Jamaica White River: Private Rafting Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Private rafting on Jamaica’s White River with a local captain

You’ll float down Jamaica’s White River on a hand-built bamboo raft with a local guide steering and sharing stories along the way. There’s time to swim or just soak up sun and river sounds before returning to Marjorie’s Cafe for refreshments — an easygoing hour you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that mango tree? My grandfather planted it,” our raft captain said, pointing with his paddle as we drifted past the tangled green banks of the White River. I didn’t expect stories like that — or how quiet it gets once you’re away from Marjorie’s Riverside Cafe, just the creak of bamboo under us and the soft slap of water. The air smelled sweet, kind of earthy, and I kept catching whiffs of something floral I couldn’t name.

I’d read about private rafting experiences in Jamaica but didn’t really picture what it would feel like to move so slowly — almost lazy — downriver. Our guide, Andre, steered us around a bend where sunlight flickered through the leaves and hit the water in these shifting gold patches. He laughed when my friend tried to say “irie” with a heavy accent (she got it wrong; he teased her for the rest of the ride). We stopped at a shallow spot so I could dip my feet in — colder than I thought, but good after sitting in the sun.

The whole thing took about an hour, maybe a little more because we lingered at one spot watching some kids jump from a rope swing. At the end, Andre brought us back to Marjorie’s Cafe where someone was grilling jerk chicken and reggae played low from behind the bar. I grabbed a cold drink and sat by the river for a while before heading out. Honestly, I still think about that slow drift sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — White River Rafting Experience

• Meet at Marjorie’s Riverside Cafe
• Raft upstream enjoying river scenery
• Journey downstream to the beach
• Return to cafe for refreshments and meals

Top questions

How long does the private rafting experience last?

The tour lasts about one hour on the river.

Where does the White River rafting tour start?

The tour begins at Marjorie’s Riverside Cafe.

Is swimming allowed during the rafting trip?

Yes, there are opportunities to swim during the tour.

Are refreshments included on this White River tour?

Yes, refreshments are available at Marjorie’s Riverside Cafe before or after your trip.

Is this private rafting experience suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed and infants sit on an adult’s lap.

Are alcoholic beverages included in this tour?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are included as part of your experience.

Can service animals join this Jamaica rafting trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Marjorie’s Riverside Cafe.

What’s included

Your day includes riverside meeting point pickup at Marjorie’s Cafe, all guiding by your local raft captain, time for swimming or relaxing along White River, plus refreshments and alcoholic beverages at the cafe when you return.