Raft trip in Jamaica: Which one?

D

Don M

Guest
Greetings -

We'll be in Ocho Rios in January on the Mariner and would like to take a raft trip on one of the rivers. Have any of you taken the trip offered by RCCL, or any other raft trip in Jamaica? Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
C

Cruizer

Guest
This is what I did ...

River Tubing Safari
Moderate
Approximate Duration: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Adult: 58.00 (USD) | Child: 42.00 (USD)

River tubing is great fun for the entire family and a unique way to stay cool while enjoying the tropical countryside of this beautiful island. Your tubing safari begins with a 40-minute transfer to Spanish Bridge, a 17th century landmark located on the White River. On arrival, your guide will issue you a specially designed inner tube, paddle and life jacket. After a brief orientation, you'll begin your guided two to three-mile leisurely float down the river. Experience the lush tropical surroundings as you pass plantations and small houses built on the riverbanks. At the conclusion of your approximately one hour and 30-minute river float, you will arrive at the famous White River Valley facility. This beautiful area offers an impressive view of the tropical side of Jamaica. In addition to the natural beauty, there is the Bar, Grill, and gift shop for you to explore. You will have a short time to enjoy this area before boarding your transportation that will take you back to the ship.

Note: It is recommended that guests wear bathing attire under their clothing and wear aqua socks or sneakers.

Minimum Age: 6 years old.

The specially designed inner tube has a wood bottom tied to it, so if you go over any rocks, you don't end up with any extra cuts in your rear end. I thought it was fun.
 
N

NellieB

Guest
River RAFTING and River TUBING are two very different things! On the Rafting you are "poled" down the river by someone in a two-person bamboo raft. On the Tubing you are in a rubber tube (rather like a rubber tire) and float down the river.

"Rafting on the Martha Brae" (offered by the ship) was not one of my favorite excursions! You will only spend thrity minutes at the most actually rafting on the river. The rest of the time is on a bus going and coming on VERY steep and narrow mountain roads. NellieB
 
C

Cruizer

Guest
Here is a picture of the river tubing (I am the one behind the camera) ...

RiverRaft-OchoRios.jpg
 
P

PH8

Guest
What do you do with your personal belongings as you go down the river??

Also,any vendors bother you??
 
C

Cruizer

Guest
[quote PH8]What do you do with your personal belongings as you go down the river??

Also,any vendors bother you??[/quote]

No vendor problems on the river. There are vendors where the trip ends, but they were not pushy. I knew I was going to be in water, so I only brought what I needed for the trip. As I recall (the cruise was August 2004) everyone left their personal property that they did not want to get wet in the van.
 
B

bonitagrand

Guest
We were in Ocho Rios Sept, 2006. We used Trevor Hudlin for our tour guide and had one of the BEST tastes of Jamaica. First we went to Dunns River Falls and hiked the falls (we were 62-82 yrs old) had a great time there.. we had two that could not walk the falls so they enjoyed watching the rest of us climb them from look out points along the way. then Trevor took us to White River for a bamboo pole raft trip.......then we toured to a high point that overlooked the Bay where the ship was docked.........he took us to a good shopping place where we shopped and looked for specific stuff for about 45 minutes. He was very informative and friendly and our family of ten enjoyed every minute.....
 
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