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If you’ve never been bamboo rafting in Jamaica, picture floating down a river lined by forests, sort of like a rustic Venetian gondola boat ride minus the singing. It’s an eco-tourism experience atop handcrafted rafts made of bamboo logs. The journey includes travelling down gentle water currents upon a long, woody carriage with elevated throne ideal for 2-3 voyagers.
Skilled, strong captains use a bamboo pole to meander the river. Speaking from trials, it’s harder than it looks! Each raft typically lasts 6 months – a year before a replacement is built.
Bamboo rafts were originally used on the island for crop transportation in the 19th and 20th centuries to aid export. Hollywood actor Errol Flynn– a regular visitor of Port Antonio in the 1950s– is credited to have popularized rafting as a leisure activity here.
By the way, quick reminder…
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Best Places to go Bamboo Rafting in Jamaica
Each rafting adventure has a unique experience. You wouldn’t want to envision one kind, spend money and get something completely different (like I once did). The key to fulljoying bamboo rafting is setting the right expectations.
Questions to Ask before Bamboo Rafting
- How far can you travel for a rafting tour?
- Seeking a tranquil ride / mini bash on the river?
- Does it matter if raft is decorated?
Keep reading to find your best rafting match…
Travel Tip: Carry change in cash for tips, souvenir shopping, and extras.
White River Rafting
White River flows 27km (17mi) from the mountains through a verdant valley, crossing the boundary between the St. Ann and St. Mary parishes. The river got its name from the limestone lining that gives the water its signature electric-blue hue. In addition to rafting, White River hosts many water-based attractions like multiple Blue Hole spots, Reggae Hill, Calby’s Hidden Beauty, Idilio Escape and Thatch Hill River Park.
Calypso Rafting on White River
Calypso Rafting and Tubing is the only licensed rafting business on the White River at the time of this post. It boasts 40+ years of experience with certified captains and is located about 7 minutes uphill. Another raft spot along White River is often mistaken for this one and is usually encountered 1st on the journey from the foot of the hill.
The water area covered by Calypso Rafting is mostly gentle with light rapids. This excursion is around 1 hour and includes a hideaway rest stop at Calypso Cove where you can swim, lounge and grab a drink/bite. Restrooms, changing rooms, parking and a return shuttle are also available at Calypso Rafting and Tubing.
Go Calypso Rafting if looking for:
- Licensed Captains
- Additional activities (tubing, Calypso Cove rest stop)
- Peaceful nature views
- A swim
- A raft spot near Ocho Rios
The Waze Map app location was recommended by staff to use for directions
White River Rafting (unlicensed)
Travelling up Exchange Road, near Ocho Rios, will first reveal rafters operating near the base of the river. This was my initial White River rafting excursion… before realizing it wasn’t the same as the reputed Calypso Rafting business. There have been multiple pauses of this operation due to official shutdown attempts out of operational safety concerns.
Tours here don’t guarantee licensed raft captains nor liability for customers. This voyage takes you under a bridge lined with colourful fishing boats and small shops, with distant peeks of a nude beach. It could appeal more to people seeking a rafting experience with higher energy. Lively music echoes from stops along the riverbanks. It begins downstream– crossing paths by the endpoint of the Calypso Rafting tour– undercutting the White River rafting experience to about half the time and views.
Go [informal] White River Rafting if looking for:
- Decorated rafts
- Limestone Massages
- High-energy vibes (more likely on weekends and busy periods)
- A raft spot near Ocho Rios
Lethe Great River Rafting
Lethe is a rural area on the banks of Great River in Hanover’s hills. Formerly a banana plantation area it now thrives on bamboo rafting, which once transported the crop for export. This is one of Jamaica’s major rivers and forms the boundary between the parishes of St. James and Hanover.
The Great River rafting excursion being in a countryside community gives a more sociable vibe. The bamboo raft rides here are about 30 minutes, beneath a centuries-old bridge built in 1820! The 1st time I visited was a day trip drive out while staying at Poet Reef Villa.
Tree canopies create a shady overhead tunnel along Great River. The water is mostly shallow and lined with river stones, allowing a swimming dip in areas. Limestone found around the fresh water is rubbed to offer natural clay massages. Spots along the river may provide light eats, drinks, souvenirs and pulsating music. It has a livelier vibe compared to typical tranquil rafting experiences.
Go Lethe Great River Rafting if looking for:
- Decorated rafts
- Limestone Massages
- High energy vibes (more likely on weekends and busy periods)
- A raft spot nearest to Montego Bay
Rio Grande River Rafting
Rio Grande rafting is a top attraction for visitors to Port Antonio. The Rio Grande is one of Jamaica’s largest rivers, winding through verdant hills of Portland‘s nature haven. Rafter’s Rest is known as the origin of the iconic excursion of rafting in Jamaica.
There are 2 spots in Portland called Rafter’s Rest
1 Rafter’s Rest is located at the mouth of the Rio Grande in St. Margaret’s Bay, and another in the community of Berrydale. Rafting is still used as the main transportation for some in nearby areas, like Land of Oshun’s hideaway retreat by Scatter Falls and Caves. The coastal Rafter’s Rest in St. Margaret’s Bay has parking, restrooms, changing areas and licensed raft captains. It’s marked by a large bridge that connects to Port Antonio.
Rio Grande rafting offers a serene 2 – 3 hour experience. Along the watercourse are scenes beyond the bridge of lush greenery, flittering birds and rock formations. Some Rio Grande tours include an optional swim in the river and/or a stop at the waterside Belinda’s restaurant that serves fresh Jamaican dishes.
Travel Tip: Hats and sunscreen highly recommended; not much shade along this voyage.
Belinda’s Restaurant Stop on Rio Grande Rafting
Belinda’s Restaurant is a rustic outdoor kitchen that’s been operating for over 20+ years. She has hosted the likes of world’s fastest man and Jamaican Usain Bolt, superstar singer Beyonce, and Hollywood actor Daniel Craig.
Go Rio Grande River rafting if looking for:
- Licensed raft captains
- Peaceful nature views
- A swim
- Additional activities (Belinda’s restaurant stop)
- A raft spot near Port Antonio
Martha Brae River Rafting
Martha Brae river is 32km (20mi) long, originating in the hills of Trelawny. In the colonial era, bamboo rafts were used in the parish to transport sugar and other crops to the coast for Europe exports. That Falmouth port now boasts a pioneering, 1st-of-its-kind Artisan Village in the Caribbean region!
Legendary Martha Brae River has the top rafting attraction in Jamaica, which has been in operation since 1970. The journey is about 1 hour and 15 minutes on a 3-mile stretch of the Martha Brae River with licensed raft captains. It too has hosted many celebrities over the decades, like Queen Elizabeth II, actor Chuck Norris, filmmaker Spike Lee, country music icon Kenny Rodgers, Jamaican superhuman Usain Bolt +more! This excursion was a delightful way to conclude a 3-day 3-parish birthday weekend of mine!
It’s rafter’s village by a horseshoe isle has 6 acres of lawns. Among these is ‘Miss Martha’s Garden’ highlighting indigenous medicinal herbs of Jamaica. There’s also a picnic area with a bar and souvenir shops, parking lot, changing rooms and bathrooms. Many of their raft captains double as craftsmen; I once bought a beautifully-carved calabash bowl as a decorative keepsake here.
Go Martha Brae River Rafting if looking for:
- Licensed raft captains
- Peaceful nature views
- Additional activities (herb garden tour)
- A raft spot near Falmouth
Cabarita River Rafting
The spring-fed Cabarita River starts in the parish of Hanover then flows almost 40km (25mi) from the Dolphin Head Mountains through Westmoreland. It provides irrigation for multiple agricultural establishments along its course, like Roaring River does for Shrewsbury community. The sizeable Cabarita River has tributaries, the most popular being Mayfield Falls. An eco getaway in the area like Camp Cabarita retreat could offer easy access to these destinations.
Cabarita River rafting is about 45 minutes from Negril through countryside greenery. More than 30% of Jamaica’s endemic flora and fauna can be found within the Dolphin Head Mountains that it flows through. The rafting spot is earmarked by the unmistakable Big Bridge, and also offered ATV rides!
At the time of this post, Cabarita River Rafting hasn’t reopened since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Oct 2025. Keeping eyes peeled and hoping it reopens sometime soon in Jamaica’s ongoing recovery. Other formerly known rafting spots include Blue Lagoon (Portland) and Wally Wash Pond (St. Elizabeth). Until further notice, there’s no confirmation here if/when bamboo river rafting may be offered at those spots again.
Cabarita River Rafting best if looking for:
- Peaceful nature views
- Additional activities (ATVs)
- A raft spot near Negril
Rio Bueno River Rafting
Bonus! Rio Bueno is one of Jamaica’s few rivers with a series of easily accessible, navigable rapids. Not many people know an inflatable rafting adventure is offered in Jamaica too! Travel the waters yourself in an inflatable raft with the help of paddles and a friend as co-captain.
River Rapids Adventure offers this experience where Rio Bueno river pours into the Caribbean Sea. The excursion takes you from Trelawny and ends by serene, white sands of private Bengal Beach in St. Ann
Go Rio Bueno Rafting if looking for:
Best Time for Rafting in Jamaica
Mornings and late afternoons are usually cooler around the island. These times are also more likely to cast softer natural light– which is more ideal for photos along the journey.
As a top outdoor adventure in Jamaica, weather can truly make or break any rafting experience. The best time of year statistically to go bamboo rafting in Jamaica is between December and April, when it tends to be more dry and not overly hot. This period is also considered the peak (winter) tourist season… which also means prices may be higher around this time of year.
Temperatures rise in summer months, which may be hotter than ideal for some people. A shady hat, sunscreen and a refreshing rum punch/coconut water can help tame the outdoor heat.
Rainy season in Jamaica is from June to November, with September and October being the wettest months! Heavy rainfall can cause higher and murky waters. It could also make the river flow faster, shortening your raft experience. If able, wait a couple days after heavy rainfall to book a bamboo rafting tour in that area.
Rafting in Jamaica Conclusion
Rafting is considered a must-do experience for visitors to Jamaica. It’s also widely enjoyed by locals, especially the classic rafting on Martha Brae and Rio Grande rivers.
Before the last few years, this activity primarily appealed to nature and history lovers seeking a relaxing outdoor activity. Now there’s an additional niche market that offers a more energetic atmosphere.
There’s no question if rafting in Jamaica is a vibe. The question is…
What’s your vibe???
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