Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting: Calm River Float from Falmouth, Jamaica
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to sit and step on and off the raft without assistance.
Overview
Float down the Martha Brae on a hand-steered bamboo raft and trade the island’s road rush for three hours of slow current, local stories, and riverside culture. This easy, family-friendly outing pairs natural scenery with history and door-to-door pickup from Falmouth.
Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting: Calm River Float from Falmouth, Jamaica
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The raft moves with a pleasant lack of hurry. A lone guide stands at the stern, pole in hand, nudging the bamboo platform through a ribbon of water that threads between mangrove thickets and low limestone banks. Leaves slap the surface like soft applause; birds call from the canopy. For three hours — including pickup from Falmouth — the Martha Brae River dares you to slow down, to trade the speed of the highway for a steady, human-powered glide.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring water shoes
The raft’s surface can be slippery when wet and you’ll step on riverbanks; closed-toe water shoes improve grip and protect feet.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
The river links to coastal ecosystems—choose reef-safe sunscreen to reduce chemical runoff into mangroves and sea.
Protect gear in a dry bag
Carry phones and lenses in a small dry bag; spray from the pole or an accidental splash can soak pockets.
Tip your raft guide
Guides provide interpretive commentary and steer the raft; a modest tip supports local livelihoods and good service.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- West Indian heron
- Green iguana
History
The Martha Brae area reflects Trelawny’s plantation history; many guides share stories that link river routes to once-expansive sugar estates and colonial-era crossings.
Conservation
Local operators emphasize low-impact visits and community education; using reef-safe products and packing out waste helps protect the river corridor.
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Adventure Hotspots in Falmouth
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Grip and foot protection for stepping on wet raft decks and riverbanks.
Dry bag (small)
Keeps phone, wallet, and camera safe from splashes.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing impact on downstream marine and mangrove life.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Useful for brief tropical showers without adding bulk when wet.
fall specific