About

Nestled just 3 miles from the charming Georgian town of Falmouth lies “Rafting on the Martha Brae,” a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush greenery. This hidden gem in the Martha Brae community began in the 1970s under the Jamaica Tourist Board and has been operated by River Raft Limited since 1985.

Rafting on the Martha Brae is “Jamaica’s elite rafting experience.” It is an activity not to be missed by visitors to the island…one guests describes the experience beautifully “it’s like a gondola ride in Venice but in nature and without the singing.” The 1 hour 15 minute raft journey spans 3 miles of the 20-mile-long Martha Brae River, allowing guests to leisurely bask in the picturesque Jamaican countryside.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a complimentary fruit drink and can explore Miss Martha’s Herb Garden, which features a variety of medicinal Jamaican herbs. Visitors can also purchase unique souvenirs at the on-site gift shops, enjoy refreshing drinks at the two service bars, and savor authentic Jamaican cuisine at the restaurant. The scenic lawns provide an ideal setting for hosting weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other events.

Legend has it that the river was named after Martha Brae, a Taino witch who was tortured by Spanish settlers until she told them where gold was hidden along the river. Folklore recounts that she led them to the river, changed its course which drowned the settlers, and blocked the cave where the gold allegedly remains hidden.

Historically, the Martha Brae river was used to transport produce from Trelawny’s plantations to the port of Falmouth using 30-foot-long bamboo rafts. Today, these rafts transport guests down the river, preserving a unique cultural tradition.