To the west of the packed resort town of Ocho Rios sits Runaway Bay, fast becoming another major Jamaican destination. Runaway Bay Jamaica is less crowded and hectic than its better-known neighbor to the east. Runaway Bay vacations are suitable for people who want to enjoy a quieter getaway mostly spent within the confines of an all-inclusive resort.

Nevertheless, there are many activities to keep travelers occupied on Runaway Bay vacations. Runaway Bay Jamaica fishing and scuba diving are legendary. The waters around Runaway Bay Jamaica are packed with tropical fish, coral reefs, and other interesting features. Because the reefs are close to shore, snorkeling here is as good as anywhere in Jamaica. It's a good idea for people on Runaway Bay vacation to bring their own snorkeling gear; rentals can be expensive but are offered by most resorts. Resorts will also have packages that include Runaway Bay Jamaica fishing.

Runaway Bay Jamaica fishing boats are restricted from several areas of the surrounding ocean. These protected dive sites include sunken boats, a large underwater canyon, and an extensive coral reef. Reef Divers at Ambience Resort is a reliable scuba company; dives begin at about $45.

Christopher Columbus's first glimpse of Jamaica was of the area around Runaway Bay. On a later voyage, he was stranded with disabled ships down the coast in St. Ann's Bay. The Columbus Park Museum, a couple miles west of Runaway Bay, preserves artifacts from Jamaican history. The Green Grotto Cave Complex, a network of underground caverns, is also close by.

Other good activities on Runaway Bay vacations include horseback riding at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, a visit to the 18th-century Seville Great House, or a round of golf at Superclubs Runaway Golf Course. Bob Marley's birthplace, the second most important memorial to the legendary musician after the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, is an easy day trip from Runaway Bay.

There are many great places to stay on Runaway Bay vacations. There are many Jamaican villas in the hills and on the beaches around town. Runaway Bay has a fair selection of smaller, intimate hotels: Piper's Cove Resort, Heart Hotel, and Tamarind Tree Hotel are all good choices. Heart Hotel is situated right on the Superclubs golf course.

There are also several large all-inclusive resorts in Runaway Bay Jamaica. Hedonism III, Club Ambience, and Breezes all cater to adult clientele. If you are looking for a good place for a unique Jamaican wedding, Runaway Bay is a good choice: Breezes offers underwater weddings; Hedonism III offers nude weddings. Families should look to Royal Decameron Club Caribbean or Franklyn D Resort, two solid all-inclusives with good services for children and adults alike.

Runaway Bay vacations may not be as close to the action as a vacation to Ocho Rios or Montego Bay, but if you want to relax in the Caribbean sun at a good hotel, Runaway Bay Jamaica is a great place to go.