Explore Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay is a small but popular beach town located in St Anne's Parish on the northern coast of the island of Jamaica, which lies in the Caribbean Sea. The town attracts many visitors due to its fantastic beaches and great diving opportunities. There are a mix of independent dive centres as well as dive resorts located inside the all inclusive resorts here. There are 17 official dive sites and range from shallow reefs, to steep wall dives to deeper wreck dives, all surrounded by clear waters. With a warm climate throughout the year, a high abundance of marine life and the many other perks that a Caribbean island brings, this is a beautiful destination above, and below the water.
Top Runaway Bay Dive Sites
1. Planes
This dive site features two plane wrecks at a depth of 23 meters, making it ideal for adventurous and advanced scuba divers. Marine life includes sea turtles, and the site offers the thrill of exploring plane cockpits. The steep drop-off adds to the excitement, but it is mainly a scuba diving site.
2. Nursery
Known for its vibrant shallow reef, Nursery is perfect for easy scuba diving and underwater photography. It is often used for dive courses and night dives. The area teems with diverse marine species, providing an excellent opportunity for observing colorful flora and fauna, making it suitable for beginners and photographers.
3. Reggae Queen
This site features the 100-foot tugboat wreck of the Reggae Queen. Primarily for advanced scuba divers, it offers a thrilling experience with its deep water location. Marine life varies, with opportunities to spot large schools of fish. The wreck is a compelling attraction for those interested in underwater history.
4. Pocket Reef
Pocket Reef is perfect for advanced divers, featuring a deep canyon and steep reef walls. This site is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including groupers and other large fish species. The dramatic underwater terrain makes it a favorite for technical diving enthusiasts.
5. Groupers Drop
Located near Pocket Reef, Groupers Drop offers advanced scuba diving with steep walls and a diverse range of marine life, including its namesake groupers. It provides a thrilling diving experience due to its challenging depth and fascinating underwater formations.
The best Months to dive in Runaway Bay
It is possible to dive here all year round, but between June and September the conditions are at their best. October to May there is more chance of rain but it will very rarely impact diving. Due to the air temperatures being warm throughout the year, the water temperatures are between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The visibility is great overall with an average of 25 metres with reaching over 35 metres in the peak diving season.