Rafting showcases the resourcefulness of Jamaicans, symbolized by the black on our flag’s saltire of black, green and gold. The main kind of rafts in Jamaica are made from 30-foot bamboo poles lashed together with wire, and are as beautiful as they are functional and buoyant. Rafting was once the only way possible to move goods from our deep mountainous interior to the coast for export, but it soon became a tourist activity as there is no better feeling than floating down Jamaica’s tranquil rivers while surrounded by lush greenery. Bamboo rafting provides a serene and immersive way to connect with Jamaica’s natural beauty and unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this guide, we will explore five of the most enchanting places to go bamboo rafting in Jamaica. I’m happy to have visited all five, so I’ll add my own commentary and comparisons as we go along.
Before we get started, subscribe for new articles + adventures!
Also, check out my book and GetYourGuide storefront for travel ideas.
1. Lethe
Nestled in the beautiful hills of Lethe just outside of Montego Bay, the Great River at Lethe is a picturesque spot for bamboo rafting. Surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest and the melodious sounds of birds, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a natural paradise. The Great River offers a serene and relaxing experience as you gently glide along crystal-clear waters. However if you visit on the weekend like I did, Lethe will come alive with dozens of rafts, tourists, dancehall music and party vibes.
Refreshments such as soft drinks, rum and jerk chicken are actually sold in the middle of the river! I admired rafting under an old bridge which spans the Great River and was built in 1820, as well as passing by old sugar works. The friendly local guides will provide you with fascinating insights into the flora of the area too, making this an educational adventure. While the dancehall music and inebriated tourists may steal a bit of this river’s tranquility, it’s still a very memorable experience and gives great insight into Jamaican culture. This river also offers the limestone massages which have become viral on social media.
- Location: Lethe, Hanover (30 minutes from Montego Bay)
- Cost to Raft: Starts at JM$6,000 per raft (about US$50). Able to negotiate.
- READ MORE: Rafting on Lethe. You can also raft on a private section of this river at Animal Farm further upstream.
2. Martha Brae
Martha Brae, located near the tourist hotspot of Falmouth, is one of Jamaica’s most renowned bamboo rafting destinations. The Martha Brae River meanders through lush greenery, creating an idyllic setting for your bamboo rafting journey. Knowledgeable rafts-men will expertly navigate your way while sharing captivating stories about the river’s history and local legends, such as how it got its name. Martha Brae is my top pick for a short and tranquil ride down Jamaica’s rivers, as the tour lasts about one hour and is fully shaded along the way. Similar to Lethe, refreshments are also sold on this river. That’s how I got my freshly picked and chopped coconut jelly, yum!
- Location: Martha Brae, Trelawny (10 minutes from Falmouth, 40 minutes from Montego Bay)
- Cost to Raft: JM$9000 per raft with local ID. US$70 for foreigners.
- READ MORE: Rafting on the Martha Brae
3. Rio Grande
The Rio Grande river in Portland is famous for its breathtaking beauty and rich history. This river is known as the birthplace of rafting in Jamaica where rafting was borne out of a necessity rather than a luxury as it is today. Bamboo rafting here is a unique experience, as the river is wider and deeper than most other locations on the island. A bamboo raft ride along the Rio Grande offers both serenity and excitement as you pass through dense rainforests and catch glimpses of the stunning Blue Mountains in the distance.
The journey lasts for three hours, and can be longer if you stop to dine at the Belinda’s Restaurant or climb Scatter Falls. Rafting on the Rio Grande provides ample time to unwind and soak in the natural wonders of this pristine environment. This is by far the longest rafting experience on the island, and for me, was worth every penny.
- Location: Berrydale, Portland (20 minutes from Port Antonio, 2 hours from Kingston)
- Cost to Raft: JM$12,000 per raft with local ID. US$100 for foreigners.
- READ MORE: Rafting on the Rio Grande
New to GetYourGuide? Download the app then use ADVENTURESFROMELLE5 to save 5% on your first trip.
4. White River
Located in Ocho Rios, the White River is another excellent choice for bamboo rafting enthusiasts. The river’s crystal-clear waters provide a soothing backdrop as you drift along on your bamboo raft, and reflects the iridescence of the beautiful trees and bamboo which arch overhead. Interestingly enough, I ended up not rafting on this river as all the rafts were occupied when I visited. Instead, I went tubing and enjoyed it just as much if not more because the tubes provided closer contact with the water than a raft would. Souvenirs and refreshments are also sold here. Please ensure that you visit the actual establishment and raft with a licensed captain, as this river is notorious for uninsured rafters who try to undercut profits of the legitimate establishment further up the road. Those guys also offer limestone river massages.
- Location: Exchange, St. Mary (10 minutes from Ocho Rios)
- Cost to Raft: JM$9,000 per raft with local ID. US$60 for foreigners. Tubing is slightly cheaper.
- READ MORE: Calypso Rafting & Tubing
5. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, immortalized in the eponymous film, is one of Jamaica’s most iconic natural wonders. Located near Port Antonio, this vibrant cobalt-blue waterway is an enchanting place to go bamboo rafting. Your journey will take you through the lush, jungle-like surroundings that frame the lagoon, creating an atmosphere of romance and mystique. The Blue Lagoon is an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic and memorable bamboo rafting experience. Ask your guide to take you out to the beautiful Monkey Island which is one of Jamaica’s smaller cays with a beautiful sandy beach and located just off the coast of the Blue Lagoon. I ended up taking a boat here instead of actually rafting, and it worked out more affordable in the end.
- Location: Port Antonio, Portland
- Cost to Raft: JM$6000 up for locals. US$60 up for foreigners. Price negotiable.
- READ MORE: Blue Lagoon & Monkey Island
Wrap Up
Bamboo rafting in Jamaica is a lovely fusion of natural beauty, tranquility and cultural immersion. Each of these five destinations offers a unique perspective on the island’s rich landscape and heritage. Choose between Lethe’s energetic charm, Martha Brae’s historical allure, Rio Grande’s grandeur, White River’s serenity or the Blue Lagoon’s romantic ambiance. If I had to pick my favourite, Rio Grande is in the lead followed by Martha Brae. Which of these five spots have you visited or would you like to visit? Do you have a favourite? Sound off in the comments below, and pin or bookmark this post for later.
If you enjoyed this post, you would also like:
- 8 Adventures You Can Have in Jamaica
- A List of All the Waterfalls in Jamaica
- The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Jamaica
Find Elle on Facebook, Instagram & lend your support to keep me on the road.
Adventures from Elle 
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person