River tubing in Jamaica...

[ZIPBAGS]

We are going at the end of December. Just wondering if anyone has done the tubing excursion? How was it? I have an 8 & 10 year old. Would they like it?

 

Thanks!

[Max Circus]

My wife and I went in 11/03. Had a great time - highly recommended. Alot depends on the weather. If it is warm, you'll have a better time because the water will cool you off.

 

I think you're kids would enjoy it. There were lots of kids on our trip.

 

Starts with a 45 minute drive up a mountain where you start the tubing. They prepare you by fitting you with a life vest and paddle then asking what you'd like to drink for the break (water, soda, Red Stripe, etc). Leave whatever you don't want getting wet in the van - it will be there waiting for you at the end. Also put on sunscreen. Then you go over to where they help you into your tube and your journey begins.

 

They have several guides that travel with you, helping you when/if you get stuck on the sides or in low water (that's what the paddles are for).

 

I think the trip is roughly an hour or so - plus a short break where they unload the coolers and pass you the drink of your choice.

 

No real "rapids" that I remember. I few faster moving portions but you need no previous experience.

 

At the end of the trip you get out of the tubes and there is a place to buy BBQ jerk chicken, beer and sodas. They also have a rope swing which you can use to take the "Nestea Plunge" - if you're so inclined. The vans pick you up and back to the ship.

[cd-tk]

it was a lot of fun, water was real clear.

[3redheads]

We booked independently. There were only 8 of us. The RCCL group came behind us (about 30 min) and they did not get the personal attention we did. There group was about 30 ppl.

 

We had Rumble as a guide. He was wonderful! He even took us to a "cliff" (really it was the edge of the river, about 15 ft up) for us to jump off of. It was probably our favorite excursion on the Western Caribbean.

 

Kids were 7 and 12. We did this in August. Very gentle, nothing too fast. Kids LOVED IT!!!

[lilli]

we did this excursion a couple of years ago through RCCL and we all really enjoyed it! The drive there was an experience--the kids got to see a jamaican school and homes. The water was very calm and we did stop at a place with a rope swing and we all tried it out. Our kids were 8 and 11 at the time. you will definitely enjoy it! have fun! lilli

[Cuizer2]

I did this in Aug 2004 and had a great time. I think you and your kids will also. The jerk chicken at the end is great! Here is a picture (I am the one behind the camera) ...

 

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[shazzz]

outrageous!!! I wanted to do it again.... except that my tube got punctured on a rock and deflated...i was given the guides tube which had no bottom---and my bottom got scratched up!!! but it was an incredible experience..my kids loved it..and my friends 4 kids loved it too....the guides were great....enjoy and let us know how it was

[RickT]

One of the best excursions I've done. Lots of fun and a great way to spend a few hours while on vacation.

[OPSoccermom]

River tubing was the best excursion we took on our Mariner cruise this spring. We booked independently through Chukka tours, and only had 6 people (our family) and 2 guides in our group instead of the huge RCCL group that came about 45 minutes after us. Our tour guides had taken lunch and Red Stripe orders for us before we departed, and when we got off the river, we had lunch waiting for us.

 

A great time!

[steve20832]

We haven't done it but I know that http://jamaicacruiseexcursions.com has river tubing too

 

I find it amusing that they have all the RCCL ships on thier website saying they are owned by Carnival Cruise line. Carnival owns a lot of cruise lines but RCCL is not one of those.

[PVDCruiser]

I've only tubed once before - do you think a novice like me could do this?

[CRieger]

We just did the river tubing a couple of weeks ago thru Princess, I would imagine that it is the same tour. Very fun. The water is a little cold at first, but, we would definitely do it again! You have life jackets on and the tour guides are there to pull you out of the trees and the sides of the banks. It was very safe. Make sure that you buy your water shoes at home before you leave (Wal-Mart, Target, etc).

[Cuizer2]

I've only tubed once before - do you think a novice like me could do this?

 

People who have never tubed before take this excursion. So someone with experience should have no problem at all.

[PVDCruiser]

People who have never tubed before take this excursion. So someone with experience should have no problem at all.

 

Thanks! :)

[leavnofingerprints]

I've done it both ways, once through RCI with adults and once independently through Peat Taylor with two small children. Both were very good, but if I were to do it again, I'd book privately. It cost less (about half), was much more informative, a completely different part of the river, and much more attentive with only our group of 4. IMO it's one of the better excursions in the Caribbean.

 

LNF

[January Sunburn]

We have 15 doing this tour independently on our 1/7/06 Navigator cruise. Can't wait for the rope swing. Hopefully won't aggrevate the Rotator Cuff injury that I just got over.