THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Drift three miles down the Martha Brae on a traditional bamboo raft, then head to Ocho Rios’ Blue Hole for turquoise pools and rope swings. This half- to full-day combo blends gentle river cruising with a lively waterfall swim — ideal for travelers based in Montego Bay.
Drift three miles down the Martha Brae on a traditional bamboo raft, then head to Ocho Rios’ Blue Hole for turquoise pools and rope swings. This half- to full-day combo blends gentle river cruising with a lively waterfall swim — ideal for travelers based in Montego Bay.
The raft glides forward with a soft scrape of bamboo against riverbed stones as the canopy of the Jamaican rainforest leans over you, dappling light across the water.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Jamaica Quest Tours · Falmouth, Trelawny
The raft glides forward with a soft scrape of bamboo against riverbed stones as the canopy of the Jamaican rainforest leans over you, dappling light across the water.
On this combo, you spend two hours drifting three miles down the Martha Brae River on a hand-steered bamboo raft, then head east to the hills above Ocho Rios to swim and scramble at the Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls). The Martha Brae was once called Rio Matibereon by early Spanish settlers; its steady flow later supplied Falmouth after piped water arrived in the late 18th century. Geologically, the north coast’s rivers have carved shallow channels through limestone and shale, producing calm rafting stretches and sudden, rocky cascades at places like Blue Hole.
Locally guided raft captains steer with a long pole, sharing cultural notes about Trelawny’s plantation past, river folklore, and how the river shaped commerce for nearby Falmouth. At Blue Hole expect turquoise pools, rope swings, and short boulder scrambles — natural limestone basins fed by freshwater springs.
Practical guidance: this is a half-day to full-day outing from Montego Bay (allow 5–6 hours). Wear secure water shoes, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag for valuables. If you’re prone to sun or heat, schedule a morning pickup to avoid afternoon showers common in summer. Guides provided on-site manage safety; swimmers should be comfortable in currents and able to climb slick rocks. Take care to follow leave-no-trace practices — these waterways hold both natural beauty and local livelihoods.
The bamboo raft portion runs about 2 hours, covering roughly a 3-mile stretch of the Martha Brae River.
Swimming is optional but common; many visitors wade, jump from low rocks, or use rope swings under guide supervision.
Yes — the activity is suitable for most ages, but children should be supervised and may need to wear life vests depending on operator policy.
Pickup is typically at your Montego Bay hotel lobby; the full combo runs about 5–6 hours including transport and both sites.
Jamaica Quest Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The raft glides forward with a soft scrape of bamboo against riverbed stones as the canopy of the Jamaican rainforest leans over you, dappling light across the water.
The raft glides forward with a soft scrape of bamboo against riverbed stones as the canopy of the Jamaican rainforest leans over you, dappling light across the water.
On this combo, you spend two hours drifting three miles down the Martha Brae River on a hand-steered bamboo raft, then head east to the hills above Ocho Rios to swim and scramble at the Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls). The Martha Brae was once called Rio Matibereon by early Spanish settlers; its steady flow later supplied Falmouth after piped water arrived in the late 18th century. Geologically, the north coast’s rivers have carved shallow channels through limestone and shale, producing calm rafting stretches and sudden, rocky cascades at places like Blue Hole.
Locally guided raft captains steer with a long pole, sharing cultural notes about Trelawny’s plantation past, river folklore, and how the river shaped commerce for nearby Falmouth. At Blue Hole expect turquoise pools, rope swings, and short boulder scrambles — natural limestone basins fed by freshwater springs.
Practical guidance: this is a half-day to full-day outing from Montego Bay (allow 5–6 hours). Wear secure water shoes, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag for valuables. If you’re prone to sun or heat, schedule a morning pickup to avoid afternoon showers common in summer. Guides provided on-site manage safety; swimmers should be comfortable in currents and able to climb slick rocks. Take care to follow leave-no-trace practices — these waterways hold both natural beauty and local livelihoods.