Montego Bay: Bamboo Rafting Martha Brae with Local Guide

Summary

Float the Martha Brae River on bamboo rafts with a guide

You’ll drift along Jamaica’s Martha Brae River on a handmade bamboo raft with a local guide steering and sharing stories. Expect hotel pickup in Montego Bay, entry fees included, and time to explore Miss Martha’s herb garden before floating through lush scenery — it’s peaceful in ways you don’t expect until you’re there.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried steering a 30-foot bamboo raft?” That’s what our guide, Devon, asked as we pushed off from the pier at Martha Brae. I just laughed — honestly, I was still thinking about the jerk chicken smell from Scotchies we’d passed on the way here from Montego Bay. The river was quieter than I expected. Just the sound of water sliding under us and some birds making a racket somewhere in the trees. Devon pointed out a flash of blue — kingfisher? — and told us stories about his grandmother using herbs from Miss Martha’s garden for everything from headaches to heartbreak. I didn’t expect to care about herbs but now I want to grow lemongrass at home.

The whole bamboo rafting thing is slower than you think, in a good way. It’s three miles but you lose track of time — maybe an hour and twenty minutes? There was this moment where Devon let me try poling for a bit (I almost spun us in circles; he grinned and said “not bad for your first time”). The river water felt cool if you dipped your hand in, and there was this earthy smell mixed with something sweet — maybe wildflowers or just wet leaves. At one point we passed another couple who were singing Bob Marley softly; it kind of echoed around the bends.

I kept looking up at the trees arching over us, sunlight flickering through like someone messing with a dimmer switch. We talked about Usain Bolt’s old school as we floated past William Knibb Hill — Devon seemed proud, which made me smile. The whole thing felt easygoing but real, not staged or rushed. When it ended I almost wanted to go back upstream and do it again, but that’s not how rivers work, right? Still think about that quiet stretch sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting Experience

• Drive 30 minutes from Montego Bay
• Pass Scotchies Restaurant and landmarks
• Visit Miss Martha’s Herb Garden
• Board bamboo raft at Rafter’s Village
• Raft down 3-mile Martha Brae River
• Pay $45 per person at attraction

Top questions

How long does the Martha Brae bamboo rafting tour take?

The rafting portion lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes over three miles.

Is transportation from Montego Bay included?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included from Montego Bay.

How many people fit on one bamboo raft?

Each raft can hold two adults and one child under nine years old.

Are entry fees for Martha Brae River included?

Yes, all entry fees are included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for families with infants?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult's lap or use specialized infant seats provided.

Do you get to visit any other attractions during the trip?

You’ll pass places like Scotchies Restaurant and William Knibb Hill School en route but the main activity is rafting at Martha Brae River.

Can you try steering the bamboo raft yourself?

If your guide allows, you may have a chance to try poling briefly under supervision.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation from Montego Bay with hotel pickup, all entry fees for Martha Brae River bamboo rafting (with two people per raft), plus time to visit Miss Martha’s herb garden before heading back relaxed and probably humming reggae tunes.