Runaway Bay holidays

Runaway Bay holidays

Deals from £991 per person

Runaway Bay is the ideal place if you’re really looking to run away from it all and relax in style. Away from the bustle of larger towns and tourist areas, Runaway Bay holidays are all about beach time, swimming, lazing about, and seeing some of Jamaica’s most incredible natural wonders. Get away from the crowds and recharge those batteries in one of the finest Caribbean holiday hotspots. 

Things to do

The resort is a step away from the lively tourist hotspots of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. You can easily explore these towns on day trips but for those who want to escape the crowds and relax in their own space, Runaway Bay is a haven.

Quiet and serene, you can relax on the soft white sands and swim in the luxurious clear blue water. Enjoy a cocktail and a Caribbean snack in one of the beach bars and even go horseback riding through the shallows. The Green Grotto Caves are just around the corner, so don’t miss a trip to see this exquisite subterranean world where the James Bond film Live and Let Die was shot.

 

Excellent beaches

The beautiful beaches are what makes the tranquil resort of Runaway Bay so favourable. If you’re lucky enough to stay in one of the beachside hotels, you may get the privilege of your own private beach. Don’t worry if you’re staying inland, there’s still enough space on the long stretch of sand to relax on. Runaway Beach is said to have some of the quietest beaches on the island, where you can enjoy soft white sand and glistening waters in the peaceful, palm tree setting. You’ll find that the seas are quiet, calm and shallow which are great for paddling in and there are some fantastic diving sites nearby too.

History and culture

The small and quiet resort has a unique character that mixes the island’s traditions with luxury hotels and golf courses. Runaway Bay resort has developed to keep up with the growing tourism in the surrounding area since the 1960s. The resort is still much quieter than its neighbours, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, but is the perfect basecamp for exploring the sights nearby, like the Green Grotto Caves. Many have debated the origins of the resort’s name over the years; some say it was once the point of departure for African slaves who fled the sugar plantations to Cuba.

Nightlife

Runaway Bay is a quiet, friendly resort that has a low key, laid back nightlife. There’s a wide selection of restaurants where you can sample authentic Jamaican food such as spicy jerk chicken and coconut flavoured rice, in a relaxed atmosphere. There’s also a small selection of bars around the resort, some even have live reggae music for you to enjoy, but if you’re after something a little more upbeat, the bustling resort of Ocho Rios is just a half an hour drive away.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Antigua | Aruba | Bahamas | BarbadosCuba | Dominican Republic | Jamaica | Mexico | Montego Bay | Negril | Ocho Rios | St LuciaTobago

 

Map of Runaway Bay

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30 ℃

In winter the average temperature is around 25 (°C) increasing to an average of 27 (°C) in summer. Temperatures can get up to the low 30s (°C), so bring plenty of sunscreen.

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9 hours

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, 80km away.

Runaway Bay is best for...

Divers: With shipwrecks, coral reefs and abundant marine life, the snorkelling and diving in Jamaica is astounding.

Beach lovers: Without cruise ship crowds or endless hotels, the beaches are serene, laid back and attract people who want to relax and get away from the crowds.

Golfers: Fancy a spot of golf? Check out the friendly Runaway Golf Club, with it’s beautiful course and sea view.

Fast facts for Runaway Bay

Language: The language spoken is English.

Currency: The currency used is the Jamaican Dollar ($) but larger hotels may accept US dollars.

Local time: Runaway Bay is 5 hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Sangster International Airport. Runaway Bay is between 1 hour away and 90 minutes away.

Flight time from UK: The Runaway Bay flight time is 9 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found at www.visitjamaica.com.

Visa and health: Before you travel, check out www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica for advice on visas and health for your holiday to Runaway Bay.

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Getting around Runaway Bay

By taxi: Taxis are the best way to get around. You can usually order an official red plate taxi from your hotel’s reception, but always agree on a price before you start your journey.

By bus: With so much to do in the surrounding area, lots of hotels offer their own bus services to take you to sights and places of interest.

By tour: Tours are a popular way to experience all sorts of adventures on your Runaway Bay holiday. These can often be booked at your hotel and a tour van will pick you up. 

Events in Runaway Bay

Bob Marley Experience: Bob Marley remains such an iconic figure in Jamaican history and culture that taking a tour to his home in Nine Mile is definitely recommended. Here you’ll learn all about the Rastafarian religion, see where Marley gained some of his inspiration, and even visit Mount Zion Rock.

Jazz on the beach: It’s not all about reggae. Jazz has a huge following in Jamaica and each year there’s the week-long Jamaica International Jazz Festival. While there are concerts all over the island, Runaway Bay plays host to lots so you don’t have to go far at all to enjoy this incredible type of music, played at its best.

Runaway Bay weather

Temperature: A wonderful 25-30 (°C) throughout the year.

Best time to visit: If you’re all about the beach, the whole year is sunny with slightly more rain in summer as the occasional tropical thunderstorm comes through. For hikers and sports lovers, December to April is a little cooler than the summer time.

Best hotels in Runaway Bay

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