Bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae is Jamaica at its most relaxed. You sit side by side on a cushioned seat on a long raft of lashed bamboo while a raft captain poles you downstream through overhanging trees, past riverbank vendors selling cold drinks and carvings, for about an hour on the river. The trips start at Rafter’s Village near Falmouth in Trelawny, about three-quarters of an hour from Montego Bay, and cover the gentle lower stretch of the river before it meets the sea. Local legend says the river is named after Martha Brae, a Taino woman said to have been tortured by Spanish settlers hunting for gold. The Viator tour we link is the best reviewed on the river, rated 4.9 from 582 reviews, and includes air-conditioned transport from your Montego Bay hotel, a private raft for two with life jackets and river admission. Rafting resumed in December 2025 after Hurricane Melissa and has been busy through 2026.
How it works: the tour is run by Jamaica Experience Tour, with pickup from hotels and rentals in and around Montego Bay. The provider confirms your pickup time about two days ahead, and reviewers recommend checking it directly. The whole outing takes three to four hours, of which at least an hour is on the river. Each raft carries two passengers plus the captain, so it works best for couples or pairs of friends. Alcoholic drinks are extra, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before.
What to expect: the river is calm and shallow on this stretch, so there are no rapids, just birdsong, shade and the soft splash of the pole. Captains will often pause in a shallow, quiet spot for photos, and some let you step off for a dip. Back at the village there is a bar, restrooms and Miss Martha’s Herb Garden.
Making the most of it: bring cash in small notes for drinks, souvenirs and the captain’s tip, which is customary. Wear sunscreen and a hat even in the shade, and pack a towel if you want to swim. Rafting runs in the morning and early afternoon, so it combines neatly with an evening at the Luminous Lagoon nearby.
What to expect
The experience
A half-day trip from Montego Bay with a private bamboo raft for two, poled by a captain for about an hour down the calm lower Martha Brae.
Best time
Mornings, when the river is cool and quiet; avoid the day after very heavy rain, when the water can run high and muddy.
How long
Three to four hours in total, including roughly 45 minutes of driving each way.
Tips
Carry small notes for drinks, souvenirs and the captain’s tip, and wear sunscreen and clothes that can get a little wet.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and anyone who wants a gentle, scenic river trip rather than an adrenaline rush.
- Families
- Children are welcome, but each raft takes two passengers, so a family of four needs two rafts.
- Couples
- One of the most romantic things to do in Jamaica, especially if you ask the captain to linger in a quiet stretch.
- Pair with
- The Luminous Lagoon near Falmouth on the same evening, for a day of river by daylight and glowing water after dark.
- Time needed
- A morning, leaving the afternoon free for the pool or the beach.
Good questions
Is Martha Brae rafting open after Hurricane Melissa?+
Yes, rafting resumed in December 2025 and was running busily through 2026. Recent Viator reviews date from 2026.
How many people fit on a raft?+
Each bamboo raft takes two passengers and the raft captain. Groups and families book several rafts.
Is the river rough?+
No, the rafting stretch is calm and shallow, with no rapids. It is a gentle float rather than white-water rafting.
How long is the rafting itself?+
You spend at least an hour on the river. With transport from Montego Bay, the outing takes three to four hours.
Should I tip the raft captain?+
Yes, tipping the captain is customary in Jamaica. Bring cash in small notes for the tip and for drinks along the river.
