Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Experience Idyllic River Rafting Adventure
At Rio Grande Jamaica
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!
When the Spanish came here in the 15th century, they were captivated and somewhat mesmerized by this large roaring river nestled in the lush green hills and valley of Portland. They aptly named it "Rio Grande", which was befitting for one of the largest rivers in Jamaica with a size of 3034km! Read: History of Jamaica
New! How much do you love Jamaica?
Join our growing list of well-thinking Jamaica-loving folks who are demonstrating what a friendly, helpful and fun Jamaican community looks like. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
Fast forward to the 20th and 21st century and it would have transitioned from transporting produce from inland to the coast, to now, Portland's and by extension, Jamaica’s most iconic river rafting adventure - for both locals and visitors to the island.
Should I also add that this idea of rafting as an attraction was originally inspired by
Hollywood movie star Errol Flynn who fell in love with this heaven on earth parish (Portland) and made it his home.
Read more about Errol Flynn and other famous persons who lived in Jamaica here.
The river makes its way from Blue Mountains’ northern slopes and runs slowly through the hills and valleys of Portland.
There are different entry points to the Rio Grande - which will, of course, determine the length of your tour. A great starting point for your tour is at Rafter’s Rest, St. Margaret’s Bay in Portland.
Fear Rafting?
Have no fear! The Rio Grande is the home of rafting in Jamaica for good reason! You will be in for a safe excursion of bamboo rafting on the river with a skilled, professional, and licensed raft captain.
And The Bamboos/ Rafts?
No worries either. These rafts are carefully built with long bamboo logs which are expertly tied together to give you a comfortable space of about 4 feet wide and up to 30 feet long.
They also feature an elevated bamboo love seat or lounge chair for you to cuddle up as you head down the river while your captain provide historical facts and popular folklore about the place and the adventure. The raft typically accommodates two adults and a small child.
The Adventure
Your 2-3 hour journey will include a memorable learning experience of
Portland’s best flora and fauna, which you will not just hear about but
get to see first hand!
Jamaica's nature in all it’s glory is revealed
for you to enjoy.
Do consider utilizing the luxury of having a picnic during the tour. Just be sure to let your captain know of your snack plans as he will recommend the best spot for you.
Ask about the famous "Lover’s Lane" spot! By the way, be sure to watch Dihalli's video below to get further insight into this unique Jamaican adventure.
And whatever you do, don’t forget to take your camera or phone to capture these moments of a lifetime!
I Should Tell You...
You will be sure to come across art and craft vendors plying their
wares, local women washing clothes, the chatter and the laughter of kids
running and playing along the river bank without a care in the world.
You might just be in time to see fisher-folks spearing fish or with
their catch of the day as well. In summary, we call it, #TheRealJamaica experience!
Visitor Stories
At least two of our ardent subscribers have shared their experience of rafting on the rio grande in Portland.
- Karlene Edwards from Stonybrook, New York
https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/rafting-the-rio-grande.html - Bryant Loung from California
https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/rafting-on-the-rio-grande-river.html
Be sure to read about their experiences as well.
And, if you've been here before as well, please share it with us here.
How To Get Here
A Google Map is below, but arrangement should be made with your hotel tour desk or your local tour guide.
The distance is approximately:
- 3 hours and 20 minutes from the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay via the north coast,
- Or 2 hours and 20 minutes from the Norman Manley International Airport In Kingston.
VIDEO! Watch Rafting On Rio Grande Jamaica
Dihalli shares her experience at Rio Grande Jamaica on YouTube. Watch the video below to gain an insight on what you can expect.
Map & Directions To Rio Grande Jamaica
You have received :-)
Now share you new found knowledge with your friends!
You might like these as well
Seville Great House Jamaica | Historical Site And Park
Ahh, the Seville Great House Jamaica. The building holds great significance to Jamaican history and culture, so why not take a look around yourself?
Must Have Experiences In Jamaica...That Don’t Include The Beach
Jamaica boasts many beaches, of which we are immensely proud. But, take a step back from the sand and sea for some other must have experiences in Jamaica.
References:
- Rio Grande Rafting Tour, http://www.portantonio.com/tours/rio-grande-rafting-tour.html
- Rio Grande (Jamaica), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Grande_(Jamaica)
- River Rafting on the Rio Grande, https://www.visitjamaica.com/blog/post/river-rafting-on-the-rio-grande
Other Pages Related To Rio Grande Jamaica
Return to Places To Visit In Jamaica from Rio Grande Jamaica
Return to My Island Jamaica from Rio Grande Jamaica
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
NEW!
Join the growing list of well-thinking, Jamaica-Loving folks in our vibrant Private Community
👇🏿
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
Seville Great House Jamaica | Historical Site And Park
Apr 26, 24 12:52 PM
Ahh, the Seville Great House Jamaica. The building holds great significance to Jamaican history and culture, so why not take a look around yourself? -
How Much Is Property Tax In Jamaica?
Apr 25, 24 08:46 PM
Purchasing your own land is a major accomplishment but the thought of paying property tax can be daunting. How much is property tax in Jamaica by the way? -
How To Apply For An H2B Visa In Jamaica?
Apr 25, 24 02:07 PM
For many Jamaican locals and H2B visa is the key to their dreams. Ready to take on that journey? This is how to apply for an H2B visa in Jamaica. -
Medical Scholarships in Jamaica
Apr 23, 24 04:21 PM
Pursuing a career in medicine is a noble aspiration, however it is quite expensive. These medical scholarships in Jamaica helps to ease the financial burden. -
Why Do People Like Jamaica So Much?
Apr 23, 24 03:00 PM
Jamaica is one of the top vacation destinations in the Caribbean, which may have you wondering, why do people like Jamaica so much?
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest and check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.