Are you looking for the best things to do when your Caribbean cruise ship docks in Falmouth, Jamaica, but unsure where to start? This guide uncovers the top activities in Falmouth so you can enjoy an unforgettable day in port filled with fun and adventure. From exploring historic Georgian homes to visiting 18th-century plantations or swimming with dolphins, there is something for everyone in Falmouth Port, Jamaica.
Falmouth is a popular, charming, and vibrant Jamaican cruise port. Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Disney, Princess, and Norwegian Cruises regularly dock in Falmouth. It’s a unique port because the ship’s berth is next to the downtown area. So, you can begin soaking in Jamaican culture and history after disembarking from the ship.
Do you want to discover how to spend a memorable day in the port of Falmouth, Jamaica? To help you plan your cruise day in Jamaica, I’ve reviewed the top cruise excursions in and around Falmouth. Whether you want to relax at the beach, go horseback riding in the sea, explore historic sugar plantations, or visit a Rastafari village, this article has you covered.
Where is Falmouth Jamaica Cruise Port?
The Falmouth Cruise Port, also known as the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port, is located on the northwestern coast of Jamaica between the Caribbean ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Old sugar plantations surround the town, and it was the busiest port in colonial Jamaica. The town’s architecture reflects that prosperous era and has some of the best-preserved Georgian buildings in the Caribbean.
Falmouth Cruise Port offers convenient access to popular attractions. These spots include historical sites, scenic beaches, and cultural experiences for cruise passengers.
Arriving at Falmouth Jamaica Cruise Port
After disembarking from the cruise ship at Falmouth, you are in the center of the island’s vibrant culture and lively atmosphere. The port area is well-appointed, with a large square surrounded by jewelry and duty-free shops. You will also come across a plethora of stalls selling local crafts and souvenirs.
Falmouth Cruise Port has berths for two large cruise ships and can host some of the largest ships in the world. Despite being called a historic port, the area was developed in 2011 by the Port of Jamaica and Royal Caribbean International. However, the port area has a distinctive historical feel.
You can find an information desk in the main terminal for both piers. Here, you can pick up brochures and maps and a self-guided walking map. This is also the meeting point for shore excursions.
Facilities at the cruise port include wheelchair accessibility, multiple restrooms, and a large shopping area. It’s good to note that free public WiFi isn’t available. However, paying customers can get access to WiFi when using the port’s establishments.
Discovering Falmouth, Jamaica
The historic cruise Port of Falmouth is in the western Caribbean. You can take a heritage walk downtown to discover the town’s rich history. You’ll see Georgian buildings, the Falmouth Courthouse, and various crafts markets. It’s recommended to take organized shore excursions to visit locations outside the port.
Before venturing out of the port area, it’s crucial to remember safety. Some street vendors can be exceedingly pushy. Therefore, I advise sticking to the recommended paths and using taxis for longer trips. Always agree on the fare, as some drivers like to take advantage of cruise passengers.
Exploring Falmouth Jamaica on a Cruise Day in Port
What does the port town of Falmouth, Jamaica, offer cruise visitors?
If you decide to walk around the town, stick to the streets closest to the port. Famous landmarks are Albert George Market and the Falmouth Court House. Many of the streets lack sidewalks, so you must always be careful. Otherwise, take a taxi for local excursions like the Jamaica Swamp Safari.
I recommend taking ship-operated shore excursions to destinations outside Falmouth. The closest day excursions in Falmouth are Martha Brae, several all-inclusive beach resorts, Hampden Rum Distillery, and plantations like Good Hope, Rose Hall, and Greenwood Great House. Some day excursions go as far as Montego Bay or Ocho Rios.
Getting Around Falmouth Jamaica Cruise Port
Falmouth is a relatively small town in northern Jamaica. So, you may wonder about the best way to get around on your day in port. Here are some recommendations and tips to make your trip enjoyable.
Taxi
A taxi is the easiest way to get around Falmouth and the surrounding countryside. There is a taxi stand near the cruise terminal building. Like most Caribbean cruise ports, fares from the terminal are fixed rates. However, If you hail a private taxi in town, always agree on the fare first.
Walking to Falmouth Town from the Terminal
Walking around the port area is safe to browse the shops and restaurants. However, if you stay in the port, you will miss the buzz and vibrancy of the town.
If you venture outside the port, stick to tourist areas in the Old Town, near the port. Many people will try to sell you things, but you must politely disengage. There are many lovely shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. To feel safer you can hire a guide or join a walking tour.
Shore excursions
A shore excursion is the best way to explore Falmouth and its surroundings. You can book online, with your cruise line, or at the terminal building. Traveling more than an hour from the port is not recommended if you want to make the most of your day. Shore excursions in Falmouth let you experience beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historic sites.
Horse Drawn Buggy Excursion
During your cruise stop, a unique way to see Falmouth, Jamaica, is to take a horse-drawn buggy excursion.
This charming experience allows you to explore the historic streets of Falmouth in a leisurely and traditional way. The guided tour passes by colorful buildings, bustling markets, and historic sites. The guide will also share interesting facts about Jamaican history and landmarks.
Trolley Tour of Falmouth Jamaica
Try the Trolley Tour of Falmouth if a horse-drawn buggy isn’t your thing. The one-hour excursion meanders through the quaint streets of Falmouth past the Old Town’s historical landmarks. The guided tour gives fascinating insights into the town’s rich history and vibrant culture.
As you ride the charming trolley, you will pass by colorful colonial buildings, bustling markets, and lively street vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs.
Map of Falmouth Jamaica
Things To Do in Falmouth Jamaica on a Cruise Day in Port
Strolling around Old Town in Falmouth is the best way to experience authentic Jamaican culture. You will discover stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and carved goods. Additionally, you can admire the old colonial buildings from the days of sugarcane plantations.
Albert George Shopping and Historical Complex
One of the top walking activities on a cruise day in Falmouth, Jamaica, is visiting the Albert George Shopping and Historical Complex. Named after Queen Victoria’s grandson, this complex is located right in the heart of Falmouth and is a 3-minute walk from the terminal.
The historical shopping complex offers opportunities for souvenir shopping, buying local crafts, or purchasing local artwork. At the same time, you can learn about Falmouth’s history through interactive exhibits and displays.
Falmouth Craft Market
Near the port terminal building is Falmouth’s Craft Market. The shaded market stalls are packed with authentic Jamaican goods to buy. You can find jewelry, artwork, handicrafts, and trinkets. This bustling market is a great place to immerse yourself in Jamaican culture as you listen to Reggae bands or steel drum groups.
The craft market is the best place to pick up Jamaican-branded t-shirts or Rastafari clothing. You can also grab lunch from street food vendors selling jerk chicken, traditional Jamaican patties, or cooling coconut jelly.
Historic Falmouth Walking Tour
For history buffs, booking a guided walking town excursion is the best way to learn about Falmouth’s history and culture. Most guided tours also include entry to historical landmarks. You also get opportunities to shop and buy local snacks along the way.
Facts you’ll learn about Falmouth, Jamaica, include the following:
- The town was established in 1769 as a sugarcane farming community
- It was one of the wealthiest and most luxurious towns in Jamaica
- Falmouth is home to the first masonic temple in Jamaica which later became a Baptist church building, the Baptist Manse
The tour starts from the clock stand at Albert George Market, directly opposite the cruise pier’s exit. You go past the yellow-painted courthouse to the Baptist Manse on the corner of Market and Trelawney streets. Next, you will go past the ruins of Barrett’s house, then back towards the pier, passing Vermont House and other notable Georgian buildings.
Falmouth Courthouse
Built in 1815, Falmouth Courthouse is an iconic landmark near the port area in Falmouth. The building is a testament to the town’s rich history and architectural heritage. It’s a striking example of Georgian architecture, with its yellow walls, elegant columns, and grand staircase leading up to the entrance.
There’s not much to see and do in the courthouse besides its historical value and imagining how it functioned in the past. It’s worth including as part of a guided or self-guided walking tour.
St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Falmouth
Nestled in the heart of Falmouth is the oldest church in Jamaica—St. Peter’s Anglican Church. The church was built in 1795 and features solid mahogany timber supports, beautiful stone, and brickwork. Although its exterior doesn’t look great, the interior is immaculate. You can admire the stained glass windows and the vernacular architecture.
The church is the oldest public building in Falmouth and is connected with the town’s plantation history. Edward Barrett, a plantation owner and one of Falmouth’s founding fathers, donated the land. John Tharp, owner of the Good Hope plantation, donated the church organ. Gravestones in the churchyard date back 200 years.
Experience Jamaican cuisine with a food-tasting tour in Falmouth
If you’re a true foodie, booking a food-tasting shore excursion is a must. A guide will take you through Falmouth, stopping at various street vendors. You will get to try the best of Jamaican specialties in the most authentic way possible. Walking food tours typically include several food tastings and beverages.
Jamaican cuisine is a blend of influences from African, Indian, and European cultures that creates spicy dishes. You can try traditional dishes like jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, bammy (cassava flatbread), and festivals (sweet fried dough).
Try Jamaican patties
No cruise day in Jamaica would be complete without sampling traditional Jamaican patties at Juici Patties. The “fast food” is a savory pastry bake with a flaky crust containing moist ground beef. It’s also spicy due to its strong spice mix of Scotch bonnet, chilies, garlic, thyme, onions, and oregano.
Try a cup of JamBlue coffee in a local café
While walking around Falmouth Old Town, don’t forget to try JamBlue coffee. Made from Blue Mountain Coffee, the Jamaican coffee is described as the tastiest coffee in the world. High demand and limited supply make it one of the most expensive coffees. So, sit down, relax, and order a JamBlue coffee in a local café.
Catamaran Cruise in Falmouth, Jamaica
Booking a Catamaran excursion is the perfect way to combine swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in one activity. Several tour operators in Falmouth, Jamaica, offer catamaran charters to Dunn’s River or Ocho Rios. They generally include an open bar, lunch, snacks, a live DJ, and entertainment.
A popular catamaran excursion offers the chance to experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a spacious catamaran boat. You also get to sail along the stunning Jamaican coastline, taking in breathtaking views of cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear water lagoons.
Jamaica Swamp Safari Village
Visit the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village to get up close with crocodiles in Falmouth, Jamaica. This unique attraction educates about Jamaica’s natural beauty, wildlife, and wetlands. The shore excursion includes observing crocodiles, anacondas, and tropical birds. There is also a guided walk through a mangrove forest.
Jamaica Swamp Safari Village is most famous for starring in the 1972 James Bond film “Live and Let Die.” It was the film set for the famous “croc-jumping” scene.
Recent feedback suggests the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village might benefit from enhancements and closer attention to the care of its animals. If you’re keen on wildlife conservation, researching the latest reviews and updates about the village might be wise to ensure it meets your expectations.
Horseback Riding
A horseback ride and swim shore excursion in Falmouth, Jamaica, is a unique and memorable experience. You get to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty while enjoying the thrill of riding a horse. With your knowledgeable guide, you traverse lush jungles, nature trails, and tranquil farmlands and trot along pristine beaches.
At the end of the tour, you will be on the shoreline of a private beach, where you will change into swimming gear. Then, you will swim on horseback in the warm Caribbean waters. Horseback riding is suitable for beginners and experienced riders.
Add paddle boarding, tubing, or rafting on the Rio Bueno River to make the most of your day in port. This is a 20-minute drive from Falmouth cruise port. Combined, the shore excursion lasts five hours.
Cultural Shore Excursions Near Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth, Jamaica, is a historic port town with a rich history. Many of the cultural shore excursions in the area are connected with former sugar plantations or rum making. These excursions give insights into Jamaica’s colonial past and the impact of slavery on the island.
Greenwood Great House
Greenwood Great House is a historic building over 200 years old. Located 20 minutes from the Port of Falmouth, the grand mansion is one of the best-preserved colonial buildings on the island. Its former owner was famous English poet Elizabeth Barrett-Browning. The house features its original furniture and rare musical instruments.
Greenwood Great House was built during an era of architectural elegance and still retains the ambiance of the 19th century. It survived the 1831 Christmas Rebellion when many plantation houses were burned. The excursion takes you back in time and continues to captivate visitors’ imaginations.
Rose Hall Great House Tour
Rose Hall Great House is located a 30-minute drive from Falmouth’s cruise pier to Montego Bay. This magnificent Georgian plantation house was formerly inhabited by Annie Palmer, whom locals called the White Witch. It’s believed she killed three husbands and some slaves and practiced voodoo and black magic. The building is on a 6,000-acre plantation.
During the excursion to the “haunted” mansion, you can listen to eerie stories of murder, betrayal, and witchcraft. You can marvel at the substantial solid mahogany doors, spacious rooms, portraits, sweeping staircases, and stunning views over the Caribbean Sea. Some say that Annie Palmer’s spirit still lingers in the mansion.
When booking the shore excursion from Falmouth, check to see if it includes spending time in Montego Bay. Some tour operators take you to the famous Hip Strip for jerk chicken, swimming and sunbathing at Doctor’s Cave Beach Club before returning to Falmouth.
Chukka Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope Plantation
The Good Hope Estate Park is a 2,000-acre plantation located 30 minutes inland from Falmouth, Jamaica. The shore excursion features lush landscapes, scenic views of Martha Brae River, ziplining, a swimming pool, and an Adventure Falls water park. A day pass gives you access to bamboo rafting, tubing, and Appleton rum tasting.
Hampden Rum Tour
Booking a shore excursion to the Hampden Rum manufacturing estate lets you know about the rum-making process. Just a 30-minute drive from the cruise port of Falmouth, this historic rum distillery has been producing some of the finest rum in Jamaica since 1753. Excursions include rum sampling, an authentic Jamaican lunch, and transportation.
Hampden Estate produces award-winning rums known for their dark, intense flavors. The two-hour tour allows you to experience the rum-making process firsthand at one of the oldest working rum distilleries in the world.
Adventure Shore Excursions Near Falmouth, Jamaica
Spending a cruise day in Falmouth means shore excursions in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are nearby. There are also plenty of adventure activities to do in the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica. Whether you’re looking for relaxing river tubing on the Martha Brae River or adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting, Falmouth has plenty of options.
White water rafting on the Rio Bueno River
One of the top water activities for your cruise stop in Falmouth, Jamaica, is whitewater rafting on the Rio Bueno River. This exhilarating white water rafting experience lets you paddle through Class II rapids. You also get to navigate through stunning scenery in a tropical rainforest. Suitable for anyone without river rafting experience.
The shore excursion is 25 minutes from the Port of Falmouth, Jamaica, cruise ship terminal. The rafting adventure also includes tree swings and freshwater swimming. After successfully navigating the twists and turns of the Rio Bueno River, you can relax and swim at the pristine Bengal Beach.
Swimming in the Blue Hole
You can swim in stunning sinkholes and waterfalls at the Blue Hole near Ocho Rios. This Falmouth shore excursion takes you through the beautiful Jamaican countryside to St. Ann’s Parish. The excursion includes swimming in azure waters, tree swings, and jumping from waterfalls. Snorkeling and exploring caves are also possible.
Depending on the type of excursion, the trip can include the following:
- Stopping off at Discovery Bay, where Christopher Columbus landed
- Shopping trip to the Taj Mahal in Ocho Rios
- Lunch and drinks
- Relaxing and swimming at Bamboo Blu Beach
It’s important to note that you must be in reasonable physical health, as some light hiking through the forest is required. Also, the bus ride is 1 hour and 50 minutes, with only an hour at the Blue Hole. So, consider if you want to spend most of your cruise day traveling.
Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios
The world-famous Dunn’s River Falls is just over an hour’s drive from Falmouth cruise terminal. This stunning natural wonder is a breathtaking stair-like waterfall 600 ft. (180 m) long and gradually climbing 180 ft. (55 m) tall. Tour guides lead you up the terraced waterfall, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Other activities at Dunn’s River Falls include the following:
- Ziplining at Dunn’s River Falls on the award-winning Dunn’s River Falls Zip Line
- Swimming in the natural pools
- Exploring small caves
- Jumping off cliffs into refreshing pools
On your way to Ocho Rios, you may also stop at Discovery Bay to learn about Columbus’s first visit to Jamaica.
Relax on a bamboo raft on Martha Brae River
Are you looking for a day of gentle relaxation on your cruise stop in Falmouth, Jamaica? If so, check out shore excursions for bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River. This serene experience takes you on a 10-foot raft with a personal guide. The 3-mile journey meanders through forested mangroves.
You can spot exotic wildlife and birds during your picturesque, leisurely bamboo rafting journey.
Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove
Swimming with dolphins is one of the most unforgettable shore excursions in Falmouth, Jamaica. The trip involves a bus ride to Dolphin Cove at Ocho Rios. Here, you can swim and interact with these intelligent and playful creatures in their natural habitat. They dance, sing, and splash around you and may give gentle nudges.
In addition to swimming with dolphins, Dolphin Cove also offers other fun-filled water activities. These include snorkeling, interacting with stingrays and colorful tropical fish, observing tropical birds, handling snakes, and trips on a glass-bottom kayak.
To top your cruise day off in the Caribbean, you can enjoy relaxation at the beach before returning to the ship.
Green Grotto Caves
The Green Grotto Caves are a 45-minute drive from the Falmouth cruise port. The underground caverns are an interconnected series of passageways with chambers, light holes, stalagmites, stalactites, and two lakes. The highlight is descending to the innermost cavern, where you can stand in awe at the crystal-clear lake.
Also called the Runaway Caves, Green Grotto Caves are located near Discovery Bay, where Christopher Columbus landed in 1494.
The Green Grotto Caves have been used for hundreds of years. Indigenous Arawak Indians (Tainos) used them for storage and various other purposes. The Spanish sought refuge in them during the English takeover in 1655. Then, runaway slaves hid in them to escape harsh plantation enslavers. In the 20th century, arms smugglers hid weapons in them during the First and Second Wars.
Experience authentic Rastafari culture
Book a shore excursion to a Rastafarian village to experience authentic Rastafari culture. Located an hour’s drive from the cruise port at Falmouth, you’ll experience living in harmony with nature. During the excursion, you’ll learn firsthand about the community’s beliefs, customs, and way of life.
Other unique experiences in the Rastafari village include the following:
- Participating in communal drumming sessions
- Sampling traditional “ital” cuisine—vegetable stews using yams, peppers, limes, legumes, and callaloo
- Taking part in village life tending to crops and the herb garden
- Making soap and traditional jewelry
Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth, Jamaica
The mesmerizing Luminous Lagoon is a stunning natural wonder in Oyster Bay, Falmouth, Jamaica. The lagoon waters glow at night due to microscopic organisms emitting luminescent light when the water is agitated. Swimming in the dark water creates a stunning glow.
Unfortunately, a shore excursion to the Luminous Lagoon isn’t feasible on a day in port. It must be dark to experience the beautiful blue colors that light up the dark waters.
Golf Excursions in Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth, Jamaica, is near world-class championship golf courses—some of the best in the Caribbean. An all-inclusive day pass lets you use your shore excursion time to play golf all day or split time between golf and using the resort’s amenities.
Here are descriptions of three top-class golf courses near Falmouth, Jamaica:
White Witch Golf Resort
The golf course is located on the Rose Hall Estate, a 71-par, 18-hole championship course. The fairways and greens are in rolling countryside surrounded by lush vegetation. You can also enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea. It’s a 20-minute drive from Falmouth, Jamaica.
Half Moon Golf Resort
The Half Moon golf course is a challenging championship course with links-style golfing. This Caribbean course has undulating greens with “figure-eight” layouts, making putting difficult. It also has strategically placed bunkers around the fairways and greens. With the unpredictable trade winds, you must be at the top of your game for this 72-par course.
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course is a 20-minute drive from the Falmouth cruise port. Designed by golf legend Robert von Hagge, the testing golf course offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and lush tropical landscape. Here are some highlights of the golf course near Falmouth:
- Views of the Caribbean Sea from 17 of the 18 holes
- See the waterfall from the James Bond film “Live and Let Die”
- See Johnny Cash’s winter home on Cinnamon Hill from hole 14
- Four sets of tees to suit all experience levels
Pristine Beaches in Falmouth, Jamaica
If beach relaxation is your priority when you disembark from the cruise ship in Falmouth, you have plenty of options. You can choose from all-inclusive luxury beach resorts to public beaches that charge cruise passengers and tourists a nominal fee.
Beach Day at Burwood Beach
Burwood Beach is a white sand public beach with clear blue, shallow waters. It’s a 10-minute drive from the Falmouth cruise port. It’s generally free from tourists and provides a good escape from large, crowded beaches. There is also a small coral reef, making it ideal for snorkeling.
However, compared to private beaches, the beach sometimes has a lot of seaweed, and you get pestered by some locals who ask for money. Also, there is no natural shade at the beach. It has showers and restrooms, and you can hire lounge chairs and gazebos.
Relax at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
The Hilton Rose Hall resort features a stunning private beach and day passes for cruise passengers. The day pass includes access to the beach, upscale food and beverage options, terraced pools, a lazy river, and a 280-foot water slide. Additionally, you get access to lounge chairs and beach towels, and the pool has a swim-up bar.
You can also go windsurfing, kayaking, or Hobie-cat sailing during your beach day excursion. And if you love golf, you can practice your swing at the golf range. For the ultimate in relaxation, you can book a deep-tissue massage.
Red Stripe Beach
Red Stripe Beach is a stunning stretch of white sands 10 minutes from the cruise terminal. The beach features a tree-lined coastline with sun chairs, umbrellas, and flotation devices for rental. Additionally, there is a lifeguard on duty, and the beach is kept meticulously clean. Seaweed is constantly cleared so that you can enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
A taxi from Falmouth Port is the best way to spend a beach day at Red Stripe Beach. Here, you can relax away from the commotion of cruise ship passengers. There is also a snack shop, cafe, restaurant, changing rooms, and gift shop at the beach.
Please note that the beach is relatively small, so it’s a good idea to get there early to enjoy your day at the beach.
Blue Waters Beach Club
The Blue Waters Beach Club is just a short distance from the Falmouth cruise port and beside the Red Stripe Beach. A day pass to the resort gives you access to a sun lounger, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. You can also try authentic Jamaican and Caribbean food at the reasonably-priced restaurant.
Cruisers love this beautiful beach club, which offers a relaxing and fun party atmosphere. Highlights of the Blue Waters Beach Club are live reggae music, a tiki bar, massages, and cabanas for rent. You can soak up the sun and swim in turquoise waters without crowds of tourists or people trying to sell you stuff.
876 Beach Club in Falmouth, Jamaica
The 876 Beach Club is a great place when your cruise ship docks in Falmouth, Jamaica. Just a 15-minute drive from the terminal, the private club offers fun and relaxation for people of all ages. At Club 876, you can soak up the Caribbean sun, swim, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of White Bay.
Other facilities at the 876 Beach Club include an aqua park, bar, restaurant, and aviary. You can relax on the sun loungers, take a leisurely swim, and try their delicious cocktails and Jamaican food. The live DJ also adds to the experience. Showers and changing rooms are available.
It’s important to note that this isn’t an all-inclusive beach resort. You’ll need some cash to buy drinks or food. Additionally, some visitors complain about the many vendors on the beach.
Puerto Seco Beach Park
Puerto Seco Beach is in the famous Discovery Bay, where Christopher Columbus landed. The beach club is a 30-minute drive from the cruise terminal in Falmouth, Jamaica. The stunning resort features a wide range of amenities, including a large swimming pool, glass-bottom boat tours, kayaks, diving, snorkeling, and a floating obstacle course.
Puerto Seco Beach is a great choice regardless of how you want to spend your beach day. You can relax in large beach huts, hire a private cabana, or get a lounge chair and umbrella on the pristine white sands of the beach. The club also has a beach bar and grill restaurant.
Doctor’s Cave Beach Club
Doctor’s Cave Beach Club is one of the more popular beaches near Montego Bay and a 30-minute drive from Falmouth. It’s 5 miles (8 km) of pure white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. Facilities for cruise passengers at the beach include free Wi-Fi, beach chairs, showers, changing rooms, restaurants, and a bar.
The shallow, calm waters at Montego Bay also feature a thriving coral reef, making it a popular spot for snorkeling. Here, you can encounter a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, stingrays, grunts, and blue tangs.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious day at the beach, you can check out the hotels beside the beach that offer all-inclusive day passes.
To make your stay more fun, you can also take in the vibrant culture of Montego Bay’s Hip Strip and Margaritaville. (Unfortunately, the Margaritaville in Falmouth is closed.)
Bamboo Beach Club
The Bamboo Beach Club is an excellent choice for spending a beach day on your cruise stop in Falmouth, Jamaica. Situated on the beautiful northern coast of Jamaica, this beach club offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for visitors looking to unwind and soak up the sun.
The Bamboo Beach Club is a popular shore excursion thanks to the various packages on offer. Tour packages can include transportation, all-you-can-drink cocktails, lunch, and jungle river tubing. To add to the Jamaican ambiance, you can enjoy reggae music, entertainment, and cocktail demonstrations.
Falmouth Jamaica Cruise Port: FAQs
What currency is accepted in Falmouth, Jamaica?
The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is the official currency, usually written as J$. However, most tourist destinations readily accept US dollars. Make sure to verify the currency in which the seller offers change before you spend your money. It’s common to pay in US dollars and get your change in Jamaican dollars. It’s always recommended to carry some local currency for smaller purchases.
Is it safe to explore Falmouth on my own?
The Falmouth Jamaica Cruise Port area is safe to walk around. However, the area outside the port is somewhat rundown and not for tourists. Therefore, hiring a guide is best to ensure you enjoy a safe time in Falmouth Old Town. They can provide a historical tour on foot and show you the local landmarks, including craft markets and the best street food vendors.
When is the best time to visit Falmouth, Jamaica?
The ideal time to visit Falmouth, Jamaica, on a Caribbean cruise is during the dry season. Usually, the period from December through May is characterized by sunny weather, clear skies, and lower chances of rainfall. Therefore, you have more time for beach activities, water sports, and other outdoor adventures.
Is there a beach within walking distance of Falmouth Cruise Port?
I don’t recommend attempting to walk to a beach after disembarking at Falmouth on a cruise. Take a taxi to nearby beaches like Burwood Beach, Sands Beach, or the Blue Waters Beach Club. These beaches are only 10 to 15 minutes by taxi, and fares are reasonable.
Does Falmouth have a sandy beach?
There is a small sandy beach close to the Falmouth Jamaica Cruise Terminal. However, it’s not recommended for tourists as there are no beach facilities and you must walk there on narrow roads with no sidewalks.
Which cruise lines dock at Falmouth, Jamaica?
Royal Caribbean partly owns the cruise port in Falmouth, Jamaica. Other cruise lines that include Falmouth in their itineraries include Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line.
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