Glide down Rio Nuevo on a handcrafted bamboo raft led by a local guide who shares history, culture, and simple river skills. A calm, family-friendly outing from Ocho Rios that pairs easy activity with immersive local storytelling.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push off from a shaded riverbank and the raft answers with a soft, steady glide. The Rio Nuevo threads through limestone banks and stands of broad-leaf trees, leaves whispering as your guide polishes the bamboo pole and begins the stories—of colonial skirmishes upriver, of local fishermen, of a way of moving slowly through place.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—suitable for infants to seniors who can sit and hold on for short periods
Wildlife
History
The Rio Nuevo area is near the 1658 Battle of Rio Nuevo and has long been an access route for inland settlements, linking colonial history with local river use.
Conservation
Operators encourage reef-safe sunscreen and limiting plastic; stay with your guide to avoid trampling riverbanks and disturbing nesting birds.
Reserve your spot on the Bamboo Rafting from Couples Tower Isle and Beaches Ocho Rios today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear quick-dry shoes
Closed-toe water shoes or sturdy sandals protect toes on the raft and when boarding from rocky banks.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable sunscreen before boarding to protect freshwater ecosystems; reapply in shade if needed.
Protect electronics
Bring a waterproof case or dry bag for phones and cameras—the raft ride can splash unexpectedly.
Plan for heat and hydration
Morning departures are cooler; bring a refillable water bottle and hydrate before the trip.
Water shoes
Grip on wet surfaces and protect feet when stepping on rocky banks.
summer
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps electronics and small items dry during splashes.
Light rain jacket or packable windbreaker
Quick showers are common in the wet season—stays compact in your bag.
fall
Reef-safe sunscreen and wide-brim hat
Protects skin from strong tropical sun during exposed stretches.
summer