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Bamboo river rafting · Portland

Rafting on the Rio Grande, Portland: a local's guide

By Michael RainfordBorn and raised in JamaicaPrices & hours checked Sources
On this page
  1. My local take
  2. How to get there
  3. What to expect
  4. Local tips
  5. Before you go
  6. FAQ
  7. Sources

My local take

This is the original Jamaican river rafting. Banana farmers floated their fruit down this river to St Margaret’s Bay long before it was a tourist ride, and the north-coast rafting trips came later, copying the idea. You sit on a two-seat bamboo raft while your captain poles you down the river through the valley. It suits couples and anyone who wants a quiet few hours on the water, not thrills. My take: if you’re staying in Portland, it’s the one trip I’d book first. From Ocho Rios or Kingston it’s a long day, so only do it if you’ll pair it with more of the parish.

Nearby, the Blue Lagoon is a short drive east of Port Antonio, and Reach Falls is further along the coast. For more of the parish, see my Portland guide.

How to get there

The trip ends at Rafter’s Rest in St Margaret’s Bay, on the coast road a short drive west of Port Antonio, and that’s where you buy your ticket and meet the raft captains. The full trip starts upriver at Berrydale, so you’re taken from Rafter’s Rest up into the Rio Grande Valley to board. The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), which runs the attraction, also runs a shorter trip of about 90 minutes that starts at Rafter’s Rest itself.

TPDCo puts Rafter’s Rest about 108 km, or 2 hours 15 minutes, from either Ocho Rios or Kingston. From Montego Bay it’s a much longer drive, so most people coming from the west do it as part of a stay in Portland. If you’re driving yourself, ask at Rafter’s Rest how they’ll get your car to the finish while you’re on the river.

If you’re coming from the north coast and want a shorter trip, Martha Brae River Rafting near Falmouth is closer.

Without a car: Route taxis run along the coast road between Port Antonio and points west, past St Margaret's Bay. From further away, come with a licensed JUTA taxi or tour and agree the price and waiting time first.

What to expect

Rafting on the Rio Grande is run by TPDCo, the government’s tourism product agency, and the rafts are poled by licensed raft captains. TPDCo says the captains are trained in First Aid and CPR and are strong swimmers, and The Gleaner reported that about 80 captains work the river. Each raft is a long bamboo raft, built to the River Rafting Authority’s rules and licensed to carry two passengers, so a couple or two friends share one captain.

There are two trips. The traditional one starts at Berrydale in the Rio Grande Valley and runs down to Rafter’s Rest at the river’s mouth in St Margaret’s Bay, a ride of 2 to 3 hours. The shorter trip, added by TPDCo, takes about 90 minutes. Refreshments and craft items are on sale at Rafter’s Rest.

TPDCo doesn’t publish its current prices online, so ask for the current price at Rafter’s Rest or Berrydale before you go.

Local tips

  • Buy your ticket only at the TPDCo offices at Rafter’s Rest or Berrydale, not from the unlicensed operators who offer rides on the river. TPDCo warns that rafting without a ticket it issued is an offence under the River Rafting Act.

  • The 2025 hurricane swept away nearly 140 rafts, so call Rafter’s Rest on (876) 993-5778 before you set out to check the river is running and enough rafts are free for your group.

  • Carry cash for a tip. Your captain is the guide, the steerer and the storyteller, and tipping is expected.

  • Bring sun protection, water and a dry bag for your phone. You’re sitting low on the river for hours.

  • Don’t go after heavy rain. The Rio Grande rises fast.

Before you go

  • You sit low on a bamboo raft in the sun and step on and off at the river’s edge. It isn’t suited to anyone with limited mobility.

Questions people ask

Is Rio Grande rafting open?

Yes. The Jamaica Tourist Board lists it as open. Call Rafter’s Rest before you go to check enough rafts are free.

How much is rafting on the Rio Grande?

TPDCo doesn’t publish current prices online. Confirm the current price at Rafter’s Rest or Berrydale, and pay only there.

How long is the Rio Grande raft ride?

The traditional trip from Berrydale down to Rafter’s Rest takes 2 to 3 hours. TPDCo also runs a shorter trip of about 90 minutes.

Where does Rio Grande rafting start and finish?

The full trip starts at Berrydale in the Rio Grande Valley and finishes at Rafter’s Rest in St Margaret’s Bay, where the river meets the sea west of Port Antonio. Tickets are sold at both places.

How far is the Rio Grande from Ocho Rios?

TPDCo puts it about 108 km, or 2 hours 15 minutes, from Ocho Rios, and about the same from Kingston.

Sources & updates

Update log

  • — New researched guide. Listed open after Hurricane Melissa; raft numbers and current prices not published, so readers are told to call ahead.
  • — Removed repeated advice
  • — Trimmed hurricane references to where they change the advice

Spotted something out of date? Tell me and I’ll check it.