Lethe set the bar high for my rafting expectations last year and Martha Brae matched it. Martha Brae is a 32km long river which originates deep in the hills of Trelawny, a parish on Jamaica’s north coast. Bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae is rated as one of Jamaica’s top attractions. During colonial era, the river was used to connect the sugar plantations in Trelawny to the port of Falmouth. Bamboo rafts were used to float sugar and other crops to the coast where they would be shipped to Europe. Today, those identical 30-foot bamboo rafts are used to peacefully float visitors down a three-mile stretch of river through a lush rainforest and under the canopy of bamboo, coconut, fruit and flowering trees. The tour lasts approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, but can be more if you stop to purchase crafts and drinks during the trip.

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Getting to Martha Brae
The Martha Brae River is located in a small rural community by the same name. It is located 10 minutes drive from Falmouth, 40 minutes drive (35km) from Montego Bay and an hour from Ocho Rios (67km). Coming from Kingston, I had a much longer drive. It would’ve been 2 hours long but I made a stop first at Dunn’s River Falls then had lunch at Plantation Smokehouse.

The road was mostly good but got narrow, winding and riddled with potholes near the end of the journey. Nonetheless, it was a scenic drive and I enjoyed it thoroughly. There’s a carpark, changing rooms, bathrooms, picnic area and a garden in the Rafter’s Village. Tickets costed JM$8,800 per raft for locals in January 2022, but the cost for foreigners was US$35 per person. After paying, we went to board our raft at a concrete pier.

Boarding Our Raft at Rafter’s Village

Our captain was Lincoln, number 121. The captains all have a unique number which they also wear on their T-shirts to make them easily identifiable. What I loved about the Martha Brae rafting experience was that there’s zero competition– no one was trying to out-hustle the next captain. There are 85 licensed captains in all and they take tourists out on the river in sequence. Therefore, they may not get tourists for days at a time in slow season which can make meeting ends difficult. Anyway, Lincoln was great. He was knowledgeable, amicable and proud of his job as a raft captain. He taught us about the history of the area and gave us insight into life as a bamboo raft captain. Did you know that the lifespan of a bamboo raft is 6 months? Before the raft reaches the end of its lifespan, captains have to source 10-12 sturdy bamboo poles in order to construct a new raft. It’s important that the bamboo poles are fell at special points of the lunar cycle to ensure longevity– but I forgot if Lincoln said that that was during moonlight or on a new moon.

Rafting Down the Martha Brae

The entire journey down the Martha Brae river is calming and scenic. Relax on the padded seats, listen to the sounds of nature and just be. Or, take an invigorating dip in the river. Some parts of the river are deep, but other parts are shallow (about 4 feet). However, those shallow bits may become deep after heavy rainfall and the water may turn brown from all the silt which gets deposited in it. Thankfully it was clear when I visited. I’d say avoid it for 2-3 days after heavy rainfall.

There are shops on the river bank selling beer, rum, sodas, coconuts and souvenirs such as polished conch shells, Jamaican beach towels and carvings. Drinking coconut water straight from the coconut is one of those island life privileges I adore. Other things you’ll pass on the way are a slave memorial and ruins from our colonial past.
You can tell I was in my happy place.
Many of the raft captains are also talented craftsmen so be ready to get offered some of their crafts for sale. Most make calabash gourd carvings which can be used as cups, bowls and even bags. My boyfriend bought one to support. It was reasonably priced and makes for a great display piece.

Lastly, how did Martha Brae get its name? Legend has it that Martha Brae was an indigenous Taino woman who was tortured by Spanish invaders until she confessed where gold was hidden along the river. After telling them, it is said that she changed the course of the river, killed the settlers and blocked up the cave where gold is still hidden to this day. There is no shortage of legends in my beautiful isle.
Wrap Up
Bookmark or pin this post for future bamboo rafting adventures in Jamaica. Rafting is a must-do activity. This was my second time rafting and I intend to go rafting on all four rivers where rafting is done in Jamaica one day. I rate this experience highly and it was quite different from Lethe. Martha Brae was relaxing and romantic while Lethe appeals more to a younger, partying crowd. Have you ever been bamboo rafting? Share your experiences below and subscribe for new adventures. Also, remember to check out my Amazon store.
‘Til next time.
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the river is wide and perfect for rafting! Looks awesome! and you made the raft look comfortable somehow!
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Thank you! It’s actually quite comfortable believe it or not 😄 they even provide a cushioned seat if you don’t want to sit on the bamboo logs. Thanks for stopping by, Andy!
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Ice always wanted to do river rafting. It’s on my bucket list!
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That’s awesome! You’re gonna love it 😊 I hope you get to do it soon
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Me too! I’ve only been to Jamaica on a cruise. I want to go back for longer
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Yes, I did raft on the Martha Brae the last time I was there. Don’t forget the reggae music 😊.
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That’s awesome! They didn’t play any reggae music when I went, now am jealous 😅
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It was at the spot where you can stop to buy stuff and drink.
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I’ve had limited experiences rafting (only in China and Georgia), but I can see that it’s such a tranquil activity to be had! To relax along the river with a drink in hand is the ultimate definition of paradise. You looked very happy, that’s for sure!
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Thanks dear! It truly is relaxing. I’d love to try it in another country 🙂
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Great post! Really enjoyed reading it!
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Thank you so much!
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Thanks for sharing about bamboo rafting! For rafting in general, I get concerned about safety, so it’s really good to know about how safe bamboo rafting is too. In Calgary, people love rafting, but you do hear regular stories of things going wrong, which can be a little disarming
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Ooh! I guess you’re referring to white water rafting with the river rapids. Thankfully we get life jackets on our rafts, and the rivers are a lot calmer so I haven’t heard of any tragedies 🙏🏾 thanks for stopping by!
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It’s not white water rafting on the Calgary rivers, but it’s still quite risky. We’re legally required to have an emergency kit when rafting
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Oh wow, that’s something. I’m glad there are regulations around it
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Me too!
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Great post! Very insightful and captivating. I’ve never done rafting before but after reading this, it’s one of the things to do on my wishlist.
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You’ll love it! Martha Brae is one of many spots to choose from 😊 thanks for stopping by, love
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I miss food from home… 🥺 Great post
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Thanks dear! And womp, it’s all for the greater good. Stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel ✨️
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We did the Martha Brae rafting trip on our honeymoon! Back then there were no vendors along the edge of the river. We did see the ruins you mentioned. Thank you for the nostalgic trip down the Martha Brae!
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Oh that’s amazing! You’re most welcome 😁 thanks for reading
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Trip of bamboo rafting is expellant. Thank you 😊🌍
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It truly is excellent. You’re welcome! Thanks for reading
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😊🌍🙏
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