Bamboo Rafting, 3 To 4 Hours

Blue Hole and Bamboo Rafting Ocho Rios

★ 4.9 214 verified reviews

from $95 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Omar Tours Jamaica

Overview

This half-day trip pairs two Ocho Rios experiences: swimming and jumping into the river pools at the Blue Hole, then a float down the Rio Nuevo River on a bamboo raft. Omar Tours Jamaica runs it, with hotel pickups in Ocho Rios and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. The whole outing runs about 3 to 4 hours, which makes it a realistic option for cruise passengers with limited hours in port, since travellers report being picked up right at the cruise terminal.

The order of the day is straightforward. You are collected from your hotel, driven to the Blue Hole for roughly an hour of swimming and jumping into the pools with local guides who lead you up the river and point out where to leap. From there the vehicle takes you to the Rio Nuevo for the rafting leg, about 45 minutes drifting downstream while a captain poles the raft. Along the way drivers often narrate the landmarks, and past guests describe stops for local food and shopping as a frequent bonus.

It suits travellers with moderate fitness who are comfortable in water and on uneven, wet rock. It is not a fit for wheelchair users, and the listing advises against it for people with back problems, pregnant travellers or those with serious heart conditions. Towels and water shoes are required and are not supplied.

What's Included

Included

All fees and taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Complimentsry bottled water and rum punch at shopping stop(18 years and older)
Fees
Pickup around Ocho Rios

Not Included

Gratuities (not included but recommended)
Massage (available at additional cost)
Towels and watershoes Required

Itinerary

Hotel pickup in Ocho RiosPickup is included from Ocho Rios hotels, and reviewers arriving by cruise ship describe collection directly at the cruise terminal.
Drive to the Blue HoleRide in an air-conditioned vehicle. Drivers regularly point out landmarks and share local history on the way.
Blue Hole, 1 hourAdmission ticket included. Local guides lead you up the river, assist with crossings and direct the jumps into the pools and falls.
Transfer to Rio NuevoA short drive between sites, often with commentary from the driver.
Bamboo rafting, 45 minutesAdmission free. A captain poles the raft along the Rio Nuevo River. A limestone massage is available at additional cost.
Optional food and shopping stopsSeveral travellers mention stops for authentic Jamaican food and shopping, with complimentary bottled water and rum punch at the shopping stop for those 18 and older.
Return journeyThe vehicle takes you back at the end of the outing. Reviewers describe the transportation as clean and accommodating.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, from footwear to how the rafting leg actually feels on the water.

Footwear and towels. Towels and water shoes are required and are not included, so bring your own. Multiple reviewers stress that the rocks at the Blue Hole are wet and slippery, and one advises planting each foot solidly before taking the next step, on the rocks and on the raft alike.
Fitness and pace. The listing asks for a moderate physical fitness level. Reviewers say the Blue Hole portion needs good balance and the ability to follow directions carefully, while the rafting is relaxed and easy by comparison.
Time at each stop. You get about an hour at the Blue Hole and 45 minutes of rafting. Several travellers felt the hour was enough for plenty of jumps, though one reviewer noted the rafting route itself is short and loops back near the start.
Guides and photos. Multiple reviewers mention guides taking photos and videos of the jumps and the views.
Drink and extras. Bottled water and rum punch are complimentary at the shopping stop, with the rum punch limited to travellers 18 and older. Gratuities are not included but recommended, and the massage on the rafting leg costs extra.
Weather and conditions. Surfaces are slick throughout, on the rocks and on the raft. Come ready to get wet early and stay damp through the rafting leg.

Common issues. The Blue Hole is genuinely physical, and one reviewer skipped it entirely over the risk of injury on the slippery rocks, though the same review credits staff with assisting crossings and guiding the jumps. The listing also bars wheelchair users and advises against the tour for pregnant travellers and those with back problems or serious heart conditions, and the operator can take very large groups, up to 400 travellers.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, pickup is included from Ocho Rios hotels. Cruise passengers describe being collected right at the cruise terminal.

What Does The Price Include?

All fees and taxes, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, Ocho Rios hotel pickups, and complimentary bottled water and rum punch at the shopping stop for travellers 18 and older. The Blue Hole admission ticket is included and Rio Nuevo admission is free.

What Costs Extra?

Gratuities are not included but recommended, and the massage available during the rafting stop is an additional cost. Towels and water shoes are required and you must bring your own.

How Long Is The Tour?

It runs 3 to 4 hours. You spend about 1 hour at the Blue Hole and 45 minutes bamboo rafting on the Rio Nuevo, with the rest of the time taken up by transfers and optional stops.

Is It Suitable For Kids Or People With Limited Mobility?

It is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing does not recommend it for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers or anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected. Child pricing applies only when a child travels with at least one adult.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before start time are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times follow local time in Jamaica.