Rafting Rio Grande from Ocho Rios: Port Antonio day trip

Bamboo raft down the Rio Grande with three stops in Portland parish

A 7-hour day trip from Ocho Rios into Portland parish, visiting Port Antonio's main attractions: Somerset Falls (with a swim option), rafting down the Rio Grande on a bamboo raft, and Frenchman's Cove beach. Includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned van, a local guide speaking English, and bottled water. Minimum two people per booking. Children welcome from age 13.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Port Antonio and Surroundings

• Pickup from Ocho Rios resort
• Travel through Jamaica's countryside
• Visit Somerset Falls and swim or canoe
• Raft down Rio Grande River
• Eat at Boston Jerk Center
• Relax at Frenchman Cove Beach
• Return to Ocho Rios hotel

The experience

The journey starts with pickup from your Ocho Rios resort in an air-conditioned van, then travels 2 hours through Jamaica's interior countryside. Along the way you pass the Golden Eye Resort and Firefly, Sir Noël Coward's former house, now a National Heritage Site. The route itself is part of the day. You see the land between the coast and Portland parish, not just the destinations.

Somerset Falls is the first stop: a 45-minute walk takes you to a hidden waterfall where you can swim or paddle a canoe upstream. Then comes the Rio Grande, where you board a bamboo raft and float downriver at a pace that lets you absorb the sound of the forest and take photographs without rushing. After that, the tour stops at Boston Jerk Center for authentic Jamaican food (lunch is on your own). The final stop is Frenchman's Cove, a sheltered beach on the north coast known for calm water and white sand, before the return drive to your hotel.

A local guide travels with the group and provides live commentary throughout the day. The van seats the group together, so the guide can point out details during the 2-hour drive and answer questions at each stop. Bring towels, swimwear, sun cream and a camera. The water activities mean you'll want to be ready to get wet.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minivan.
• a local guide speaking English with live commentary.
• bottled water.
• and access to all three main stops: Somerset Falls, the Rio Grande rafting, and Frenchman's Cove beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Marvyn's Paradise Tours Limited

Is this one for you?The day runs 7 hours with a 2-hour drive each way and a 45-minute walk to Somerset Falls, so it suits travelers with a moderate fitness level and a full day to spend. The rafting itself is gentle (you float on a bamboo raft without paddling), but the overall pace is steady and involves water activities, so come ready to be active and get wet.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years). Under 13: they can't be included in the booking.

What is Somerset Falls like when you get there?

Somerset Falls is a hidden waterfall reached by a 45-minute walk. You can swim at the base or paddle a canoe upstream. Both options are available at the same stop.

How does the rafting work on the Rio Grande?

You board a bamboo raft and float downriver at a relaxed pace. The raft moves with the current, so there's no paddling required. You sit and take in the forest and the water.

How long is the drive from Ocho Rios to Port Antonio?

The drive takes 2 hours each way, mostly through Jamaica's interior countryside. You'll pass landmarks like the Golden Eye Resort and Firefly on the way.

Is lunch included in the tour?

The tour stops at Boston Jerk Center, an authentic Jamaican restaurant, but lunch is not included in the price. You order and pay for your own meal there.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring towels, swimwear, sun cream and a camera. You'll be swimming at Somerset Falls and getting on a raft, so plan to get wet and bring a change of clothes.