Bamboo Rafting Great River Montego Bay: Handmade Raft

Float a handmade bamboo raft down a river in the Montego Bay hills instead of watching from a tour bus.

Private bamboo rafting on the Great River near Montego Bay takes you from your hotel to Lethe St. James, where you board a 30-foot handmade raft and float downriver with a captain. Along the way you see the natural vegetation on the mountainside, hear stories about the local culture and history, and end with a foot massage using limestone paste made from river rocks.

The experience

The drive from Montego Bay hotels takes 30 to 45 minutes through the hills and valleys to reach the Great River at Lethe St. James. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up and brings you back, so you don't need a rental car or a taxi to get there. Once you arrive, you board a 30-foot handmade bamboo raft with your captain, who steers while you sit and take in the river and the vegetation climbing the mountainside.

The raft moves at a pace that lets you absorb the surroundings and listen to the captain's stories about the area's history and culture. The whole experience runs about two and a half hours. At the end of the float, your feet get a massage using limestone paste, called jungle socks, that's prepared from rocks found in the river itself, a small ritual that leaves your feet feeling restored after the ride.

The activity suits all fitness levels, and children are welcome from age 13 onward. Food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase. Your guide speaks English or Spanish depending on the booking.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• air-conditioned roundtrip transport from your Montego Bay hotel.
• entry to the Lethe Estate.
• the bamboo raft ride down the Great River.
• and a foot massage with limestone paste at the end.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday

AgesAdult (19 to 60 years) · Child (13 to 18 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Phillip Country Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from your hotel means you don't need a car or a taxi to reach the river, so this works whether you're staying in Montego Bay for an afternoon or arriving without a rental.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (13 to 18 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the bamboo rafting take from start to finish?

The full experience is about two and a half hours, which includes the drive from your hotel, the raft ride down the Great River, and the foot massage at the end.

What is the Great River like to raft on?

The Great River flows through the hills and valleys near Lethe St. James with natural vegetation climbing the mountainside on either side. The raft moves at a gentle pace, so you can take in the scenery and listen to the captain's stories about the local history and culture.

Do I need to bring anything or wear anything special?

Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a towel if you have one. The limestone paste foot massage happens at the end, so your feet will be cleaned afterward. Sunscreen and a hat are a good idea for the river.

Is the bamboo raft safe?

The raft is a 30-foot handmade bamboo vessel steered by a warm, experienced captain who knows the river. The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, and children are welcome from age 13 onward.

What does the pickup from my hotel include?

Hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle are included in the price. The drive to Lethe St. James takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on where you're staying in Montego Bay.