Lethe

Lethe sits on the Great River in the hills south of Montego Bay, and rafting here works the same way as on the Martha Brae and the Rio Grande: a long bamboo raft with a raised seat, poled downstream by a captain who talks the whole way, taking about an hour through forested banks. It is the closest rafting to Montego Bay and consequently the busiest with cruise excursions. An old stone bridge crosses the river at the village.

What you actually see

• The bamboo raft - a long raft poled downstream with a raised seat for two.
• The Great River - forested banks and quiet water for about an hour's run.
• The old bridge - a stone crossing at the village.
• The riverbank forest - bamboo and trees closing in on both sides.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and the calmest water. Heavy rain raises the river and rafting stops. Cruise ship days bring the largest crowds.

Honest expectations

Cruise excursion groups dominate on ship days and the river gets busy. Tipping is expected on top of the fare and captains ask directly. Prices quoted to walk-in visitors are often higher than through an operator.

Nearby

Montego Bay is north, and Mayfield Falls is west.