Montego Bay: Martha Brae Rafting & Dunn’s River Falls Private Day Trip

Summary

Private day trip from Montego Bay with rafting and waterfall climb plus all entry fees

You’ll float down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft with a local guide, then climb Dunn’s River Falls with help along the way. Private transport from Montego Bay makes everything easy — entry fees are sorted so you can focus on soaking up river sounds and cool waterfall spray instead of logistics.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Montego Bay to Martha Brae and Dunn's River Falls

• Depart Montego Bay
• Drive 40 minutes to Martha Brae River
• Enjoy rafting on Martha Brae River
• Drive 1 hour to Dunn's River Falls
• Explore Dunn's River Falls and beach
• Optional lunch and shopping stop
• Return to Montego Bay

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Montego Bay to Martha Brae River and Dunn’s River Falls take?

The tour includes about 40 minutes’ drive to Martha Brae River and another hour to Dunn’s River Falls from there. The whole experience takes most of a day.

Are entrance fees included for both Martha Brae Rafting and Dunn’s River Falls?

Yes, entry fees for both attractions are included in your booking.

Is transportation private and air-conditioned?

Yes, you travel in a private vehicle with air conditioning throughout the day trip.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch is not included but there is an option to stop for lunch after visiting Dunn’s River Falls.

How many people fit on one bamboo raft at Martha Brae?

Each raft accommodates two persons plus your local guide.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during this private tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Montego Bay by private air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees for both Martha Brae Rafting (per raft) and Dunn’s River Falls covered up front so you don’t have to worry about cash or tickets along the way; after climbing the falls there’s time for lunch or shopping before heading back relaxed.

What’s the experience like?

I’d heard about the Martha Brae River before, but floating down it on a bamboo raft was something else. There was this weird calm as we pushed off — just the sound of water tapping against the raft and our guide, Winston, humming quietly. The air smelled like wet grass and something sweet I couldn’t place (maybe mango trees?). It’s funny how quickly you forget your phone exists when you’re gliding past those tangled green banks. Winston told us stories about old river spirits — he even let me try steering for a minute, which went badly but got a good laugh out of him.

The drive from Montego Bay to the river took about forty minutes, but it didn’t feel long. Maybe because we were all half-asleep at first — or maybe because our driver kept pointing out little things along the road, like goats balancing on walls or schoolkids in bright uniforms. After rafting, we headed to Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios. That part took almost an hour, but I barely noticed since we were still talking about the river and trying to dry off (my shorts never really did).

Dunn’s River is busy, loud in a way that feels alive — people laughing, water crashing everywhere. Climbing up those limestone rocks with cold water rushing over your feet is harder than it looks on Instagram. Our guide showed us where to step so we wouldn’t slip (I still managed to sit down in one of the pools by accident). There was this moment halfway up where I just stopped and looked back — sunlight flickering through the trees, everyone cheering each other on. I still think about that view sometimes.

We grabbed lunch nearby after, nothing fancy — jerk chicken that made my lips burn and cold Red Stripe beer. We could’ve stopped for shopping too if we wanted, but honestly I was just happy to sit for a bit and watch people go by. The ride back felt quieter; maybe everyone was tired or just full of that slow river feeling.