Guides · Martha Brae & Rio Grande
Bamboo
rafting
Bamboo rafting means an hour or so poled slowly down a shallow river on a raft of lashed bamboo, sitting on a raised bench. It is the least strenuous thing you can do in Jamaica. The Martha Brae near Falmouth is the accessible option; the Rio Grande in Portland is longer and considerably more beautiful.
Martha Brae or Rio Grande
Martha Brae is forty minutes from Montego Bay, well organised and easy to slot into a day. The Rio Grande in Portland is a longer, wilder, far more scenic river, but it is a serious drive from the north coast resorts. If you are staying anywhere near Port Antonio, take the Rio Grande. Otherwise Martha Brae does the job.
What it is actually like
Your raftsman poles standing at the front and talks, and the quality of the trip depends almost entirely on him. Most are excellent company and have been doing it for decades. There is usually a stop for a drink or a swim. Bring cash for a tip, and expect to be sold a photograph at the end.
Go with us
See it
properly
Pickup from your villa, a guide who grew up here, and no queueing at the gate.