Cruise Port Guide · Western Caribbean
Things to Do in Falmouth, Jamaica
Falmouth sits on Jamaica’s north coast, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The town is known for its Georgian buildings, and its purpose-built cruise port puts shops and restaurants right by the ship.
Falmouth at a glance
“Our time in port was short, and honestly not my favourite day. Here’s what I’d do differently next time!”
Top Things to Do in Falmouth
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
A last-minute ship excursion
Amy’s group booked Royal Caribbean’s Panoramic Island Tour and Bamboo Beach Break at the last minute. The bus left from the port parking lot in the morning and drove through the countryside and nearby towns before ending at Bamboo Beach Club. The bus tour felt long, and in hindsight they would have been happier at the beach club the whole time.
- Excursion
- Panoramic Island Tour and Bamboo Beach Break (Royal Caribbean). No longer offered
- Cost
- About $65 USD per person when Amy went in 2024
- Includes
- Bus tour, then free time at Bamboo Beach Club
- Not included
- Lunch. The jerk chicken is extra
Bamboo Beach Club
Bamboo Beach Club was the second half of Amy’s excursion. Honestly, it was just alright: the sand had a lot of small rocks and the area was very small. But the water was warm and lovely, and there were plenty of loungers and shady cabanas to relax in. There are a couple of other beach clubs in the area too.
- How Amy went
- Included with her ship excursion
- Water
- Warm and calm
- Sand
- Small rocks, so bring water shoes
- Not included
- Lunch. Bring cash for the jerk chicken
Jerk chicken for lunch
The best part of the day? The jerk chicken lunch platter at Bamboo Beach Club was fantastic! It’s cooked fresh on the grill right at the beach club, and it was worth every penny. If you only try one local dish in Jamaica, make it jerk chicken.
- Where
- Bamboo Beach Club
- Cost
- Extra, not included in the excursion
- Pay with
- Cash
- Amy says
- Worth it!
More Things to Do in Falmouth
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Dunn’s River FallsClimb the famous terraced waterfall in Ocho Rios, hand in hand with a guide and your group. It’s one of Jamaica’s best-known sights, but it’s about an hour or more each way from Falmouth, so check your time in port first. Wear water shoes!
Martha Brae raftingFloat down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, steered by a local raft captain, through lush green countryside. It’s close to Falmouth, so it fits a port day easily, and it’s a relaxing, peaceful way to see the island. Great for all ages.
Explore the Falmouth cruise portRight off the ship, the Falmouth cruise port is laid out like a little Georgian town, with fountains, shops, restaurants and bars. It’s easy to browse for souvenirs before or after your day out, and the historic town of Falmouth is just beyond the gates.
Free Things to Do in Falmouth
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
Stroll Falmouth’s Georgian streetsFalmouth is one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian towns, and its historic streets start right outside the Historic Falmouth cruise port gates.
See historic Water SquareWater Square is home to the 1815 Court House and the 1896 Albert George Market building, surrounded by early 19th-century architecture that’s perfect for photos.
Know Before You Go in Falmouth
- Check your port hours: some Falmouth stops are short. Plan around your all-aboard time.
- Keep it simple: on a short day, choose one excursion instead of trying to fit in several.
- Wear water shoes: some beaches in the area have rocky sand.
- Bring your passport: valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Falmouth FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
How long are cruise ships in port in Falmouth, Jamaica?
It depends on the sailing. Amy’s ship was only in port from 7:30am to 1:30pm, so it’s worth checking your port hours before booking an excursion.
What are some free things to do in Falmouth?
Some of our favourite free things to do in Falmouth are stroll Falmouth’s Georgian streets and see historic Water Square. Falmouth is one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian towns, and its historic streets start right outside the Historic Falmouth cruise port gates.
Is Bamboo Beach Club in Jamaica worth it?
Amy found it just alright: the water was warm and lovely and the jerk chicken lunch was fantastic, but the area was small and the sand had a lot of small rocks.
What would Amy do differently in Falmouth?
With a short port day, she would skip the bus tour and spend all her time at a beach club, or choose a different type of excursion altogether.
Can you visit Dunn’s River Falls from Falmouth?
Yes, but it’s about an hour or more each way to Ocho Rios, so it works best on a longer port day.
Do I need a passport for a cruise to Falmouth, Jamaica?
Yes. Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a travel consultant who has actually been to ports like Falmouth and can help you pick the right ship, itinerary and shore excursions.
Start planning
Planning a cruise to Jamaica?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we’ll help you choose the right excursion for your time in Falmouth.