Pair a relaxed bamboo raft float down the Great River with a laid-back stop at Margaritaville and Montego Bay’s famed Hip-Strip. This private 2.5-hour tour blends gentle river scenery, an optional limestone foot massage, and seaside shopping into one easy half-day.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A warm trade wind hits Gloucester Avenue as you step off the air-conditioned vehicle—salt on the air, reggae pulsing from a beachside bar, and the turquoise Caribbean daring you to slow down. This private half-day pairs that easy seaside mood with a quieter inland current: a handcrafted 30‑ft bamboo raft piloted down the Great River by a certified raftman.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers with average fitness; requires basic mobility for boarding and optional short swims.
Wildlife
History
Gloucester Avenue (the Hip-Strip) expanded with Montego Bay’s postwar tourism boom, while the Great River corridor reflects Jamaica’s limestone geology and plantation-era transport routes.
Conservation
Respect local ecosystems by using reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting licensed local guides to ensure sustainable river and coastal tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Margaritaville Hip-Strip and Great River Rafting Private Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear water shoes
River banks can be rocky and slippery; closed-toe water shoes protect feet during boarding, swims, and the limestone foot massage.
Bring local cash
Vendors selling coconuts, snacks, or souvenirs often prefer Jamaican dollars or small US bills—carry small denominations for tips and purchases.
Protect from the sun
Use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—shade is limited on the river and along the Hip-Strip.
Check health restrictions
This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or serious cardiovascular conditions—ask the operator before booking.
Water shoes
Protects feet during boarding, swims, and while walking on rocky riverbanks.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Prevents sunburn without harming marine life during beach or river swims.
summer
Light daypack or dry bag
Keeps valuables and a change of clothes dry and accessible between raft and shore stops.
Cash (small bills)
Useful for tips, small purchases, and optional extras like coconuts or hookah rental.