Rafting on the Martha Brae, Montego Bay

We enjoyed this ride very much. The water is cool and very clean. We travelled to this place from hotel which is about 30 minutes drive. Once you arrived at this place you will get a welcome fruit puch drink (which is not that great). We sit on the raft for about 15 minutes calmly and was enjoying the nature along the river. The boatman was explaining about the history around this place we then asked him if we can raft, he was happy to do that and helped/taught how to ride,stop the boat with long bamboo paddle. We brought some calabus from about man 2 for $16 you will also see few vendors along the river (You can bargain!!! upto 30%off). We reached the end point and brought some wooden articrafts from gift shop for decent price. We brought 2 giraffees for $20 USD. Advise: ----------- Decide before you do the trip. 1) if you want to swim dont forget to take swimwear and towel. 2) Carry less expensive camera if you plan to swim(else if you take your SLR) 3) Carry some cash 4) Sun Cream location.

Our best friends along with my husband and I were on our annual Carnival cruise vacation and wanted to go back to Jamaica. Our excursion was Rafting on the Martha Brae. We traveled over an hour from the cruise ship to the river on a bus that was decent. The driver was very good as was the guide who talked about the history of Jamaica. We stopped to purchase refreshments. When we got to the river we had a complimentary drink. The rafting was great. Very peaceful. There are vendors along the river trying to sell you stuff, but you don't have to stop. Then, just before the end of the ride, your guide will try to sell you hand-carved calabash gourds (African bottle gourds). They are different sizes/prices. These people are poor and I felt sorry for them and bought a gourd for $15. Then of course you need to tip your guide at the end. I had the opportunity to steer the boat with the pole, stand up and dance while the guides sang reggae. You can swim if you like. We had a good time. The guides all build their own bamboo rafts which only last 6-7 months then the bamboo starts to split. If you're looking for a relaxing, peaceful excursion...this one's for you :)

You get on a raft made from 11 bamboo stalks tied together in a peaceful, beautiful river. You can swim along side the raft if you want to. You then travel through a bamboo forest, and when the wind blows, it's like listening to soft drum sounds. You see thing like "shy lady" plants, river side stands, etc. Your guide makes all the difference. Make sure you tip him well.