Montego Bay: River Tubing & Bamboo Beach Club Lunch

Summary

Float rio bueno’s rapids then taste jerk chicken by the sea

You’ll float down Rio Bueno’s calm rapids with a local guide leading the way before relaxing at Bamboo Beach Club near Montego Bay. Enjoy cocktails and a four-course beachside lunch—think jerk chicken and banana fritters—with plenty of time to soak up sun or try a few dance steps if you’re brave enough.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about river tubing in Montego Bay. Not scared, just...unsure if I’d look ridiculous tumbling into the water (spoiler: I did, but so did everyone else). Our guide, Andre, had this easy way of making us laugh—he called the river “Jamaica’s lazy rollercoaster.” The drive out was longer than I expected, maybe 45 minutes or so, but windows down, reggae on the radio, it felt right. When we finally reached the Rio Bueno, the air smelled green and earthy—wet leaves and something sweet drifting from somewhere upstream.

The safety talk was quick (life jackets are not optional), then we crossed this wobbly wooden bridge—someone behind me joked it was “extra adventure.” The water was cool but not freezing. Once we settled into our tubes, Andre floated nearby, pointing out birds and telling stories about how the Spanish first came up this same river. There were moments of gentle rapids—nothing wild—but enough to make you grab the handles tight for a second. Mostly though, it was peaceful. Just jungle all around and that soft slap-slap sound as your tube drifted into sunlight patches. At one point Andre started singing; honestly wish I could remember the tune.

After we hit the spot where river meets Caribbean Sea (the color shift is unreal), they loaded us back up for Bamboo Beach Club. The vibe there is pure relaxation—feet in sand, salty breeze, someone mixing rum punch nearby. Lunch came in waves: jerk chicken with crispy skin, plantains sticky-sweet, banana fritters that disappeared too fast. One of the hostesses tried to teach us a dance move between courses—I gave up after two steps and just laughed with her instead.

I still think about that lazy float and how my fingers wrinkled from the river water. If you’re looking for a day trip from Montego Bay that’s got some adventure but doesn’t leave you wiped out (and includes pickup), this one just feels good—messy hair and all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — River tubing and beach club relaxation

• Drive 45 minutes to tubing river
• Attend safety briefing
• Walk across Irie bridge and jungle trail
• Tube down Rio Bueno river
• Float to Caribbean Sea
• Travel to Bamboo Beach Club
• Relax on beach chair
• Enjoy cocktail demonstrations and drinks
• Eat 4-course tapas lunch beachside

Top questions

How long does the Montego Bay river tubing tour last?

The tubing portion lasts about 45 minutes; including transport and beach club time, expect several hours total.

Is lunch included at Bamboo Beach Club?

Yes, a four-course tapas-style lunch is served beachside after tubing.

Are drinks provided during this day trip?

You get three alcoholic and three non-alcoholic house beverages included at Bamboo Beach Club.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from Montego Bay hotels is included.

What should I bring for river tubing in Jamaica?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water shoes, change of clothes (optional), and cash or cards.

Can kids join the river tubing tour?

Yes; children under 6 ride in larger tubes on an adult’s lap for safety.

Is there a weight limit for tubing?

The maximum weight allowed is 280 lbs per person.

Are guides certified for safety on this trip?

Yes; both professional river guides and certified lifeguards accompany you throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Montego Bay, all necessary safety gear for river tubing on Rio Bueno with a certified guide by your side, entrance to Bamboo Beach Club with padded chairs waiting for you on arrival, plus a four-course tapas lunch served right on the sand alongside three house cocktails or soft drinks—and light entertainment mixed in while you relax before heading back.