Things to do in Falmouth Jamaica

During the 1800s Falmouth was a thriving town and was one of the busiest shipping ports in Jamaica.  Setting the stage for what was to be the quintessential town; the streets were laid in grid, with wide straight streets going from north to south and east to west. Falmouth was ahead of its time; you see Falmouth was the first town in the western hemisphere to have piped running water, even before “New York City”.  After emancipation, in early 1900s, Falmouth, like many other thriving colonial cities and towns became stagnant, from inactivity, as people started moving to more populated towns. But today, with its natural deep harbors, Falmouth is regaining its pride and is home to one of the island’s busiest cruise ship port, with an average of eight mega cruise ship calling into port each week.

Cruise ship excursions from Falmouth Jamaica:
The Port of Falmouth is situated perfectly for visitors who are on a quest to experience many of the Island’s main excursion activities. Although most of the popular shore excursions are not within the town of Falmouth, most are accessible to explore and enjoy during the short stay on the island.

Martha Brae Rafting Excursions:
Martha Brae rafting excursions is one of the most relaxing and romantic shore excursions in Jamaica.  Situated just 15 minutes from the cruise port of Falmouth, the Martha Brae River offers visitors an amazing experience rafting down this gentle flowing river on a hand-made bamboo raft. Visitors can only experience this in Jamaica.  This shore excursion cost $60 per raft with a maximum of two people on board.

Best place for horseback riding excursion if you are on a cruise to Falmouth Jamaica is at Hooves.  This family run property is about 40 minutes from the port of Falmouth, in St. Ann’s Bay; Hooves offers the ideal experience and place for horseback riding in Jamaica. Here our visitors are like our family; and we make sure they have a great experience.The horse-back ride and swim excursion starts out on a country trail; visitors may get the feel of what is must have felt like for plantation owners riding their horses on the estates.  The second part of the excursion is on the beach where visitors will get a chance of taking the horse for a swim in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Also, visitors doing this excursion can combine the excursion with Dunn’s River Falls and be back on board with plenty of time to spare; to then enjoy sunset on deck of your ship or shopping at the port shops.

River Rapids (at Rio Bueno) Excursions
River Rapids located in Braco, St. Ann is a great place for river excursions, and only 35 minutes from the Falmouth port. The Rio Bueno River got its name from the Spanish, which means ‘Good River’ in English.  Unlike the other similar excursions River Rapids offers the best rates, with awesome staff!  Visitors can enjoy river tubing, kayaking and rafting excursions which end on the Bengal Beach. Visitors can enjoy all the amenities on the beach; sunbathing, cold refreshments etc. before heading on to another excursion or back to the Falmouth Port.

Catamaran cruises make great excursions.
The catamaran excursion offers something different to those visitors who enjoy water sports.  Visitors can go snorkeling in the warm Caribbean waters; you will be amazed by the beauty of the underwater sea life, exploring the tropical fish and sea-garden is every snorkelers dream.  The excursion runs from 10:00 AM to 1PM and it comes with open bar and snorkeling equipment. After this short and exciting adventure along the coastline of Jamaica, take some time to enjoy Jamaican cuisine and whatever your interests are it can be found in Montego Bay before heading back to Falmouth to board your cruise ship.

The Rocklands Bird Sanctuary Excursion.
For nature lovers this is a great excursions; visitors will enjoy botanical garden to explore of nature and its tranquility. Rockland sanctuary is the only place on earth which we know of that one can hand feed hummingbirds that live in the wild. This excursion will take you about 30 miles south west of Falmouth; through Montego Bay City.  Visitors can combine this unique excursion with the Montego Bay Highlight Tour; Tour of the Rose Hall Great House among others.

Where to eat on your excursion

Chill Out Restaurant.
Chill Out Restaurant located just 10 minutes west of Falmouth in the community of Greenwood; it is a great spot to have lunch on the waterfront. The ambiance is great with an island beach setting. They serve a variety of foods which includes authentic Jamaican dishes; including a variety of seafood dishes and salad.

While you are out and about on your shore excursions don’t hesitate to try a Beef Patty; Jamaica’s favorite pastry.  The best patties are sold directly from the local bakeries fresh out of the oven. Two of the main bakeries here on the island are ‘Juicy Beef and Tastee Patties’ and can be found across the island. Jamaican beef patties are similar to pop pastries.  Minced beef is used as a filling for making Jamaican patties, seasoned with tropical herbs and spices and then baked to perfection in a flaky shell.

Jamaica is known for its “Jerk” and Scotchies is a great place to enjoy the authentic taste of jerk chicken. They also serve a variety of side dishes such as festivals, roasted yams and sweet potato…also a local favorite, steamed bammy which is made from cassava.  Scotchies is located in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston…a perfect fit to a day of fun and excursions.

If you are visiting to Ocho Rios, be sure to stop in at the Ocho Rios Jerk Center, for authentic Jamaican food. They serve a variety of Jamaican dishes including; jerked chicken and pork dishes.  It is known Jamaican jerk can be spicy treat for adults, but at the Ocho Rios Jerk center, they provide children friendly menu… so your child can enjoy Jamaican jerk on a milder side.

Jamaica is the first country in the world to start the production of rum commercially and so for the folks that love rum sampling… Appleton Estate is a treat… according to the Guinness Book of World Records, “Jamaica has the most churches per square mile” I’m sure we may have the most Bars as well and stepping into a local Jamaican bar for a drink with the locals is a sure way of immersing into the local culture. However for the more adventurous, an excursion through the hilly interior of Jamaica takes you to the Appleton Estate; home of the best aged Rum on the island.  Appleton Estate started producing rum since 1749 to-date.  This shore excursion is approximately 2 hours each way driving and could worth your time. If your ship is stopping over for less than 8 hours then this excursions is not recommended.

Doctors Cave Beach and Montego Bay Highlight tour:
One of the best beaches in the world is only 30 minutes from Falmouth Port; the world famous Doctors Cave Beach, in Montego Bay. The journey from the Falmouth pier takes visitors along the scenic north coast highway, which hugs the shore line making the drive picturesque adventure.  Visitors will enjoy the contrast of Jamaica’s landscape, from the hills to the tropical Caribbean Sea.  Montego Bay is the tourist capital of Jamaica and is great for souvenir shopping, restaurants, bars, watersports etc.  It is great for sight-seeing, and for Arts lovers, visitors can also visit the second largest art gallery on the Island.It was Doctor’s Cave Beach that launched Montego Bay’s as a tourist capital of the western hemisphere in the 1880. The water at doctors cave beach was thought to have healing properties, and took on world prominence because of that medicinal curative. The beach was once own by a private medical practitioner who donated to the community in 1906 for all to enjoy.To this day, DCB is still known and revered as one of the best in the world. If you are visiting Jamaica on a cruise to Falmouth or Montego Bay, you may want to consider basking at the therapeutic Doctor’s Cave Beach.

The Bob Marley Excursions from Falmouth Jamaica:
Bob Marley is one of Jamaica’s best known international superstars; and only 90 minutes’ drive from the port of Falmouth is a small community named Nine Mile. In May of 1981, Nine mile became known to the rest of the world, when its favorite son, Reggae King Bob Marley came home was buried in his place of birth.  Folks with an interest in reggae music that disembark at Falmouth port will have enough time to visit the birth and final resting place of the Reggae Legend. This excursion takes you through the some very rustic communities through, offering visitors a first-hand view of rural living in Jamaica.

Should I exchange my USD, CAN or Sterling to the local Jamaican Dollar JMD?
While is it’s great to spend local currency which is certainly part of the local experience, it is not necessary to exchange your currency. US / CA $ and pound sterling are widely accepted on the island and business is transacted using them daily; the rates are set daily by the Bank of Jamaica, which is a “guide” for FX dealers, such as Cambios, who will add their margins.Having US$ sure makes business transactions easier, so you will notice that almost all excursions, tours, goods and services is quoted in USD$.  The current exchange rate is 1USD: _115.00JMD.

The best waterfall waterfalls for cruise passengers (shore excursions)
You cannot visit Jamaica and not visit the Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole. Easily accessible from the port of Falmouth, you will be whisked away as soon as you have disembarked…so be ready to be amazed!  Dunn’s River Falls is Jamaica’s best known tourist attraction. It is a majestic body of water which cascade down the wonderfully formed limestone rocks.  This is a unique waterfall, which begins in the warm Caribbean Sea, climbing up 600 feet of falls…now that’s adventure!!! . if you are not up to this adventure, you can enjoy the beach and while you watch the more adventurous climb the falls.

 

Blue Hole Excursion:
Blue-Hole excursion is a beautiful naturally formed river pool. It offers a great experience for the young and young at heart; the ultimate shore excursions with rope-swinging and diving from the falls, is surely an excursion to enjoy.  Also, the facilitators will go the extra mile to ensure you fully enjoy the facility with no limitations on your good time!!…Blue Hole is about 25 minutes from Dunn’s River Falls, and is worth the 25 additional minutes’ drive.

Best Transportation Service in Jamaica