Rafting on the Rio Grande

Rafting on the Rio Grande is one of the activities that Portland, Jamaica is famous for. I have seen where persons confuse it with a white water rafting type of activity. It is quite the opposite; you take a leisurely, nearly 8- mile ride down river on handmade bamboo rafts. I had been rafting before, but my boyfriend hadn’t so I decided to introduce him to it. It is a very peaceful and relaxing journey and I quite enjoy it.

Getting There

I prefer to start the journey at Rafter’s Rest- the official ticket office in St. Margaret’s Bay at the mouth of the Rio Grande. There, you can safely park your vehicle, then retrieve it and leave right after your tour is completed. The other option is to head up the hills to where the tour actually begins at Berrydale, then have a driver take your car down to Rafter’s rest.

Once you buy your ticket at Rafter’s Rest, they then call a taxi for you to take you up to Berrydale (the taxi fare is not included in the ticket). The drive up itself can be quite nice. There are several points at which you can catch glimpses of stunning vistas, including a view of Blue Mountain Peak in the distance.

The Tour- Rafting on the Rio Grande

At the Berrydale office, they assign you a raft captain and off you go. To become a raft captain takes several years of grueling apprenticeship, so you are in good hands.  The apprenticeship includes hauling rafts (at least two at a time) all the way back upriver once guests have finished their trip. No mean feat I must say. however, it seems to be quite an excellent fitness regime. Our captain Sydney was 74 years old, but still as strong and limber as ever. It was quite amazing really. He attributed his good health to his occupation, in combination with a good diet.

Relax and take in the scenery

Ever so often some vendors, also on rafts will pass by offer cold drinks and even jelly coconuts. You will also likely pass persons spear fishing and collecting a river mollusc called Bussu. I’m not sure what the scientific name is, but it is quite good in a soup. Bussu seems to be endemic to this side of the island. So much so that there used to be a Bussu festival.

There is a spot to stop to eat along the way at Belinda’s. There isn’t much to the physical structure, and on a slow day you might miss it. However, there was quite a bit of activity that day and the place was buzzing. We didn’t stop this time around, but I had on a previous trip and the food was quite good. Bear in mind that this is the only place along the way to have a meal during the trip.

There are several delightful spots and pools along the way that you may ask your captain to stop at so you can have a swim. Soon after passing Belinda’s, we asked Sydney to stop. Nothing quite like a refreshing river dip. We frolicked in the water for a bit while Sydney went over to visit his friends at the stall.

Towards the end of the journey, the going slows down as the river’s current speed decreases. You also start to see more activity along the river banks. Finally bend a corner and can see the bridge over the mouth of the river, and the sea beyond.

Tips:

• If driving, definitely park at Rafter’s Rest and take a taxi up.
• This may not be the best activity for young children who may become easily bored.
• My boyfriend did not follow my advice to bring a hat. Luckily his girlfriend was prepared and brought a hat for him- for which he was eventually very grateful. Don’t be like him…take along a hat with you.
• Also take along sunscreen, a hat, water and snacks. Water shoes are not essential, but may make you more comfortable if you decide to come off the raft and explore a little.
• For visitors it is usually possible to book this tour through your hotel
• You can call Rafter’s Rest beforehand at (876) 993 5778. This may only necessary if going with a group.

Costs :

• Tour: The Tour costs ~ USD 74 per raft (up to two adults and a child). Locals should ask for the special rate
• Taxi~ USD 18

Time:

• Budget at least half-day

Need help planning a rafting trip? Let me know ! –[email protected]