Overview

Runaway Bay is located on the northern coast of Jamaica. It offers a serene ambiance and a more relaxed vibe with many great places to stay. Some of the best beaches on the island are located in this coastal town. It’s the more tranquil side compared to some of the other popular destinations in Jamaica. Many visitors traveling with children choose to stay in Runaway Bay, thanks to the several options of hotels and a fantastic variety of family-friendly activities.

Things to See & Do

One of the most popular attractions in Runaway Bay is the Green Grotto Caves, an underground cave system. The caves are made of limestone and the tides have etched the walls with the green algae that have given the cave its name. As you move through the cave, you'll walk through a forest of stalactites and stalagmites. On a guided tour of the caves, you can learn about their cultural, historical, and geological significance.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving. There are quite a few opportunities in the area, including the reefs, starting right off the shore. Expect to see a colorful and diverse range of marine life here, such as lionfish, sea urchins, barracuda, and stingrays.

Take a Blue Mountain Bike Tour. This side of Jamaica boasts the tallest peaks (1,500 feet higher than the biggest ski resort in France). These wild forests are home to wild hogs and the guinea pig-like coney roam in known as “elfin forest”. A bike ride descends 4,000 feet with almost no peddling, ending up at a jungle waterfall and swimming hole. This is also where you can find the highest and longest zipline in Jamaica.

The Blue Mountain Culinary Trail is a fantastic culinary adventure crafted by the Jamaican Ministry of Tourism, giving visitors an authentic taste of Jamaica in the heart of the iconic Blue Mountains. This trail features a variety of distinctive dining spots, each with its own unique flavors and experiences. From tasting signature dishes to savoring some of the world’s finest coffee, it’s an unforgettable journey for any food lover.

Learn all about Bob Marley. The Bob Marley Internationa Museum is where you will get a fascinating insight into the life and music of the King of Reggae. There are tours in Runaway Bay that, in addition to visiting Nine Mile, is the birthplace of this Reggae legend and is also his final resting place.

Conquer the Falls at Dunn’s River Falls & Park. This is one of Jamaica’s national treasures - a stunning waterfall that cascades water into the Caribbean Sea. It is considered to be a natural phenomenon. Apparently, it continually regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, resulting from the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it passes over the falls. You can enjoy the beauty of both Dunn’s River’s beach and falls in one visit. As you climb the waterfall, be sure to stop for a dip in the different pools along the way.

Other famous activities in Runaway Bay include swimming with dolphins, diving in the luminous lagoon, driving ATVs, horseback riding, and much more. One of the favorites is sailing into the Caribbean Sea aboard a catamaran, followed by snorkeling to discover the reef’s array of sea life. You will dance during a party cruise to end the day!

Cuisine

Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold flavors. Some common dishes include Jerk chicken/pork, Ackee and saltfish (the country's national dish), curry goat, and fresh seafood. And for dessert, try the rum cake or Jamaican patties (savory pastries).

A favorite among Jamaican dishes is ackee and saltfish, the national dish. Ackee, a fruit native to the island, pairs perfectly with salted cod, creating a unique and flavorful combination. Fried breadfruit, with a texture similar to potatoes, is a comforting, starchy side that accompanies many hot dishes and is enjoyed from breakfast through dinner. Jamaican curries are hearty and warming, often featuring a spicy kick. A staple is goat curry, slow-cooked on the bone until the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Jerk chicken is another must-try, marinated in a fiery blend of spices and cooked over pimento wood for a deliciously smoky and juicy finish. Bammy, a traditional flatbread made from cassava, is soaked in coconut milk and fried to achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior—usually served with curries and meat dishes. For adventurous eaters, there's mannish water, a broth-like soup reputed as an aphrodisiac, made from goat head and offal, combined with chopped vegetables and scotch bonnet peppers for extra heat.