The resort of Runaway Bay, to the west of Ocho Rios on the north coast
of the island is far more low-key than Montego Bay. It is so
called because the last Spaniards allegedly left Jamaica from here after their
final defeat by the British and it is now a peaceful beachfront village. This
is the ideal destination for those seeking a more relaxed holiday without intense
crowds, and for those with a
love of sea sports.
The scuba diving at Runaway is legendary and there are also great
opportunities for snorkelling and sea fishing. With reefs close to shore even
the less adventurous can see some fantastic sea life. Dive sites include an
underwater canyon and the chance to see the most dazzlingly beautiful tropical
fish.
Runaway Bay was the first sighting of Jamaica for Christopher Columbus.
Visit the nearby Columbus Park Museum to learn more of the island’s early
history, and check out the Green Grotto caves near here, too. It’s possible to
do a day trip into the capital, Kingston, to get a change of ambience.
Without doubt, Runaway Bay wins most of the prizes for sport. If you
tire of the sea take a horse-riding trip or play a round of golf or a game of
tennis. This is also the place to get married underwater – or, if you prefer, naked (sun lotion advised) – at the Hedonist III nudist resort.
The temperatures vary little throughout the year with the wettest months
from May to November, with October the wettest of all. Much of the rain falls
in short, often torrential, downpours and is then followed by hours of
sunshine. The winter season is the driest and therefore the more popular and
most expensive time to visit.
Although lying in the hurricane belt, the island does not suffer as
badly as other Caribbean countries such as Cuba.
The average monthly temperatures:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
27 |
27 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
28 |
27 |
|
Night |
17 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
20 |
21 |
20 |
20 |
19 |
18 |
You will find souvenir shopping at many of the
large resort complexes at Runaway but there are opportunities to buy local
crafts in the main street. The local grocery store L&M, at the Salem end,
sells spices and rum to take home and is cheaper than buying from the gift
shops. Take small denominations of currency for your transactions. You will
need to go beyond Runaway Bay if serious shopping is your thing.
Entertainment, eating and drinking are part of the package
at the big resort hotels: you can buy a night pass to many of them. People hang
out at the Runaways Sports Bar & Grill in Main Street with its pool tables,
swimming pool, bar and giant sports screens. The Veranda Restaurant, with its
good views and bar, hosts live entertainment. And for a more energetic dance
scene try Safari Disco or the Club Caribbean.
There are plenty of excursions on offer from
Runaway Bay. Check for details with your hotel and you can choose some of the
following:
Runaway is a low-key resort consisting of many
all-inclusive hotels where residents can leave any valuables. The village is
safe but take the usual precautions when out and about and be firm and polite
with any hustlers and don’t leave belongings lying around. Watch out for jelly
fish outside the coral reef.
