Float an hour down the Martha Brae on a bamboo raft then ride gentle horses through Trelawny’s countryside on a private half-day tour from Montego Bay. Learn local history, swim in calm pools, and finish with herbs or jerk at a nearby stop.
Float an hour down the Martha Brae on a bamboo raft then ride gentle horses through Trelawny’s countryside on a private half-day tour from Montego Bay. Learn local history, swim in calm pools, and finish with herbs or jerk at a nearby stop.
The raft slips away with a soft scrape of bamboo and a practiced push from the captain; the Martha Brae river nudges you down a corridor of overhanging trees and cool, mottled light. Hours earlier you left Montego Bay’s coastal bustle and wound inland through patchwork farms to a stable where gentle horses flick their tails, eager for the slow, scenic trot that carries you past villages and an old Second World War airstrip.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bucketlistja · Falmouth, Trelawny
The raft slips away with a soft scrape of bamboo and a practiced push from the captain; the Martha Brae river nudges you down a corridor of overhanging trees and cool, mottled light. Hours earlier you left Montego Bay’s coastal bustle and wound inland through patchwork farms to a stable where gentle horses flick their tails, eager for the slow, scenic trot that carries you past villages and an old Second World War airstrip.
Martha Brae has been a local attraction for decades. The river cuts through north-coast limestone and alluvial soils, producing calm pools ideal for the traditional 30-foot bamboo rafts. Guides often tell the “Legend of Martha Brae” as they pole through shallow bends; nearby Falmouth is also known as the birthplace of sprinter Usain Bolt, anchoring the area in both folklore and modern culture. Rafter’s Village—complete with herb gardens, picnic grounds and a small market—adds a practical base for visitors.
Expect an hour-long float punctuated by choices: listen to the captain, take a swim, or enjoy the herb garden before or after the ride. The horseback portion is a beginner-friendly trail that winds through farmland and offers clear sightlines—good for photos and conversation.
Practical guidance: wear quick-dry clothing, bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen, and choose sturdy footwear for the stables. The tour runs about 4–5 hours including transfers; private pickup from hotels or the cruise port is standard. Cash for tips and small purchases is useful. This combo trip pairs tranquil river travel with a relaxed land ride—the pace slow enough to notice details, quick enough to fit mid-day plans.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; able to mount a horse and stand briefly on a raft. Minimal stamina required.
The bamboo raft ride covers roughly three miles and lasts about one hour, depending on stops and commentary.
Yes; the tour uses gentle horses and a guided trail appropriate for first-time riders and families.
Yes—the operator requests guests bring their own towel for swimming after the raft ride.
Yes; private pickup from Montego Bay hotels and Falmouth cruise ports is included—confirm pickup details when booking.
The Martha Brae attraction has been operating for decades and ties local folklore—the Legend of Martha Brae—to the colonial-era sugar economy and nearby Falmouth, a historic port town and the birthplace of Usain Bolt.
River ecosystems here are sensitive to runoff and litter; choosing licensed raft captains and avoiding single-use plastics helps protect water quality and riverbank habitats.
Bucketlistja operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The raft slips away with a soft scrape of bamboo and a practiced push from the captain; the Martha Brae river nudges you down a corridor of overhanging trees and cool, mottled light. Hours earlier you left Montego Bay’s coastal bustle and wound inland through patchwork farms to a stable where gentle horses flick their tails, eager for the slow, scenic trot that carries you past villages and an old Second World War airstrip.
The raft slips away with a soft scrape of bamboo and a practiced push from the captain; the Martha Brae river nudges you down a corridor of overhanging trees and cool, mottled light. Hours earlier you left Montego Bay’s coastal bustle and wound inland through patchwork farms to a stable where gentle horses flick their tails, eager for the slow, scenic trot that carries you past villages and an old Second World War airstrip.
Martha Brae has been a local attraction for decades. The river cuts through north-coast limestone and alluvial soils, producing calm pools ideal for the traditional 30-foot bamboo rafts. Guides often tell the “Legend of Martha Brae” as they pole through shallow bends; nearby Falmouth is also known as the birthplace of sprinter Usain Bolt, anchoring the area in both folklore and modern culture. Rafter’s Village—complete with herb gardens, picnic grounds and a small market—adds a practical base for visitors.
Expect an hour-long float punctuated by choices: listen to the captain, take a swim, or enjoy the herb garden before or after the ride. The horseback portion is a beginner-friendly trail that winds through farmland and offers clear sightlines—good for photos and conversation.
Practical guidance: wear quick-dry clothing, bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen, and choose sturdy footwear for the stables. The tour runs about 4–5 hours including transfers; private pickup from hotels or the cruise port is standard. Cash for tips and small purchases is useful. This combo trip pairs tranquil river travel with a relaxed land ride—the pace slow enough to notice details, quick enough to fit mid-day plans.