Need advice - Things to do in and around Montego Bay, Jamaica

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

We are heading to Jamaica later this summer and will be staying in Montego Bay. The last time we went, we never left the hotel compound. This time, I would like to do a little sight seeing. Suggestions and information welcome - We are staying at the Ritz Carlton Golf and Country Club in Rose Hall.

Has anyone rafted the Martha Brae River? How was it? Worth it?
Other suggestions? We will have a 6 year old with us.

Thank you in advance!

Best,

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Well, while u go 'off property' - I will be happy to stay in your room at the Ritz!

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

Well, while u go 'off property' - I will be happy to stay in your room at the Ritz!

Ya know, it's a great little property! We went 2 years ago and stayed on MARRIOTT POINTS! They have tremendous "shoulder season"deals....going all inclusive this time for 4 days. I'm looking forward to not cooking or doing much of anything but spending time with my family. It's a wonderful place to just kick up ones heels!

[btcctomtb Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close btcctomtb]

I did raft the Marthe Brea and loved it. I went in rainy season and our guide told us the water is much clearer other times of the year. A man on the river bank tossed fresh starfruit to all the passing rafts. It tastes totally different right off the tree. We also had a meal and rum tasting at the end and the meal was MMMMM MMMMM Good. Red beans and rice, Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork and more fresh Starfruit. We also toured a haunted mansion and climbed Dunns River Falls. The Falls was well worth the trip. I think with Taxi from MB to Ocho Rios about $25 Per Person. 1 warning about Jamaica the Taxi Drivers are NUTS!!!!!!!!!!

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

I did raft the Marthe Brea and loved it. I went in rainy season and our guide told us the water is much clearer other times of the year. A man on the river bank tossed fresh starfruit to all the passing rafts. It tastes totally different right off the tree. We also had a meal and rum tasting at the end and the meal was MMMMM MMMMM Good. Red beans and rice, Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork and more fresh Starfruit. We also toured a haunted mansion and climbed Dunns River Falls. The Falls was well worth the trip. I think with Taxi from MB to Ocho Rios about $25 Per Person. 1 warning about Jamaica the Taxi Drivers are NUTS!!!!!!!!!!

The Martha Brae is something I have considered, but I would have to go alone with our little girl (who will be 6 by then) as my husband has recently had hip replacement and probably won't feel comfortable on a raft. I am normally not super paranoid and am pretty adventurous, but don't want to take chances with our daughter. Is your sense that it would be safe for a single woman and child?

[btcctomtb Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close btcctomtb]

In the rainy season No I would not want to take my child alone. I am also a very weak swimmer. I would love to make judgement from seeing the river at a different time but mid September the water was very swift. Dunns Rivers Falls would be better for the two of you. There you form a human chain all the way up the falls I would fell much safer with a child there.

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

Many thanks. I will take that advice.

Best,