The Beautiful Sandy Beaches on The Exciting Greater Antilles Island of Jamaica

Runaway Bay Jamaica Vacations

Runaway Bay Hotels & Resorts      Runaway Bay Introduction

Runaway Bay (so called because slaves once used this area as an escape route) is a short distance west of Ocho Rios and home to several resorts. Visit the Seville Great House and Nine Miles, birthplace of Bob Marley.

Runaway Bay is at the crossroads of things to do and places to see. A lively blend of sun and fun. Vibrant and diverse. An ideal setting for nature-lovers and sun-worshippers.

Situated on Jamaica's northeast coast, the resort areas of Port Antonio, and Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios helped to launch large-scale tourism in Jamaica. Known for its abundant rainfall, verdant landscapes, rolling hills, and jagged estuaries, this region was once the preferred hangout for Noel Coward, Errol Flynn, and a host of British and American literati. Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond spy thrillers, lived at Goldeneye near Ocho Rios.

 


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Once a mere satellite of Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, 16km (10 miles) west of Ocho Rios, has become a destination in its own right, with white-sand beaches that are much less crowded than those in Ocho Rios.

Since you're so far removed from the action such as it is in Ocho Rios, you stay at Runaway Bay mainly if you're interested in hanging out at a particular resort. It is especially recommended for those who want to escape from the hordes descending on Ocho Rios, where cruise ship crowds and aggressive vendors can intrude on your solitude.

This part of Jamaica's North Coast has several distinctions: It was the first part of the island seen by Columbus, the site of the first Spanish settlement on the island, and the point of departure of the last Spaniards leaving Jamaica following their defeat by the British.

Resort Divers and Watersports

We are a PADI 5 Star facility, located in beautiful Jamaica offering a wide array of scuba diving and watersports. We have locations in the tourist mecca of Jamaica, Montego Bay and a new beach facility off the tranquil waters of Runaway Bay. We also offer free pick up service from area hotels and cruise terminals in both Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. 

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Runaway Bay has been enjoying a "boom" of sorts over the past few years. When I visited there back in 2001 there was far less commecial activity and establishments. Now (as of May 2006) there are no less than 6 different bars along the short main stretch. Some of the more popular ones are Tek it Easy, Savoy, and the "Roof". Worth mentioning that you should expect things to most likely be VERY different from anything you know at home... this is still a very rural part of Jamaica. There are also two excellent roadside eateries worth trying.

The resort area of Runaway Bay does not have its own tourist board, but the official Jamaican Tourist Board Web site will provide you with plenty of information on the island, including nearby Montego Bay. The site is filled with information for planning your trip, when to go and where to take in the island culture.

 You can contact the Kingston branch of the Tourist Board at 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Jamaica, West Indies. The telephone number is 876-929-9200, and they can also be reached by e-mail: info@visitjamaica.com  

The Montego Bay branch’s mailing address is Cornwall Beach, P. O. Box 67, Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies. The telephone number is 876-952-4425 

There is an American branch of the Jamaican Tourist Board as well.

 

Barrett Adventures - Barrett Adventures - Specializing in tours off the beaten path; offers image galleries and details of its customized guided tours.

Car Hire Guide - Car Hire Guide - Jamaica car hire offers car rental in all major cities of Jamaica from 250 USD.

Images of Jamaica - Images of Jamaica - Over 400 photographs from Kingston, to Montego Bay, to Negril, showcasing mountains, beaches and rivers of Jamaica.

Island Car Rentals - Island Car Rentals - Offers car rental and ground transportation services in Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay; features details of services offered, company profile, fleet guide and online reservations.

Realistic Journey's - Jamaica - Realistic Journey's - Jamaica - Diary of a trip to Jamaica, along with links to Jamaica tourism sites, and pictures of Jamaica, Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, and the Local Diasporiac Flavor.

See Caribbean - Jamaica - See Caribbean - Jamaica - A comprehensive business directory and travel guide. Information of use to the visitor, investor or potential resident.