Bamboo Rafting & Horseback Ride n Swim Guided Tour In Montego Bay

The best part of this Montego Bay outing is the sharp change of pace: you move from a quiet bamboo raft on the Martha Brae River to a horse ride that ends with you in the Caribbean Sea. Add a stop for jerk chicken, and you get three very different tastes of Jamaica in one half-day.

I like the easy pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, and private transport. I also like the horse swim, which is the unusual centerpiece here, not just a standard beach ride. The main caution is that the rafting can feel short, and the horseback portion may not always be private despite the private-tour wording.

Key things to know before booking

• The horseback ride ends in the sea: You ride along the countryside, return to the beach, then ride bareback with the horse into the Caribbean.
• Martha Brae rafting is calm and scenic: Expect a peaceful one-hour trip, not a whitewater adventure.
• Scotchie’s adds real Jamaican flavor: Lunch is not included, but you can stop for jerk chicken, rice, and peas at your own cost.
• Private transport does not guarantee a private horse group: The vehicle and booking are private for your party, but one booking reported joining about 10 other riders.
• The tour suits many ability levels, with limits: Most people can participate, but riders must be at least 6 years old and weigh no more than 230 pounds.
• Book ahead for popular dates: This outing is booked about 78 days in advance on average.

A half-day built around three Jamaican pleasures

At $145 per person, this is not a cheap ride to the beach. It is a bundled outing with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, WiFi on board, admission fees, rafting, horseback riding, and a food stop. You are paying for the connection between the places as much as for the activities themselves.

I see the value if you want a simple way to get beyond your resort without arranging several separate trips. The driver handles the road time, and guides provide some local background along the way. If you only want one activity and prefer a long, unhurried session, this package may feel rushed.

The outing lasts about three to four hours. That makes it practical for a port day, a free morning, or a resort stay when you want to see more of Jamaica without giving up a full day.

From Montego Bay to the Martha Brae River

The first stop is the Martha Brae River, about three miles inland from Falmouth. It is roughly 20 miles from Montego Bay, though actual driving time depends on pickup location and road conditions.

The raft is a handcrafted bamboo vessel about 30 feet long. Your guide poles it along the river while you sit back under the warm Caribbean sun. The water is gentle, and the mood is quiet. This is a good counterpoint to the louder energy of a resort or a busy beach.

Expect about one hour on the river. The guide provides commentary on Jamaica’s culture and local setting, and some guides add bits of history as they point out what you pass. Joe is one name associated with the rafting portion, while Alex has been praised for explaining views during the drive and helping shape the day.

The raft ride is best for people who want peace and scenery. It is not built around speed, thrills, or strenuous paddling. You do not need to operate the raft yourself, which leaves you free to enjoy the breeze and take photos.

The drawback is time. Several comments point to the rafting portion feeling short. If bamboo rafting is your main reason for booking, you may want to ask the operator how long you will actually be on the river and whether the schedule includes transfer time.

There is also a detail worth confirming before departure. The general description refers to the White River, while the stop provided for the tour is Martha Brae. Those are different rivers, so ask BOJ Adventure Tours to confirm the exact waterway on your date.

Braco Stables and the ride toward the sea

The second major stop is Braco Stables, where the horseback portion begins near a private beach. The ride takes you through countryside and farmland before returning to the coast.

This part has more movement than the raft ride, but it is still designed as an accessible recreational outing rather than a demanding riding lesson. The horses are described as well trained, and the people running the ride are praised for making first-time riders feel comfortable.

You may hear names such as Jessica and Dwight connected with the horseback experience. One particularly helpful detail is that Jessica is praised for making the ride enjoyable, while the horse owners are described as welcoming and accommodating. Names and staff can change, so treat these as useful clues rather than guaranteed assignments.

The route through farmland gives you a look at everyday Jamaica beyond hotel walls. You pass local countryside and see how the surroundings change as you leave the resort belt. That is one reason I prefer this combination to a simple beach ride. The horse is part of a wider outing, not the entire story.

The bareback horse swim

The return to the beach leads to the most memorable part of the day: swimming with the horse in the sea. You ride bareback as the horse enters the Caribbean, giving you a close view of the animal’s strength and calm movement in the water.

This is not a normal horseback photo stop. You actually get into the sea with the horse, which explains why the activity attracts people looking for something different from a standard trail ride.

You should expect the water portion to be the highlight if you enjoy animals and hands-on activities. It also makes this tour less suitable for anyone uncomfortable around horses, uneasy in the sea, or looking only for a dry sightseeing trip.

The minimum age is 6, and the weight limit is 230 pounds. Those rules matter. Check them before paying, especially if one member of your group is close to the age or weight limit.

Some riders also mention limestone foot or leg massages connected with the experience. The supplied tour details do not include that service, and at least one person was disappointed that a limestone foot massage was not included. Do not book expecting it unless the operator confirms it in writing.

Scotchie’s for jerk chicken and a casual meal

The final stop is Scotchie’s in Montego Bay, a casual Jamaican eatery known for freshly jerked chicken. The setting is simple, with rustic booths and a relaxed family feel.

Lunch is not included in the $145 price. You pay for your own meal and any shopping. That is a small but important distinction because the tour description presents Scotchie’s as part of the route, not as a prepaid meal stop.

This is a good place to try Jamaican food without turning the outing into a formal restaurant visit. Jerk chicken with rice and peas is the natural choice, though the exact menu and prices are not specified here.

One driver, Alex, is praised for stopping at a local eatery for fresh jerk chicken and rice and peas. If food matters to you, ask whether your schedule includes enough time to eat rather than simply pass through the stop. The itinerary allows about an hour, but road conditions and activity timing can affect that.

What the $145 price really covers

The price makes the most sense for a small group that values convenience. You receive private transportation, pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, WiFi on board, admission fees, and both main activities. Booking each element separately could create more work and more chances for missed connections.

It is also useful for people staying in Montego Bay who do not want to rent a car. You avoid navigating unfamiliar roads between the coast, river, stables, and restaurant. The driver can also add context along the way, as Alex has done for some outings.

Still, the wording around private service deserves care. The tour is described as a private activity, meaning your booked group has private transportation and does not necessarily share the vehicle. One booking, however, reported that the horseback ride included about 10 other people. If a private ride is essential, ask these exact questions before booking:

• Will our horseback ride be only for our party?
• Will we share the trail or beach session with other riders?
• Is private transportation separate from private activity time?

That clarification is more important than the marketing label.

Guides, drivers, and the human side of the day

The strongest personal service comes from the people leading the activities and driving the route. Jessica receives repeated praise for the horseback portion. Dwight is also linked with a memorable horse ride, while Alex is noted for helpful transport and local explanations. Joe is connected with a good rafting experience.

You should not assume any one person will be assigned to your booking. Staff schedules can change. But the repeated focus on friendly help tells you what to look for: a driver who explains the route, a horse guide who matches the pace to the group, and a rafting guide who adds more than basic steering.

The service record is not perfect. One booking reported that the driver did not arrive and the cancellation was not communicated until the customer contacted the company. That is a serious problem, even though other bookings describe excellent transport.

I recommend confirming the pickup time and location directly with BOJ Adventure Tours shortly before the tour. Save the company contact information, and do not assume that no message means everything is unchanged.

Timing, comfort, and practical limits

The tour is short enough for most visitors to fit into a free half-day. Pickup is offered, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. WiFi is listed on board, and bottled water is included.

You should wear clothing that can handle both riding and water. The supplied details do not specify changing rooms, lockers, towels, or footwear, so ask the operator what is available before you leave your hotel. Keep valuables to a minimum, especially for the horse swim.

Most people can participate, but the age and weight rules apply to the horseback portion. The tour is near public transportation, though pickup and private transportation make that less important for most people.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

Who should book this Montego Bay tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want three distinct Jamaican activities in one manageable outing. It works especially well for couples, families with children age 6 and older, and small groups who want transport arranged from Montego Bay.

You will likely enjoy it if the horse swim sounds more exciting than a long trail ride. You will also appreciate the package if you want some countryside, a quiet river, and a local food stop rather than another resort afternoon.

I would be more cautious if you want a truly private horseback session, a long rafting trip, or a polished luxury experience. The horse ride may include other riders, the raft portion may feel brief, and lunch costs extra.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is variety and easy transport. The horse swim is the clear star, while the Martha Brae raft ride supplies a calm change of pace and Scotchie’s adds a practical taste of Jamaican cooking.

Before paying, confirm the river, pickup details, private-ride arrangements, and what is included at the stables. If those points line up with your expectations, $145 buys a useful half-day beyond the resort. If you want depth in only one activity, book a dedicated rafting or riding experience instead.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $145 per person.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Scotchie’s is at your own expense.

What activities are included?

The tour includes Martha Brae River rafting, horseback riding through the countryside, a horse swim in the Caribbean Sea, and a stop at Scotchie’s.

What is the minimum age for horseback riding?

The minimum age for the horseback portion is 6 years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The listed weight limit is 230 pounds.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund.