River swims and springs in Jamaica

19 rivers and springs across 11 parishes, each tagged by how easy it is to reach, from easy access to hidden gems that need a guide. Rivers and caves can flood fast after rain, so check the weather first.

See them on the map

Kingston

• Rockfort Mineral Bath Easy access
  A historic mineral spring pool at the foot of Long Mountain near Harbour View in East Kingston, next to the cement plant on the Norman…

St. Andrew

• Maamee River Off the beaten path
  A quiet river in the rural hills of Maryland, St. Andrew, good for swimming and picnics, known mostly by word of mouth.

St. Thomas

• Allen Spring Hidden gem
  A clear turquoise spring pool in dense forest, fed by a small waterfall, with a rope swing. Described as free and secluded.
• Bath Fountain Easy access
  Natural hot mineral springs in a river valley. Quiet on weekdays.

Portland

• Blue Lagoon Easy access
  A famous deep blue lagoon near Port Antonio, fed by freshwater springs and the sea. One reviewer on Google Maps calls the water so clear, a…
• Rio Grande, Berridale Easy access
  Bamboo raft rides on a calm river, the slower local way to see Portland.

St. Mary

• Old Spanish Bridge Hidden gem
  A historic stone bridge over the White River, with shallow swimming and optional bridge jumping on guided trips.

St. Ann

• Dornoch River Head Hidden gem
  A river pool at the head of the Rio Bueno near Stewart Town. There is no sign, lifeguard or facilities.
• Thatch Hill River Park Off the beaten path
  A river park in the hills above Ocho Rios, with picnic grounds, jump boards and rope swings. It is a separate place from Island Gully Falls…
• Fire Mineral Bath Hidden gem
  A small mineral spring in the Windsor area just outside St. Ann's Bay, also known as Windsor Mineral Spring or Fire Water. Sulphur gas on…

Trelawny

• Martha Brae Rafting Village Easy access
  A bamboo raft trip down the Martha Brae River, starting about 3 miles inland from Falmouth. Licensed captains pole the raft for about an…

St. Elizabeth

• Black River Safari Easy access
  A guided boat tour of the Black River, Jamaica's longest river, starting from the town of Black River. The trip is about 4 miles and…

Manchester

• Noisy River Off the beaten path
  A free local river spot along the main road in Oxford, with a wooden plank bridge, mossy limestone rocks, small cascades and a thatched…
• Cherry Hill River Off the beaten path
  A turquoise river over large rocks off Cherry Hill Road near Milk River, reached by a narrow dirt road. Vendors sell boiled corn, fried…

Clarendon

• Milk River Bath Off the beaten path
  A traditional mineral spa in southwest Clarendon, known for its warm mineral water. Visitors soak in short sessions of about 15 minutes.
• St. Toolis River Off the beaten path
  A local river-swimming spot near Porus, right beside a country road. One reviewer on Google Maps describes cool, clear, shallow water for…
• Salt River Mineral Bath Off the beaten path
  A free public mineral bath in the Salt River community on the south coast, with blue-green water.

St. Catherine

• Caymanas River Easy access
  A popular river-swimming spot near Caymanas Park, about 30 minutes from Kingston, with cold clear water, deep and shallow areas, food and…
• Rio Village, Bog Walk Off the beaten path
  A rustic riverside spot on the Rio Cobre gorge, with floating platforms and gazebos in the river.