Ocho Rios: River Tubing, Lunch and Cocktails at Bamboo Beach Club

If you’re planning a day in Ocho Rios and want to add some local flavor to your trip, this river tubing and beachside experience offers a well-rounded taste of Jamaica’s natural beauty and laid-back vibe. While it’s not an adrenaline-pumping adventure, it’s a charming mix of gentle rapids, scenic views, and relaxing beach fun.

What we love about this tour is its accessibility and family-friendly nature—most travelers find it easy, enjoyable, and full of genuine Jamaican touches. The tour includes a safe, guided river float that highlights the lush landscape, plus a delicious 4-course tapas lunch with tropical drinks—an excellent value for a half-day outing.

One thing to consider: the tour is quite relaxed and mild, so if you’re after a thrill, this might not satisfy that craving. But if you’re looking for a fun, authentic, and scenic experience that fits a variety of ages and physical levels, this tour hits the mark. It’s best suited for families, couples, or small groups seeking a laid-back Caribbean day with a splash of adventure.

Key Points

• Gentle and scenic river float perfect for all ages and moderate physical fitness levels
• Expert guides ensure safety and entertainment throughout the journey
• Tasty, authentic Jamaican cuisine served beachside, with a variety of drinks included
• Beautiful, private beach setting offers a relaxing spot to unwind after the float
• Round-trip transportation makes logistics easy, especially for cruise passengers
• Affordable price point considering the included meals, drinks, guides, and transport

What to Expect from This Ocho Rios Experience

This tour is designed to be a fun, relaxing way to experience some of Jamaica’s natural beauty without the need for strenuous effort or advanced swimming skills. It’s ideal for travelers who want a combination of gentle adventure, cultural flavor, and beachside leisure.

The Itinerary Breakdown

River Tubing on Rio Bueno (about 1 hour 25 minutes):
The adventure kicks off with a scenic 30-minute drive from Ocho Rios to the river, where a short safety briefing sets the tone for a relaxed ride. The guides are experienced and certified, ensuring safety — even if you’re not a strong swimmer or have limited mobility, most people find it manageable.

You’ll walk across the iconic Irie bridge onto a jungle trail, then slip into your inner tube to float downstream. The river’s mild rapids make for some fun bumps without risking spills, and the lush surroundings provide a genuine tropical backdrop. According to reviews, the scenery is a highlight, with one traveler noting, “The water tubing was great even with the storm coming through.”

This part of the tour is relatively short, around 1 hour and 25 minutes, which keeps it lively but not exhausting. Guides often entertain and share local insights, making the journey more engaging.

Bamboo Beach Club (about 2 hours 30 minutes):
After the float, you’ll be whisked away to a secluded stretch of beach at Bamboo Beach Club, where you’ll relax on your complimentary padded beach chair. The setting is beautiful, and the vibe is laid-back—perfect for soaking in the Caribbean sunshine.

The beachside lunch is a highlight—a 4-course tapas menu featuring jerk chicken, festivals (a type of Jamaican bread), plantains, banana fritters, and more. Many reviews praise the food, describing it as “shockingly great,” and the drinks as “house beverages including rum punch and lemonade.” The included light entertainment and cocktail demonstrations add to the fun, making it more than just a meal.

Some visitors have noted that the drinks can be quite sweet, and the food is not gourmet but perfectly satisfying and authentic. The atmosphere is casual but beautiful, with a few small shops for souvenirs or quick shopping.

Included and Not Included

The tour package is quite comprehensive for the price of $99 per person. It includes the transportation, safety gear, a professional guide, all meals and drinks, and entrance to Bamboo Beach Club. Only alcoholic beverages beyond the house drinks are extra, which is typical but worth noting if you’re expecting more variety.

Transport and Timing

The round-trip transport from Ocho Rios is about 30 minutes each way. The total tour lasts around 5 hours, balancing active and relaxing moments. Groups tend to be small to medium, with a maximum of 150 travelers, but most are smaller, ensuring personalized attention.

Authenticity and Value

This tour’s charm lies in its simplicity and focus on genuine Jamaican experiences. The guides are frequently lauded for their professionalism and friendliness—one reviewer called Dewayne “an incredible river guide who was fun, funny, and entertaining.”

The food, drinks, and scenery combine to create a well-rounded day that won’t leave you feeling rushed or overcommitted. Many guests, especially cruise visitors, appreciate how easy it is to book and coordinate, with some praising the pickup service that makes it accessible even if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Review Highlights

• “Great experience! Our tour guide on the river was entertaining,” reports Isabella.
• “The bamboo beach club was beautiful with good drinks and food,” echoes another traveler.
• Several reviewers mention that the river tubing is peaceful and scenic, perfect for a family outing or a relaxing day.
• Some note that the speed of the tubing is mild, so thrill-seekers might find it too tame but still enjoyable with the guide’s humor and friendliness.

What Could Be Better?

While most travelers love the experience, some found the tour a bit short—less than 30 minutes on the river and only about an hour at the beach, plus drive time. A few critics mention that the food and drinks can be hit or miss, with some finding the drinks overly sweet or the snack options average.

Plus, the timing can be tricky if you’re on a cruise and arrive early or late, though most reviews note that the tour is well-organized overall.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic, and culturally authentic experience, this trip is perfect. It suits families with children (even small ones, as some float in larger tubes sitting in parents’ laps), couples, or groups wanting a fun day with minimal physical exertion.

Adventure seekers looking for high adrenaline might want to look elsewhere, but if you appreciate good guides, beautiful scenery, and tasty local food, this is a solid choice.

The Sum Up

This river tubing and beach experience in Ocho Rios offers a great balance of gentle adventure and relaxation. You’ll appreciate the friendly guides, the stunning Caribbean scenery, and the delicious Jamaican cuisine served at Bamboo Beach Club. It’s a perfect way to enjoy Jamaica’s natural beauty without feeling overwhelmed, especially for families or those wanting a taste of local culture.

For the price, you get a well-organized, authentic, and scenic outing that’s easy to fit into a cruise or land-based trip. While it may lack high-intensity thrills, it more than compensates with its warm atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and delicious food.

If you’re looking for a fun, hassle-free way to see some of Jamaica’s natural beauty and relax in style, this tour is a wise choice. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, water shoes, and a sense of adventure—mild but memorable!

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Ocho Rios is included in the price, making it convenient especially for cruise travelers.

How long is the river tubing?
The tubing itself lasts about 1 hour and 25 minutes, with some walking involved before and after the float.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children under 6 can participate, riding in larger inner tubes and sitting on parent’s laps. The tour is suitable for most ages and physical fitness levels.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water shoes, optional change of clothes, and cash or credit cards for extras.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
The tour provides house beverages including rum punch and lemonade. Additional alcoholic drinks are extra and age-restricted to 18+.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, including transportation, tubing, beach time, and lunch.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Most travelers with moderate fitness can enjoy it, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved and discuss with the operator.

How scenic is the tubing?
The scenery is a major highlight—lush greenery and the journey down the river are described as “gorgeous” and a true representation of Jamaica’s natural beauty.

What is the food like?
The 4-course tapas lunch is highly praised, with favorites like jerk chicken, plantains, and banana fritters. Some reviews mention the drinks and food as “great,” though a few found them overly sweet or average.