River Rafting in Jamaica

River Rafting

Jamaica's many rivers mean a multitude of freshwater experiences, from mild to wild. Relaxing rafting trips aboard bamboo rafts poled by local boatmen are almost a symbol of Jamaica and the island's first tourist activity outside the beaches. Recently soft-adventure enthusiasts have also been able to opt for white-water action as well with guided tours through several operators.

Bamboo rafting in Jamaica originated on the Rio Grande, a river in the Port Antonio area. Jamaicans had long used the bamboo rafts to transport bananas downriver; decades ago actor and Port Antonio resident Errol Flynn saw the rafts and thought they'd make a good tourist attraction. Today the slow rides are a favorite with romantic travelers and anyone looking to get off the beach for a few hours. The popularity of the Rio Grande's trips spawned similar trips down the Martha Brae River, about 25 mi (40 km) from MoBay. Another possibility from MoBay is the River Lethe, about 12 mi (19 km) southwest; the trip takes about 50 minutes. Near Ocho Rios, the White River has lazy river rafting in the daytime, followed by romantic river floats at night with the passage lighted by torches.

Jamaica Tours Limited (Providence Dr., Montego Bay. 876/953-3700. www.jamaicatoursltd.com) conducts trips down the River Lethe, approximately 12 mi (19 km; a 50-minute trip) southwest of MoBay; the four-hour excursion costs about $54 per person, includes lunch, and takes you through unspoiled hill country. Bookings can also be made through hotel tour desks. Martha Brae River Rafting (Claude Clarke Ave., Montego Bay. 876/952-0889. www.jamaicarafting.com) leads trips down the Martha Brae River, about 25 mi (40 km) from most hotels in MoBay. The cost is $45 per person for the 1 1/2-hour river run. Rio Grande Tours (St. Margaret's Bay. 876/993-5778) guides raft trips down the Rio Grande; the cost is $52 per raft. South Coast Safaris Ltd. (1 Crane St., Black River. 876/965-2513) takes visitors on slow cruises up the river to see the birds and other animals, including crocodiles.

For white-water buffs, several operators offer guided tours of varying levels, ranging from tubing to kayaking. Chukka Caribbean Adventures offers white-water tubing on the White River, a soft adventure that doesn't require any previous rafting experience. Rafters travel in a convoy along the river and through some gentle rapids.[. Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. 876/972-2506. www.chukkacaribbean.com

If you're looking for a more rugged adventure, then consider a white-water rafting trip with Caliche Rainforest (Montego Bay. 876/940-1745. www.whitewaterraftingmontegobay.com); you must be 14 years old for this trip. The company also offers a less strenuous rafting trip for all ages.