Montego Bay: Jamaican Souvenir Workshop & Garden Tasting

Summary

Create unique souvenirs in montego bay with local flavors

You’ll create your own Jamaican souvenir in Montego Bay with help from a local guide, taste fresh fruit straight from the garden, try homemade soup, and meet some curious goats. The workshop is relaxed and hands-on — you’ll leave with something personal (and maybe waxy fingers) plus memories that stick around longer than any store-bought trinket.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clinking of beads and shells on the art table under this big ackee tree — honestly, I’d never sat down to make anything outside before. The air smelled a little sweet from the mangoes (June is wild for that), and someone was laughing nearby as they tried to crack open a Red Stripe bottle for their glass project. Our host, Simone, just grinned and handed me a handful of bright beads. “Pick what feels right,” she said. I hesitated — too many colors — but somehow ended up with something that looked like summer.

We wandered through the garden between steps, picking at guava and tasting this soup Simone called “real Jamaican.” It was spicy but not in a show-off way, more like it warmed you up from the inside out. There were goats watching us from behind a fence (one kept trying to eat my shoelace), and kids climbing into a treehouse above the mud kitchen. It’s funny how quickly you forget you’re five minutes from downtown Montego Bay — it felt like someone’s backyard party where everyone’s welcome.

I tried making a candle with calabash next, which was messier than I expected. My hands smelled like wax and something earthy for hours after. Simone showed me how to shape it without rushing; she told stories about her grandmother using these same gourds for cooking. There was this moment when we all just sat quietly stringing things together, listening to birds overhead — I still think about that calm sometimes when life gets loud again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Souvenirs workshop and farm experience

• Arrive at workshop in Montego Bay
• Choose shells or use provided ones
• Create three Jamaican souvenirs
• Walk through garden of 14 fruit trees
• Taste Jamaican soup and exotic fruits
• Enjoy local tea and snacks
• Visit farm with goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens
• Climb tree houses to watch birds
• Play in mud kitchen
• Complete and take home custom souvenirs

Top questions

Is the souvenir workshop in Montego Bay suitable for families?

Yes, it’s good for singles, couples, girl trips, and families of all ages.

Do I need to bring my own shells or materials?

No, you can bring your own shells if you want or choose from their selection.

How close is the workshop to Montego Bay airport?

It’s about five minutes from both the airport and downtown Montego Bay.

Are snacks or drinks included during the activity?

Yes, typical Jamaican snacks and drinks are provided during the workshop.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What kind of souvenirs can I make at the workshop?

You can make jewelry, glasses from Red Stripe bottles, candles with calabash, body scrubs, and more.

Are there animals or gardens to see during the visit?

Yes, there’s a garden with 14 fruit trees plus goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, and treehouses.

What’s included

Your day includes all materials for making your own Jamaican souvenir (with options like jewelry or candles), bottled water to keep cool under the trees, plenty of local snacks including homemade soup and fresh fruit tastings straight from their garden — plus time to wander among friendly animals before heading back into town.