Glide down the Martha Brae on a hand-built bamboo raft piloted by a local guide. This hour-long, family‑friendly float through Trelawny’s limestone banks offers calm scenery, cultural commentary, and simple riverside stops.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The ride begins on a bank of slow-moving water where a 30-foot hand-built bamboo raft waits like a flat wooden promise. Guides in wide-brim hats step aboard first, poles in hand, and the raft slides into a green corridor carved through limestone banks and low canopy. The Martha Brae carries you downstream at a pace that lets the river set the rhythm — palms rustle, kingfishers flash, and the guide’s steady pole keeps the craft hugging the current and shallow eddies.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour (on-water) — allow 2–3 hours including transfers
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic balance to step on/off the raft
Wildlife
History
The Martha Brae flows through Trelawny parish, an area shaped by colonial-era sugar estates; rafts were historically used to move produce and materials along the river.
Conservation
Stick to licensed guides, avoid single-use plastics, and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce impacts on riverine and coastal ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Martha Brae River Bamboo Rafting Experience from Montego Bay today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a waterproof pouch
Electronics are exposed on the raft; a small waterproof pouch keeps phones and wallets safe during photo stops.
Wear water-friendly shoes
Non-slip sandals or water shoes make boarding and stepping on wet riverbanks easier.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
Apply sunscreen before boarding to avoid reapplying mid-trip; choose reef-safe formulas to protect river ecology.
Carry small local cash
Guides may accept tips and there are riverside stalls for drinks and souvenirs that take cash.
Water shoes
Protects feet when boarding and walking on slippery riverbanks.
summer
Wide-brim hat
Provides sun protection during exposed sections on the raft.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Shields skin from sun and reduces chemical impact on local waterways.
Light waterproof pouch
Keeps phone, cash and small valuables dry while you float.