Raft ride on Jamaica's Martha Brae River makes for a relaxing escape
Sure, beaches and massages bring forth a welcome dose of serenity while on vacation. But on a recent trip to Jamaica, I found that bamboo rafting is another excellent way to leave your worries behind.
Bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River is an immersion into Mother Nature’s therapeutic side. The 30-foot rafts were once used to transport sugar to ocean ports but now move tourists along the jade-green waters of the lushly foliaged Martha Brae.
The tour starts at Trelawney, about 45 minutes from Montego Bay. The three-mile trip takes just over an hour, and an SUV returns guests at the end of the journey, which costs $35 per person.
The rafts, which guides propel by pushing off the river bottom with a long bamboo pole, are fabricated from towering bamboo trees that provide a canopy over much of the river. It was a slow day on this particular trek, and quieter than normal, according to our guide, quiet enough to hear the wind blowing. At one point our captain asked if I wanted to momentarily take the helm, but I declined; I was far more interested in relaxing.
Along the way we saw banana, palm, breadfruit and mango trees. A few swimmers splashed in the water, which we were assured was free of snakes and any sharp-toothed reptiles.
On our outing, we saw vendors in makeshift booths along the river’s edge, selling everything from fresh coconut water to local art and souvenirs, jerk chicken and bottles of Red Stripe beer. Some remnants of past retailers’ wood shacks stood in neglect, abandoned because of storms or the pandemic.
Our guide spoke of the significance of the river, the wildlife such as turtles, deer and peacocks that frequents it and its history, going back to the time of Spanish rule. He told us of a local legend in which a Taino witch was tortured by Spaniards into revealing the location of a gold stash hidden along the river. She led them to a cave and changed the course of the river, killing the Spaniards and blocking the cave where the treasure allegedly still remains.
The ride ends at Rafter’s Rest, which has a bar, gift shop, restaurant and photo shop.
Many resorts offer excursions on the Martha Brae, although drive-ins are also welcome. The raft sits two people, and single riders are not allowed.
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