Montego Bay: Bamboo Rafting & Limestone Foot Massage Tour

Summary

Private Lethe River bamboo rafting tour with foot massage

You’ll drift down Jamaica’s Lethe River on a private bamboo raft with a local guide, soaking in lush scenery and gentle river sounds. A limestone foot massage is included — cool mud between your toes is stranger (and better) than you’d guess. Pickup from your hotel in Montego Bay means you don’t have to plan anything except relaxing into island time.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — water lapping against the bamboo poles, soft but steady, almost like it was trying to hush the world outside. We’d just left Montego Bay behind (the drive up Long Hill is greener than I expected, by the way) and suddenly everything felt slower. Our driver, Mr. Campbell, chatted about his childhood in Hanover as we passed Wiltshire Road. He pointed out a mango tree that looked older than any building I’ve seen back home.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this “bamboo raft” thing. Turns out it’s literally a 30-foot raft made of thick bamboo canes lashed together — surprisingly sturdy underfoot. Our captain, Andre, greeted us with this easy grin and asked if we wanted music or just river sounds. We picked quiet. There’s something about drifting past tangled green banks and watching egrets pick their way along the shore that makes you want to listen more than talk.

The limestone foot massage part? Okay, that surprised me. Andre scooped up this cool grey mud from the riverbank and started working it into my feet — gritty at first but then smooth as he rinsed it off. My partner laughed because I kept making faces (it tickles), but honestly my feet felt lighter after. The air smelled faintly sweet, like wet leaves and distant sugarcane fields.

We floated for maybe an hour — time gets weird on the river — and every now and then Andre would point out something small: a fisherman waving from the bank, a flash of red hibiscus in the brush. I still think about how quiet it was compared to Montego Bay’s bustle. When we finally stepped off the raft, my legs wobbled a bit (don’t judge), but I kind of wished we could go again right away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private bamboo raft and foot massage

• Driver picks you up at resort lobby
• Travel along Alice Eldemire Drive
• Pass Fairview Shopping Centre and Bogue Road
• Drive up Long Hill with bamboo views
• Continue on Wiltshire Road past nursing home
• Arrive at Lethe River for bamboo raft
• Enjoy 30ft bamboo raft float on river
• Receive limestone foot massage during raft

Top questions

How long does the bamboo rafting tour take?

The rafting experience lasts about an hour on the Lethe River.

Is hotel pickup included for Montego Bay resorts?

Yes, private transportation with pickup from your resort or Airbnb in Montego Bay is included.

What is included in the bamboo rafting tour?

The tour includes private transport, all fees and taxes, use of a 30ft bamboo raft for two people, and a limestone foot massage upon request.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; moderate physical fitness is advised.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from your Montego Bay hotel or Airbnb, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront, plus your own 30-foot bamboo raft along the Lethe River with an experienced local guide. A limestone foot massage comes with the ride if you want it—just ask—and you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle both ways so you can really relax before heading back to town.