Montego Bay & Negril: Bamboo Raft, Beach & Rick’s Café Day

Summary

Bamboo rafting on the Great River plus Negril’s lively beach stops

You’ll float down Jamaica’s Great River on a bamboo raft with a local guide, try a limestone foot massage, then kick back at Negril’s Seven-Mile Beach before heading to Rick’s Café for cliffside views and live music. Expect laughter, new flavors, and moments you’ll want to replay in your head long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before noon, but there we were — drifting down the Great River on a bamboo raft, sunlight flickering through the trees. Our raft captain, Devon, handed me a jelly coconut he’d just picked (he actually climbed up for it — I was half-worried he’d fall). The river was quiet except for birds and the soft slap of water against bamboo. My feet got this limestone scrub right there on the raft; it felt gritty and cool, and honestly, my skin still feels softer days later. Devon told us about his grandmother’s remedies for everything from sunburn to heartbreak. I tried to remember them all but only managed “lime and aloe.”

After that, we piled into the van (air-con blessedly strong) and headed toward Negril. Margaritaville was louder than I thought — reggae pulsing from somewhere behind the bar, kids shrieking as they hit the water slide. I sat in the sand with a frozen drink that melted faster than I could finish it. There was this moment when a local guy tried teaching us to “buss a whine” (I’m not even going to describe my attempt). The sand stuck everywhere but nobody cared; everyone just seemed happy to be there.

Rick’s Café came last — perched high over these wild blue cliffs. People cheered every time someone jumped off into the sea below. I watched a girl hesitate for ages before finally leaping; everyone clapped like she’d won something big. The sunset wasn’t perfect (clouds rolled in), but somehow that made it better — less postcard, more real life. We sipped cold drinks and listened to live music while locals danced barefoot nearby. I keep thinking about that feeling of being part of someone else’s everyday for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bamboo rafting and Negril beach visit

• Raft on Great River at Lethe
• Enjoy jelly coconut and foot massage
• Stop at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
• Relax on Seven-Mile Beach
• Visit Rick’s Café cliffs
• Watch or join cliff diving
• Enjoy live music and views

Top questions

How long does the bamboo rafting experience near Montego Bay last?

The bamboo rafting portion typically lasts around 1 hour along the Great River at Lethe.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Montego Bay?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included in your booking.

What should I bring for the day trip to Negril & Rick's Café?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimsuit, towel, camera, and casual clothes suitable for walking and swimming.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels including families and those with limited mobility.

Are entrance fees covered in this tour package?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your day trip booking.

Will there be a local guide during the bamboo rafting?

Yes, an experienced local raft captain guides you along the river and shares stories about Jamaica.

Can I try cliff jumping at Rick's Café?

If you feel brave enough! Cliff jumping is optional at Rick's Café; you can also just watch others jump.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees at each stop along the way—including bamboo rafting on the Great River with a local guide—and plenty of time at both Margaritaville on Seven-Mile Beach and Rick’s Café before heading back in comfort.