Drift along the slow, historic Rio Nuevo on a traditional bamboo raft, then browse a nearby shopping village for local crafts. This easy 3–4 hour shore excursion blends relaxed river scenery with cultural insight and a market stop.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push off from a shady bank and the bamboo raft answers with a soft creak, the Rio Nuevo guiding you through slow bends lined by mangroves and hardwoods. Sun retrieves itself from drifting clouds, spotlighting limestone banks and patches of river rock while your guide, seated at the stern, steers with practiced, low splashes. The trip unfolds as a measured drift — calm stretches that invite quiet, a few playful ripples that rouse attention.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic mobility to step on/off a low raft and short walks in the village.
Wildlife
History
The Rio Nuevo area saw colonial-era activity and skirmishes; the river has been a local transport and resource corridor for centuries and features in regional folklore.
Conservation
Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid single-use plastics; support vendors selling sustainably made crafts to keep local economies tied to conservation.
Reserve your spot on the Rafting and shopping from Ocean Eden Bay & Riu Aquarelle today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring water shoes
Riverbanks and raft platforms can be slippery—closed-toe water shoes give traction when boarding and walking to the market.
Pack a waterproof pouch
Keep your phone, cash, and a small camera protected from splashes during the float and while shopping.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply before departure to avoid reapplying on the raft; the operator recommends environmentally friendly products.
Carry small bills
Vendors at the shopping village prefer Jamaican dollars and exact change for small purchases and tips.
Water shoes
Protects feet on wet banks and provides grip while boarding the raft.
summer
Waterproof phone pouch
Keeps electronics and cash dry during the float and at market stalls.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin in tropical sun without harming river or coastal ecosystems.
summer
Light rain shell
A packable layer for brief unexpected showers and breezy returns to the resort.
spring