Runaway Bay
A quieter, more relaxed alternative to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios — beautiful beaches, excellent diving and a genuinely laid-back atmosphere
Explore Runaway Bay
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Things To Do in Runaway Bay
The best beaches, diving and day trips from Jamaica's most relaxed north coast resort.
Runaway Bay Beach
Runaway Bay Beach is one of the most relaxed and uncrowded beaches in Jamaica — a beautiful stretch of white sand with calm, clear water. The beach is less busy than the beaches at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, giving it a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. The water is excellent for swimming, snorkelling and water sports.
Diving & Snorkelling
Runaway Bay has some of the finest diving in Jamaica. The reef offshore is one of the best dive sites on the island — a beautiful coral reef with excellent visibility and a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays and tropical fish. Several dive operators are based in Runaway Bay and offer trips for all levels of experience.
Green Grotto Caves
The Green Grotto Caves are one of the most interesting natural attractions in Jamaica — a fascinating network of limestone caves with an underground lake, located near Runaway Bay. The caves have a rich history, having been used by the Spanish as a hiding place and later as a rum store. Guided tours of the caves are available daily.
Relaxed Atmosphere
Runaway Bay has a wonderfully relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that makes it an ideal choice for visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the busier resort towns. The town has a good selection of restaurants and bars, and the local people are extremely welcoming. It is a popular choice for repeat visitors to Jamaica who want to experience a more authentic side of the island.
Day Trips
Runaway Bay's central location on the north coast makes it an excellent base for day trips. Ocho Rios and Dunn's River Falls are about 30 minutes to the east. Montego Bay is about 1 hour to the west. The Bob Marley Mausoleum at Nine Mile is about 45 minutes away. The town is well-placed for exploring the best of Jamaica's north coast.
Runaway Bay Travel Guide
Runaway Bay is a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the busier resort towns of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios — a beautiful, uncrowded destination on Jamaica's north coast with excellent beaches, superb diving and a genuinely laid-back atmosphere.
Runaway Bay Beach is one of the most relaxed and uncrowded beaches in Jamaica — a beautiful stretch of white sand with calm, clear water. The beach is less busy than the beaches at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, giving it a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
Runaway Bay has some of the finest diving in Jamaica. The reef offshore is one of the best dive sites on the island — a beautiful coral reef with excellent visibility and a wide variety of marine life.
The Green Grotto Caves are one of the most interesting natural attractions in Jamaica — a fascinating network of limestone caves with an underground lake. The caves have a rich history, having been used by the Spanish as a hiding place and later as a rum store.
Runaway Bay's central location on the north coast makes it an excellent base for day trips. Ocho Rios and Dunn's River Falls are about 30 minutes to the east. Montego Bay is about 1 hour to the west.
Runaway Bay is about 1 hour from Montego Bay airport by road.
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