Bob Marley's Nine Mile from Runaway Bay: Birthplace & resting place
Nine Mile: Where Bob Marley Was Born & Still Rests
You travel inland from Runaway Bay to Nine Mile with a Rastafarian guide, visit Bob Marley's birthplace and childhood home, see his resting place at the Ethiopian church, and stand on Mount Zion where he wrote songs. The tour includes admission, transport, and a guide who answers questions about his life and Rastafarian beliefs. You're back at your hotel by evening.
5h
Step-by-step itinerary
Visit Bob Marley's Nine Mile Village
- Travel from Runaway Bay to Nine Mile
- Explore Bob Marley's childhood home
- See personal artifacts and anecdotes
- Visit Bob Marley's birth and resting place
- Visit Mount Zion inspiration spot
- Tour Ethiopian church with guitar
- Return to hotel
The Experience
The pickup happens at your hotel lobby in Runaway Bay, and from there the drive winds inland through the lush green hills of St. Ann parish toward Nine Mile, a small village that sits exactly where reggae history began. Bob Marley was born here on February 6th, 1945, and although he left for Kingston at age 13 to pursue music, he kept returning to this place his whole life — he called it home, and he wrote some of his biggest songs sitting on the hillside here. The drive takes you through the same landscape he knew, and you start to understand why he kept coming back.
Once you arrive, a Rastafarian guide meets you and takes you through the settlement on foot. You see his first home, the actual bed he slept in as a child and later when he'd return to cool out, the rock he used as a pillow, and Mount Zion — the spot high up where he drew inspiration for his songs. The community looks much like it did in his early days, which is part of why the visit feels real and not staged. You walk to the Ethiopian church where his body was laid to rest with his guitar, and you remove your shoes before entering as a sign of respect. Some visitors say they've felt his presence there; whether you do or not, standing in that small room with his guitar changes how you hear his music afterward.
The tour includes admission to all sites, your guide's knowledge, the air-conditioned vehicle, and hotel drop-off at the end. You'll want to bring cash for any small purchases, a camera for the views, and wear comfortable shoes — the paths aren't paved and the hills are real. The minimum group size is four people, so if you're traveling solo or as a pair, you'll be grouped with other travelers. Pickup time can shift depending on traffic or weather, so be in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
What’s included
Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Runaway Bay, round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, admission to Bob Marley's Nine Mile sites, a professional Rastafarian guide, and local taxes. Gratuity is left to your discretion.
Operated by SNL Jamaican Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to visit Bob Marley's birthplace and resting place without arranging your own transport from Runaway Bay — the guide is Rastafarian and answers questions about his life and beliefs, which turns the visit into more than a photo stop.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What's included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, admission to all sites, professional guide, and local taxes. Gratuity is not included.
Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, a minimum of 4 persons is required. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be rescheduled, an alternative offered, or canceled.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Children under 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Infant seats, child seats, and prams are available in limited quantities.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, though wheelchair transportation availability is limited. Contact the operator in advance if you need wheelchair access.
What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on unpaved paths. Bring a camera and cash. You'll need to remove your shoes when entering the Ethiopian church.
What time is pickup?
Pickup time is subject to change based on traffic and weather. Be ready in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Can I drink alcohol on the tour?
You must be 18 or older with ID to consume alcohol. The tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to anyone showing signs of intoxication.
Bob Marley's Nine Mile from Runaway Bay: Birthplace & resting place
5h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 145 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.6118 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
