Experience Rio Grande Rafting. Rafting was once used by farmers in the Rio Grande area to transport banana along the river. Actor Errol Flynn popularized it as a recreational activity.
The Rio Grande Valley: Coming from an elevation of 3,000 feet in the Blue Mountains the Rio Grande River and its main tributaries the Back and Stony Rivers have carved a gorge between that range and the John Crow Mountains. Mainly banana fields crowd its banks.
The valley has vast potential for eco-tourism. There are many hiking trails which lead to places like Scatter Waterfalls, Fox’s Caves, Moore Town, Nanny Town and Corn Puss Gap. Visitors should use guides. At specific times of the year the large swallowtail butterfly, the largest in the western hemisphere.
Rafting on the Rio Grande from Berrydale to Rafters’ Rest is a favorite recreational activity for locals and tourists alike. The scenic trip takes two and a half hours. Rafting first developed as a means of transportation on the river as the rapids prevented the use of boats. Raftsmen spend many years as apprentices.
The Rio Grande is the birthplace of rafting in Jamaica. The Rio Grande is one of Jamaica’s largest rivers at 3034km and lies in a beautiful valley. Rio Grande was named by early Spanish settlers in the 1500s, and rafting down a 10-km stretch of it is now one of Jamaica’s top tourist attractions.
It’s a little confusing but there are actually two places in Portland called Rafter’s Rest. The first is located at the mouth of the Rio Grande in St. Margaret’s Bay by the coast, while the second is located deep in the hills of Berrydale, Portland. Originally, all rafting tours originated at Berrydale and would last over 3 hours as the raft captain leisurely steered down the wide river and stopped as much as you liked for food, drinks, swimming and photo opportunities.
These days, they’ve added a shorter tour which starts in St. Margaret’s Bay, goes upstream for about 40 minutes then returns downstream. The Rio Grande long tour costs $12,000 JMD with local ID (US$100 without) while the short tour costs $10,000 JMD (about US$80 without), effective September 1, 2023. No reservations are required to raft at Rio Grande.
Begin your tour at Rafter’s Rest and float leisurely down the river, guided by a skilled raft captain who will share stories about the river’s history and culture. As you revel in the wonders of the Rio Grande River, don’t forget to turn your gaze to the skies. The river valley is home to a diverse array of birdlife.
From the flamboyant parrots to the graceful egrets and herons, take in the awe and serenity of the impossibly green rainforest around you. Pause along the way for a quick dip or relax on the riverbanks and savor authentic Jamaican flavors At Miss Belinda’s Riverside Restaurant. Delight in authentic and traditional dishes prepared with love, like jerk chicken, escoveitch fish, or ask about bussu soup!
For hiking enthusiasts, the Rio Grande valley boasts a network of captivating trails waiting to be explored. Take a hike to Nany Falls, via historic towns that are home to descendants of the Maroons or set your sights on conquering the majestic Blue Mountain Peak, the highest point in Jamaica.
The Rio Grande is the birthplace of River Rafting in Jamaica.
The trail leading to the summit offers awe-inspiring vistas, rewarding your efforts with panoramic views of the island. Come back to adventure with each step and immerse yourself in the verdant beauty.
Whether you seek adventure or a tranquil escape, the Rio Grande River beckons with open arms. Its lush beauty, authentic rafting experiences, daring hikes, and vibrant birdlife create a tapestry of unforgettable moments. So, answer the call and come back to wonder at this incredible destination.
