Where to do Bamboo River Rafting in Jamaica

When you think about visiting Jamaica and getting out to do an excursion, without a doubt, bamboo river rafting will come to mind. This is one of the most popular excursions in Jamaica. Like most, if you look to social media when researching activities to do when you go on vacation, you would have seen many photos and videos of people on bamboo rafts going down majestic rivers. It’s by far, one of the most  “instagrammable” things to do when you visit Jamaica. It’s an activity that is unique to Jamaica, and take it from us, it’s something you’ll want to add to your bucket list. 

History of Rafting in Jamaica

Rafting has been around in Jamaica since the plantation era. Exporting bananas was one of the main sources of income on the island and our people had to find a way to get the bananas from the farms to the ports without damaging them on the rocky roads. Yeah, you guessed it- creating bamboo rafts to transport bananas on the rivers to the port was the solution, and it worked like a charm! Fast forward many years later, bamboo rafts became a popular tourist activity with raft captains poling guests on long bamboo rafts down rivers.  Today, there are a few places on the island where you can do bamboo river rafting. 

1. Martha Brae River

Just a few miles out of Falmouth town in the parish of Trelawny runs one of the most beautiful rivers on the island. The river got its name from the community (Martha Brae) that it’s located in. If you’re staying in the resort area of Montego Bay/Trelawny, this will be a great pick — plus it’s the number one place on the island to do bamboo river rafting. When you enter the community and you’re approaching the river — it’s as if you enter another world— the temperature drops, you’ll no longer hear the sounds of cars or people going about their daily lives and when you breathe it feels like it’s your birthright to inhale clean air. 

Being one of the oldest rafting attractions (established in 1970), and the go-to for visitors who want to do rafting on the north coast of the island, Martha Brae has over 80 raft captains. The captains are very friendly and after checking in, they’ll help you onto your long 30 ft bamboo raft and pole you down the river. I have to say, this is one of the most relaxing experiences you’ll have in Jamaica. It’s so relaxing that you’re going to feel like you want to take a nap. Don’t fall asleep now though — while you’re enjoying the beautiful scene along the river, your captain will be delighting you with tales of Martha Brae and probably doing a little dance for you (can’t promise you on that last one though ; they’re not all cut from the same cloth 😄).  Along the way, you will see Jamaicans on the side of the river with jelly coconuts, cold Red Stripe beer, sodas and more. Grab yourself a drink, stop by the side of the river and have one of the local artisans craft a souvenir for you. Don’t be afraid to get off the raft and take a swim if you’d like. And yes— I know you’re probably wondering— you’ll be wearing life jackets while rafting down the river. Your journey will end by the restaurant, where you can grab local food and eat before you head back to your hotel. 

2. Rio Grande

Rio Grande is located in the parish of Portland, and as the name suggests when translated from Spanish to English, it is indeed a large river — one of Jamaica’s longest rivers. This river is also one of the most scenic (which comes as no surprise as Portland has such a raw untouched natural beauty, with lots of rivers, waterfalls and mountains). It is said that this is basically the birthplace of bamboo rafting as famous actor Errol Flynn (who adored Portland and spent most of his days in Jamaica in the parish) made it popular for recreational purposes. He was so in love with Portland, he declared if “more beautiful than any woman I have ever known.” Whether you’re vacationing in Portland or you’re just there for a short visit, you would have witnessed and enjoyed the lush beauty the very second you enter the parish. Your experience on the river will be no different.

When you get to the river at Rafter’s Rest, you’ll see the rafts and raft captains by the side of the river. This is where the adventure begins! The river has a calming deep green color and it’s so serene as your raft captain pole you down the river. You can take your drinks and snacks with you because unlike other locations, there are no vendors along the sides of the river while you’re rafting. So bring a small igloo if you must, bluetooth speakers to play some relaxing music and create your own vibe. You can even go just before sunset — this will be one of the most picturesque experiences— so don’t forget your camera! Your picture will be postcard-worthy.

The river has lots of shallow areas, so this is a great raft location for swimming. After you’ve enjoyed your experience in the river, you’ve got to grab some food at Belinda’s Riverside Restaurant— this is authentic Jamaican food prepared on coal stove by the river. This restaurant was started by Belinda’s late mother Betty in the 1970s, and she kept the torch blazing. Her usual specials are curried goat, fried chicken, stewed chicken, cray fish with rice & peas and plantains. There aren’t many places that you’ll find restaurants like this — the food is delicious and the experience is like no other. This restaurant has been making waves, that even the famous Rolling Stones had to pay Belinda a visit recently.  

3. Great River

Rafting on the Great River starts in a small community called Lethe, which is located in the parish of Hanover. The river itself forms the boundary between the parishes of St. James and Hanover. If you’re staying in Negril, St. Elizabeth, Hanover or Montego Bay, this is a great choice for bamboo river rafting. Upon entering the rafting area you’ll see locals selling craft items and souvenirs. This is a good spot to get your souvenirs — the prices are reasonable and this is a good way to support local businesses on the island. 

When you go down the steps to the river, there will be hundreds of rafts waiting — it’s almost like you’re at a bus park and you’re there to get a bus to take you to your destination. These rafts are beautifully and creatively decorated with leaves and flowers, and for people celebrating something special like a birthday, there’s usually a birthday banner. As your raft captain takes you down the river, it’s so relaxing being in nature and enjoying the music of the river. Being one of the most popular bamboo rafting experiences on social media, visitors are usually looking forward to the famous limestone massage on the river. This makes the experience even more special. As you enjoy the ride down the river, your raft captain will very likely be telling you stories about the area you’re in and Jamaica. Jamaicans are very creative and they make this their livelihood— you’ll see a jerk man on the raft by the side of the river selling jerk chicken, so you can grab yourself some authentic Jamaican jerk with grandma’s secret sauce ( you know when we say it’s grandma’s sauce, you’ll be licking your fingers the whole time). There’s also a raft bar on the river, where you can grab a cold Red Stripe beer, Heineken, Jamaican rum and more ; even people selling fresh fruits. The experience is like no other. 

4. White River

White River is located on the border of St. Ann and St. Mary (most will say it’s in Ocho Rios). You’ve probably seen some beautifully decorated rafts, looking like chariots on bamboo on Instagram or TikTok, or heard from someone that they got a limestone massage at White River. We gotta let you know that there has been unregulated rafting done at this river and there’s only one company licensed to do rafting at this location— White River Calypso Rafting & Tubing— and they’ve been in operation for over 40 years. The government of Jamaica has recently banned illegal rating on the river. 

Your driver will take you on the Exchange Road where White River is. There’s a receptionist area where you’ll check in and they’ll take you down by the river to meet your raft captain. As you enjoy the scenic ride down the river you’ll notice that there are some sections of the river that are deeper than another section ; and the river runs faster in some parts as well. Like all the other rafting experiences, this is just as serene. If you want to do something more adventurous while you’re at White River, you can also try river tubing. 

It’s a great rafting choice for tourists staying in Ocho Rios, as it will only be a few minutes drive to White River. For visitors staying in Montego or Trelawny, it’s a good option if you want to do a combo tour which involves an activity that’s in Ocho Rios or St. Ann. 

A few things to note:

• This is an activity for all age groups (children, adults, elders).
• Make sure you’re looking great because we know you’re going to want to snap photos and videos to share with family and friends, and to post on social media. 
• The tours usually last between 45 minutes to 1 hour (with the exception of rafting on Rio Grande that lasts for about 2 hours).
• One raft usually accommodate 2 adults + 1 small child.
• Bring cash to purchase food, drinks and souvenirs (and for tipping). 
  

And that’s a wrap

When you’re visiting Jamaica and looking for an excursion to do, bamboo river rafting is a must-do. Let me say this,  you can’t come to Jamaica and not do bamboo river rafting. It’s for everyone — whether you’re young and you love adventure, older and can’t do things that are too adventurous, it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world and even the kids will be in awe. Thanks to those that came before us who were creative enough to build rafts as a solution for transporting bananas and now we have bamboo rafting for our pleasure. 

Until next time — live, laugh, and explore!