Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay
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.
Nude Nuptials–At Hedonism III Resort, couples who want to see what they’re getting before they tie the knot can be married in their birthday suits. Instead of a gown and a tuxedo, suntan lotion is recommended so that any body parts, already exposed, might not become overexposed, at least to the sun. After the “I do’s” are said, the happy couple can head for the honeymoon suite at this adults-only all-inclusive.
Attractions
Columbus Park Museum, on Queens Highway, Discovery Bay (tel. 876/973-2135), is a large, open area between the main coast road and the sea at Discovery Bay. Just pull off the road and walk among the fantastic collection of exhibits; admission is free. There’s everything from a canoe made from a solid piece of cottonwood (the way Arawaks did it more than 5 centuries ago) to a stone cross that was originally placed on the Barrett Estate (14km/8 3/4 miles east of Montego Bay) by Edward Barrett, brother of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. You’ll see a tally, used to count bananas carried on men’s heads from plantation to ship, as well as a planter’s strongbox with a weighted lead base to prevent its theft. Other items are 18th-century cannons, a Spanish water cooler and calcifier, a fish pot made from bamboo, a corn husker, and a water wheel. Pimento trees, from which allspice is produced, dominate the park, which is open daily from 8am to 4pm (admission is free).
You can also visit the Seville Great House, Heritage Park (tel. 876/972-2191). Built in 1745 by the British, it contains a collection of artifacts once used by everybody from the Amerindians to African slaves. In all, you’re treated to an exhibit of 5 centuries’ worth of Jamaican history. Modest for a great house, it has wattle-and-daub construction. A small theater presents a 15-minute historical film about the house. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm; admission is $4.
A Tribute to Bob Marley
Reggae fans from all over the world visit the little hamlet of Nine Mile to pay their respects at the Bob Marley Centre & Mausoleum (tel. 876/995-1763), which is open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm, charging an admission of $12.
The village where Marley grew up and where he was buried has the unusual name of Nine Mile. It’s a group of ramshackle farms, stray goats, and chickens.
You can go inside Marley’s two-room shanty, filled with family memorabilia, including photographs. Marley lived here from the ages of 6 to 13. Adjoining the shack is the so-called mausoleum in which Marley was buried. He shares the gravesite with his half-brother, who was gunned down by police in Miami during a drug bust.
On-site is a vegetarian restaurant and a little shop selling Marley tapes.
The big event of the year here is Marley’s birthday each February 6. Reggae fans descend on Nine Mile to listen to concerts. The performer’s son, Ziggy Marley, also a reggae star, often appears to entertain.
To reach the pilgrimage site, take the B3 from Ocho Rios south to Brown’s Town, a distance of 39km (24 miles). From there continue south to Alexandria for 10km (6 1/4 miles). Once at Alexandria, turn east (signposted ALVA), going for another 15km (9 1/4 miles) until you arrive at the hamlet of Nine Mile of Marley fame.
Active Pursuits
Beaches & Watersports — The two best beaches at Runaway Bay are Paradise Beach and Cardiffall Lot 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 offers some of the best for snorkeling in Jamaica. The reefs are close to shore and extremely lively with marine life, including enormous schools of tropical fish such as blue chromis, triggerfish, small skate rays, and snapper. You can also go diving. Jamaqua Dive Center, at the previously recommended Club Ambiance (tel. 876/973-4845), has as its slogan: “We Be Divin’.” The dive facility takes you to one of several protected reefs where the currents aren’t dangerous, and where fishing boats are required to stay at least 82m (600 ft.) away from divers and snorkelers. The dive outfitter offers everything from one-tank dives to six-boat packages. All equipment needed can be rented on-site. A 1-tank dive costs $42, a 2-tank dive costs $75.
Beaches
The two best beaches at Runaway Bay are Paradise Beach and Cardiffall Lot 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.
Golf
SuperClubs Runaway Golf Club (tel. 876/973-7319) charges no admission for guests staying at any of Jamaica’s affiliated SuperClubs. For nonguests, the price is $80 year-round. Any player can rent carts for $35 for 18 holes; clubs are $14 for 18 holes.
Horseback Riding
Jamaica’s most complete equestrian center is the Chukka Polo Club and Resort, at Richmond Llandovery, St. Ann (tel. 876/972-2506), less than 6km (3 3/4 miles) east of Runaway Bay. A 1-hour trail ride costs $35, while a 2-hour mountain ride goes for $45. The most popular ride is a 3-hour beach jaunt that involves riding over trails to the sea, then swimming in the surf. The $65 cost includes refreshments. A 6-hour beach ride, complete with picnic lunch, goes for $130. Polo lessons are also available, costing $50 for 30 minutes. A more recent feature is a mountain-and-sea adventure on a bike (90% of which is downhill). The 3-hour bike ride, costing $50, ends in a swim and some snorkeling.
Water Sports
Runaway Bay offers some of the best for snorkeling in Jamaica. The reefs are close to shore and extremely lively with marine life, including enormous schools of tropical fish such as blue chromis, triggerfish, small skate rays, and snapper. You can also go diving. Jamaqua Dive Center, at the previously recommended Club Ambiance (tel. 876/973-4845), has as its slogan: “We Be Divin’.” The dive facility takes you to one of several protected reefs where the currents aren’t dangerous, and where fishing boats are required to stay at least 82m (600 ft.) away from divers and snorkelers. The dive outfitter offers everything from one-tank dives to six-boat packages. All equipment needed can be rented on-site. A 1-tank dive costs $42, a 2-tank dive costs $75.
Tennis
Grand Sport Villa Golf Resort & Spa, Main Street, Ocho Rios (tel. 876/974-1027), focuses more on tennis than any other resort in the area. It offers three clay-surface and three hard-surface courts, all lit for night play. Guests play free, day or night, but nonguests must call and make arrangements with the manager. An on-site pro offers lessons for $25 an hour. Grand Sport also sponsors twice-a-day clinics for both beginners and advanced players. Guest tournaments are also frequently staged, including handicapped doubles and mixed doubles.
Hotels
Breezes Runaway Bay Around Town
Caribbean Isle Hotel Around Town
Chukka Cove Farm and Resort Runaway Bay
Club Ambiance Jamaica All-Inclusive Resorts
FDR (Franklyn D. Resort) All-Inclusive Resorts
Grand Lido Braco All-Inclusive Resorts
Hedonism III All-Inclusive Resorts
Runaway Bay Heart Hotel Around Town
Tamarind Tree Hotel Around Town
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