The old world charm of Port Antonio can still be enjoyed today. Explore the lush Rio Grande Valley -first on foot: hike across wooded areas with lovely panoramic views and then after a refreshing drink of “Jelly Water enjoy watching the landscape gently glide by as your raft captain steers your bamboo raft down the Rio Grande.

We recommend combining a lovely hike in a rural area that lies en route to the starting point of the Rio Grande.  This way after the exertion of exploring and discovering the region on foot, you can relax and enjoy the landscape gliding past while a raft captain steers the river's traditional boat  gently down the river.  To avoid the heat of the midday sun, it's our suggestion to depart from your hotel or guesthouse early so that you finish your hike before it gets hot.

Itinerary

8.30 – Departure time. The taxi will take you to the village of Toms Hope. The drive takes approx. 30 minutes due to the roads. If you are driving yourself, we will provide you with a sketch to help you find it easily and also tell you where you are to meet your guide.   

9.00 – You will meet your guide and start your hike.

10.30-11.00- Depending on how often you stop to sample fruits, take pictures and talk to the guide to learn about the flora and fauna, the hike can take between 1.5 – 2 hours. 

11.00–11.30 – The driver will wait for you and at the end of the hike will drive you to the starting point of the rafting at Berrydale. The price for the rafting ticket currently costs US$ 72.00 ( for 2 persons). This has to be paid directly to the rafting organization. You can pay this either in US$ dollars or the Jamaican equivalent. Travellers cheques will also be accepted.  

11.30–12.00–14.00/15.00 – The rafting trip generally takes approx. 2 hours depending on the water levels and the strength of the current. If it has rained in the hills recently, the current tends to be faster in which case the trip is shorter and can last just 1,5 hours. Along the way, there is a possibility to stop and swim in the pools if the river is clear. A lovely break is to enjoy a rustic, river side picnic. Ask your captain to stop at Miss Betty’s. We can check and order lunch for you in advance to be sure that she will be there.    

14.00-15.00 – The raft trip ends at St. Margaretes Bay. The driver will be waiting for you at the parking lot and can bring you back either to the hotel or if you would like can drop you off at Frenchman’s Cove where you can still enjoy an hour or two at the beach.  Just let us know, so that we can come and pick you up from the beach when it closes at 17.00. Another option is to ask the driver to stop in Port Antonio and allow you time to stroll around and either have a coffee at the Marina or explore the market.  Depending on which options you choose, you can be returning to the hotel by midday or early evening.

Recommended to take along:hat, sun screen with sun block for the sensitive spots ( knees, ankles etc. that one generally forgets!) a change of T-shirt after the hike, a back pack to carry refreshments or a snack and your camera with you, swim wear, towels ( at least a face towel to wipe the perspiration as you hike), sun glasses. The rafting trip is gentle and there is no danger to your camera equipment provided you do not keep it on the floor of the bamboo raft which might get a little wet as the current sends a gentle wave or two over the edge.  

When booking this tour the guide and the transportation charges will be added to your main hotel invoice. You only need to take money to pay for the raft and possibly for any drinks you may want to purchase from the floating bars along the river, lunch at Miss Betty and if you are inclined, then tips.  

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