Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting from Montego Bay

Pilot your own bamboo raft down a Jamaican river

Martha Brae River bamboo rafting from Montego Bay is a guided float down a 30-foot handmade raft through the river valley in Trelawny Parish, with a certified guide steering the craft and private pickup from your hotel included. The guide stops along the way for souvenirs, cold drinks, and fresh jelly coconut. Children from age 10 are welcome, and the full experience runs about an hour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting

• Arrive at Martha Brae River village
• Board 30 ft handmade bamboo raft
• Raft downstream with certified guide
• Stop for souvenirs and refreshments
• Enjoy river scenery and take photos

The Experience

The Martha Brae River sits in a remote village in Trelawny Parish on Jamaica's north coast. You're picked up from your Montego Bay hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and driven to the launch point, where you board a 30-foot raft made entirely by hand from bamboo lashed together. A certified guide poles the raft downstream, controlling the pace and route while you sit back and watch the river valley unfold around you. The water is calm enough that you can take photos and soak in the surroundings without gripping anything.

The guide stops at spots along the river to let you browse local crafts and souvenirs, grab a cold beer if you want one, or try a jelly coconut—the soft flesh inside scooped straight from the shell. These pauses break up the float and give you a chance to stretch or chat with the guide. Bottled water is provided throughout, and the air-conditioned ride back to your hotel is included, so you're not arranging transport on either end.

What’s included

• Private pickup and drop-off from your Montego Bay hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• the 30-foot bamboo raft with a certified guide.
• bottled water throughout the float.
• and all tour fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by True Reality Paradise Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared-raft experience with a guide steering, so you're floating rather than paddling—it suits anyone who wants to see the river without exertion or skill required, and families with children from 10 up. Book this if you'd rather sit back and let someone else handle the navigation while you take in the scenery and stop for local touches along the way.

Top questions

How long does the Martha Brae bamboo rafting experience take?

The full experience, including pickup, the river float, and the return drive to your hotel, runs about an hour. The actual time on the water is the centerpiece, with transport and stops built around it.

What happens during the stops the guide makes along the river?

The guide stops at spots where you can browse local souvenirs and crafts, order a cold beer or other drinks, or try jelly coconut—a local specialty where the soft flesh inside the shell is eaten fresh. These pauses let you rest and interact with the guide without leaving the raft.

Is the bamboo raft safe for children?

Children from age 10 are welcome on the Martha Brae rafting tour. Infants and small children can come along if they're in a pram or stroller, though they would not be on the raft itself during the float.

What's included in the price of this tour?

The Martha Brae rafting includes private transportation from your Montego Bay hotel, the guided raft float down the river, bottled water throughout, and all fees. Stops for souvenirs and refreshments are part of the experience, though drinks and snacks you purchase are separate.

Do I need any special fitness level or experience to do this?

The Martha Brae rafting is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You're sitting on the raft while the certified guide poles it downstream, so no paddling or swimming is required—just the ability to board and sit comfortably for about an hour.