Many people that embark on Caribbean cruises find their way to the Falmouth, Jamaica, cruise port. While there may not be much time to devote to exploring, the town surrounding the port has much to offer.
Located just 30 minutes from Montego Bay, the town of Falmouth has an excellent beach and many more amenities that make it a fantastic landing spot during your trip. This guide outlines some top options for your time at the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port.
Port Overview
As many cruises come through the island daily, there is a lot of activity that takes place. You will immediately be greeted with a flurry of attractions when you step foot off the boat. There are so many vendors, gift shops, restaurants, and sights to see that most of the cruise passengers manage to fill all the time they have right within the port.
Be sure to try out one of the local coffee shops and take the time to try out some of the country’s famous rum. You can find many options for both right on the Falmouth port.
Sightseeing & Activities
One of the easiest things to do during a short duration in Falmouth is to take one of several tours locals offer tourists. While many will take you around the immediate area, some will take you into Montego Bay to explore some of the sights available in the beach town.
There are plenty of ways to see the attractions. Some opt for a trolley tour of the city, while others sign up to go via horse-drawn buggy. Along the way, you can take in the beautiful architecture and see why Falmouth is considered a Jamaican National and United Nations World Heritage Site.
Shopping & Food
It’s not difficult to find authentic food to enjoy in the town of Falmouth. You will quickly find yourself surrounded by local restaurants and food carts that you can indulge in to get a bit of local flavor for a quick lunch as you explore.
You will find everything from the country’s famous jerk chicken to the national dish of akee (a local Jamaican fruit) and saltfish (salted cod). With all the competing smells surrounding you, you won’t be able to exit the vicinity of the port without stopping to enjoy some Jamaican cuisine.
In addition to food, you can partake in ample shopping opportunities at the Falmouth, Jamaica, cruise port. There are many small shops and vendors in the immediate area, with a more extensive selection as you move into the rest of the town.
Nearby Beaches To Check Out
If you travel just 4 miles from the cruise terminal, you will come up to the top beaches in the Falmouth area.
With bright blue water, endless amounts of sunshine, and golden sand, you’ll be able to spend all your free hours soaking up the glory that these beaches provide.
Some of the most popular beaches to check out in the town include:
- Doctors Cave Beach
- Jacob Taylor Beach
- Burwood Beach
- Blue Waters Beach Club
- Negril Seven Mile Beach
- 876 Beach Club
- Red Stripe Beach
It’s worthwhile to note that not all beaches have public restrooms or places to change. Most don’t provide picnic tables for beachgoers either. Therefore, it’s necessary to plan accordingly.
Other Things To Do
In addition to the many attractions listed above, Falmouth has a fair amount of natural elements like rivers and waterfalls to explore and observe. One of the top sights to visit is Dunn’s River Falls. This waterfall cascades down 600 feet and has a set of natural stairs that you can use to climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the falls. If you’re interested in a sightseeing aquatic adventure, check out the various river tubing excursions down the White River through lush landscapes and local neighborhoods.
Many cruisers choose to visit Rafters Village at Martha Brae, which allows you to take part in an hour-long raft trip with a local guide. The purchase of a package at Martha Brae comes with roundtrip transportation from many hotels in Falmouth, so you don’t have to worry about finding a cab or bus to take you to the attraction.
Currency
The national currency of Jamacia is the Jamaican Dollar. While various denominations are available in bill form, many of the more commonly used amounts come as a coin.
As a tourist, converting money to the Jamaican dollar will likely provide you with an onslaught of coins. These denominations will range from $1 to $20, as well as cents up to 25. Many local shops and vendors don’t take credit and only use cash, so you will have plenty of opportunities to spend all your cash before you depart.
How To Get to Falmouth From the Falmouth Cruise Port
As you disembark your cruise ship, you will navigate through the extensive port with its various shops and restaurants. Coming up on the exit, you will see an ample supply of cabs and buses that can take you into the city.
Additionally, many tour guides will be stationed in this location and will drive you around to take in the sights of Falmouth.
Cruise Lines That Sail Here
If you sail into Falmouth, Jamaica cruise port, you observe many different lines visiting simultaneously. Some of the companies that frequent the port include:
- Royal Caribbean
- Holland America
- Princess Cruises
- Disney Cruise Lines
Not all big-name cruise companies stop at the island due to the many ports available in the Caribbean. However, the high-end port makes it a great rest stop for many itineraries, and it is near Montego Bay.
In Summary
Having a stopover at the Falmouth, Jamaica, cruise port is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. In fact, the port is so unique that it provides ample shopping, exploration, and restaurants right within the vicinity. Due to the expansive terminal and all it offers, there is often more than enough to fill their time without going elsewhere.
If you decide to check out more of the town, several tours are available to show you the highlights. You can take the time to see a local beach, some rivers, or a waterfall. The opportunities are endless in Falmouth, and you’ll appreciate your time in the area.
