Ocho Rios: River Tubing & Bamboo Beach Club VIP Access

Ocho Rios: River Tubing & Bamboo Beach Club VIP Access

If you’re looking for a relaxing yet adventurous way to spend half a day in Ocho Rios, this tour offers a good blend of fun on the water and luxury on the beach. It’s a straightforward experience, but one that manages to pack in enough variety and authentic Jamaican charm to make it memorable.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and laid-back the river tubing is — no need for specialized skills, just hop on an inner tube and go with the flow. The second highlight? The VIP treatment at Bamboo Beach Club, where you can unwind in style, sip on house cocktails, and enjoy a delicious four-course meal.

One potential consideration is that the tour isn’t suitable for very small children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility or heart issues. It’s also a half-day commitment, so if you’re looking for a full-day adventure, you might want to explore additional options.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a gentle adventure combined with some well-deserved pampering, especially those who enjoy a touch of luxury after an active river float. Families with older kids, couples, and groups seeking a relaxed yet fun experience will all find something to love here.

Key Points

• Gentle River Float: Experience calm rapids and pools on an inner tube, making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
• Authentic Jamaican Vibe: Float downstream while soaking in the local history and scenery.
• VIP Beach Lounge: Lounge on padded beds, enjoy cocktails, and watch bartenders at work with a mixology demo.
• Delicious Dining: Savor a four-course beachside lunch, with dishes like jerk chicken, fish, and rum raisin bread pudding.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Drinks, food, entertainment—hostesses bring everything to your lounge so you can relax fully.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup (from major hotels in St. Ann and Ocho Rios) and free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Journey Through the Best of Both Worlds: River & Beach

When we think about the appeal of this tour, it’s the way it combines two very different but equally captivating experiences. First, the river tubing offers an unexpectedly scenic and peaceful float that feels both authentic and easygoing. Starting with a brief safety talk, the journey begins with a gentle push off from the launch site — here, the real joy begins.

As you drift along, you’ll pass through calm pools and soft rapids, with your guide providing entertaining commentary that brings Jamaica’s lively spirit to life. The water is cool and refreshing, making it a perfect break from the tropical sun. According to reviews, many travelers appreciated how accessible the tubing was—“It was a relaxing float, not a wild ride,” one recounts—highlighting its suitability for a broad range of visitors.

The river eventually meets the Caribbean Sea, which feels like a natural ending point and a perfect photo opportunity. The scenery here is stunning, with lush greenery framing the waterway and the open sea ahead. It’s an experience that balances gentle adventure with cultural authenticity, as you breathe in the history of Jamaica’s early explorers.

The Bamboo Beach Club Experience

After your float, you’ll make your way to the Bamboo Beach Club, a well-loved spot with a reputation for good food and lively entertainment. The VIP section is a definite highlight: plush padded lounge beds, a Champagne welcome drink, and the chance to switch into a relaxed, sun-kissed state.

Here, the vibe is all about comfort and enjoyment. You can sip on house cocktails, rum punches, and sodas while watching the staff perform a bartenders’ mixology demonstration — a fun, interactive touch that adds a little flair to your meal. The four-course lunch is generous and flavorful, with dishes like jerk chicken, fish, and spring rolls with mango chutney, offering a true taste of Jamaica.

Guests rave about the food and drinks, with one reviewer mentioning “The jerk chicken was perfectly spicy but not overwhelming, and the bread pudding was a delightful finish.” The setting’s stunning views and light entertainment ensure you’re as comfortable as you are entertained.

What to Expect in Detail

Itinerary Breakdown

• Pickup & Welcome: The tour starts with hotel pickups from major hotels in the St. Ann and Ocho Rios areas. Expect a friendly guide to brief you on safety and what’s ahead.
• River Tubing: After a short drive and safety instruction, you’ll be taken to the river launch site. Here, your guide will equip you with inner tubes and give you tips for a smooth float. The floating itself lasts around an hour, passing through pools and gentle rapids, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
• End of River & Transfer: The river gently flows into the Caribbean Sea, where your guide will escort you to the beach.
• Beachside Relaxation: At Bamboo Beach Club, you’ll be greeted with a Champagne welcome and shown to the VIP lounge area — padded beds, umbrellas, and plenty of space to unwind. You’ll have the chance to order drinks, enjoy light entertainment, and watch bartenders at work.
• Lunch & Entertainment: The four-course meal is served beachside, with dishes like jerk chicken, fish tartare, and rum raisin bread pudding. During your meal, light entertainment will keep the atmosphere lively.

The Value and Practicalities

This tour offers good value, considering it combines two distinct experiences—an active yet gentle river float and a luxurious beachside lounge. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off adds convenience, especially in a busy tourist area like Ocho Rios. The 4.2-star rating suggests most guests found it to be a worthwhile outing, though some reviews may mention minor delays or the need for better shade at the beach.

The length of five hours feels just right—enough time to enjoy both parts without feeling rushed. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation and pay-later reservations, add to its practicality, allowing you to plan with confidence.

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What to Bring and Consider

To make the most of this experience, pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and water shoes. Bring cash for tips or extra drinks, and a credit card for any additional purchases. Keep in mind that the maximum weight for river tubing is 240 pounds, and small children will need to ride on a parent’s lap.

This activity isn’t suitable for children under five, pregnant women, or those with mobility or heart issues, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after an authentic experience that combines gentle adventure with beachside luxury, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially good for those who prefer a relaxed pace, enjoy scenic views, and like being pampered at a beach club afterward. Families with older children, couples, and groups looking for a balanced day of activity and comfort will find it appealing.

It’s an ideal choice if you want to experience Jamaican culture in a fun, hands-on way without strenuous activity or long hours. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just seeking an easygoing day in paradise, this tour balances adventure and relaxation well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the river tubing suitable for all ages?
Most people can enjoy it, but children under five are not allowed, and those with mobility or heart issues should consider their comfort level.

How long is the river tubing part?
The tubing float lasts around an hour, passing through pools and gentle rapids.

What’s included in the VIP experience at Bamboo Beach Club?
Guests receive a champagne welcome, access to padded lounge beds, house cocktails, and a four-course beachside lunch.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, pickups are included from all major hotels in St. Ann and Ocho Rios. You should be in the lobby 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

What should I bring?
Pack sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water shoes, cash, and your credit card for extra purchases.

Is the tour bilingual?
The tour guide speaks English, so communication is straightforward.

In all, this Ocho Rios experience offers a relaxed yet lively taste of Jamaica — a perfect blend of scenic river float, cultural charm, and beachside luxury. It’s a great option for those wanting a taste of local life, combined with some well-earned pampering. If you’re after a memorable day that balances active and leisure moments, this tour deserves a spot on your Jamaica itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby