...the town of history and beaches! [Did we mention Scuba Diving and Golf?]
Runaway Bay, Jamaica is a place you will want to runaway to again and again.
Originally named because of its use as an escape route for slaves, this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful white beaches in an island that is full of them. An idyllic, pristine location, lapped by crystal clear tropical waters - far enough away from the thousands of cruise ship passengers set down in nearby Ocho Rios for you to be able to feel as if you are in a very special holiday hideaway but not that far away from Kingston that you’re unable to visit the island’s vibrant capital.
This is one very special spot guaranteed to make you feel ‘Irie’ – or fantastic, in the local dialect.
Where is Runaway Bay, Jamaica?
Runaway Bay is on the north coast of the island and has only been developed as a resort area in recent years. About 90 minutes from Kingston airport and half that from Montego Bay [East], Runaway can provide everything you want from a Caribbean vacation – and much more!
The beach and the sea might be all you are looking for, and, if that is the case, then you won’t be disappointed. There is an abundance of water activities for you, including wonderful scuba diving amongst the tropical fish and coral reefs of the bay, and beaches where you can lounge in hammocks all day long and leave your cares way behind you – Jamaica is good for that!
A short video showing scuba diving on the reef just out from Runaway Bay. It's only a short, minute and a bit, but gives a great idea of what to expect if you try this great sport. Sound up....to hear the bubbles!
...and it has an interesting history too!
This, for history buffs, is a part of the island steeped in traditions – Columbus landed nearby in 1494, the native Arawaks were here, there are stately mansions left by British plantation owners, and Bob Marley’s home village of Nine Mile is just along the way.
For those who can drag themselves away from the gorgeous bay beaches, you can easily access the fantastic Dunn’s River Falls from here - $10 for the greatest water sliding you will ever experience in your life – totally awesome. Or perhaps you could join a Jeep safari around parts of the interior, stopping along the way to buy local fruit and souvenirs – the further away from the beach you get, the cheaper everything seems to become! And it’s a good price to begin with!
There’s also golfing, swimming with dolphins, the interesting colonial architecture of the old capital, Spanish Town, and the Columbus Park Museum.
There are Major Resorts at Runaway Bay
For many, though, the experience of the Bay’s fabulous selection of resort hotels will be the real attraction. There are a number of well-known adult only hotels, mostly all-inclusive, such as Hedonism III and Club Ambiance, both of which have become world-renown, and there’s also Breezes, which allows children of 14 and above and has the amazing Canyon Gorge for scuba divers and a PGA golf course. There are also more traditional family hotels and resorts where children are welcomed.
The temperature in "The Bay" doesn’t vary wildly throughout the year and will usually be between 80 and 86° F, but what they call here The Doctor Breeze keeps it cooler in February and March. The rainy season, like the hurricane season, is from June until November although September is usually the last month for hurricanes – in fact, there has not been a major hurricane in Jamaica since 1988.
Runaway Bay is the ideal Jamaican relaxation location;
come once, and you’ll be hooked for life!