Martha Brae River

White-water enthusiasts can leave their need for speed behind—rafting tours on the Martha Brae River float along on island time. Float down river on a traditional bamboo raft and admire the surrounding wildlife, as a raft captain paddles and steers. Or combine a rafting trip with visits to the Luminous Lagoon—flush with bioluminescent phytoplankton—or the climbing course and natural water slide at Dunn’s River Falls. Most guided tours include refreshments, lunch, and round-trip transportation.

• The Martha Brae River is a must-see for nature lovers.

• The disembarkation area offers amenities such as a restroom, lounge area, and bar.

• Luminous Lagoon is best seen after dark, so plan for a late-afternoon start if you want to see both attractions in one trip.

• Private Martha Brae river-rafting tours offer a romantic and personalized experience.

• Stop at Miss Martha's Herb Garden before boarding your raft to learn about Caribbean traditional medicinal and culinary herbs.

The small coastal town of Falmouth is the closest city to the Martha Brae headwaters, located just 3 miles (4 kilometers) away. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are each roughly an hour’s drive from Martha Brae River, but many tours include round-trip transportation for ease.

Jamaica’s year-round warm temperatures make it easy to plan a trip during any season, with the exception of May, October, and November, which bring rain and hurricanes. Arrive early to enjoy the waters to yourself or visit in the afternoon if you hope to combine a river raft experience with the bioluminescent lagoon.

After floating down Martha Brae River, pay a visit to the nearby Dunn's River Falls or head to Doctor's Cave Beach for a spot of sunbathing. From there, you're just a boat ride away from the Montego Bay Marine Park, home to coral, mangroves, tropical fish, and more.

The best time of year to visit the Martha Brae River is between December and April, during Jamaica’s dry season. May to November is the rainy season, with storms typically peaking in August, September, and October.

The easiest way to get to the Martha Brae River is by car. If you book a tour from either Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, most will include private transportation and the drive is around one hour from each. The town of Falmouth takes approximately 10 minutes to reach.

While parts of the river are accessible for free, most people choose to visit the headwaters for raft trips. If booking a raft trip, remember to bring money for extra snacks or souvenirs.

The main activity for visitors on the Martha Brae River is hopping aboard a traditional bamboo raft and letting your captain guide you down the river, from where you can spot wildlife and view the remarkable scenery. Before or after your journey, stop by Miss Martha's Herb Garden to learn about medicinal plants.

Wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for warm weather and a hat for sun protection. Avoid heeled shoes, as you’ll need to be able to climb on and off the raft with ease. Remember your clothes and shoes might get wet, so plan what to wear accordingly.

Yes, visiting the Martha Brae River is worth it, especially if you enjoy spending time outside in nature. It’s generally peaceful and provides an alternative to the beach scenes in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.