Martha Brae River Rafting from Montego Bay: Jamaica's #1 rated activity

Drift downriver on a bamboo raft, listening to the legend of Martha Brae

Bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River is a private tour from Montego Bay where you ride a traditional raft down a calm, slow-moving river while a guide shares the folklore and natural history of the area. Private transportation from your hotel is included, and the journey takes between two and five hours depending on your departure point. Infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a specialized infant seat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Martha Brae River Rafting Experience

• Drive 30 minutes from Montego Bay
• Board bamboo raft on Martha Brae River
• Enjoy slow peaceful rafting ride
• Listen to the legend of Martha Brae
• Observe flora, fauna, and carved rocks

The experience

The Martha Brae River sits about 30 minutes from Montego Bay in Falmouth, Trelawney, and the rafting here is rated Jamaica's number one activity for good reason. You'll board a bamboo raft at a six-acre site with manicured lawns on a natural horseshoe island, then drift downriver under the shade of huge trees that line both banks. The water moves slowly and the ride is peaceful. The kind of pace that lets you actually look around instead of holding on.

Your guide is educated in the river's history and folklore, and they'll point out the rocks carved into animal shapes by the water over time, explain the legend of Martha Brae herself, and talk through the flora and fauna you pass. The trees overhead keep you cool, and the gentle current does the work. This is not white-water rafting. It's a chance to commune with the river and hear the stories attached to it.

Private transportation picks you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and brings you back when the raft ride ends. The total time (from pickup through the river and return) runs between two and five hours depending on which area you're picked up from: Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Falmouth/Trelawny, or Grand Palladium.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel.
• the bamboo raft ride on the Martha Brae River with an educated guide.
• access to the six-acre boarding site with manicured lawns.

Options for this experience

6 options

From Montego BayGuide in English · 13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00Pickup is included, but not for Grand Palladium, Melia Braco, Royalton, Mangos or Excellence Oyster Bay

From Falmouth/TrelawnyGuide in English · 12 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00Pickup is included for Melia Braco, Royalton, Mangos and Excellence Oyster Bay

From Grand PalladiumGuide in English · 9 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00Pickup is included

See 3 more options

From Runaway BayGuide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:00Pickup is included

From NegrilGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 10:00Pickup is included

From Ocho RiosGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 10:00Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jamaica Mesmerizing Tours Limited

Is this one for you?Book from your nearest pickup point if you want the drive time to match your schedule: Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Falmouth/Trelawny and Grand Palladium each have their own option, so you're not traveling an extra hour to reach the river.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the legend of Martha Brae that the guide talks about?

The Martha Brae River carries folklore tied to its name and history, which your guide will share as you float downriver. The exact stories emerge during the tour, woven into the natural landscape you're passing through.

How calm is the water on this raft ride?

The Martha Brae River is slow-moving and calm, designed for a peaceful float rather than rapids or fast current. You're drifting under tree shade at a pace that lets you take in the surroundings and listen to your guide.

Can I bring an infant on the bamboo raft?

Infants are welcome and can sit on an adult's lap during the ride. Specialized infant seats are also available if you prefer that option.

How long does the whole experience take, including the drive?

The total time from hotel pickup through the raft ride and return is between two and five hours, depending on which area of Jamaica you're picked up from.

Is the raft ride suitable if I'm not very fit?

The Martha Brae rafting tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You're sitting on the raft while it floats downriver, not paddling or swimming.

What's included in the private tour?

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel is included, along with the bamboo raft ride and your guide's commentary on the river's history and folklore.