Roaring River Jamaica

Travel Invasion got ripped off once while in Jamaica. Now we will gladly tell you what happened so you can avoid the same situation if you are deciding on activities to do while visiting the beautiful country of Jamaica.

The plan was to rent a car and head out from Negril and down along the southern coast to the Black River area of Jamaica. We would pass through Savannah la Mar and then head south down towords the water. Being an American, and driving on the left, is always a strange expereince when you haven't done it in awhile. When you add to the fact that Jamaican interior roads have about 20+/- serious potholes per mile, while about 95% of the drivers appear to go at least 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limits, a leisurely drive becomes a serious challenge.

We finally made it to Savannah la Mar and decided to stop at a gas station just to make sure we would make the right turn. While talking to the gasoline attendant, a very friendly Jamaican approached on a motorcycle and asked where we were going. We said we were heading down to the Black River region to do some shopping and possibly take the Black River Cruise. He warned us that the road leading down to Black River was very dangerous on this day as he told us that the political demonstrations leading up to the National election the following week were being held on the road and that people were throwing rocks at the cars.

He told us there was a much safer place to go which was actually much nicer called the Roaring River. He mentioned that he lived in the area as a young boy. He said this place had a very refreshing mineral river, a village tour and much more. The motorcycle guy said he could actually lead us up to the area. I decided that a dented car would be hard to explain upon returning it to the rental agency, and most likely result in Travel Invasion having to pay for major body damage.

We thought "Wow, what a great guy to warn us of such a possibly explosive situation". We followed the motorcycle for about 15 miles up into the countryside.
Slight rain showers speckled the car along the way. Finally we had made it to the Roaring River. The guy on the motorcycle told us how things worked and that we would have to pay a small admission for the tour, with all the money going to help the village. I asked how much the tour would be and he said $10. He then asked if it was possible if I could pay his admission as well for being so kind "to lead us to such a beautiful place" (his words) He claimed that hadn't taken the tour in many years and that it would be fascinating for him as well. We decided that it was fair.

We paid $30 US for three admissions and proceeded up the road to meet our guide. The guide was a male approximately 20 years old. He greeted us with a warm and friendly welcome and began to tell us all that we would be seeing on the tour. The whole group began walking up along a trail into the village area. The guide stopped to tell us about the various tropical plants native to Jamaica and a little about their history and possible medicinal uses. Along the way the guide told us of his desire to one day be able to go back to school and be able to find a job which would help him support the village.

An old man cut down some coconuts for us to drink, which we then finished off by eating the meat. The humidity made this a refreshing way to begin the conclusion to our tour. Back down the trail we were by the river once again and near our starting point. The guide told us to get our suits on so we could take a swim in the river. I left my keys which had access to the trunk which contained my wallet.
(After what eventually happens, I highly recommend against ever leaving your keys, wallet or any personals with anyone associated with the Roaring River)

We proceeded to the river and jumped in at one point and allow the current to glide us downstream. Our guide told a few sentimental stories about his desire for a better life. I was really beginning to feel like this was a neat young man who really was trying for more out of life.

We crawled out of the water and began the walk back to the car. The guide then took me aside and asked "now how are you going to compensate me for this tour?". I asked "what are you talking about?" The guide replied "it is expected that I be tipped for my services." I said "what kind of tip are you talking about?" He replied "I usually receive $100 to $150 per person for my services." I said "what about the $30 I had to pay to get in here, and why was I not told upfront of this requirement" The guide began to get more demanding and said "the admission goes for the school children, while my tip money is divided among the village residents" Frustrated I said " there is no way you are getting $100 each from us" and I also mentioned "let me guess, the motorcycle guy is going to want some cash as well?"
I was right, up walked the motorcycle guy who began demanding money as well. To make matters worse, the political demonstrators who we were warned about were all congregating about 1/4 mile down the road that we were going to be heading back on. The motorcycle guy began to get all embaressed and said he would lead us safely back once we paid up.
The whole discussion continued on to our car where neither of the two would even leave us alone for a few seconds to talk about what was going on. It was extremely imtimidating. We were stuck and had to pay up.
We ended up giving the guide $50 for the both of us, $40 to the motorcycle guy and of course the $30 we had to pay to get in. All said and done the grand total was
$120 for something we hadn't planned , and didn't really want to do anyways.

We took off with the sounds of a woman screaming at us saying "why didn't you buy a beer or cold drink from us?" I felt like yelling "because the greedy fucking asshole over there just took all our money"
But I didn't. I just drove off, although we were soon stopped by the political rally. There was no rock throwing, and no violence to be seen. Just a bunch of people, passionate about the candidate they were backing. The rally just waved us on.

Since then, I have heard fom many others who have been screwed with and scammed at the Roaring River. Many by the same motorcycle guy who appears out of nowhere like an angel to warn unsuspecting travelers of possible danger.

Steer clear of this tourist trap and the extortion you will end up having to endure!

Jeff Burgess
Travel Invasion