Rio Grande Rafting Tour

The Rio Grande Rafting Tour is one of the most popular tours in Port Antonio.  It starts with an approximately 45 minute scenic drive from your Port Antonio area hotel, where your driver will point out local points of interest along the way.  You are welcome to stop for photos or any other reasons at any time.

Your driver will deliver you to your Raft Captain, then wait for your arrival to “Rafters Rest” after your 2 1/2 - 3 hour excursion.  

The Rio Grande Rafting Tour is available 7 days a week.  Each raft carries 2 adults and 1 small child.

This is a personalized, custom tour.  You can choose your date and start time.  (We suggest your latest start time to be 2:00 pm). You may choose if and when you’d like to stop for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner.  (You are welcome to bring or request a picnic lunch if you wish!) Melinda's on the River is an excellent choice for food and beverages for purchase.

You are on a river, and welcome to go for a swim, so dress appropriately.  Other items that come in handy are water proof carriers (a simple one is a zip lock bag) and a towel.  You can also choose to stay virtually completely dry on your trip.  This is an appropriate tour for any age traveller.

After selecting the date of your excursion, type in the ‘comments’ section the start time and other pertinent details, such as which meal stops you’d like to make.  If there is an adjustment that needs to be made, we will contact you.

It’s been said “Necessity is the Mother of Invention”.  In the case of the Rio Grande River Rafting, that’s the beginning of its story.  Bamboo rafts were originally used to transport produce, especially bananas from the interior of Portland  to the coast for transport.  The famous 1950’s actor, Errol Flynn popularized Bamboo Rafting for fun.

Today, the Rio Grande River Rafting is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Port Antonio and Jamaicans alike.  Your Raft Captain is not only skilled, but also licensed.  Your Captain will pole you down the river while you relax and absorb the beauty and allure of this lifeline to Portland.  Your Captain may regal you with local lore and information about flora and fauna of the area.  (It may or may not be true)  Let your Captain know if you are bringing a picnic.  He will advise you on the best spot.  (You may want to pack a little extra for him.)  

One of the most popular spots on the tour is “Lover’s Lane”.  Couples, you don’t want to miss this... wink, wink.

The rafts are made up of long bamboo logs bound together to make your raft about 4 feet wide and about 25 to 30 feet long.  An elevated “loveseat” or “lounge chair”, also made from bamboo seats 2 adults (and possibly 1 small child).

While relaxing upon your bamboo ‘throne’, you will be enveloped in the lushness of the river valley; some of the greatest beauty your eyes can behold.  Intermingled with this glory is the everyday life that relies on this river.  You may see swimmers spearing fish, women doing laundry, a few ‘salespeople’ selling local arts and crafts, or children playing along the banks.  

At the end of this spectacular 2 1/2 to 3 hour journey, you will arrive at Rafters Rest. Here you will find changing rooms, restrooms and a restaurant.  Truly, you have experienced one of Portland’s finest attractions.