Jamaica: Bamboo Rafting & Zipline with Local Guides & Pickup

Summary

Bamboo rafting and zipline adventure at Good Hope Estate Jamaica

You’ll drift along Jamaica’s Martha Brae River on a hand-crafted bamboo raft with a local captain (and maybe a citrus foot massage), then soar above Good Hope Estate’s canopy on ziplines with expert guides. Expect laughter, real stories, and unexpected quiet moments — plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about getting there.

What’s the experience like?

It started with our raft captain, Winston, who grinned and handed me a cold drink before I’d even sat down. He asked if we’d ever tried “river time” before — I had no idea what that meant, but I nodded anyway. The bamboo raft felt cool under my bare feet, and there was this faint citrus smell from the scrub they used for the foot massage (which honestly caught me off guard — I didn’t expect to get pampered while floating past banana trees).

The Martha Brae River moved slow, almost lazy, and Winston pointed out birds I’d never have noticed. He told stories about Good Hope Estate’s old stone buildings — some of them from the 1700s, apparently — and laughed when my partner tried to say “thank you” in patois. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the water lapping against the raft. That’s stuck with me more than any photo.

After that mellow drift, we swapped river sandals for harnesses at the Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost. The guides were all energy — joking around but double-checking every strap before sending us up into the trees. Ziplining over the Martha Brae was nothing like I expected; it’s loud wind in your ears, green everywhere below, and then suddenly you’re back on solid ground trying to catch your breath. My hands shook a little after the first run (not sure if it was nerves or excitement), but by the last platform I was actually looking down instead of squeezing my eyes shut.

I still think about that view from halfway across the river — sunlight flickering through leaves, someone shouting encouragement from a platform behind me. It wasn’t just about adrenaline or ticking off “day trip machu picchu cusco” style bucket lists; it felt like being let in on something locals genuinely love. And yeah, I probably butchered every bit of patois Winston taught me, but he just laughed and kept paddling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Good Hope Estate activities

• Arrive at Good Hope Estate
• Walk estate grounds and admire architecture
• Enjoy bamboo rafting on Martha Brae River
• Receive citrus scrub foot massage on raft
• Experience zipline adventure over river
• Relax by zero-entry swimming pool
• Sample Jamaican country-style food and drinks

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for bamboo rafting at Good Hope Estate?

Yes, hotel pickup and dropoff are included for this tour.

How long is the bamboo rafting experience on Martha Brae River?

The exact duration isn’t specified but it’s part of a full-day experience at Good Hope Estate.

Are there age or weight limits for ziplining?

The minimum age is 6 years for ziplining; weight limit is 265 lbs per person.

Can two people share one bamboo raft?

Yes, each bamboo raft holds two people; guests are paired with their party.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No specific mention of lunch is made in the inclusions.

What should I wear for ziplining at Good Hope Estate?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor activities.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health conditions?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and dropoff, guided bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River with a certified captain (plus that citrus foot massage), zipline adventure through Good Hope Estate’s canopy led by professional guides, access to pools and waterfall areas, rum tasting at Appleton History Museum if you’re over 18, shopping opportunities onsite, plus insights into Jamaica’s history and nature throughout your visit.