Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting
Relaxing bamboo raft trip down the Martha Brae River with hotel/port pickup from Montego Bay. Driver meets you at your hotel lobby or cruise port, provides local commentary en route, pays site entry, and escorts you to the raft loading area. On-site you will receive a welcome drink, board a guided bamboo raft for a calm 60‑minute float with stops for photos and swimming on request, and have time (
In Collaboration with Travel Together Tours Jamaica . Updated on February 15, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Travel Together Tours Jamaica , inspired by the tour (Martha Brae River) Bamboo Rafting. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided bamboo raft down the Martha Brae River
- Welcome drink and opportunity to swim or take photos from the raft
- Hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off in Montego Bay
Explore all itineraries in Montego Bay.
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning pickup in Montego Bay, transfer to Martha Brae, raft experience, light time for shopping/refreshments, and return to Montego Bay.
Hotel / Port pickup — Montego Bay
Driver meets you at the hotel lobby or pre-arranged port meeting point and confirms the party before departure. Please be ready in the lobby at your selected pickup time.
Tips from local experts:
- Be in the hotel lobby 5–10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time to avoid delays.
- Bring a small towel and a change of clothes in a day bag in case you get wet during the raft.
- Carry local cash for small purchases and tips; driver will instruct where to meet if port pickup requires walking to the main road.
Transfer to Martha Brae Rafting site
Scenic transfer from Montego Bay to the Martha Brae rafting site. Driver may provide brief commentary about local history and points of interest and can stop on request at safe viewpoints along the route.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive typically takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic; use the restroom before boarding if needed.
- If you prefer a quick stop for photos, ask the driver early so timing can be adjusted.
- Keep any seasickness or motion-sickness medication handy if you are prone to it on winding roads.
Arrival & check‑in at Martha Brae rafting site
Driver pays entry on your behalf and you collect a welcome drink before proceeding to the raft loading area. Staff will assign a raft captain (punter) and explain boarding.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Have your voucher or booking confirmation ready on arrival to speed check‑in.
- Wear comfortable, non‑slip sandals or water shoes for boarding and possible shallow river wading.
- If you want the optional limestone foot massage mentioned on-site, bring small change; ask the raft captain for availability.
Bamboo raft ride on the Martha Brae River
Guided bamboo raft float down the calm river with stops for photos and swimming on request. The raft captain handles steering and provides local information. Duration is approximately 60 minutes on the river.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras and phones secured; use a waterproof pouch or wrist strap for river photos.
- If you plan to swim, check with the raft captain about safe shallow spots before jumping in.
- Be respectful of the raft captain’s instructions when standing or moving on the raft to maintain balance.
Post‑raft refreshments & souvenir time
Time on-site to change, enjoy refreshments, and browse local souvenir stalls. The driver will wait and reconvene the group before departure.
- Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm a clear meeting spot and time with the driver before you separate for shopping.
- Souvenir vendors commonly accept Jamaican dollars and small US bills; inspect items before purchase.
- If you need to dry items quickly, use a towel and avoid leaving valuables unattended on-site.
Return transfer and drop‑off in Montego Bay
Drive back to your original pickup point in Montego Bay. Driver will drop you at your hotel lobby or the pre-arranged port meeting point.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow time for traffic when planning onward connections; reconfirm the drop‑off location with your driver.
- If you booked a later activity or transport, inform the driver so they can aim for an appropriate arrival time.
- Thank and tip the driver and raft captain in local currency if you were satisfied with the service.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Attraction, Experience, Break |
Why this experience
Drifting down the Martha Brae River on a traditional bamboo raft is the quintessential Jamaican relaxation experience. Your guide propels the raft gently downriver, sharing stories about local wildlife, river folklore, and the lush rainforest canopy that surrounds you. The water is cool and refreshing, the pace is unhurried, and there's no physical exertion required—just you, your guide, and the sound of tropical birds. Hotel and cruise port pickups mean you spend zero time organizing logistics. This half-day escape from Montego Bay proper works year-round, though the dry season brings clearer skies and better visibility. It's the kind of experience that feels authentically Jamaican without requiring adventure skills.
Before you go
| Best time | Dry season (November–April) for clear weather; river is navigable year-round |
| Budget | Budget-to-mid-range; check TheNextGuide for pricing |
| Difficulty | Minimal; no swimming or athletic ability required |
| What to bring | Sun protection, hat or visor, water shoes, light layers for morning/evening |
| Getting there | Hotel or cruise port pickup included; travel time 20–30 minutes from Montego Bay |
| Accessibility | Suitable for most ages and fitness levels; consult operator about mobility needs |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bamboo raft experience? The raft ride itself is about 1 hour. With pickup, dropoff, and boarding time, plan 3–4 hours total.
Do I need to swim or get wet? You'll sit dry on the raft the whole time. If you want to swim, the guide can stop at calm pools, but it's optional.
What's included in the booking? Transport from your hotel or cruise terminal, the full guided raft journey, local commentary, and pickup/return. Lunch and drinks aren't typically included but may be available for a small fee.
Can families bring young children? Yes, it's family-friendly. Children often love the slow-paced nature experience. Confirm age restrictions and life vest availability when booking through TheNextGuide.
Is the river clean and safe? Yes. The Martha Brae is a popular, well-maintained tour river and has been welcoming visitors for decades. Your guide will point out wildlife and natural features along the way.
Complete your trip in Montego Bay
After your peaceful river drift, balance it with adventure: try horseback riding through jungle to a private beach or snorkel over the vibrant coral reef. At night, experience the magic of the Luminous Lagoon's bioluminescent waters. Browse all Montego Bay itineraries at TheNextGuide.
