Rafting Ocho Rios: Martha Brae River & Luminous Lagoon

Bamboo raft down a mangrove river, then a midnight swim in water that glows

This four-hour activity from Ocho Rios combines rafting the Martha Brae River on a 10-foot bamboo raft with a licensed captain and an evening swim in the Luminous Lagoon, where millions of dinoflagellates create a natural glow when disturbed. Private transportation, bottled water, and all entry fees are included. You choose between the river rafting alone, the lagoon alone, or both as a package.

The experience

The day starts with a pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle and a drive to the Martha Brae River near Falmouth, a historic 18th-century port town on Jamaica's north coast. You board a 10-foot bamboo raft captained by a licensed operator who navigates the three-mile stretch of river. The current is calm and the banks are thick with mangrove forest. This is a quiet, scenic float, not a whitewater run. Between the raft and the drive, you also get a sightseeing pass through Falmouth itself, where the town's colonial architecture and lush surroundings frame the region's role in the sugar and spice trade.

The Luminous Lagoon portion departs after dark from the marina. The lagoon holds millions of dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms that emit a green glow when the water is disturbed. During the 45-minute boat tour, you'll see the outline of fish and objects reflected in the luminescence, and the highlight is jumping in to swim surrounded by the glow. The lagoon is the largest and most brilliant of four bioluminescent lagoons in the world, a phenomenon that draws scientists and travelers alike.

Before the day begins, you can spend time at Rafter's Village, a six-acre facility on a natural island with picnic grounds, a bar, souvenir shops, and a swimming pool. The village also has Miss Martha's Herb Garden, a display of Jamaica's medicinal herbs. You'll have bottled water throughout, and the entire experience (raft rental, guide, transport, lagoon entry, and all taxes) is covered in your booking.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bamboo raft rental with a licensed captain.
• entry to the Luminous Lagoon.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

3 options

Luminous Lagoon, departing from Ocho RiosGuide in English · 14:00Includes pickup

River rafting, departing from Ocho RiosGuide in English · 14:00Includes pickup

Package from the Ocho Rios areaGuide in English · 14:00Includes pickup

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Exotic Excursion

Is this one for you?Choose the package if you want both the river and the lagoon in one outing. Book the river rafting alone if you prefer the daytime experience, or the lagoon alone if you're only interested in the nighttime swim in glowing water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Martha Brae River rafting actually like?

The Martha Brae River is a calm, three-mile float through mangrove forest on a 10-foot bamboo raft piloted by a licensed captain. It's a scenic and relaxing experience, not a technical or fast-moving run.

Can I swim in the Luminous Lagoon, or just watch from the boat?

You jump in and swim during the 45-minute lagoon tour. The water glows when disturbed because of millions of dinoflagellates, and you'll see the outline of your body and other objects lit by the natural bioluminescence.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation, the bamboo raft rental, a licensed raft captain, bottled water, entry to the Luminous Lagoon, and all fees and taxes are included. You can book the river rafting alone, the lagoon alone, or both as a package.

How long does the whole experience take?

The full package is four hours from pickup to drop-off, including the river raft, the Falmouth sightseeing portion, and the evening lagoon tour.

Do I need any experience to raft the Martha Brae River?

No. The river is calm and the raft is operated by your licensed captain, so it's suitable for all fitness levels. Infants can sit on an adult's lap.