Rafter's Rest (Rio Grande Rafting)

Lovely place. When entering and going down the path way, turn left, that is where the real tour is. To the right there are hustlers, unsure about how safe they are. But the right side brings you to a nice courtyard with an office.

Guides are nice and talkative, water is clean and cool. The rafting experience us generally quite nice.

1st of all, there is a long drive to the spot where you board the raft, and it's $1000 JM p/p to get there by taxi. Rafters rest has taxi's waiting. Once you get on the river you forget all about the taxi ride. I suggest a waterproof bag for your stuff while on the raft. The ride is relaxing and pleasant . Extra bonus: There is a spot to have lunch and spots to stop and have a dip in the river. The lunch has to be ordered the day before at least.

Very relaxing tour which brings you close to nature, birds and a river which has been used for transporting goods (now tourists!) for centuries. It's the longest tour (3hrs plus) and also the most expensive but steering rafts is hard work so I think the $12,000jmd price for locals (effective sept 1, 2023) is worth it for a once in a while splurge. For foreign tourists, it costs about $100usd. There's also now a shorter 90minute tour for those who don't want the long trip.

Make sure to dine at Belinda's on the river for some amazing food!

It was a good experience. We had an amazing guide. We enjoyed the journey. It was a long journey but very fulfilling. The scenery was amazing and the water was beautiful. We enjoyed the stops along the way. We got to swim also. The food on the ri er bank was very good. The sun is hot during the day, so I'd advise mornings or evenings if u want to avoid the sun.

What a wonderful relaxing experience. I wish I chose to swim more. I did the longer experience. Mr Bailey was my captain #051. We had a pleasant experience until the rain poured down but he was prepared with an umbrella. We stopped at Belinda's Cafe. OMG the best dish I've had in Portland. Food was 😋 delightful

Peaceful, serene and relaxing. A serendipitous culmination of Jamaica’s untouched nature. Our tour guide was wonderful and gave us a lot of history. Here you can bask in the sun on the raft or take a dip in the beautiful water. The banking in lined with the most perfect river rocks all over. It’s like something from a movie. We even had souvenirs from the river to take home. A must if you like nature!

For nature lovers this is a must, this shows a side of Jamaica we don't often see. They offer 2 tours one from Rio Grande Valley to the rest stop (2 hours) and the other from the rest stop up and down the river (45 mins). It takes about 45 minutes from the rest stop to go up in the hills the, the staff calls a taxi for your and you are provided with a rafter. The gentleman didn't just stare us down the valley he gave us a little history. We stopped to swim then at Melinda (Miss. Wissy) to get food. The food was very good. There will surely be another trip in the near future.

Beautiful, refreshing, peaceful. We stopped at Miss Belinda's and had lunch which was awesome!!! Everyone should stop at her riverside restaurant to get some authentic Jamaican food. The food turnt up!!!!! The raft man "Captain Mark" was so professional, patient and welcoming. Loved it and enjoyed my stay in the beautiful parish of Portland.

The experience was lovely. Our captains Michael and Jeffery served us well. The veiw really nice and the environment clean and beautiful lots of Photos!!! I would recommend you try it 😁 It's a great experience for the locals and visitors alike!

Great experience with fabulous views. The swimming spots are great. I would recommend the 2 hours ride, more rapids plus you can stop at Belinda's for Great food.

AMAAAZING EXPERIENCE!!!
The mostly lazy 3-hour glide down the Rio Grande was nothing short of exceptional. The skilled hands of Captain Neville navigated the river with a deftness acquired only by experience (30+ years of it!). This, along with historical tidbits, pleasant, timely conversation and breathtaking natural scenery made the experience quite an enjoyable one.
Definitely would (& will) do it again! Something everyone; especially Jamaicans, should try!

You park here at Rafter’s Rest then pay for a taxi to take you up to the beginning, about a 20-30 min drive. There used to be a few taxis at the parking lot, but this last time, there weren’t any. We luckily found one to take us. Be sure to have cash for the entrance fee and for the food at the rest stop at the halfway point of the river. The food is incredible!!! We had curry goat and jerk pork. The rafting experience is almost 3 hours long and is absolutely gorgeous. One of my all time favorite things to do in Jamaica.

Located in Portland, Rafter's Rest has opinions to fit your timing and monetary schedules...the office for payment and is located at the end of the rafting excursion, where you are taken by taxi to the top of of the trip...I chose the extended excursion which lasted about 2 1/2 hours...along experience we were able to make stops especially for lunch...the guide knew the history of the place and had excellent knowledge of the river... overall a great experience..will definitely try it again.

Absolutely amazing!!! Up-river tour and back to base - 1½. Friendly, courteous staff. Good value for the price. US$80 for visitors. JA$6k for locals with Jamaican ID.

Firstly, beware of Rafters positioned at your turn off telling you to “TURN RIGHT” at the bottom of the road. They are actually offering you an illegal option without your knowledge. My advice is “TURN LEFT” at the bottom of the road, you will come across the official rafters location, sign posted. Here you will get a wristband and most importantly, a life jacket and a ticket/receipt. None of which is offered if you turn right where the price is also inflated. The cost is JA$6,000.00 for nationals or $9,000.00 for non-nationals of JA for an hour & half rafting for 2. This was an amazing experience - very relaxing, you will wish it could go on forever. Our rafter was very informative and friendly.

An excellent day out Rafting down the Rio Grande river with Captain Michael, stopping off to swim and catch a meal at Ms Belinda's we'll worth the trip from Kingston.

Excellent experience! The ride was smooth and very well organised. Relaxing and fun overall! I would definitely recommend it.

Lovely experience! Look for the locals, they provide a great raft-ride! Wonderful views and clean enviroment!

Fantastic Value and unbelievable scenery. Don't forget to book a riverside lunch and wear something you can swim in.

It doesn't get any better, believe me. The people are awesome, the food epic and the view even better.