Great River Raft Cruise With Montego Bay Hotel Pickup

Montego Bay: Bamboo Raft Cruise on the Great River

★ 4.4 35 reviews

from $105.95 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Bless Up Tours & Transfers

Overview

The raft itself is a 30ft bamboo platform poled along the Great River by a raft captain, drifting through the hills of Lethe, a former sugar and banana estate that now runs river excursions. The route passes under the historic bridge at Lethe, built in 1820. Along the way the captain may stop for a swim, and the river is dotted with floating shops, raft-side vendors selling jerk chicken, patties, fruit and drinks, run by locals who also play music that gets passengers dancing.

Partway through, the captain can rub your legs with limestone from the riverbank, a scrub and massage that several travellers describe as a highlight. Back on land, the same driver returns you to your hotel or Airbnb.

The whole outing runs three to four hours door to door, with pickup and drop-off in Montego Bay. Bring cash, because food and drinks are sold separately and are not part of the ticket.

What's Included

Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entry and activity fee
Driver/guide

Not Included

Food and drinks

Itinerary

Hotel pickupA driver collects you from your Montego Bay hotel or Airbnb. Pickup and drop-off in Montego Bay are included.
Van transfer to LetheYou ride by van into the hills along the Great River, which borders the parishes of Hanover and St. James.
Bamboo raft cruiseYou board a 30ft bamboo raft with a raft captain and drift along the Great River, passing under the historic bridge at Lethe. Swimming stops are made at suitable spots.
Floating shopsOptional and at your own expense. Vendors on the river sell jerk chicken, patties, fruit and beverages.
Limestone scrubOptional. Captains offer a foot and leg scrub using limestone found along the riverbank.
Van transfer backYou return by van to Montego Bay, with drop-off at one of several drop-off locations.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points make the day smoother, from what to carry on the raft to how the food and drinks actually work.

Bring cash. Cash is on the listing's what-to-bring list, and for good reason. Food and drinks are not included and are bought from the floating shops along the river.
Swim and sun. Pack a towel, water shoes, comfortable clothes and a waterproof camera. The listing suggests swimming at suitable spots, so dress for getting wet.
Slow and easy pace. One reviewer wished the stretch sailed were longer, so expect a relaxed ride rather than a long expedition.
Food and drinks on the water. Budget for these separately, since the ticket does not cover them.
Music and a party feel. Several reviewers describe music playing from the raft shops, people dancing and everyone vibing. It is a social, upbeat atmosphere rather than a quiet nature cruise.
Guides who talk. Reviewers repeatedly praise both drivers and raft captains for being informative about Jamaican history and for being patient and kind throughout the day.

Common issues. Food and drinks are excluded, so anything bought from the floating shops is extra. Pickup is limited to Montego Bay hotels and Airbnbs, so travellers staying elsewhere cannot use this product. One reviewer regretted that the rafted stretch of river felt short, so manage expectations on how far the ride goes.

Common Questions

Is Food Included On The Great River Bamboo Raft Cruise?

No. The listing states food and drinks are not included. Vendors on floating shops along the river sell jerk chicken, patties, fruit and beverages for cash, and several travellers describe buying these during the ride.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Montego Bay are included, along with the entry and activity fee and a driver/guide. The tour only picks up from Montego Bay hotels and Airbnbs, so it does not suit travellers based elsewhere.

How Long Does The Tour Take?

The listing gives a duration of three to four hours. That covers pickup, the van transfer to Lethe, the raft cruise and the ride back to your accommodation.

What Happens On The Raft?

A raft captain poles a 30ft bamboo raft along the Great River and under the historic Lethe bridge, built in 1820. There are chances to swim, floating shops selling food and drinks with music, and an optional foot and leg scrub using limestone from the riverbank.

What Should I Bring?

The listing recommends comfortable shoes and clothes, water shoes, a towel, a waterproof camera and cash. Cash matters most, since food and drinks are not covered by the ticket.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as the listing states. For anything inside that window, check the terms on the booking page before you rely on a refund.