Montego Bay: Bamboo Rafting & Limestone Massage with Lunch

Summary

Experience bamboo rafting in Lethe plus riverside massage and shopping

You’ll float along Jamaica’s Great River on a hand-crafted bamboo raft with a local guide, try spicy jerk chicken right on the water, enjoy a limestone foot massage, and wander Montego Bay’s lively Hip Strip for lunch or shopping. Expect moments of calm mixed with laughter — and maybe softer feet by the end.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the river to be so quiet. That first moment when we stepped onto the bamboo raft in Lethe — I could smell wet earth and something sweet, maybe mango trees? Our raft captain, Andre, grinned and told us to just let the water do the work. I tried to sit still but kept dipping my fingers in; the water was colder than I thought. There were birds everywhere, making these sharp little calls that echoed off the hills. Andre pointed out a spot where he said his grandmother used to swim as a girl — you could almost picture it.

We drifted for what felt like ages but probably wasn’t even an hour. The main keyword here is “bamboo rafting Montego Bay,” but honestly it didn’t feel like any tour I’ve done before. At one point Andre asked if we wanted music or just the sound of the river — we picked silence, which felt right. Then he pulled over near a shack on stilts and handed us some jerk chicken wrapped in foil. It was spicy enough to make my nose run (in a good way). I tried saying “thank you” in patois and got a laugh — apparently I need practice.

The limestone foot massage came next, right there on the raft while our feet dangled over the edge. The limestone was gritty but cool, and Andre explained how locals use it for their skin — he said it keeps your feet “fresh like morning.” I don’t know if that’s true but my heels definitely felt softer after. The sun kept peeking through clouds, making everything look gold for a minute or two at a time. We floated back upstream slower than before; maybe because no one wanted it to end yet.

Afterwards we headed into Montego Bay’s Hip Strip for shopping and lunch — lots of colors, reggae playing from somewhere behind a souvenir stand, people waving or just nodding as we passed by. It’s busy but not overwhelming; you can blend in or just watch everything happen around you. I still think about that stretch of river sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bamboo rafting and shopping in Montego Bay

• Travel to Lethe hills
• Board hand-crafted bamboo raft
• Float downstream on Great River
• Listen to nature and music
• Stop for jerk chicken or fish
• Enjoy limestone foot massage
• Swim, dance, and take pictures
• Return upstream to starting point
• Drive back to accommodation
• Visit Hip Strip for lunch and shopping

Top questions

How long does bamboo rafting in Montego Bay take?

The rafting portion usually lasts about an hour downstream plus time for stops like lunch or massage.

Is hotel pickup included for this Montego Bay tour?

Yes, private round trip transportation with hotel pickup is included.

What should I wear for bamboo rafting in Lethe?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet; sandals or water shoes are best.

Is food provided during the bamboo rafting tour?

You can enjoy freshly made jerk chicken or fish during your ride on the river.

Can infants join this Montego Bay bamboo rafting tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport and rafting.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries but suits most fitness levels.

What else is included besides rafting?

The experience includes a limestone foot massage and time to shop or have lunch on Montego Bay’s Hip Strip.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered, bottled water throughout, personalized guidance from your local captain, bamboo rafting down the Great River with an optional limestone foot massage right onboard, plus time to explore shops or grab lunch along Montego Bay’s Hip Strip before heading back.