Bamboo Rafting Port Antonio: Rio Grande, Beach & Jerk

Float the Rio Grande on bamboo, then trade the river for white sand and jerk spice

A six-hour activity in Portland, Jamaica combining bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande, beach time at Frenchman Cove and jerk chicken at Boston Bay, with private transport, a guide in English or Spanish, refreshments and a quarter chicken meal. Pickup is available from Kingston, Port Antonio or Ocho Rios. Minimum age is 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting, beach, and jerk cuisine

• Float down Rio Grande River
• Stop for refreshing swims
• Enjoy lunch break
• Relax at Frenchman Cove Beach
• Swim, snorkel, or kayak
• Visit Boston Bay for jerk chicken

The experience

The day starts on the Rio Grande, where you board a traditional bamboo raft with a guide who points out local plants and wildlife as the river carries you downstream. The raft stops for swimming and a snack break built into the float. The Rio Grande is narrow enough that the banks stay close, and the pace is slow enough to notice the forest canopy overhead without rushing through it.

After the river, you spend a few hours at Frenchman Cove, a sheltered beach on Jamaica's eastern coast enclosed by cliffs and ringed with white sand. The cove has changing rooms, beach lounges and an on-site restaurant if you want to order beyond what is included. Water activities like snorkelling and kayaking are available to book separately. The beach is quieter than the main tourist strips because the geography keeps it private.

The day ends at Boston Bay, where local cooks prepare jerk chicken over an open flame. Your meal includes a quarter chicken with one side and a soft drink. Boston Bay sits on turquoise water with mountains behind it, and the town has a laid-back feel. The jerk chicken is what draws people here, not the resort infrastructure. Private air-conditioned transport moves you between all three stops and back to your pickup point, and refreshments travel with you on the raft.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport from your chosen pickup point.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• refreshments and snacks during the raft.
• a quarter jerk chicken meal with one side and a soft drink at Boston Bay.
• all entrance fees.

Options for this experience

3 options

Port Antonio PickupGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Port Antonio

Kingston PickupGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Kingston

Pickup in Ocho Rios includedGuide in English or Spanish · Available from 13 Oct 2027Ocho Rios

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and SaturdayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Island Kodesh Tours

Is this one for you?Choose Port Antonio pickup if you are staying in the Portland area and want to skip the drive from Kingston or Ocho Rios. The other two pickups suit travellers based elsewhere on the island who want to fit the whole day into a single outing.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can I do the bamboo rafting if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The activity is suitable for all fitness levels, but you need to be comfortable in water since the raft stops for swimming. The guide and crew manage the raft itself. You float and swim at the breaks they choose.

What is the Rio Grande like to raft on?

The Rio Grande is a gentle river in Portland where the bamboo raft drifts downstream with a guide narrating the local flora and fauna. The pace is slow, the banks stay close, and stops for swimming and snacks are built into the float.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from Kingston, Port Antonio or Ocho Rios. You choose the location at checkout, and transport is included in the price.

What does the jerk chicken meal include?

Boston Bay serves a quarter chicken with one side and a soft drink. The chicken is cooked over an open flame by local cooks and seasoned with the traditional spice blend jerk is known for.

Is there time to swim and snorkel at Frenchman Cove?

Yes. You spend a few hours at Frenchman Cove after the raft. Snorkelling and kayaking can be arranged separately on the beach, and the cove has changing rooms and lounges.