating areas provide a comfy spot for guests to sit and interact with the birds. It's so special and really a once in a lifetime experience IMHO. You can stay at the lounge level or go up to the "birds nest" which is a large covered deck & canopy overlooking the bay. With bistro tables and chairs I wish we had prepared to bring a lunch for the el fresco dining area and a glass of wine. Some drinks can be provided for a small fee upon request, but there is no food available. Go venture around the nature path on the property and learn about the original owner. Restrooms are provided in the form of an outhouse on the trail. Plan on not rushing through... take your time. Each person gets a nectar bottle and seed to feed the birds. Be prepared to get a little sticky - there are water faucets available however. If you want something a bit more quiet and interactive this is it! Feel and hear the flutter of their wings. It's a small gem with lots of sparkle.

My only cons are:

1. Signage - google maps will get you there but it sure looks like you're going somewhere you shouldn't be.
2. Parking - a bit tight and freelance (no real parking area except in driveway - can only fit 3 vehicles. No fees though).

Group size - 8 Visit - Monday afternoon. Time Spent - 2 hours Price - $25 USD or $3750 JMD per person. CASH ONLY Staff - Kind, knowledgable & very relaxed. They were not pushy, they made it a peaceful, comfortable and inviting environment. We were greeted...

A nice scenic get away with endemic species. The host, Fritz, has been working there since 1970 and has an immense love for birds. The birds are sweet and love humans. To top it off, $20 to get in is not bad! The sanctuary was empty and I was given unlimited time to feed the birds and enjoy the plants, views, and creatures on the property. The only cons I can imagine were, the dogs that chased me at the entrance (because I was walking) were pretty fear inducing and it took a while for someone to meet me there, so I wasn’t sure if I was actually supposed to be there. The journey there without a private driver is pretty difficult, I ended up walking a few miles and getting in random route taxis to get here from east Montego Bay, since it’s kind of hard to find on a map. There’s not a lot places I would imagine parking either but there must be space because people figure out how to get here someway. There’s some large pot holes too that western driver’s might struggle with if using a rental. For the journey I went on to get here, I got what I wanted out of this experience and some photos! If you have the capability, I highly...