Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay
4.5
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Beautiful and exclusive resort area near Discovery Bay, where Columbus is said to have first landed on the island.
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21 within 3 miles
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8 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
64 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
23
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Danielle B
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Nothing for kids to do it has a little park 2 pools 1 for families and 1 just for adults has bits of entertainment at 9pm
And a beach
This weekend Jamaican families have come and normally from10:30am-11am there's still food left over as a continental breakfast but there was nothing left for us to eat.... When we had our tea last night they cut in line of others that are waiting to eat rude!! Jamaicans stick together cus we're also having to ask the waiter for our drinks 4 times
I'm not coming back!!
The staff look at you with discuss there half asleep but they treat there own kind different to others
And a beach
This weekend Jamaican families have come and normally from10:30am-11am there's still food left over as a continental breakfast but there was nothing left for us to eat.... When we had our tea last night they cut in line of others that are waiting to eat rude!! Jamaicans stick together cus we're also having to ask the waiter for our drinks 4 times
I'm not coming back!!
The staff look at you with discuss there half asleep but they treat there own kind different to others
Written December 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bsmedmedphd
Pennsylvania1,531 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
My husband and I stayed at the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean in Runaway Bay for 5 nights, in mid-November 2018 and had a terrific time! We’ve been to Jamaica many times but this was our first stay in Runaway Bay. In short, it was everything we wanted for our vacation. We can’t wait to return to Jamaica and definitely recommend this resort and town!
Take some time to explore the little town right outside the resort. There’s much more to Runaway Bay than we saw within walking distance, but there’s fun stuff to see within walking distance, in both directions. We visited stores and shops, and wares sold along the road. The grocery stores have good prices for whatever you might need. We walked around during the day and at night and felt perfectly safe at all times (be smart, of course). The people are very friendly and enjoy conversing. Many will try to sell things to you but are always friendly when you politely decline. The area had a great vibe and it was fun to take our time to explore. It’s much more peaceful than bigger cities like Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
We read about Pauline’s Place in Tripadvisor reviews and decided to go with them for our tour/taxi needs. You can find her shop right outside the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean’s gate - can’t miss it. We were fortunate to book Pauline’s husband Bob (looks a little like Morgan Freeman) for a private tour for an entire day. He was fantastic and took us to Bob Marley’s house and the Blue Hole. He shared the history and stories of the towns we passed and looked after us (and our stuff) everywhere we went. The next day, we also hired Bob for a shared taxi to take us to a beach to snorkel. We highly recommend doing this if you know where you want to go; it beats the expensive tours with tons of people that run on a tight schedule. Negotiate the price/terms in advance. Pauline and Bob are terrific folks and you’re in good hands with them. Bob was very friendly and always made us feel completely safe. We highly recommend them for your travel/tour needs!
*Thank you for reading my review! If it was helpful to you, please click the “thumbs-up” below. : )
Take some time to explore the little town right outside the resort. There’s much more to Runaway Bay than we saw within walking distance, but there’s fun stuff to see within walking distance, in both directions. We visited stores and shops, and wares sold along the road. The grocery stores have good prices for whatever you might need. We walked around during the day and at night and felt perfectly safe at all times (be smart, of course). The people are very friendly and enjoy conversing. Many will try to sell things to you but are always friendly when you politely decline. The area had a great vibe and it was fun to take our time to explore. It’s much more peaceful than bigger cities like Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
We read about Pauline’s Place in Tripadvisor reviews and decided to go with them for our tour/taxi needs. You can find her shop right outside the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean’s gate - can’t miss it. We were fortunate to book Pauline’s husband Bob (looks a little like Morgan Freeman) for a private tour for an entire day. He was fantastic and took us to Bob Marley’s house and the Blue Hole. He shared the history and stories of the towns we passed and looked after us (and our stuff) everywhere we went. The next day, we also hired Bob for a shared taxi to take us to a beach to snorkel. We highly recommend doing this if you know where you want to go; it beats the expensive tours with tons of people that run on a tight schedule. Negotiate the price/terms in advance. Pauline and Bob are terrific folks and you’re in good hands with them. Bob was very friendly and always made us feel completely safe. We highly recommend them for your travel/tour needs!
*Thank you for reading my review! If it was helpful to you, please click the “thumbs-up” below. : )
Written November 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blacksmith12
Fort Saskatchewan, Canada108 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
We stayed at the Royal Decameron Fun Club and really had no complaints about everything in the resort. This was our first time to Jamaica. Through TripAdvisor someone suggested a trip to Brown's Town to see the market. We asked main desk; no one had any answers or even suggestions as to where or how to get there. We went to the front gate, talked to the gateman and said wait a minute. He scooted around the corner, came back with another fellow and from then on we negotiated a price. He went around the corner, came back with a 20 passenger bus! Off we went, just him, my wife, and myself! A personally guided tour all the way there. The market was like no other. Only similarity was that it reminded me of the market (Medina) in Marrakech! Spices, fruits, veggies, cooking utensils, clothing, wooden ware, fish and meat markets too! Asked about a good spot for lunch, my wife had curried goat, I had oxtail, WOW! Good stuff! Also had "Patties" which were very good also. Left there and all the way back to the resort, stopping at various villages, little shops, stopped for a cold beer in the middle of nowhere. Back to resort, paid him plus a big tip! Absolutely wonderful way to spend a day.
Written February 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nmwhite
Madison, WI1 contribution
Apr 2012 • Couples
My fiance and I stayed at Royal Decameron Club Caribbean. Beautiful hotel, great service and good food. No complaints there. If you are looking for an awesome driver for a day trip go to the first corner shop outside of the resort. Pauline and her husband Bob own the shop and also provide day trip service. We traveled through the mountains of St Ann, stopping in Brown's Town at the weekly Saturday Market, through the rocky roads to the Bob Marley Museum and saw Farmer Mega's Plantation in Nine Mile, down to 8 Mile, stopped at the Scotchie's Jerk Centre in Ocho Rios, ventured over to Dunn's River but did not go to the falls, and then ended back at Pauline's shop. The trip lasted roughly 8 hours. We gave the driver $100 plus tip for the drive. We did spent a close to $200 on attractions/souvenirs, but it was well worth it! Thank you, Bob and Pauline!
Tips:
1) Negotiate a price and pay ahead of time. This applies to everything.
2) Bring a good amount of Jamaica Dollars, tend to get lower prices that way
3) Be ready and more than aware that you will have to barter. Don't be naive, they expect you to bargain with them. If you don't bargain, you'll get a run for your money. This can be fun or super intimidating, your choice.
4) The ride is bouncy, wouldn't suggest pregnant women take this trip
5) Feed Bob. The man is probably just as hungry as you are during your drive. At the Jerk Centre the three of us shared a whole chicken, rice/beans/, and soda for like 1200 J. Always tip your driver and treat him like family, you will feel the mutual respect.
Tips:
1) Negotiate a price and pay ahead of time. This applies to everything.
2) Bring a good amount of Jamaica Dollars, tend to get lower prices that way
3) Be ready and more than aware that you will have to barter. Don't be naive, they expect you to bargain with them. If you don't bargain, you'll get a run for your money. This can be fun or super intimidating, your choice.
4) The ride is bouncy, wouldn't suggest pregnant women take this trip
5) Feed Bob. The man is probably just as hungry as you are during your drive. At the Jerk Centre the three of us shared a whole chicken, rice/beans/, and soda for like 1200 J. Always tip your driver and treat him like family, you will feel the mutual respect.
Written May 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ms.L
New England, USA898 contributions
Runaway Bay is a beautiful spot on the north coast. The public beach is great for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and walking. There are a few vendors with shops at one end for shopping. Runaway Bay is in a good location..far enough outside Ocho Rios to be less touristy, but close enough to get to shopping and nightlife. It's a good home base for touring the countryside too.
Written January 14, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick A
Eastern Passage, Canada44 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
Kevin (kevintaxiservice@gmail.com) was recommended to us by the resort to take us on a day trip. His cab was clean and ice cold. We left from Bahia Principe and went to Dunns River Falls, shopping in Ocho Rios, a trip up Fern Gulley (in the Rain Forest) and went for some jerk chicken at Scotchies. We had a fabulous day and Kevin got us to the falls before the line ups started. Being able to leave our belongings in the cab while we did the falls and went shopping was a bonus. There were 4 of us and it cost us $40.00 each plus tip for the cab all day. So much better than joining a bus tour group. We try to travel to the Caribbean every year and this is definitely the way to tour.
Written April 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy C
Fort Frances, Canada47 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
We are walkers and rarely ever take "tours" as we like the freedom of winging it. We walked almost the whole way from Runaway Bay to Dunn River Falls one day only to find out that you need water shoes to climb the falls. We had only carried enough cash for the entrance fee so started walking back. Orville, from Ken's Taxi Service, Irie Tours & Airport Transfers stopped us on the road and asked if we were ok. When we explained what happened, he unsisted that we get in his taxi and he would drive us back free of charge AND pay for our shoes. He even gave us his card to call him for the ride home ALL FREE OF CHARGE. A few days later we were out walking in the heat again and not knowing who we were, he once again drove by and asked if we were ok. This guy is the most kind-hearted, caring human you'll meet. Please, if you're thinking of taking a tour, please call him. A big thanks and much love and respect to you, Orville!
Written March 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marksw s
Sebastopol, CA39 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
We have been using hugh johnson to escort us around Jamaica for the last twenty years. As a former history teacher in runaway bay, he is Incredibly knowledgable about the island history and culture. He is also a safe and sane driver, especially appreciated here, the kids love him too! An added benefit, he knows all the best jerk shacks!
Written March 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheBigDeeee
Hilton, UK36 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
I am just passing on a recommendation if anyone needs a driver or taxi or airport transfer I can definitely recommend a guy called Stockey who can be reached on 1-876-379-5348. This man is a godsend to anyone wanting to explore local attractions or just airport transfers or local markets etc. Nothing is too much trouble for this guy and he helped my partner out when her daughter was ill and he took her to and from hospital and REALLY REALLY looked after them when they were on their own. I just want to thank him soooo much for his kindness and help. REEEESSSSSPECT Stockey from Paul X
Written December 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
virgobeauty82
texas81 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
i just was notified through yahoo travel that i was going to have to cancel my reservation i paid in full a week ago the resort never booked my reservation so now i have to wait 24-48 hours for my money to be refunded & then choose another resort when we tried to get the gran bahia to put my reservation in the system they told me it could take up to 3 days & not sure they cuold get me in all while having my money already yahoo travel strongly advised me to take the refund & book with another resort this will be my 3rd time going to jamaica & i have never had this happen to me but i can honestly say dispite the negative reviews i was willing to give it a try but after this happening today i feel so much better that i am not going i keep trying to post this but trip advisor says i have to wait 3 months before posting another review about this resort....absurd!!! that is why i wrote it under a different subject
Written February 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol L
1 contribution
Is it best to take US dollar or Jamaican dollars to runaway bay thank you
bsmedmedphd
Pennsylvania1,531 contributions
I've always taken USD every time I've visited Jamaica and never had a problem!
mikeyh219
Ramsbury, UK35 contributions
Staying at royal decameron at Christmas what is the mossy situation then and do they supply mossy nets
pjc55
essex17 contributions
We took loads of sprays and used them ..saw lots of people with really bad bites...but we were lucky.....Drink tonic water while you are out there...even with juice in if you dont like it......Mossies hate that !!!
sunkissedjan_13
Sheffield, UK25 contributions
we are staying in runaway bay for 11 nights at the end of july ,I have been warned there may be hurricanes and lots of rain ,is this right
ExpertJules
Bristol, UK241 contributions
Hi, you may get some rain, as you can anytime of year in Jamaica - it's rains and the suns come out and everything is dry very quickly. Official Hurricane season is June to the end of November, however they are infrequent and there are always adequate weather warnings - I have never experienced one in the 25+ times I have been there. Hope you have an amazing time 😊
PKC01
Ontario, Canada4 contributions
I am wondering if it is more economical to book any excursions before we arrive or is it just as cheap to book at the resort when we arrive?
Namastenomi
St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica641 contributions
I didn't notice a difference in pricing whether I booked prior or day of.
Justine H
Vancouver, WA8 contributions
Is the Brown's Town market open on weekdays, or only Saturdays?
Thank you!
Blacksmith12
Fort Saskatchewan, Canada108 contributions
The market is only open on Saturdays.
Steph O
Doncaster, UK1 contribution
Hi
We are going to grand Bahia principe, run away bay on the 11th October , I hope we get fab weather, spending so much money to go and if it rains allot we won't be happy lol,
Any recommendations and advise?
Many thanks
Steph
Tim I
Saskatoon, Canada35 contributions
if you do get rain it will be from 4-6 in the afternoon and it will be welcomed, to cool things down. Just so you know there is no rain in Jamaica just liquid sun. lol
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Claim your listingRunaway Bay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Runaway Bay
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Runaway Bay:
- Green Grotto Caves from Ocho Rios (From $98.08)
- Blue Hole Secret Falls Private Tour (From $125.00)
- Bob Marley's Nine Mile Day-Trip with Admission & Guided Tour from Runaway Bay (From $130.00)
- Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Shopping Tour from Runaway Bay (From $115.95)
- Dunn's River Falls & Luminous Lagoon Guided Tour from Montego Bay (From $145.00)
- Hotels near Runaway Bay:
- (0.09 mi) Siesta - Runaway Bay 5 Bedroom Beachfront - Ask about our 3 and 4 Bdrm rates
- (0.12 mi) Attalia Villa
- (0.12 mi) Bahia Cottage - Runaway Bay 1 Bedroom
- (0.12 mi) JSH LETTINGS
- (0.15 mi) A Slice of Paradise at Runaway Bay
- Restaurants near Runaway Bay:
- (0.02 mi) Flavours Beach Bar and Restaurant
- (0.37 mi) L'Escargot Restaurant
- (0.41 mi) Moonstone by Vincenzo
- (0.41 mi) Jade Samurai Restaurant
- (1.72 mi) Milestone Restaurant Sports Bar and Grill
- Attractions near Runaway Bay:
- (0.05 mi) Demce Tours
- (0.50 mi) Jamaica Scuba Divers Ltd.
- (0.87 mi) Pablo Tours Jamaica
- (1.14 mi) Melmar Tours Jamaica
- (0.12 mi) Darren godfather Black