White River tubing in Ocho Rios: 3 miles through pools and rapids

Float downriver through tropical forest, steer yourself through the rapids

A 3-mile tubing journey on Jamaica's White River in Ocho Rios takes you through pools and gentle rapids alongside tropical forest, with a local guide leading the way. After the river, you swim at a private beach with a lounge chair, then head to Scotchies Restaurant for a classic jerk chicken lunch. Round-trip transport from the cruise pier, lunch and a non-alcoholic drink are included.

The experience

The White River tubing starts from the Ocho Rios cruise pier with round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. You'll spend 45 minutes on the water, steering your tube through pools deep enough to float in and gentle rapids that move you downstream. A local guide stays with the group the whole way, pointing out the riverbanks and tropical forest as you pass. The river does the work. You just hold on and navigate the natural channels carved into the water.

Once you reach the beach, you get access to a private stretch with a personal lounge chair, palm trees at your back and Jamaica's warm water in front. You can swim or sit and dry off before heading to lunch. Scotchies Restaurant is known for its jerk chicken, served with rice or festival (a fried cornmeal side) and a non-alcoholic beverage. The meal is included in the price, and the setting, open-air with views, is part of the experience.

The whole outing runs about four hours from the time you leave the pier. A local guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with your group throughout. Children as young as three can come along, though the activity requires at least moderate fitness and isn't suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns. The river current is steady but not extreme, and the guide will help anyone who needs it.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from the Ocho Rios cruise pier in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• 45-minute guided tubing journey on the White River.
• access to a private beach with a personal lounge chair.
• lunch at Scotchies Restaurant with jerk chicken, rice or festival, and a non-alcoholic beverage.
• a local guide who speaks English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 40 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Jamaica Unique Tours

Is this one for you?You tube the river yourself (steering through pools and rapids with the guide alongside), so this suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to actively navigate the water rather than watch from a boat. Children from age three can ride along, though the rapids and river current mean it's not for travelers with spinal injuries or serious health concerns.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How deep is the White River where you tube?

The White River has pools deep enough to float in comfortably, with gentle rapids connecting them. The guide will show you how to navigate each section as you move downstream.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer?

You stay in your tube the entire time, so swimming ability isn't required. A local guide stays with the group and can help if you need support in the water.

Is the jerk chicken at Scotchies included in the price?

Yes, lunch at Scotchies Restaurant is included: jerk chicken with rice or festival, plus a non-alcoholic drink like soda or water.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear to use at the beach?

Snorkeling equipment is not included with this activity. You can bring your own if you'd like to use it during the beach time.

How long is the actual tubing on the river?

The tubing portion takes 45 minutes. The full outing, including transport, beach time and lunch, runs about four hours from the cruise pier.