Montego Bay River Tubing & Bamboo Beach Club + Lunch & Cocktails

Montego Bay River Tubing & Bamboo Beach Club + Lunch & Cocktails: A Detailed Review

Planning a day in Montego Bay that mixes adventure, relaxation, and great food? This tour offers all three, starting with a scenic river tubing trip and finishing with delicious beachside tapas at Bamboo Beach Club. For around $99, you get about five hours of fun, including transportation, guided activities, and plenty of time to unwind on the sand.

What we especially like about this experience are two things: first, the personalized, friendly guides who keep the mood lively and safe, and second, the combination of nature and leisure—floating through lush greenery and then lounging on a quiet beach with cocktails in hand.

A possible consideration is the duration at the beach, which some might find a little short, especially if you’re looking for a full afternoon of sunbathing. Also, if you’re sensitive to humidity or bugs, pack sunscreen and bug spray.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy light adventure combined with relaxation and are keen on tasting authentic Jamaican flavors. Families, couples, or anyone wanting a well-rounded Caribbean experience will find it ticks a lot of boxes.

Key Points

• Scenic river tubing with mild rapids offers a peaceful yet exciting float.
• Professional guides like Dewayne and Larick make the trip enjoyable and safe.
• Bamboo Beach Club provides a quiet, private-feeling spot for lounging and lunch.
• Authentic Jamaican cuisine including jerk chicken, festivals, and banana fritters makes the meal memorable.
• The value for money is high with all included drinks, lunch, and transportation.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting with a Scenic Drive and Safety Briefing

Your day begins with a comfortable 45-minute drive from Montego Bay, giving you a chance to get to know your guides and soak in some local sights. Our guides, notably Dwayne and Otis, received praise for being friendly, funny, and knowledgeable, making the drive informative and fun. This part of the tour sets the tone—relaxed, engaging, and full of local insights.

Once at the river, you’ll receive a short safety briefing before walking across the iconic Irie bridge and along a jungle trail. The walk itself adds a bit of adventure, and it primes you for the float ahead. For many, this is part of the charm—an authentic way to connect with the landscape.

The River Tubing Adventure

The main event is about 45 minutes of tubing down the Rio Bueno river. We loved the way guides like Larick kept the atmosphere lively, singing and cracking jokes—reviewers often mention guides as a highlight, with some describing them as funny, friendly, and attentive.

The float itself takes you through mild rapids and lush greenery, making it a soothing yet exciting ride. The views are gorgeous—imagine floating past dense trees, with the occasional splash and the gentle rush of water. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way our guide made the ride more enjoyable,” which underscores the importance of a knowledgeable guide to elevate the experience.

Some reviews mention that the actual duration of tubing can vary—if you choose to skip jumping into the water, it may be shorter, but still enjoyable. Others appreciated the adventure of stopping at a spot to jump into the river, which adds a layer of fun and authenticity.

The tubing concludes as the river meets the Caribbean Sea, providing a natural, scenic finale. Expect a relaxed float with plenty of photo opportunities.

Transition to Bamboo Beach Club

After the river, you’ll head to a secluded beach at Bamboo Beach Club, about a 20-minute drive away. This part is where the tour shifts gears from adventure to leisure. Many reviewers rave about the tranquility of the beach, describing it as “feeling like a private experience” because it’s quiet and less crowded.

Here, you’re assigned a complimentary beach chair and can simply relax, enjoying light entertainment and cocktail demonstrations. Drinks like rum punch and lemonade are included, and the reviews consistently praise the generous pours—a real bonus for those looking to unwind.

The Tropical Tapas Lunch

The highlight for many is the 4-course tapas lunch served beachfront. The menu includes jerk chicken, festivals, plantains, and banana fritters—authentic flavors that showcase Jamaica’s culinary richness. Reviewers mention the quality and quantity of the food as exceeding expectations, with some noting that the lunch was more substantial than anticipated.

One reviewer described the food as “delicious and plentiful,” pointing out that they received more food and drinks than expected. The atmosphere at Bamboo Beach is lively but laid-back, perfect for a family, couple, or group wanting to soak in the sun and enjoy good company.

Final Relaxation and Return

After lunch, there’s usually about two hours of free time to swim, sunbathe, or just lounge. The experience is well-organized, with friendly staff ensuring everyone’s needs are met.

The return trip is smooth, with some guides like Stryker providing entertainment and local stories during the drive back. Many reviewers appreciated the personalized attention and the informative commentary that added depth to the day.

The Value of This Tour

At $99, this tour packs a lot in. You get transportation, river tubing, beachside lunch, drinks, and light entertainment, making it a great value. Several reviews point out that the food and drinks alone justify the cost, especially compared to more expensive options that don’t include as much.

While the duration at the beach might leave some wishing for a longer stay, the overall experience—combining adventure, scenic beauty, and island cuisine—remains impressive.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, especially those with children over 6, who are comfortable in water and enjoy light adventure. Couples and friends looking for an authentic, fun day with a mix of activity and relaxation will also appreciate it. If you’re interested in sampling Jamaican flavors and experiencing the landscape from a different perspective, this tour offers a well-rounded day.

If you prefer more structured or high-energy activities, you might find the tubing a bit gentle. Conversely, if you’re after quiet time on the beach or a longer stay, you might want to extend your time or look for other options. But for the average traveler wanting value, fun guides, and scenic views, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, pickup is offered and included in the price. The tour provides a comfortable ride from your hotel or designated pickup point.

How long is the tubing experience? The tubing itself lasts about 45 minutes, but it can vary if you choose to skip jumping into the river or stop along the way.

What should I bring? Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and possibly a change of clothing. Cash or credit cards are useful for any additional purchases.

Are children allowed? Yes, children under 6 can ride in larger inner tubes and sit in parents’ laps, but they should be comfortable with water.

What is the maximum weight limit? The tour accommodates participants up to 280 lbs.

How long do we spend at the beach? Expect about 2 hours of free time at Bamboo Beach Club, which is enough to relax, eat, and enjoy the surroundings.

Is the lunch included? Yes, a 4-course tapas style lunch served beachside with drinks is included in the tour price.

Are there any safety concerns? Guides are attentive and safety briefings are provided before tubing. Always follow instructions, especially during the float through gentle rapids.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice means no refund.

Final Word

This tour offers a friendly, well-organized way to experience Jamaica’s natural beauty and flavors. It’s especially suited for those who value authentic guides, scenic scenery, and delicious local food. Whether you’re a family wanting to introduce kids to outdoor adventure or a couple seeking a relaxing beach day with a bit of fun, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

The combination of gentle river rapids, friendly local guides, and a peaceful beach with top-notch food makes this a smart choice for anyone wanting a taste of Jamaica’s vibrant spirit without overdoing it. With good reviews highlighting value for money, good food, and a memorable atmosphere, this tour deserves a spot on your Montego Bay itinerary.