Two of the most popular areas to visit in Jamaica are Runaway Bay and Montego Bay. Both offer amazing beaches, breathtaking views, lots to do, and more than a little adventure.
Runaway Bay vs Montego Bay Quick Take
Montego Bay is lively and fun with plenty to do. Runaway Bay is quieter than Montego Bay but located close to many attractions. We like them both but have a slight preference for Runaway Bay.
Runaway Bay vs. Montego Bay Overview
Runaway Bay is a beachfront area located about one hour from Montego Bay and about 30 minutes from Ocho Rios. This makes it conveniently located close to many attractions but in a quieter area.
This bay is one of Jamaica’s best snorkeling sites, with a thriving coral reef and a variety of marine life including stingrays, sea urchins, and parrotfish. The beaches are fabulous as well.
Montego Bay is famous for its beautiful beaches, but there’s so much more to this vibrant Caribbean city. Not only does it offer a ton of all-inclusive resorts to make your stay easy, but it also has delicious local cuisine, fun music, history and culture, a wide range of activities and nightlife, and affordable prices.
Overall, we have a slight preference for Runaway Bay, but it’s a close call so we’ll break it down more below.
Runaway Bay vs. Montego Bay: Beaches
Both Runaway Bay and Montego Bay are known to have incredible beaches. Both areas sit on the north side of the island, so there are similarities in the aesthetics and features of the beaches. But each city does offer something slightly different when it comes to beach experiences.
Runaway Bay Beaches
Runaway Bay takes the cake when it comes to beaches. This area is known to be a little more laid back with less foot and airport traffic. This means the time you spend on the beach is a little more peaceful.
The beaches themselves are pristine. Runaway Bay has 3 miles of white sand beaches that are often considered some of the most beautiful in all of Jamaica. Plus, the town of Runaway Bay is a little bit quieter than the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay.
Montego Bay Beaches
Montego Bay is a great place for a beach vacation. It offers the perfect blend of city bustle and the calming, natural beach vibe, and you’ll have multiple beautiful options to choose from.
One of the best beaches in Montego Bay is Doctor’s Cave Beach, which has lovely white sand and clear turquoise waters. It is supposed to have healing properties thanks to a mineral spring (hence the name). You’ll find activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, plus restaurants and bars nearby. Another less crowded option is Cornwall Beach next door, which offers the same scenery but fewer people.
Runaway Bay vs. Montego Bay: Cost
Because of the similar locations, Runaway Bay and Montego Bay have similar price points. Both areas boast large numbers of all-inclusive resorts which can help consolidate, and at times lower, the overall cost of a Jamaican getaway.
On average, a week-long trip to either destination can run about $2,800 for two people. The exact cost depends on a lot of different factors, including time of year and type of vacation (all-inclusive vs. a la carte). A Jamaica travel agent can help you find the best options to fit your budget.
Runaway Bay vs. Montego Bay: Weather
The weather in both Montego Bay and Runaway Bay is very similar because they are located on the north side of Jamaica’s island and are only about an hour and a half apart.
Montego Bay and Runaway Bay have warm temperatures all year, but the best time to visit is in the dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. However, since this is also peak season, prices and crowds can be higher.
Jamaica’s rainy season is between May and November. This isn’t a bad time to visit if you don’t mind some occasional rain, but be aware that it is also hurricane season. While these are rare in Jamaica, they do still occur. August, September, and October are the months with the highest risk. If you’re visiting either Runaway Bay or Montego Bay during this season, keep an eye on the weather and be sure to get travel insurance.
Runaway Bay vs. Montego Bay: Resorts
Both Runaway Bay and Montego Bay are big resort destinations. In fact, both areas are known for their all-inclusive resorts. However, you’ll find a lot more choice in Montego Bay since it is bigger.
Runaway Bay Resorts
Bahia Principe Runaway Bay
Bahia Principe Runaway Bay is a good option for an affordable getaway, with a price point that is much lower than many other all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. All food is included in the price of your stay. That includes unlimited á la carte dinners, 24-hour soft drinks, fast food, and a wide selection of unlimited local drinks, beer, and soft drinks in the hotel bars until 2:00 a.m.
All entertainment is also included, plus bar and waiter service at the pools and beaches. Guests can also use all the facilities and restaurants of the Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica, except the buffet. There is a good variety of delicious restaurants to choose from, and there are plenty of activities happening. If you like a lively atmosphere, this is a good resort for you.
Beaches Runaway Bay (coming soon)
There are plans to open a new Beaches Resort in Runaway Bay. This will be the third location of the family friendly all-inclusive Beaches resorts in Jamaica. An existing property, it will undergo a $250 million renovation before welcoming groups and families to its 300 spacious 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom suites. Guests here will have access to the championship 18-hole golf course at Runaway Bay Golf Club.
Montego Bay Resorts
Sandals Montego Bay
The first-ever adults-only all-inclusive Sandals resort, Sandals Montego Bay has been completely renovated and sits on a long stretch of pristine beach with offshore reefs that ensure calm waters. Practically everything here has a water view or is on the water, from the sleek open-air lobby to many of the restaurants.
Enjoy a huge range of complimentary activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, and other watersports as well as land sports and nightly entertainment. There are 12 restaurants and 6 bars to choose from, and you’re close to all the options in Montego Bay as well.
Luxurious accommodations here include swim-up rooms and beachfront suites that are just steps from the sandand feature private patios with oversized soaking tubs plus 24-hour butler service. You also get access via a free shuttle to all the amenities at nearby Sandals Royal Caribbean.
Half Moon Resort
This elegant resort hosts celebrities, royalty, and everyone else on its breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean. A family-run hotel, Half Moon Resort features something for everyone.
Foodies will love the fresh, locally sourced ingredients, used to create traditional Jamaican food and other delicious offerings at 4 restaurants. The romantic Sugar Mill Restaurant is one of the top restaurants on the island.
Choose from rooms, suites, or large villas with private pools and butler service. Enjoy 5 bars, multiple pools, watersports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, a fitness center, a playground, and a spa.
Runaway Bay vs. Montego Bay: Things to Do
While a tropical destination usually includes some beach time, you’ll want to experience a few other activities and adventures. Both Runaway Bay and Montego Bay have plenty of fun to offer you.
Runaway Bay Activities
Snorkeling is a great activity in and around Runaway Bay. This area has a vibrant and amazing coral reef just off the coast. Many visitors love to catch a glimpse of the marine life up close with a day of snorkeling. Plus, the waters around Runaway Bay tend to be a little calmer.
The Green Grotto Caves offer a fascinating glimpse into Jamaica’s rich history. This labyrinth of caves was first used by the native Tainos peoples, and fragments of their pottery have been found here. In the 17th century, Spaniards hid here from the invading English. The caves were also used as a hiding place for slaves. You can explore the caves and marvel at the underground Grotto Lake (which appeared in the James Bond movie “Live and Let Die”).
There are also dozens of different tours around the Runaway Bay area. Some of these tours are driving or walking tours, but others include ziplining through the lush landscape of Runaway Bay. Take the time to check out some of these great tours and experience different sides of Runaway Bay.
Montego Bay Activities
Aside from the wonderful beaches in Montego Bay, there are also all sorts of things to do. You can snorkel right off the beach along thriving coral reefs that are just offshore. Or visit the Montego Bay Marine Park, which allows snorkeling and scuba diving in its protected waters that are home to a wide variety of marine life. You can also go swimming with horses!
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, why not head out on one of Jamaica’s many jungle safari tours? These tours will take you deep into the heart of Jamaica’s lush rainforests, where you’ll get to see some of the island’s abundant wildlife. You might even spot a few crocodiles! You can also go ziplining through the rainforest.
Montego Bay also offers plenty of shopping, historic and cultural sites, restaurants, bars, and nightlife options to explore.
Runaway Bay vs. Montego Bay: Safety
There can be some safety concerns with any travel. Most often those concerns are avoided with some common-sense travel practices, but there are a few more specific concerns to take into account when visiting Runaway Bay or Montego Bay.
There has been a recent increase in violent crime across the island, which has led both the U.S. and Canada to issue “reconsider travel” warnings for those planning on visiting Jamaica. However, the crime rarely affects tourists and thousands of people visit safely each year. For more details, check out our article “Is Jamaica Safe?”.
The Verdict: Which is Better, Runaway Bay or Montego Bay?
So, which is better? It’s hard to say. Every traveler wants to experience something different, so for some, it might be Runaway Bay and for others, it may be Montego Bay.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and laid-back beach vibe, you’ll want to look into Runaway Bay. But if you like the hustle and bustle of a port city with a hopping vibe as well as beaches, you’ll feel more comfortable in Montego Bay.
Now that you’ve read all about Runaway Bay vs. Montego Bay, which would you pick for your next Jamaican getaway? Let us know in the comments! And if you’d like help planning your trip, feel free to reach out to one of our trusted travel advisors!