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RAFTING IN JAMAICA
Rafting in Jamaica is a big business that is continuing to grow there are many places that now offer tours that include rafting. However, there are some general HOTSPOTS that you can explore which hold licensed experienced rafters. I will put a mix of both and as you plan your trips you can see which ones fit your needs and budget. I will also keep the post updated as it grows.
What is Bamboo Rafting/River Rafting in Jamaica?
Bamboo rafting is an eco-friendly, fun way to enjoy yourself. Bamboo sticks are usually cut and tied together really tight using some kind of rope or vines. A bamboo raft once built properly can be very strong. Many people think you need to do this activity with a group or with friends, while yes that is good it is also a great way for you to just relax, ease and rest your mind.
How to Prepare for Bamboo Rafting in Jamaica
When you are about to go rafting here are a few of my suggestions.
- Take some sunscreen. ( I learned this the hard way)
- Bring a towel.
- Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes such as water shoes or even a pair of Crocs, that could work.
- Take your ID and snacks just in case they may not have that available, especially if it is a raft that takes hours.
- Take a waterproof phone pouch so you can take photos and not worry about the water.
- You may want to bring a change of clothes and a dry bag just in case.
Don’t forget to check out My Jamaican Bucket List on Amazon and start your Jamaican Adventure!
Below I will include what Bamboo rafting in Jamaica cost is, weight requirements, locations, length of tour, and age limits.
Reggae Rafting at the Lethe Village is an experience you can get with Chukka from their experienced licensed raft captains. They make it a very cultural experience with music and cultural historic information. It is definitely one to check out for the experience you even get a limestone foot scrub, a nice coconut some beers, and more… I mean, why not?? Rafting in Jamaica can be a really fun experience especially when you find a great tour experience,
Location: Hanover
Contact Info: (876)-619-1441
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 9:30am – 3:00pm
Cost: Prices depend on the package you choose. Ranges from $99USD – $199USD (See Prices Here)
People to Raft: 300llbs individual, 550lb (two passengers)
Length of Tour: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Age: 18 years or older
RAFTING ON THE RIO GRANDE
Have a skilled Raft Captain take you on a 1 1/2 – 3 hour journey down the beautiful river, some parts are shallow where you can maybe make a quick stop while some parts are deep, the tour starts at 2 different locations but all lead right back to Rafters Rest in St. Margarets Bay. What I also like about this experience is that somewhere along the way you can stop and get some nice food made by a lady by the name of Belinda. The rafts are built to accommodate 2 adults and a young child. I shared my experience rafting on the Rio Grande a few years ago, and it was great.
Location: Portland
Contact Info: (876)-993-5778
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 4pm
Cost: Depends on the tour. $80USD -$90USD (Local rate also available) (per raft)
People to a Raft: 2 adults and 1 child under 10
Length of Tour: 1 1/2 hour or 2/1/2 hour
Rafting on the Martha Brae in Trelawny is another great option for rafting in Jamaica. It is just a couple of miles from Montego Bay. The beauty of this experience is also the opportunity to see some of the famous herbs known for their medicinal purposes on the island, and get a nice little swim in, so it’s not just rafting, it’s an experience.
Location: Trelawny
Contact Info: (879)-952-0889
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:30am – 5:30pm
Cost: $90USD (per raft)
People to Raft: 2 Adults + 1 Chil (under 9)
Length of Tour: 1 Hour 15 minutes
Calypso Rafting is a good option, as it has a little mild adrenaline rush to it, as this rafting is within the rapids so it’s a bit wild but tame at the same time. Nothing too over the top, but worth the experience if you can. They also do offer other experiences so definitely have a look.
Location: St. Mary (Easier to get to from St. Ann)
Contact Info: (876)-817-8433
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 04:30 PM , Sat – Sun 9:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Cost: $60USD (per raft)
People to a Raft: 2
Length of Tour: 1 Hour
Benefits of Bamboo Rafting
- With Bamboo rafting, you are out in the open waters so with that comes a lot of sunlight, it can be overbearing so as I stated before make sure you bring your sunscreen. The benefit here is all that wonderful Vitamin D that your body will take in.
- It helps you to reduce your level of stress as most times it allows you the time to relax and unwind, to clear your mind of any unnecessary and additional stress.
- The fresh air that you get to take in is also a bit plus. You don’t have much influence of air pollution as you are taking on an experience like this.
- There is just something about being outside in the middle of nowhere, it just elevates your mood.
- If you are a lover of adventure and the outdoors then this will satisfy that need.
- It also gives you a chance to bond with whoever you are doing it with as you would be in the middle of nowhere for maybe an hour or 2 so it gives you time to really bond.
Illegal Bamboo Rafting in Jamaica
f you visit the island and plan to do bamboo rafting in Jamaica you have to check around and know what the options are as I listed above. Recently some have been disbanded due to them being illegal. So just be mindful of where you choose to go as there are other options I just listed the more popular touristic ones that are certified.
For more fun things to do around the island check out these posts:
Let me know which activities here you either have done or would love to do one day. Comment below and let me know!
Please note that sometimes some of these places with things to do may close down so I will try to update the post accordingly. As you do these activities I would love it if you could share them with me in the comments below or send me a quick message on Instagram. Also if I did leave out some activities that you know about please let me know and I will add them to the listing.
Happy Adventuring!
