Montego Bay: Bamboo Rafting & Margaritaville Combo Tour

Summary

Raft the Great River then relax at Margaritaville in Montego Bay

You’ll float down Jamaica’s Great River on a hand-built bamboo raft with a local guide, get your feet smoothed by a limestone massage, then unwind at lively Margaritaville in Montego Bay. Expect reggae tunes, riverside stories, good food, and time to just soak up Jamaica’s mood — sometimes loud, sometimes peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t know what to expect from bamboo rafting on the Great River near Montego Bay. The drive out of town was quiet, just the hum of the van’s AC and the guide, Andre, telling us stories about Hanover Parish. When we got to the river, it was all green light through the trees and that earthy smell you get before rain. The rafts are long and handmade — I kept wondering how they even float with two people on them. Our raft captain, Jermaine, grinned when he saw my face and said, “Trust me, you’re safe.” I did.

Floating downstream is slow — in a good way. There’s music playing from a little speaker (Jermaine let us pick reggae or soca), but mostly it’s just water sounds and birds. He pointed out breadfruit trees and showed us how limestone paste is made from river rocks. The foot massage part was… weirdly great? Cold paste on your feet, then he rubbed it in with practiced hands. My skin felt smooth after — not sure if that’s magic or science but I liked it. We passed some kids waving from the bank; one tried to sell us mangoes but we were too slow to grab them.

After rafting, we headed back toward Montego Bay for Margaritaville on the Hip Strip. It’s loud there — music thumping, people laughing over frozen drinks, everyone half-sandy from the beach. We grabbed a table by the water and watched cruise ship folks jump off the water trampolines (I chickened out). Lunch was jerk chicken with that smoky-sweet smell that sticks to your fingers for hours. Andre checked in on us now and then but mostly let us do our thing.

I still think about drifting under those big trees on the Great River — how quiet it got for a minute before someone started singing along to Bob Marley. If you want something easy but real near Montego Bay, this day trip is worth it. Just don’t wear shoes you care about; mine still have limestone dust in them somewhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — River rafting and Margaritaville visit

• Raft down river on bamboo raft
• Enjoy music from portable speaker
• Take limestone paste foot massage
• Visit Margaritaville for drinks and food
• Watch sunset and swim at Margaritaville

Top questions

How long does the bamboo rafting take on this tour?

The bamboo rafting portion typically lasts around 1 hour as you drift slowly down the Great River with your guide.

Is pickup included for this Montego Bay tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included for all guests booking this experience.

What is included at Margaritaville during this tour?

Your entry fee covers access to Margaritaville’s facilities where you can swim or relax; food and drinks are available for purchase.

Can I choose only river rafting or only Margaritaville?

Yes, travelers can choose either activity or both as part of their booking options.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

No traditional lunch is included but you can order food at Margaritaville during your free time there.

Are there any health restrictions for river rafting?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health but is suitable for most fitness levels otherwise.

What should I bring for the Great River rafting?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet or dusty; bottled water is provided.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Montego Bay or nearby areas, bottled water throughout the journey, entry fees for both bamboo river rafting (with limestone foot massage) and Margaritaville if selected—plus plenty of time to relax or explore at each stop before heading back home.