Montego Bay Private Martha Brae Rafting Transport

Summary

Martha Brae River Rafting Day Trip with Local Captain

This is your chance to float down Jamaica’s Martha Brae River on a traditional bamboo raft with a local captain guiding the way. Private transport from Montego Bay means no crowded buses or waiting around — just you, your group, and plenty of time to soak in the scenery. Includes pickup and drop-off so you can relax into island time… memories guaranteed.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried steering one of these?” our driver, Devon, grinned as we pulled up to the Martha Brae Rafting pier. I shook my head — honestly, I’d barely seen a bamboo raft outside of movies. The air was thick and sweet, like sugarcane left in the sun, and there was this low hum of voices from other travelers and a few locals selling coconut water (I caved and bought one, couldn’t resist). Devon waited while we checked in; he seemed to know everyone by name, which made me feel less like a tourist and more like someone being introduced around.

The raft captain — Mr. Brown — called out “Ready?” before I’d even found my balance on the thirty-foot bamboo raft. He pushed us off with one practiced shove, and suddenly we were gliding along the Martha Brae River, trees arching overhead like green umbrellas. The water was cool if you trailed your fingers in it (I did), and every so often Mr. Brown would point out something: a heron stalking the shallows, or a patch of wild ginger growing along the bank. He told us about “The Legend of Martha Brae” — his version had more laughter than mystery, but maybe that’s just how he tells stories.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get once we drifted away from the launch. Just river sounds: paddle against water, birds calling somewhere you can’t see. At one bend he let me try steering for a minute — I nearly spun us in circles (he laughed but pretended not to). There’s an easy rhythm to it all that makes you forget about time or what’s waiting back at your hotel. When we finished, Devon was right there waving us over; he asked if we wanted to stop for jerk chicken on the way back (we did). Still think about that river light sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Martha Brae Rafting Experience

• Pickup from hotel, Airbnb, or port
• Transport to Martha Brae Rafting
• Rafting on Martha Brae River
• Transport back to pickup point

Top questions

How long does the Martha Brae rafting trip take?

The raft ride itself lasts about one hour along a three-mile stretch of river.

Is transportation included from Montego Bay hotels?

Yes, private roundtrip transportation is included from your hotel or Airbnb in Montego Bay.

Can I swim during the rafting tour?

Yes, there are spots where you can take a dip if you want — just ask your raft captain.

Are kids allowed on the Martha Brae rafting tour?

Children are welcome but must sit with an adult; infants need to be on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup and drop-off from your Montego Bay hotel or cruise port in an air-conditioned vehicle; after drifting down the Martha Brae River with a licensed local captain (rafting fee paid separately), you’ll be brought back comfortably whenever you’re ready.