Review of Chukka Cove, White River Tubing Safari, in Jamaica

The last time I had gone river tubing was when I was a child, years ago down the Delaware River. When booking our trip to Jamaica, we were staying in Runaway Bay, and all of our traveling party agreed on one thing 'river tubing!'

Knowing what we wanted to do, there was only one thing left to do, and that was to find out where we could go for a river tubing safari through the lush jungles of Jamaica.

Although there are a few options scattered around Jamaica when it comes to river tubing, the best option we found was a River Tubing Safari at Chukka Cove in Ocho Rios, which takes you down a 3 mile long journey down White River.

From our resort, we had a party of 4, and were able to book the tour with Chukka Cove for the following day, which was beyond convenient.

Transportation:

Chukka Cove sent out a transportation shuttle to pick us up, and along the way we stopped at 2 other hotels to pick up other guests for the tour. Transportation was comfortable, roomy, and the driver had the air conditioner on to keep us cool even in the blazing December heat.

The Journey Begins:

Once the rest of the groups were picked up, we set off for the most amazing and beautiful ride I had while in Jamaica.

As you travel further up a mountain towards your final destination the jungle grows more dense, thick and beautiful, giving you a wonderful view of the lush land down below, and causing your eyes to pop out of your head when you see how narrow the road becomes, and how high up you are. There are also no guard rails, so the experience was a nice adrenaline rush with a dose of freedom and adventure all rolled in to one.

The ride to Chukka Cove was just as wonderful as the ride down the river.

Chukka Cove:

You are taken to a very quite and private area in the middle of the jungle where you will notice the information building for Chukka Cove. This was where our group got split into 2 groups, and introduced to our river tubing guides.

The guide was actually just as wonderful as the scenery.

Once we placed our life jackets on, we walked over to a staircase that led into the river. The river here is not rough at all, so getting into your tube is pretty easy.

The only thing that will take some getting used to is the water temperature, which is much, much colder after a rainstorm (which we happened to have gotten the day before. The rain also turns the normally crystal clear water brown due to runoff).

Once your party is all in their tubes, you are asked to link up as a whole group link, which was annoying, but you can break the link later on, as the very first bit of the tour is a quick basic oral explanation on safety and what to expect as far as the rivers condition that day goes.

White River:

The tour guide was extremely fun, and would pretend to smack crocodiles in the water, which are not really there. His sense of humor was beyond fun, and I would return here not just for the tour, but to see him again. Within just a few short minutes it seems like he is not just your tour guide, but an old friend.

Anyhow, the river starts off slow moving, which is fine because you get to experience the beautiful scenery above you on the banks, and up in the sky where vines and ferns of all shapes and sizes shower you with shade from the sun.

The river speeds up and slows down randomly in certain sections, but there is nothing too dangerous, or scary. The one rapid that was fun was the largest one where a few folks flipped off of their tubes. However do not worry, you can easily get back on once you clear the rougher current and make your way to the slower moving currents.

Intermission:

At the mid point into the tour, your tour guide will ask you to grab hold of a rope which is placed across the river. Here is where you get off to explore, what appears to be someones home and land.

The people here were all warm and welcoming, and to top off the beautiful landscape they also had prepared jerk chicken for us all to try, which was simply delicious.

After about 20 minutes of exploring the landscape and looking at the numerous types of fruit trees, we then hopped back onto the tubes to finish off the rest of the tour.

Is It Worth Doing?

Definitely, and when we return to Jamaica again, Chukka Cove is going to be one of our pit stops yet again.

High Points:

-Tour guide was simply amazing and hilarious.
-The setting will put you in awe
-The shuttle to Chukka Cove is comfortable, and the view of the surroundings along the way is spectacular
-The jerk chicken at the midpoint was amazing, and possibly the best jerk chicken we had while in Jamaica
-The local vendors located at Chukka were all warm, welcoming and friendly
-The ride down the river is relaxing
-The rapids are not too strong, so it is safe for everyone

Low Points:

-The river was brown due to the runoff, but it does not distract from the beauty of your natural surroundings while drifting down the river
-The water is very cold in December, but tolerable had there been more sun.

*These are all elements however out of Chukka's control, so I'd rate this tour a solid 5 out of 5 stars! Perfect in every single way!