Bamboo Rafting on the Rio Grande River in Portland

Rio Grande River Rafting

 

Rio Grande River and Errol Flynn

 

The verdict is in bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande River in Portland is guilty as charge. If leisure and tranquility is your desire, then rafting on the Rio Grande is all you require. It was back in 1946 when Hollywood movie star Errol Flynn’s yacht washed up ashore in Portland Jamaica during bad weather at sea. Flynn was so excited about his discovery of the Rio Grande and surrounding areas that he purchased many acres of land. Soon after, Flynn was hosting parties and inviting his Hollywood pals to come and enjoy and experience bamboo rafting.

 

Port Antonio for Wealthy Americans

 

Before Flynn’s developed the love for bamboo rafting, the primary purpose of the raft was to pickup and carry bananas along the river bank to the shipping port in Port Antonio. In fact, during the 1880s, the area was known for exporting bananas overseas. Port Antonio was also advertised as a destination for wealthy Americans. The tourist travelers travelled on banana boats to get to Port Antonio. Banana boats were popular as a tourist vessel. They were ideal for tourism because they were fast in speed to reach their destination quickly before the banana ripens.

 

 

Fast forward to 60 years later, Flynn’s love for the area and his parties with his Hollywood friends helped to spread the word and popularize river rafting. Portland became even more popular when Hollywood started making movies on that side of the island. Portland is on the northeastern coast of Jamaica and about sixty miles from Kingston. In 1723, Portland became a parish. The shipping port in the parish was given the name Port Antonio. Port Antonio became the capital of Portland which is where the Rio Grande River is located.

Bamboo Rafting in Port Antonio

 

Treating yourself to bamboo rafting none scientifically satisfy the mind and soul. As the raft move slowly along the river route you can hear the whispers of the water and the birds singing in chorus. All while enjoying the backdrop of a magnificent scenery and greenery. Imagine, our experience were the birth of a new found love, relaxing beneath a beautiful blue sky and creating an abundant of memories causing your cup to rennet over.

 

 

So it was a terrific Tuesday in Jamaica. The sun was shining with an ever so slight breeze, simply another gorgeous day. While some people may be thinking this is the perfect day for the beach and it was, team AJE (AJamaica Experience) was thinking let do something adventurous. Something we believe our visitors to our site would enjoy knowing and if can double in historic information, even better. The decision was made to go bamboo rafting in Portland.

 

 

AJE Adventurious Trip

 

We know the key to making the most of an adventurous trip is to plan properly and start early. Therefore, we threw some stuff in the car and started our journey to Port Antonio. Jamaica happens to be a country that’s filled with rich history so how do you choose your adventure. Well, AJE does it one Parish at a time. We left Ocho Rios St. Ann and pass through the Parish of St. Mary before reaching Portland. The forecast predicted a picture perfect day, so we were ready for the adventure on the water.

 

River Captain

 

We reached out to Raft Captain, Everett Johnson. Captain Johnson is filled with experience, he’s been rafting for over 27 years and been captain for over 10 years. He knows the history of the river and all the twist and turns of the three hours trip or 8 miles river ride. As we headed downstream, the captain shared with us the history of the Rio Grande Bamboo River Rafting. He talked about how the river water comes down from the Blue Mountain as it heads downstream towards the Caribbean Sea. Everett points out where the river varies in depth from shallow to deep. At times, we stepped off the raft into some shallow water making the trip uniquely more interesting. These types of adventurous trips are therapeutic in nature as they feed the five senses.

 

Lover’s Lane

 

The scenery and laid back present of this trip is okay for families as children are hyper in nature and may want more. However, this is the perfect trip for a couple. The captain shared stories of many romantic lovers who can be seen on a full-moon night enjoying the water romancing. Then there are other couples who get married by the river side and have their wedding reception right there on the river bank. We can clearly see why, water is known for its calming and meditating presence, so starting a relationship on those premises can only strengthen ones love.

This is not to say two Brethrens or Sisthrens can’t enjoy a great ride on the river while blessing up the place. Nor am I saying a working team like AJE exploring the site can’t go together. However, let’s just say, I’m going back for my romantic river ride. This way, as I pass through Lover’s Lane, I can look up in the sky and get some twinkle in my eyes, “I’m just saying, lol”. The Captain also mention that this is the deepest part of the river at about 35 feet, so even more reasons to cuddle, “I’m just saying, lol”.

 

The Journey Downstream

 

The river takes you pass a few cows, goats and a few other animals along the river bank. Some animals can be seen eating grass while others were just goofing off, okay playing around. Then there are breadfruits and coconut trees along with few other fruits trees. They have no worry in the world; they just stay planted and blowing in the wind (it’s a tree, really). When you travel this journey you will experience time passes by at a snail’s pace, it’s like watching grass grow. This is when stress and nature collides, resulting in RELIEF (Remember, Exhale, Life is Extraordinary & Fruitful) causing one to prioritize what’s really important in life.

 

Food and Red Stripe Beer on the River

 

Travelling along the river, you will have the opportunity to buy cold drinks, Red Stripe Beer, and an assortment of food kind Jamaican style. Vendors setup shops /stalls on the banks to serve each customer. So as you enjoy the scenery, take advantage of the total experience. There are other attractions in Portland which includes Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour, Frenchman Cove Beach, Reach Falls and the Blue Lagoon. Again, as we say, let’s make this an AJE adventurous experience.