A short twenty minute drive from the Falmouth Port where Cruise ships dock for their daily excursions, one finds oneself in authentic Jamaica driving past jungle, mountains and one-room homes before clearing to a popular tourist hot spot; Bamboo Rafting on the Martha Brae River.

This was the excursion myself and seven friends chose to take last week during our stop while onboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. Upon arriving, our taxi driver brought us down to the check-in building where we paid $60.00 usd per boat (each boat takes 2 people). This was a little pricer than we were expecting, but we were told they had just increased their prices. But for a unique experience like this, it’s hard not to chip in the few extra dollars . . . This fee included a free punch drink at the Bamboo Rafting “resort’s” bar; a pavilion serving a select array of alcoholic beverages. To spice up your punch (and raft trip alike) they offer a punch rum for an additional $3 per person. Again, it’s hard not to chip in the extra couple dollars when it does make for a more relaxed, engaging ride.

Punch rummed up and ready to go, we loaded our 30- foot rafts and began our way down the river. Our guide swiftly rowed us forward using a large bamboo pole while giving us the “nature tour” to point out the trees and flowers we passed. About halfway through our ride (after about 30 minutes) we came to a calmer part of the river. Here, he asked if either of us would like a chance to row the boat. How hard could it be! I jumped on the opportunity. Turns out in order to row a bamboo raft with a large bamboo stick, you need to be pretty dang strong. I got correctly multiple times for not putting the stick directly down in the water to push completely off of the ground. Woops . . . After 10 minutes I decided my arms could use a break and I sat back down.

Near the end of the river ride, one has the opportunity to stop at “Tarzan” a river dock with a rope swing for some fun jumping. On another day, I would have been all over this opportunity, but mid-crazy week from being on a Cruise full of endless activities, I decided to by-pass this stop. However one friend of mine did decide to brace the swing. Ending her raft ride about 5 minutes later than us from in the water, clinging onto the side of the bamboo raft after her Tarzan swing. A perfect chance to get wet at the end of your ride in the Jamaican heat!

Peace. Love. Unity- This was the expression I was taught by the bartender Carl. He had a handshake that went with it that he told me he’s done ever since he was a little kid. Bamboo rafting was the complete package- a peaceful excursion with the people you love connecting to a land you’re curious to know more about. It might not be a cheap trip and it might be a touristy one, but I couldn’t recommend it enough as I would argue the experience itself is authentically Jamaican.