Martha Brae River
Martha Brae River
4.5
About
Float along the Martha Brae River in the heart of the Jamaican countryside. travelers will love gliding on the bamboo raft through the jungle, where wildlife and historic sites abound. During the hour-long ride, you can get on and off the raft as you please to swim in the river’s calm and crystal-clear waters. The guides will tell you all about the local plants and animals and the area’s history as you pass through the lush vegetation along the way. Most guided tours include round-trip transportation from Montego Bay.
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- Enos GBasildon, United Kingdom142 contributionsFamily HolidayMy 4TH Time Back To Montego Bay Jamaica. My Son And Daughter Second Time Our First Time On The Martha Brae River . What A Geat Time We Had Will Do It Again Thats For Sure . ps no snakes or crocks in the river only ones that i saw are on peoples feet.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 October 2023
- Stacey P39 contributionsLovely relaxing ride with beautiful scenery!A really beautiful, relaxing ride. Our captain wasn’t that talkative but the captain of the raft my kids and brother were on was very knowledgable and told us lots about the river and the area. Life preservers are provided and I was able to take my 3 month old on too. Stunning surroundings, beautiful weather and they would let you stand up on the raft and paddle it if you wanted. Great trip outVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 October 2023
- IsabellashMiami, Florida14 contributionsBest raft captain: CliveClive was our raft captain. He was so profesional and really made our experience peaceful and enjoyable. The river is beautiful. He took pictures of us and even told me how to pose to get better angles! Thank you Clive!! You made our day!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2023
- Andrea R19 contributionsRafting was great!We had a great day with our guide Simms on the river. The rafting company was efficient, clean and safe PFDs (personal flotation devices) were provided. We bought a bottle of rum punch, although you could bring your own things if you wanted, we enjoyed it thoroughly. We bought pictures, rum cake, and a coconut for our kid. We felt safe, the river was exceptionally beautiful. DON'T FORGET to TIP YOUR GUIDE!Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 February 2024
- Kathy R18 contributionsA relaxing change of paceOur guide was very helpful, especially since I'd injured my foot. He made sure I could still safely do the photo ops and gave a GREAT leg and foot massage. The trip itself was pretty short though, just a mile long, but interesting none the less.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 February 2024
- Linda LGloucestershire, United Kingdom9 contributionsNot to be missedLeon, our tour guide was excellent. He picked us up spot on time, was friendly, courteous and professional. He certainly helped make the trip enjoyable. He also took photos on my phone for us as we left on our raft and promised to forward additional photos he took on his phone for us. Excellent service, would recommend him every time.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 February 2024
- Susan BMinneapolis, Minnesota5 contributionsBest River Rafting in JamaicaThere are several bamboo rafting scams in Jamaica, but the Martha Brae is the real deal. A very relaxing, slow ride (about 1 1/2;hours) down a small winding river with lots of foliage all around you. It cost $100 the raft that seats 2 people. The rafter let's you try the pole, and that was fun. No pressure but he does sell some items at the end for $20. Whatever you do, don't do the Rio Nuevo River rafting. You go about 2 blocks and half that is trying to get the raft out of the mess of rafts around theirs. At another block or so they turn around and pull you back up.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 February 2024
- Nick P68 contributionsRelaxing glide down the riverTry to pick a day when there are no cruise ships docked. On our visit we more or less had the location to ourselves. The drop off point is upstream. Here there are a few stalls selling souvenirs and a bar. Getting on board the raft is easy. You don't particularly need wet shoes. There then follows a glide down the river of about 3 miles, taking an hour or so. Some attractive stalls on the right hand side of the river although we didn't stop or ask to stop at any of them. At the end of the trip there's the official photographer, offering to sell you pictures of your arrival for $10 a piece, there's a small store with souvenirs and a cafe. We tried spiced chicken wings at $15 - bit pricey, but spicey hot. Bring cash for any purchases and tripsVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
- ErikaC1984Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania45 contributionsLimestone Rub and Rafting down the RiverGoing down the Martha Brae river is awesome. It is so relaxing and calming. Try to have a raft host that knows the history of the river. It helps the experience since your are going down the river over the course of 2-3 miles. They provide life jackets if your not a swimmer and if you are a swimmer you don't have to wear them. You don't go fast down the river and your host will point out all sorts of fascinating things about the river and down the river. Some of the locals have little spots on the sides of the river that you an purchase if you wish. The host also sells carved shells that you can purchase and he will add your name and year to it. (Yes I did buy one!) They also offer a limestone rub for an additional fee. That part was AMAZING! I had my legs done which covered my mid-thigh down to my toes. It dry's on you for about 4 minutes and then the river water is used to rinse it off. Once its off they put on pure cocoa butter oil. When its all done my skin never felt smoother. It felt so smooth, hydrated and soft that I really didn't want to take a shower later to wash it off. I would recommend asking about the limestone rub before you choose your host b/c each host offered a different price. While my host was awesome, his price was more then what I was quoted on shore before we started. They also allow you a chance to steer the raft down the river which is also really cool if you dare to give it a shot. Overall a great experience and a calm one. I recommend for everyone to try whether you can swim or not.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 May 2024
- Baybeegee B15 contributionsPure niceness on Martha Brae River!Excellent relaxing raft ride. First of all, massive shout-out, big salute and respect to our Raft Captain FIREMAN aka Alan Scarlett! He made the ride informative and entertaining all the way down Martha Brae River. It is worth every penny. My daughter had the limestone skin treatment, which is additional. I highly recommend this excursion whenever you visit this side of Jamaica. Remember to request Fireman!!Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 28 June 2024
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4.5
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Pozzza
Stoke-on-Trent, UK192 contributions
Mar 2020
Saw this on Ainsley Harriott chef programme. Bit of a trek from Negril, probably much better if you're based in Montego Bay.
Gift shop on arrival (you'll not go back at the end). Tip: If you're looking at buying a small raft model, wait until you're actually on the raft, not at the shop - you'll get one offered cheaper.
Two persons per raft (double), plus the tour guide. Life jacket mandatory to start but you can take if off (own risk) later for comfort.
A gentle punt along the river, taking in the awesome scenery & wildlife pointed out by the guide. He'll even let you have a go & take some snaps with your camera. You'll pass a few stores along the bank, no pressure to stop/buy & the guide will offer you crafts made by himself - again no pressure to buy. They will expect a tip but it’s not mandatory. Guides do put you at ease though & build up a good rapport.
Controlling the raft yourself is a must do, just for the photo opportunity. There's also a 'professional' photo at the end, which includes the guide+passengers. Also some small bamboo gifts on offer as you depart.
You could quite easily spend a bit if you get sucked into all the gifts & photos as we did but we didn't mind as we left with a few mementos & good memories. Purchases were our decision, nothing forced nor expected. No pressure to buy anything at all, just bear in mind they can all mount up.
A really tranquil place & unique experience. You've gotta try this.
Gift shop on arrival (you'll not go back at the end). Tip: If you're looking at buying a small raft model, wait until you're actually on the raft, not at the shop - you'll get one offered cheaper.
Two persons per raft (double), plus the tour guide. Life jacket mandatory to start but you can take if off (own risk) later for comfort.
A gentle punt along the river, taking in the awesome scenery & wildlife pointed out by the guide. He'll even let you have a go & take some snaps with your camera. You'll pass a few stores along the bank, no pressure to stop/buy & the guide will offer you crafts made by himself - again no pressure to buy. They will expect a tip but it’s not mandatory. Guides do put you at ease though & build up a good rapport.
Controlling the raft yourself is a must do, just for the photo opportunity. There's also a 'professional' photo at the end, which includes the guide+passengers. Also some small bamboo gifts on offer as you depart.
You could quite easily spend a bit if you get sucked into all the gifts & photos as we did but we didn't mind as we left with a few mementos & good memories. Purchases were our decision, nothing forced nor expected. No pressure to buy anything at all, just bear in mind they can all mount up.
A really tranquil place & unique experience. You've gotta try this.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trudeman
Panama City Beach, FL281 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Emerald, slow moving jungle stream voyage just downstream from water treatment plant. Relaxing trip along winding stream dotted with bankside peddlers selling Jamaican towels and handmade replica rafts. Your guide (raft captain) will answer your questions about island customs and his family life. Worth a visit for this two-hour excursion which includes jungle drum serenade at departure point and small tiki-bar.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet W
Bridlington, UK241 contributions
Feb 2020
Its several years since the last visit to Jamaica and this excursion was missed off last time. Well worth the wait.
Seated comfortably on the sturdy bamboo raft....and poled expertly down the flowing river we were told never dried up. Plants and bird life in abundance, bananas, cloves, nutmeg...Every shade of green.
Simply wonderful.
Thank you
Seated comfortably on the sturdy bamboo raft....and poled expertly down the flowing river we were told never dried up. Plants and bird life in abundance, bananas, cloves, nutmeg...Every shade of green.
Simply wonderful.
Thank you
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ela03
Johnstone, UK368 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This was our 2nd visit to Martha Brae and it did not disappoint in fact we enjoyed this visit more as there was more of an atmosphere when arriving with live music, complimentary drinks on arrival.
Our raft experience was fantastic and our Captain very informative and friendly. This is one of my favourite things to do when visiting Jamaica and will definitely be back in future trips.
Our raft experience was fantastic and our Captain very informative and friendly. This is one of my favourite things to do when visiting Jamaica and will definitely be back in future trips.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth R
12 contributions
Sept 2022 • Friends
The price for this rafting tour varied. We were told one price beforehand but when we arrived, the price increased by $10 without an explanation. The ride down the river was very nice and relaxing! Our “guide” was not very pleasant and “hurried” us off as we approached the end.
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maz592
Eastbourne, UK61 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Can’t praise this highly enough. It was relaxing but still heaps of fun. It’s nice to go somewhere a bit off the beaten track and not overly commercial.
Our captain was incredibly knowledgeable and was great fun, letting us steer the raft and taking lots of photos for us.
We did purchase a carved vase at the end, in our mind it was all part of the trip and it’s good to be able to support the locals. There were vendors along part of the river but a friendly ‘no thank you’ was all that was needed.
I’d definitely take the trip again if I visited the area.
Our captain was incredibly knowledgeable and was great fun, letting us steer the raft and taking lots of photos for us.
We did purchase a carved vase at the end, in our mind it was all part of the trip and it’s good to be able to support the locals. There were vendors along part of the river but a friendly ‘no thank you’ was all that was needed.
I’d definitely take the trip again if I visited the area.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare
6 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Definitely the best of the excursions in that part of Jamaica which is located in Trelawny between Montego bay and Ocho Rios. This place is unreal! Beautiful is an understatement.
For me it was a memorable, serene, peaceful and therapeutic experience made all the more enjoyable by our friendly Raft Captain Peter.It was a joy and privilege to be in his presence.
We bought the $22 dollar bottle of rum punch served in a bag of ice at the bar before boarding. There were vendors selling souvenirs, drinks. fruit and coconuts etc...placed at intervals along the riverbank but not enough to make it feel intrusive and there is absolutely no pressure to buy. I would advise that you take some extra money to tip your raft captain at the end to reward his efforts.
A must do if you want to capture the real natural beauty of Jamaica.
For me it was a memorable, serene, peaceful and therapeutic experience made all the more enjoyable by our friendly Raft Captain Peter.It was a joy and privilege to be in his presence.
We bought the $22 dollar bottle of rum punch served in a bag of ice at the bar before boarding. There were vendors selling souvenirs, drinks. fruit and coconuts etc...placed at intervals along the riverbank but not enough to make it feel intrusive and there is absolutely no pressure to buy. I would advise that you take some extra money to tip your raft captain at the end to reward his efforts.
A must do if you want to capture the real natural beauty of Jamaica.
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JESSie
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Highly recommend this tour. the scenerie is breath taking, the water is clear/clean, the surrounding is vibrant green and we had a great time with our Raft Captin Rolando aka Rasta Pasta. Rasta engaged with us, provided us with history about the rivers, the limestone healing mineral rock, taught us how to raft and took wonderful pictures. Positive vibes 100% MUST DO ACTIVITY in Jamaica 🇯🇲
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErikaC1984
Marcus Hook, PA45 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Going down the Martha Brae river is awesome. It is so relaxing and calming. Try to have a raft host that knows the history of the river. It helps the experience since your are going down the river over the course of 2-3 miles. They provide life jackets if your not a swimmer and if you are a swimmer you don't have to wear them. You don't go fast down the river and your host will point out all sorts of fascinating things about the river and down the river. Some of the locals have little spots on the sides of the river that you an purchase if you wish. The host also sells carved shells that you can purchase and he will add your name and year to it. (Yes I did buy one!) They also offer a limestone rub for an additional fee. That part was AMAZING! I had my legs done which covered my mid-thigh down to my toes. It dry's on you for about 4 minutes and then the river water is used to rinse it off. Once its off they put on pure cocoa butter oil. When its all done my skin never felt smoother. It felt so smooth, hydrated and soft that I really didn't want to take a shower later to wash it off. I would recommend asking about the limestone rub before you choose your host b/c each host offered a different price. While my host was awesome, his price was more then what I was quoted on shore before we started. They also allow you a chance to steer the raft down the river which is also really cool if you dare to give it a shot. Overall a great experience and a calm one. I recommend for everyone to try whether you can swim or not.
Written 5 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie H
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The best experience I had in Jamaica! Water and ride is so beautiful and peaceful. We saw lots of birds, turtles, and learned some more history of Jamaica. There are people along the side who sell drinks as you ride. We got fresh coconut water only $5. Make sure to bring extra cash for shopping and tip. Everything is very clean. The staff is also great. You are offered a complimentary drink when you arrive which is very fresh. Restrooms are clean and there is a nice gift shop as well. Our captain Howard was very friendly and helpful. He also took great pictures of us on the raft. Well worth your money and experience.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are you allowed to enjoy an alcoholic beverage (or two) while rafting ?
Written 6 July 2024
Can I go on this excusrion with one adult 13 year old and 8 yuear old?
Written 3 November 2021
Hi how much are the photos to buy,and can you smoke going down the river.
Written 8 June 2021
There was a guy who took our photos and wanted $10.
Written 12 June 2021
How much in US dollars do you tip the raft captain ?
Thanks x
Written 29 February 2020
We bought a carving and tipped $10.
Written 3 May 2020
We will be staying in Lucea , how long is the drive ,to get to you ,and how much is the cost of just the rafting ,? Thanks
Written 14 February 2020
Thanks , I think I will rent a car ,and make my own way there and just pay for the rafting
Written 17 February 2020
How long would it take to get to Martha Brea rafts from Couples Tower Isle?
Written 6 February 2020
From Montego Bay 20 minute drive
Written 7 February 2020
Hi,
How much is it to do rafting at Martha Brea - cost of Raft?
Also how long are you on the river?
Thank you.
Written 8 December 2019
How long is this trip? We are starying in M.Bay and would like to know how long to allow for
Written 5 December 2019
we booked Next Level Jamaica Tours for several excursions and we were not disappointed. We not only got to go anywhere we requested, but made the experience so much better by suggesting places to go for fun or Jamaican history. Our driver went above and beyond to cater to us.
Written 6 January 2020
How long is the drive from Iberostar grand rose hall?? How long does it take to get down the river?? Did you see wildlife while cruising down the river??
Thanks 🙂
Written 2 December 2019
It’s not a very long drive and it’s very smooth. The bus we were in was very comfortable. The rafting is very peaceful, this obvious can change depending on who’s on the raft in front or behind you but the space them out pretty well. We didn’t see any wildlife other than birds. In the end my wife and I really enjoyed this excursion.
P.s. Take/buy something cold to drink and enjoy!
Written 12 December 2019
I would like to go to Martha Brae and Luminous Lagoon in the same day. What time is the last time in Martha Brae? I will rent a car
Written 13 November 2019
I am not sure but you can do both the same day i did and was a great time
Written 9 December 2019
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