Martha Brae, Private, Port Or Hotel Pickup

Jamaica: Bamboo Rafting on the Martha Brae

4 reviews

from $125 per person

Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 4 hours
Meeting point: Confirmed after booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: El Sol Vida Inc.

Overview

This tour puts you on a two-seat bamboo raft for a ride down the Martha Brae River, with round-trip hotel and port pickup and drop-off arranged for you. The whole outing runs about 4 hours, and it starts at Rafter's Village, a 6-acre site with picnic grounds, a full bar, a swimming pool, restrooms and a souvenir shop. A welcome fruit drink is handed out as part of the trip.

The raft float itself lasts around an hour, with a guide on board who talks through the river's history, legends and myths while you drift past the banks. Swimming alongside the raft is allowed if you want to cool off. Afterwards there is a stop at a jerk restaurant for lunch, though meals and drinks are paid for separately, so a Red Stripe or a fruit punch there costs extra.

It suits travellers who want a slow, relaxed experience rather than a physical one. Reviewers repeatedly describe the float as calming, and one mentioned spotting a baby turtle from the raft. Cruise passengers and hotel guests in the area can both use it, since port pickup is included alongside hotel pickup.

What's Included

Included

Hotel/port pickup and drop off
Admission to river rafting tour
Complimentary welcome fruit drink
Tour guide at the attraction

Not Included

Meals and drinks
Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Hotel or port pickupRound-trip pickup and drop-off from your hotel or the cruise port is included, and the full tour lasts about 4 hours.
Arrive at Rafter's VillageThe excursion begins at this 6-acre site, which has picnic grounds, a full bar, a swimming pool, restrooms and a souvenir shop. A complimentary welcome fruit drink is included.
Bamboo raft floatBoard a two-seat bamboo raft with a guide for a roughly 1-hour journey down the Martha Brae, with commentary on the river's history and legends.
Optional river swimIf you want to cool off, you can jump into the river and swim alongside the raft during the journey.
Lunch stop, at your expenseAt the end of the rafting, eat at one of Jamaica's jerk restaurants. Meals and drinks are not included in the tour price.
Return transferThe driver takes you back to your hotel or the cruise port.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what matters in practice before you book, from the listing details and from what travellers have said afterwards.

What to bring. The listing recommends comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a camera and cash. Cash is worth carrying for lunch and any gratuities.
Pace and fitness. The raft journey is about an hour on the water and is not strenuous. Reviewers repeatedly call it relaxing, and the swimming is optional.
Food and drink. A welcome fruit drink is included, but lunch and other drinks are paid for separately at the jerk restaurant. One reviewer praised the homemade fruit punch they were offered.
Guides and commentary. A guide rides on the raft and explains the river's history, legends and myths. One reviewer described a guide pointing out sights along the banks, including a baby turtle.
Pickup logistics. Round-trip hotel and port pickup and drop-off are included. Reviews mention drivers sharing knowledge about the local area during the transfer.
Photography. The listing recommends bringing a camera, and the riverbanks offer views of Jamaican flora and fauna. Keep in mind you are on the water, so protect gear accordingly.

Common issues. Meals, drinks beyond the welcome fruit drink, and gratuities are not included, so budget for lunch at the jerk stop. One reviewer complained the tour felt very short and that no free drink was provided on their trip, which conflicts with the listing's included welcome drink, so it is worth confirming on the booking page. The raft journey itself is about an hour within the 4-hour tour. Cancellations are possible with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off is included, and the same applies to the cruise port. You do not need to arrange your own transport to Rafter's Village.

How Long Does The Tour Take?

The full tour lasts about 4 hours, door to door. The bamboo raft journey on the river itself is roughly 1 hour of that.

Is Food And Drink Included?

A complimentary welcome fruit drink is included. Meals and other drinks are not, so lunch at the jerk restaurant stop and any beer or fruit punch there are paid for separately.

What Is Included In The Price?

Hotel and port pickup and drop-off, admission to the river rafting tour, the welcome fruit drink, and a tour guide at the attraction. Gratuities are optional and not included.

Can I Swim During The Raft Ride?

Yes. The listing says you can jump into the river water and swim alongside the raft to cool off. The raft journey lasts about an hour.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the listing.