Lethe Bamboo River Rafting: Montego Bay Highlights & Shopping
Drift the Great River on bamboo, then shop the Hip Strip and craft markets
Bamboo river rafting on the Great River in Lethe, followed by a guided tour of Montego Bay's cultural landmarks, shopping districts and waterfront, with lunch included. You drift downstream on a handcrafted raft captained by a local expert, receive a traditional limestone foot massage, then drive through the city to visit the Hip Strip, Harbor Street Craft Market and local eateries.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Bamboo rafting and Montego Bay tour
- Bamboo rafting on Great River
- Enjoy limestone foot massage
- Drink coconut water or Red Stripe beer
- Drive through Montego Bay historic streets
- Visit Montego Bay Cultural Centre
- Explore Harbor Street Craft Market
- Stroll along Hip Strip
- Relax at Margaritaville
- Lunch at Scotchies or Pork Pit
- Hip Strip 2h
- Harbour Street Craft Market 1h
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned transportation from your hotel.
- bamboo rafting on the Great River with a local captain.
- a traditional limestone foot massage during the raft.
- Red Stripe beer and bottled water.
- and lunch at a local Montego Bay restaurant.
Times
- Every day No fixed time
Before you book
Operated by Activetour2024
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by emailTraveler reviews
The experience
The Great River in the village of Lethe is where the day starts. You board a handcrafted bamboo raft captained by a local expert and drift downstream through lush tropical jungle, surrounded by historic riverside views. Along the way comes a traditional limestone foot massage using smooth river stones: a centuries-old Jamaican remedy that softens and rejuvenates the skin. Red Stripe beer and fresh coconut water arrive as you float, and many rafts carry reggae music and light snacks. The raft itself is often vibrantly decorated, and the whole experience is built around doing nothing but drifting and soaking in the Caribbean sunshine.
After the river, the tour shifts to Montego Bay's city heart. You drive through historic streets to visit cultural landmarks like the Montego Bay Cultural Centre and the island's oldest church, then move into the shopping and waterfront zones. The Hip Strip, Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, runs along the water with local shops, gift stalls, and Margaritaville, a beachfront spot where you can pause for a tropical cocktail and views of the Caribbean. The Harbor Street Craft Market is a sprawling open-air bazaar of handmade treasures: batik fabrics, beaded jewelry, woven straw, hand-carved wooden sculptures, and Jamaican t-shirts, all sold by vendors who welcome browsing and bargaining as part of the experience.
Lunch lands at one of Montego Bay's top-rated local spots (Scotchies, Pork Pit, or Pier One), where you eat authentic island flavors like jerk chicken and curried goat. The whole outing runs five to six hours and moves by air-conditioned vehicle between the river and the city, with pickup from either Falmouth or Montego Bay hotels depending on which option you choose.
Is this one for you?Choose the Falmouth hotel pickup if you're staying on the north coast near Falmouth. Choose Montego Bay hotels if you're based in or near the city itself. Either way, the five- to six-hour span fits a half-day outing without eating into evening plans.
Compare the 12 alternatives
Top questions
What is the Great River like when you're on the bamboo raft?
The Great River in Lethe flows through lush tropical jungle with historic riverside views on both sides. You drift peacefully downstream on the handcrafted raft, surrounded by the natural landscape and the sounds of the countryside, with no current to fight: the raft captain steers and the water carries you.
Do I get to pick where to eat lunch, or is the restaurant decided for you?
Lunch is at one of Montego Bay's established local eateries: Scotchies, Pork Pit, or Pier One. The specific restaurant is set as part of the tour itinerary, not chosen by you at the time.
What exactly happens during the limestone foot massage on the raft?
The massage uses smooth river stones in a centuries-old Jamaican tradition meant to rejuvenate and soften the skin. It happens as you float downstream, part of the relaxation built into the rafting itself.
Is the Hip Strip just a shopping street, or is there more to do there?
The Hip Strip (Jimmy Cliff Boulevard) is a waterfront zone with shops, gift stalls, and Margaritaville, a beachfront bar and restaurant where you can sit, order a drink, and look out over the Caribbean Sea. You have time to stroll, shop, or relax depending on what appeals to you.
What kind of souvenirs are actually at the Harbor Street Craft Market?
The Harbor Street Craft Market is filled with handmade Jamaican goods: batik fabrics, beaded jewelry, woven straw items, hand-carved wooden sculptures, and printed t-shirts. Every piece is made locally, and vendors expect friendly haggling as part of the shopping experience.
Lethe Bamboo River Rafting: Montego Bay Highlights & Shopping
5h–6h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 118.50 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.