Martha Brae River, Montego Bay > Reviews > Rafting and relaxing on the Martha Brae

Author's product rating:   

Prices	Good
Is it worth visiting?	Good
Transport links	Average
Family Friendly	Excelllent

Advantages:	great experience,very peaceful
Disadvantages:	only lasts 50 mins  - an hour .  .  . so journey time can be a lot compared to attraction

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The Martha Brae river is famous mainly for it's unique river rafting.
This is a truly tranquil experience that it totally Jamaican.

After your complementary glass of juice or rum, you will walk a few yards to find your captain ready and waiting on his bamboo water raft.
This image can really take you back in time, the bamboo raft is equipped with a small bamboo chair just big enough for two, whilst your captain will stand at the front of your raft and steer you down the glistening, winding waters of the Martha Brae.

Named after a local witch doctor said to have lived near by, the Martha Brae is a tranquil, idilic river with the surroundings interesting and unique.

Life jackets are a must, though they need not be worn, the river moves at such a slow dwindling pace, that it would be difficult not to enjoy this guided tour.

Your captain will point out the surroundings and pass you leaves (herbs and spices) to smell , he will sometimes sing for you or make up melodies as he steers you along. Sometimes, you may even be treated to the occasional poem, just for you!

All of the captains make their day to day living doing this, so all of them know where the best spot for a photo of you on your bamboo raft is. If you are with somebody special, there is a natural heart shape made from the greenery at one of the points in the river -this makes a lovely photograph and a special reminder of your time on the Martha Brae.

As the local people make their living from this river, their are various points along the way with things for sale such as hand made crafts, drinks, t-shirts and even beach towels. Your captain will be pleased to stop at any of the points en route, should you wish to, though there is no pressure if you do not wish to shop.

Part way through a miniature bamboo raft, like the one you are sitting on can be purchased by local crafts people. I bought one as it helps the economy and was quite cute! It costs five US dollars and will be thrown into the river for you to view and if you like it, you can pay your captain and keep it.

This was a fantastic trip, not full of thrills and spills and only lasting approx one hour , maybe 50 mins, however, well worth seeing and trying -especially when the sun is out!