Float an hour down the slow, shaded Martha Brae on a bamboo raft steered by a local captain, then cap the trip with authentic jerk chicken. This family-friendly half-day escape blends easy river travel, folklore, and riverside culture a short drive from Montego Bay.
Float an hour down the slow, shaded Martha Brae on a bamboo raft steered by a local captain, then cap the trip with authentic jerk chicken. This family-friendly half-day escape blends easy river travel, folklore, and riverside culture a short drive from Montego Bay.
A warm trade wind lifts the fragrance of wood smoke and river mud as you step onto a low bamboo raft. The captain eases the pole into the languid current of the Martha Brae and the world slides by—mossy roots, folded rock faces, and the scatter of kingfishers that dart and reappear like punctuation.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by OceanShootJamaica Tours · Falmouth, Trelawny
A warm trade wind lifts the fragrance of wood smoke and river mud as you step onto a low bamboo raft. The captain eases the pole into the languid current of the Martha Brae and the world slides by—mossy roots, folded rock faces, and the scatter of kingfishers that dart and reappear like punctuation.
The Martha Brae River runs through Trelawny parish and carries both colonial history and Taino legend: locals tell of a woman named Martha Brae and an old curse that made the river run oddly. Geologically the lowland river carves through limestone and alluvial soils shaped by rainfall and coastal plains; its calm channels and shallow stretches make it ideal for guided bamboo rafting. Along the banks, small craft stalls and family-run farms display hand-carved goods and spices—Jamaica’s cultural texture in miniature.
Expect a relaxed, 60-minute float guided by an experienced raft captain who will point out native plants and wildlife. Photography is easy from the raft; shade under overhanging trees keeps temperatures moderate even midday. The experience commonly includes private round-trip transport from Montego Bay and the option to end with authentic jerk chicken at a local spot.
Practical notes: wear water-friendly shoes, bring sun protection and bug spray, and plan for a flexible schedule during the rainy season (May–November). This excursion is family-friendly and low-impact when visitors follow captain guidance—leave no trace and support local vendors when you can.
easy.
3 hours (including transport and lunch option).
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires basic mobility to step onto a low raft and sit for an hour.
The guided bamboo raft portion is about 60 minutes; the total experience is roughly three hours including transport and optional lunch.
The Montego Bay package commonly includes a stop for authentic jerk chicken; a transport-only option (Falmouth area) may not include food—confirm at booking.
Yes—rafts are stable and trips are low-intensity. Guests should be able to step onto the raft and sit for an hour; crew provide safety guidance.
Operators monitor weather closely. Short showers usually won't cancel a float, but trips may be rescheduled during heavy storms or hurricane advisories.
The river runs through Trelawny parish and is steeped in local Taino folklore and colonial-era stories; the raft experience highlights both natural and cultural history.
The river’s health depends on responsible visitation—avoid leaving trash, support licensed operators, and buy locally made goods to help the riverside community.
OceanShootJamaica Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A warm trade wind lifts the fragrance of wood smoke and river mud as you step onto a low bamboo raft. The captain eases the pole into the languid current of the Martha Brae and the world slides by—mossy roots, folded rock faces, and the scatter of kingfishers that dart and reappear like punctuation.
A warm trade wind lifts the fragrance of wood smoke and river mud as you step onto a low bamboo raft. The captain eases the pole into the languid current of the Martha Brae and the world slides by—mossy roots, folded rock faces, and the scatter of kingfishers that dart and reappear like punctuation.
The Martha Brae River runs through Trelawny parish and carries both colonial history and Taino legend: locals tell of a woman named Martha Brae and an old curse that made the river run oddly. Geologically the lowland river carves through limestone and alluvial soils shaped by rainfall and coastal plains; its calm channels and shallow stretches make it ideal for guided bamboo rafting. Along the banks, small craft stalls and family-run farms display hand-carved goods and spices—Jamaica’s cultural texture in miniature.
Expect a relaxed, 60-minute float guided by an experienced raft captain who will point out native plants and wildlife. Photography is easy from the raft; shade under overhanging trees keeps temperatures moderate even midday. The experience commonly includes private round-trip transport from Montego Bay and the option to end with authentic jerk chicken at a local spot.
Practical notes: wear water-friendly shoes, bring sun protection and bug spray, and plan for a flexible schedule during the rainy season (May–November). This excursion is family-friendly and low-impact when visitors follow captain guidance—leave no trace and support local vendors when you can.