Rio Bueno

Rio Bueno is a small village located 32 miles (51.5 kilometers) east of Montego Bay on the island of Jamaica. The Rio Bueno Harbour is the deepest harbor in Jamaica and the site where Columbus is believed to have first touched land in Jamaica. Visitors to Jamaica flock to this small fishing community to experience one of the most exhilarating excursions on the island: adventures along the Rio Bueno River. The river is situated in a beautiful tropical setting and movie buffs may recognize it as the location of the classic 1964 film, A High Wind in Jamaica, starring Anthony Quinn and James Coburn.

Visitors to the village of Rio Bueno can tour the ruins of a fort that dates to the 18th century and several historic buildings and churches that overlook the Caribbean Sea. The main attraction in Rio Bueno, however, is the Rio Bueno River, a favorite destination for kayaking, rafting, tubing and river boarding. The swift currents of the river make for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that’s exciting yet tame enough to bring the entire family. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the pools, relax on the river bank and admire the spectacular jungle scenery and natural beauty of the region.

The Rio Bueno River eventually spills out into the Caribbean Sea where visitors can spend the afternoon sunbathing on the beach and swimming in the warm waters of Bengal Bay in Jamaica. Rio Bueno can be easily reached from Montego Bay, Falmouth and Ocho Rios. Taxis are readily available, and another great way to see the region is on shore excursions. Rio Bueno can be visited year-round, though the winter months are generally the most popular and crowded time to visit the island of Jamaica. Visitors looking to escape the crowds should head for the nearby resort at Runaway Bay.