Things to do in Runaway Bay
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Cardiff Hall Public Beach
Runaway Bay (16km west of St Ann’s) has a modicum of hotels and tourist facilities, though the place is far from sophisticated. Divers, however, find much to celebrate. This one-street village stretches along the A1 for 3km, merging with Salem to the east. Several small beaches are supposedly public, although most are the backyards for a few all-inclusive resorts. If you’re hankering for a dip in the big blue, head to the white-sand Cardiff Hall Public Beach, opposite the gas station. There is also a somewhat twee fisherman’s beach in Salem, east of Runaway Bay, where the occasional sound-system party is staged on the weekend.
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19th Hole Club
Most fun-hungry visitors make the short journey to Ocho Rios for their after-hours kicks or settle for what’s on at their resort; subsequently, local entertainment options are few. The usual charmless go-go clubs include the 19th Hole Club, which also has pool tables and live music. Also here is Club Encore, one of the nicer bars among the less-than-inspiring options, and Slick’s Tappa Top 8 Ball Sports Bar, with pool tables.
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Seafood Giant
At the west end of Runaway Bay, it serves such dishes as jackfish with spinach roasted in foil or fried with bammy, plantain, rice and peas; otherwise order curried, creole or braised garlic shrimp. The filling meals are excellent value. However, if you pick your own fish, you’ll be charged ‘according to size.’
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Breezes Golf Club
The 6294m course at Breezes Golf Club is par-72, with several elevated tees and a putting green. There’s a pro shop and, upstairs, a classy restaurant and sports bar. Caddies are mandatory (US$15 for 18 holes, or US$10 for nine holes). Guests staying at Breezes and Hedonism III play for free.
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Safari Disco
For touristy options, try the shows at Club Caribbean or the Safari Disco, which has special attractions on weekends. You can buy a night pass to many area resorts (US$45 to US$75) granting unlimited booze, food and entertainment.
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Tek It Easy
At this economical rooftop haunt, Jamaican fare – primarily chicken and fish – competes for attention alongside the freely flowing overproof rum. There’s karaoke every Tuesday night.
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Blue Pearl
Serving Jamaican favorites such as curried goat and escoveitched fish in a clifftop garden, this casual eatery is a good place to sample local fare prepared with gusto.
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Nana Kofi Vegetarian Restaurant
About 100m west of the gas station, it specializes in health food and vegetarian cuisine. Typical dishes include chick-pea soup, vegetarian patties and veggie burgers.
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Dover Raceway
South of Runaway Bay, Dover Raceway is the setting for auto and motorcycle races. Races are held once every other month, April to December.
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Fisherman's Beach
There's a twee Fisherman's Beach in Salem, east of Runaway Bay, where the occasional sound-system party is staged on the weekend.
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Reef Divers
Diving company Reef Divers offers one/two tank dives (US$42/75) and certification programs (from US$120).
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Rising Sun
Next to the gas station, this Swiss-run eatery is recommended for smoked marlin appetizer, pizzas and curried shrimp.
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Cardiff Hall Restaurant
This cheerful restaurant serves well-made Jamaican and continental fare. Reservations are essential.
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