Beaches & Watersports -- The two best beaches at Runaway Bay are Paradise Beach and Cardiff Hall 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 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. Jamaica Dive Center, at the Club Ambiance resort (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 one-tank dive costs $42, a two-tank dive costs $75.
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 Caribbean Adventures, at Richmond Llandovery, St. Ann (tel. 876/972-2506; www.chukkacaribbean.com), less than 6km (3 3/4 miles) east of Runaway Bay. If you opt for an equestrian experience here, don't expect a demure and sedate experience in a penned-in riding rink. The shortest ride they offer lasts for 3 hours, and carries you and your mount along a combination of forest trails and beachfront, and culminates with a ride through the surf. The per person cost of $67 includes refreshments. 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 2 1/2-hour bike ride, priced at $65, ends with a swim and some snorkeling.
