West to Falmouth

Continuing west along the coast is Runaway Bay, an attractive and friendly resort. It is named for the Spanish governor Ysasi, who left quickly for Cuba in a canoe when he saw the English coming. Only five miles away is Discovery Bay where Columbus made his first landing.

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The Columbus Park, an outdoor museum, has exhibits and relics of Jamaican history. From Runaway Bay, the Runaway Caves can be visited where there is an underground lake in the Green Grotto. However, you can no longer take a boat ride (as shown in their advert) and the place is littered with beer bottles; not recommended. 0900-1700.

Among the hotels in this area is the A Runaway Bay HEART Hotel, PO Box 98, T9732671, F9732693, Email: runa...@cwjamaica.com, which has an adjoining hotel training centre and overlooks a golf course. The LL Club Ambiance, T9732066, F9732067, has been described as adequate for fine weather but lacking in indoor facilities when it rains. Golf is available at Runaway Bay Golf Club. There are several LL all-inclusive resorts here too, including Breezes Runaway Bay (SuperClubs, lots of activities, golf, tennis, scuba diving, for couples and singles, 238 rooms and suites, PO Box 58, Runaway Bay, T9732436, F9732352).

Falmouth

Falmouth is a charming small town about 20 miles east of Montego Bay. It is the best example of a Georgian town and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust has declared the whole town a National Monument. It has a fine colonial court house, a church, some 18th-century houses with wrought iron balconies, and Antonio’s, a famous place to buy beach shirts. There is good fishing (tarpon and kingfish) at the mouth of the Martha Brae, near Falmouth, and no licence is required. It is possible to go rafting from Martha Brae village. Expert rafters guide the craft very gently for the one-hour trip to the coast. US$36 from Montego Bay includes 2-person raft, lunch and transfers, 0900-1600, or take local bus from Montego Bay to Falmouth, US$0.50, hitchhike or walk 6 miles to upper station; end station is about 3 miles from Falmouth.

Jamaica Swamp Safaris is a crocodile farm where you can see lazy crocodiles with equally laid back guides. Bar and restaurant. Two James Bond films were made here. US$6 for adults. Some 10 miles inland is the 18th-century plantation guest house of Good Hope amongst coconut palms. Deluxe accommodation in the superb setting of a working plantation, as well as day tours and horse riding – some of the best riding in Jamaica – and its own beach on the coast. Daily 1200-1600. US$10. T9543289.

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