Montego Bay: Bamboo Rafting & Local Shopping with Guide

Summary

Float Lethe River then wander Montego Bay’s Hip-Strip shops

You’ll float down the Lethe River on a handmade bamboo raft with a local guide, try a limestone foot massage, sip fresh coconut water, and explore Montego Bay’s Hip-Strip for shopping or snacks. Expect real moments with locals and plenty of time to soak in Jamaica’s pace — not just sights but feelings you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we pulled up by the Lethe River — just that I’d seen those photos of bamboo rafts drifting under trees and it looked peaceful. But stepping onto that raft, with our captain (I think his name was Devon?) grinning and steadying the pole, it felt different. The river was cool and greenish, moving slow enough that you could hear birds somewhere in the bush. Devon pointed out a breadfruit tree and laughed when I tried to say “ackee” with a Jamaican accent — I definitely didn’t nail it.

There was this moment where he scooped up some limestone mud and started working it into my feet — not something I’d ever had done before, honestly. It was gritty but kind of soothing, and the smell of the river mixed with coconut from the drink he handed me after. We drifted past kids waving from the bank and a woman hanging laundry in bright sun. The whole thing felt unhurried, like nobody was watching the clock. If you’re looking for a day trip from Montego Bay that actually lets you slow down, this is it.

Afterwards we headed back into town for shopping on the Hip-Strip — Gloucester Avenue is loud in a good way, music coming out of shops and people calling out about souvenirs or sugar cane. I picked up some jerk seasoning (maybe too much?) and watched a group of locals argue over dominoes outside a bar. There’s an energy here that’s hard to explain unless you’ve walked through it yourself. We could’ve stopped for food — I wish we had more time for that — but even just wandering felt like part of the story.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bamboo rafting and Hip-Strip shopping

• Meet professional raft captain
• Board handmade bamboo raft
• Enjoy serene Lethe River ride
• Receive limestone foot massage
• Taste coconut, sugar cane, champagne
• Explore Montego Bay city highlights
• Shop at Montego Bay Hip-Strip

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this bamboo rafting tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day.

What do you get during the Lethe River rafting experience?

The tour includes bamboo rafting with a local captain, a limestone foot massage, fresh coconut, sugar cane, and champagne.

How long does the bamboo rafting part take?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect an unhurried float downriver with plenty of time to relax.

Can you shop during this Montego Bay day trip?

Yes, there’s time to shop along Montego Bay’s Hip-Strip (Gloucester Avenue) after rafting.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but there’s an option to stop at a local restaurant if you want authentic Jamaican food.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the info provided.

Who leads the rafting tour on Lethe River?

An experienced local raft captain guides each bamboo raft trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Montego Bay, guided bamboo rafting on the Lethe River with an experienced raft captain, fresh coconut and sugar cane snacks along the way, a limestone foot massage (just feet!), champagne on board if you want it, time to shop along Gloucester Avenue’s Hip-Strip, plus an option to stop at a local restaurant before heading back.