Rio Grande Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande is Portland's signature experience - a tradition that dates back to when banana farmers floated their produce downstream to Port Antonio's harbour for export. Errol Flynn is often credited with turning it into a recreational activity when he began rafting the river for pleasure in the 1940s. Today, a licensed raft captain poles a two-person bamboo raft along an 8-mile stretch of the river, gliding through a jungle corridor of overhanging bamboo, tropical trees, and limestone banks over approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The pace is deliberately unhurried, with stops for swimming in river pools and purchasing fresh coconut water, roasted corn, and jerk chicken from riverside vendors. The Rio Grande is Jamaica's third-largest river, and its waters are clean, warm, and gentle - no rapids or rough sections on the rafting route. Departure is from Berridale, with rafts arriving at Rafter's Rest near the coast. A driver typically meets you at the end point. Aurum Transfers coordinates the logistics from OCJ Airport in about 2 hours for $465 for up to four guests, with Starlink WiFi.