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

Ocho Rios: River Tubing, Lunch and Cocktails at Bamboo Beach Club
Rating: 4.5/5 (86 reviews)
Price: $99.00 per person
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

This tour offers a laid-back but memorable taste of Jamaica’s natural beauty and hospitality. For $99 per person, you’ll get a scenic 30-minute drive to the Rio Bueno river, where you’ll float downstream on an inner tube—mild rapids, lush greenery, and views that have changed little since the Spanish first arrived. After your float, you’ll relax at Bamboo Beach Club, enjoying a four-course tapas lunch, lively entertainment, and tropical drinks.

Two things we love about this experience:
First, the gentle river tubing with its peaceful scenery and entertaining guides makes it ideal for families or anyone wanting a relaxed, nature-connected activity. Second, the beachside lunch and cocktails really capture the essence of Jamaica—delicious food, lively drinks, and a beautiful setting—without feeling rushed or overly commercial.

A possible drawback? The short duration of the river float—around 30 minutes—may leave some travelers wishing for a longer adventure. Also, the beachside food and drinks tend to be on the sweeter side or slightly overrated according to some reviews, so those with specific tastes might want to temper expectations.

This tour is best suited for families, couples, or groups looking for a flexible, scenic day that combines light adventure with relaxation and good food. If you enjoy gentle outdoor activities with the opportunity to unwind by the sea, this outing hits the mark.

This experience made our article of 8 Must-Try Lunch Experiences In Ocho Rios.

Key Points

• Relaxed river tubing experience suitable for all ages and skill levels.
• Beautiful scenery with lush greenery and views reminiscent of early Spanish explorers.
• Beachside tapas lunch featuring Jamaican favorites like jerk chicken and plantains.
• Enjoyable cocktails and light entertainment at Bamboo Beach Club.
• Transportation included, with pickup and drop-off making it hassle-free.
• Short but sweet activity duration, ideal for cruise days or brief stays.

A Detailed Look at What You Can Expect

Scenic Drive and Safety Briefing

The adventure begins with a comfortable 30-minute drive from your pickup point. This gives you a chance to enjoy some local sights and get into the relaxed Jamaican vibe. Upon arrival, a short safety briefing from your experienced guide prepares you for the gentle float ahead. This is a family-friendly activity, so expect to see a mix of relaxed floaters and those with a sense of curiosity about the island’s natural landscape.

River Tubing: A Peaceful Float with Mild Rapids

The highlight is undoubtedly the river tubing along the Rio Bueno. As you slip into your inner tube, you’ll enjoy a winding journey downstream amidst verdant surroundings. Several reviews mention how “great” and “entertaining” the guides are—Dewayne and others go out of their way to make sure everyone is safe and having fun. You’ll float past scenes that haven’t changed for centuries, with gentle rapids adding just enough excitement without any danger.

One reviewer states, “We loved the way our guide made it fun, even with a storm coming through,” highlighting that the experience remains enjoyable despite unpredictable weather. The guides’ friendly, professional attitude ensures a safe and engaging ride, especially important for families with small children or first-timers.

The float lasts about 30 minutes, which some travelers find a bit brief. However, the scenery and guides’ energy often make up for it. The calm, unhurried pace means you can relax, take photos, and truly soak in the surroundings.

Transition to Bamboo Beach Club

After your float, you’ll walk across the Irie Bridge and along a jungle trail, giving you a chance to appreciate Jamaica’s natural lushness. Then, it’s a short transfer to Bamboo Beach Club, located right on the Caribbean Sea.

Here, the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. You’re treated to complimentary padded beach chairs and lively light entertainment, often performed by friendly hosts and bartenders. It’s a great setting to unwind, sip a rum punch or lemonade, and enjoy the sea breeze.

The Beachside Tapas Lunch: A Jamaican Feast

The highlight for many is the 4-course tapas lunch served right on the sand. Expect a menu packed with local favorites like jerk chicken, festivals (a type of fried bread), plantains, banana fritters, and more. Several reviews praise the delicious food, noting that the portions are generous and the flavors authentic.

One guest described it as “worthy of the price,” though others mentioned the drinks tend to be very sweet. Still, the variety and quality of the food, combined with the spectacular setting, make it a memorable part of the day. It’s a relaxed meal that allows you to enjoy Jamaica’s flavors without fuss.

Relaxing at Bamboo Beach Club

After lunch, you’re free to lounge, take a swim, or explore. The light entertainment adds a fun, lively touch, and the beach’s clear waters make for a great photo op or quick dip. Many reviewers raved about the beautiful views and friendly staff, which add to the overall relaxed vibe.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation is included, so you won’t need to worry about logistics. The entire experience lasts roughly five hours—ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking across bridges and trails, but nothing too strenuous.

Travelers should bring essentials like sunscreen, water shoes, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, and cash or cards for souvenirs or additional purchases. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages are only for guests aged 18 and up, but the included house drinks are ample for most.

While some critics mention the short duration of the tubing and the overly sweet drinks, the majority find the experience to be a good value for the price and appreciate the friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and tasty food.

Why This Tour Works

This outing is perfect for families, cruise passengers, or those seeking a relaxed day with a touch of adventure. It offers a balanced mix of scenic float, cultural food, and beachside leisure. The guides’ professionalism and the beautifully maintained setting make it a trustworthy choice for travelers who want to see a real side of Jamaica without overdoing it.

For travelers wanting a more adventurous river experience or longer float, this might seem a bit tame. But for those who value authentic, laid-back fun in a scenic environment, it hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

• Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip transportation from your pickup point is included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day.
• How long does the tubing last? About 30 minutes, which many find perfect for a gentle, scenic ride without fatigue.
• Can children participate? Yes, children under 6 can ride in larger inner tubes and must sit on a parent’s lap. The tour is suitable for families with moderate physical fitness.
• Are alcoholic drinks included? The tour offers house beverages like rum punch and lemonade as part of the package, but additional drinks are available for purchase.
• What should I bring? Sunscreen, water shoes, a towel, hat, sunglasses, and cash or credit cards for souvenirs or extra drinks.
• How is the food at Bamboo Beach Club? Most reviews find the tapas lunch delicious, with favorites like jerk chicken and plantains, though some mention the drinks tend to be very sweet.
• What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic adventure with a touch of local flavor, this trip suits you. It’s ideal for families with children, cruise passengers, or anyone wanting a laid-back day of floating, feasting, and soaking up Jamaican vibes. But if you crave more adrenaline or longer river time, you might want to look elsewhere.

Overall, it offers a great blend of natural beauty, cultural flavor, and beachside leisure—a relaxed way to experience the best of Jamaica without feeling overwhelmed.

In the end, this tour is about enjoying simple pleasures: gentle floats, friendly guides, delicious food, and stunning views. For many, that’s exactly what a perfect Jamaican day should be.