Montego Bay: Martha Brae River Tubing & Bengal Beach

Ninety minutes floating past jungle walls on the Martha Brae River

You float the Martha Brae River on a guided inner tube for 90 minutes, drifting through Jamaica's rainforest while a boatman steers and shares local stories. The tour ends at Bengal Beach, where you can swim and relax in clear water before returning to Montego Bay. Transport, equipment, and admission are all included, so you arrive, get on the tube, and go.

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a genuine break from the resort without arranging your own transport or worrying about logistics — the pickup and equipment mean you just show up and float.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Martha Brae River Tubing and Bengal Beach

• Arrive at Martha Brae River
• Float down river on inner tube
• Listen to boatmen's stories
• Enjoy tropical rainforest scenery
• End tubing at Bengal Beach
• Relax at Bengal Beach

The Experience

"The river, she takes care of you," our guide said as he steadied the tube at the launch point, and he wasn't wrong. The Martha Brae River tubing experience from Montego Bay starts with a short ride to the put-in, where you climb onto a large inner tube and let the current do most of the work. The boatmen — experienced guides who know every bend and eddy — steer from behind, pointing out the wildlife and telling stories about the area as you drift past overhanging trees and limestone banks. The whole float takes about 90 minutes, and it's genuinely peaceful; the water moves slow enough that you're not fighting it, fast enough that you're never stuck.

What makes this different from a lot of river tours is that there's no rushing. You're not on a schedule to hit five viewpoints or take a hundred photos. The Martha Brae just moves, and you move with it, watching the rainforest close in on both sides. The guides talk when there's something to say and go quiet when there isn't, which sounds small but changes everything. Halfway through, the river opens up a bit and you can see the sky again. By the time you reach Bengal Beach at the end, you've been in the shade long enough that the clear water and open sand feel like a real shift — not just a photo op, but an actual place to sit and breathe.

The whole day includes pickup from your Montego Bay hotel, all the tubing equipment, and admission to both the river and the beach. You don't have to arrange transport or worry about tubes or life jackets; they're all there waiting. The guides handle the logistics so you can just show up and float. If you're traveling with an infant, specialized seats are available, and the boatmen will secure them safely. The experience suits anyone looking for a half-day activity that feels like an escape rather than a checklist — no rushing, no crowds pushing you along, just the sound of water and the smell of wet earth.

Top questions

How long is the Martha Brae River tubing tour?

The float itself lasts about 90 minutes. With transport and beach time, plan for a half-day activity.

What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup from Montego Bay, the inner tube and all safety equipment, admission to the river and Bengal Beach, and a guide throughout.

Can I bring an infant?

Yes. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is the river current strong?

No. The Martha Brae moves gently enough that you're relaxing rather than paddling or fighting the water.

What happens at Bengal Beach?

After the river float, you have time to swim, walk, and rest at the beach before the return trip to Montego Bay.

Do I need to be fit for this?

The tour suits all fitness levels. You're sitting on a tube while a guide steers, not paddling or swimming.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes or sandals. The guide will advise on what to secure or leave behind.

Is this tour crowded?

Groups are kept manageable, and the river itself is wide enough that you're not packed in with other tubes.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and return transport from Montego Bay, all tubing equipment and safety gear, admission to the Martha Brae River and Bengal Beach, and a trained guide who steers the tube and shares stories about the area throughout the 90-minute float.