About Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay is a town in Saint Ann Parish on the northern coast of Jamaica and is considered one of the most naturally beautiful places on the island. It is a notable tourist destination located 16 km (9.9 mi) west of Ocho Rios, and slightly east of Discovery Bay, where Christopher Columbus landed in 1494. Ocean View Beach is a private beach situated at Runaway Bay. It consists of a series of hotel resort complexes and beaches.
Places to visit in Runaway Bay
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Green Grotto Caves
Nature · 15 mi from centreA limestone cave system just outside Runaway Bay, with an underground lake and a long history as a hiding place. Tours are guided and fairly short, so wear shoes with good grip for the damp paths.
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Dunn's River Falls
Nature · 13 mi from centreFamous terraced waterfalls near Ocho Rios that visitors climb from the beach to the top in guided groups. Wear water shoes and plan your visit for a day when few cruise ships are in port.
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Seville Heritage Park
HistoricThe site of a Taíno village, an early Spanish settlement, and later a British plantation, now a museum and grounds near St. Ann's Bay. A guided walk helps explain the many layers of history here.
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Discovery Bay
Beach · 4 mi from centreA deep bay west of Runaway Bay where Columbus is believed to have landed, with a popular public beach called Puerto Seco. It gets busy on weekends, so visit on a weekday for a calmer swim.
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Nine Mile
Historic · 12 mi from centreThe mountain village where Bob Marley was born and buried, with a small museum and his mausoleum. Roads into the hills are narrow and steep, so join a tour rather than driving yourself.
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Martha Brae River
Nature · 20 mi from centreA gentle river near Falmouth known for slow trips on long bamboo rafts steered by local guides. It is a relaxing half-day outing, and you can often ask your raft captain for a stop to swim.
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Rose Hall
Historic · 32 mi from centreA restored Georgian plantation house east of Montego Bay, now a museum known for the legend of the White Witch. Join an evening tour for the ghost stories, but book ahead since they fill up.
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Mystic Mountain
EntertainmentAn adventure park in the hills above Ocho Rios with a rainforest chairlift, ziplines, and a bobsled ride. Go early in the day for clearer views and smaller crowds at the rides.
Things to do in Runaway Bay by type
29 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 9 experiences Chukka Good Hope Adventure: Ultimate Explorer Pass -
Cruise & Water Tours 2 experiences Chukka Seville Quad Safari, Horseback Ride'N'Swim with Party Catamaran Cruise and Green Grotto Cave
- 3-6 hours 5
- Over 6 hours 3
- 1-3 hours 1
- Youth 1
- Senior 1
- Families 1
- Couples 1
Top experiences in Runaway Bay
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 29 available.
Chukka Seville Horseback Ride 'N' Swim with Dunn's River Climb and Zipline
From $145 per adult
Chukka Seville Quad Safari, Horseback Ride'N'Swim with Party Catamaran Cruise and Green Grotto Cave
From $181 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Nature Explorer Pass
From $113 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Eco Explorer Pass
From $145 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Ultimate Explorer Pass
From $186 per adult
Chukka Seville ATV Safari and Horseback Ride 'N' Swim
From $145 per adult
Chukka Seville ATV Safari and Horseback Ride 'N' Swim
From $145 per adult
Seville Sunset Horseback Ride 'N; Swim
From $113 per adult
Where to stay in Runaway Bay
Popular hotels in Runaway Bay, out of 10 properties you can book.
Villa Sonate
From $118 per night
Grand Muthu Runaway Bay Club Caribbean
Bahia Principe Escape Runaway Bay Hyatt Incl Col
Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica Hyatt Incl Coll AI
Sunflower Villas Cottage at Caribbean Village
The Cardiff Hotel & Spa
Franklyn D. Resort & Spa All Inclusive
Melia Braco Village
Silver Creek Resort
Best time to visit Runaway Bay
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Runaway Bay is October to August, when average daytime highs are around 83–90°F and rain falls on about 22 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Runaway Bay weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 88° 74° 73%
- Thu 22 Oct 86° 73° 38%
- Fri 23 Oct 85° 73° 90%
- Sat 24 Oct 87° 74° 86%
- Sun 25 Oct 87° 73° 76%
- Mon 26 Oct 85° 74° 71%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD)1 US dollar ≈ $159
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- America/JamaicaUTC−5
- Capital
- Kingston
Upcoming public holidays in Jamaica
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Ash Wednesday
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Runaway Bay
These are the airports closest to central Runaway Bay. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MBJ Sangster International Airport38 mi (61 km) from the city centre
- KTP Tinson Pen Aerodrome47 mi (76 km) from the city centre
- KIN Norman Manley International Airport51 mi (83 km) from the city centre
Runaway Bay travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Runaway Bay?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Runaway Bay is October to August, when average daytime highs are around 83–90°F and rain falls on about 22 days a month.
What is the weather like in Runaway Bay?
September is usually the warmest month in Runaway Bay, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 73°F (23°C). The wettest month is typically October, with about 331 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Runaway Bay?
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is the closest airport, about 38 miles (61 km) from the centre of Runaway Bay. Other nearby airports include Tinson Pen Aerodrome (KTP, 47 mi) and Norman Manley International Airport (KIN, 51 mi).
What currency is used in Runaway Bay?
Runaway Bay uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $159.
What time zone is Runaway Bay in?
Runaway Bay uses the America/Jamaica time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
What are the best places to visit in Runaway Bay?
Top sights in Runaway Bay include Green Grotto Caves, Dunn's River Falls, Seville Heritage Park and Discovery Bay. A limestone cave system just outside Runaway Bay, with an underground lake and a long history as a hiding place. Tours are guided and fairly short, so wear shoes with good grip for the damp paths.
What are the top things to do in Runaway Bay?
Popular experiences you can book in Runaway Bay include Chukka Seville Horseback Ride 'N' Swim with Dunn's River Climb and Zipline, Chukka Seville Quad Safari, Horseback Ride'N'Swim with Party Catamaran Cruise and Green Grotto Cave and Chukka Good Hope Nature Explorer Pass. Destina Holidays offers 29 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Runaway Bay?
The most popular types of experiences in Runaway Bay are outdoor activities & adventure (9), cruise & water tours (2) and amusement parks (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Runaway Bay?
Popular areas for hotels in Runaway Bay include Runaway Bay. Well-reviewed options include Villa Sonate and Grand Muthu Runaway Bay Club Caribbean.
How many hotels can I book in Runaway Bay?
Destina Holidays currently lists 10 properties in and around Runaway Bay, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
