Beaches & Watersports -- The two best beaches at Runaway Bay are Paradise Beach and Cardiff Hall Public Beach. Both wide, white-sand strips are clean and well maintained -- ideal spots for a picnic. If you're staying in Ocho Rios and want to escape the crowds, come here. You don't get a lot of facilities, however, so you'd better bring along whatever you need.
The waters are calm almost all year. Prevailing trade winds will keep you cool in the mornings and late afternoon. Because there are no lifeguards, be especially careful if you're with children.
Runaway Bay Taxis & Rental Cars
With gorgeous sun-drenched beaches you probably won’t want to go anywhere, but in case, you have the option of several taxi services. Most of the resorts can arrange for a cab, but you’re likely to have to call for a taxi ahead of time. They can generally pick you up within 20 minutes however. But if you’re heading out to dinner or taking in the sights, you should probably arrange for a return ride as well.
And while most taxis have meters, the drivers rarely, if ever, use them. As a result you should negotiate the price, including currency, before you get in the cab. Metered fares should be posted inside the taxi, and you can ask the driver for one if you don’t see it. The drivers are also ready to negotiate, so feel free to push for that hard sell. They’re use to tourists who will offer a very small amount, so their first price is often double what they’ll accept.
Fares are about $20US for every 10 miles or so, but can be much higher if you’re using a taxi that is licensed to a hotel. Tips are also often considered part of the agreed upon fare, but for good service you could give an additional tip. On metered fares, a tip between 10 and 12 percent is the standard.
Additionally, you can rent a car, and most of the major rental providers are located at Montego Bay’s Sangster Internation Airport, including Hertz, Island, Budget International, Sunbird, Avis and Champagne Car. Cars are also available for rent at most of the larger resorts.
If you’re planning on exploring the countryside of the island, or venturing to the smaller towns consider an SUV to help you overcome some of the island’s harsh road conditions. Likewise, you should ask ahead of time whether the car is air-conditioned, which is considered a necessity in the summer heat.
An American driver’s license is valid for one year in Jamaica, and drivers must be 21 or older. In Jamaica they drive on the left side of the road (English style) with the steering wheels on the right. And be prepared to give up the right of way for livestock!
