Rafting on the Martha Brae is the island’s main attraction, and it is just twenty miles from Montego Bay and three miles inland from Falmouth. The “Rafters Village” is the embarkation point, and it is situated on a natural horseshoe-shaped island within six acres of lawns. Before you take your raft trip, you will be ushered into the picnic area, to use the amenities and buy souvineirs. Rafting on the Martha Brae has been enjoyed for over forty years and has attracted Royalty and celebrities including HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Johnny Cash, Chuck Norris, Kenny Rogers and Usain Bolt. However, today it has fell into a state of disrepair . Probably as a result of the pandemic and reduced tourism. There are no longer the paddle up bars and snack shacks.

When ready, a licensed dispatcher will seat you on your thirty-foot long raft and one of 80 licensed Raft Captains will slowly sail you down a three-mile stretch of river. The raft ride lasts around 45 minutes and the Captain will inform you of the sights and legends of the Martha Brae. You will disembark at “Martha’s Rest”, exit through the souvenir shop and relax in the lounge or bar areas, before being collected by your transport back to your ship or hotel.

It is a relaxing experience and we are happy we did it, but if you have watched youtube videos of this excursion, then you may be dissapointed.