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Lethe

A village on the Great River near Montego Bay where bamboo rafts are poled downstream past forest banks.

Updated 2 September 2026

WhereHanover
Nearest cityMontego Bay
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereAbout 15 km south of Montego Bay on the Great River
EntryCharged per raft; operators at the landing

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's there

  • 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.

Practical notes

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.

What to pack for Lethe

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
  • Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
  • Secure water shoes or reef boots - Grip on slippery launches and protection on rocky shores. Find on Amazon
  • A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Lethe is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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