Jewel Water Park Runaway Bay Jamaica – Trip Report

Just so you know …

• The park uses fresh water, not salt water.
• It can get crowded because hotel guests at the Jewel Runaway Bay Hotel get free use, plus, Jewel Paradise Cove and Jewel Dunns River guests get discounted rates. Also, they sell day passes to the water park to cruise ship passengers, tourists staying elsewhere and locals. You can’t blame them for trying to get as many visitors as they can because this was a multi-million dollar investment. That said, they do think about crowd control, and they should. No one will enjoy the experience of a crowded water park. I am happy to report that I have been told that the number of day passes sold per day is tied to the occupancy of the hotel. Hopefully, that approach will keep the crowds reasonable.
• For the two main slides, the Speed Slide and the Family Raft Ride, you must be at least 4ft tall. This is enforced. Forty-seven inches is not 48 inches. Make sure you check to see if your child meets the height requirement before they suffer the disappointment of not being able to ride because they aren’t the right height.
• On the kiddie slides, only kids under 4ft tall and under 100lbs are allowed.
• They are very protective of the slides and so there are park rules that you may not think of. For example, no jewelry is allowed. Approved swimsuits only – no zippers, metal buckles or rivets.
• Non-swimmers can ride the slides, but, here is the deal. While life jackets can be used on the Lazy River, they are not allowed on any of the slides. For the two main slides, the Speed slide and the Family Raft Ride, there is a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. This will allow anyone who is 48 inches or taller to be able to stand up, with their head above the water, at the end of the ride.
• Life jackets are available for use free of charge and they do have lifeguards on duty.
• Outside food and beverages are not allowed. The entrance fees include unlimited access to the bar and grill. Food may not be removed from the premises.
• Cabanas are available for rent. Pretty cool. Note that the cabana rental is separate from the day pass entrance fee.
• A water park day pass does not give you access to the hotel or the beach. There are different kinds of day passes – Emerald, Platinum, Spa Platinum, and Golf Platinum – so be sure you pick the right pass for your needs.
• Towels are provided at no additional cost.
• The park is non-smoking.
• You can’t bring your own floatation toys or other devices. They do provide floatation tubes for the lazy river and the family raft ride.
• The park’s hours are 10:30am – 6pm, including public holidays.