A Day in Port: Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth is located on Jamaica’s northern coast, 18 miles east of Montego Bay and 59 miles west of Ocho Rios. The Historic Falmouth Cruise Port is a 32-acre gated facility serving cruise ships.

English is the first language. The official currency is the Jamaican dollar but the American dollar is accepted in most places. You may get change back in Jamaican currency. Some, but not all vendors accept credit cards.

Jamaica is known for its Red Stripe Beer and their Blue Mountain coffee. You may want to try some while in port.

MAP:

A map of the Falmouth Port Center can be found here.
A map of Jamaica can be found here.

THINGS TO DO WHILE IN FALMOUTH:

While in Jamaica it is safest to book a tour thru your cruise ship. There are complaints of overly aggressive vendors so it is best not engage other than saying “No thank you.”.

Falmouth Food and Heritage Walking Tour
- starts at the port terminal, last about 2.5 hours.
Falmouth Historic Court House
- Water Square, Falmouth
- It is a short walk from the cruise port
Dann’s River Falls in Ocho Rios.
- 45-minute bus ride. The waterfall is 180 ft. high and 600 ft. long. You can climb but very rigorous. This is one of the more popular excursions. It is best to schedule this through your cruise.
Swamp Safari Village
- Bills itself as a cross between a small zoo and wetland nature preserve. Crocodiles are the main feature. Check out their FaceBook page in the link above.
River tubing on the Rio Bueno River.
- Another popular excursion for the more adventurous soul.
Hampden Estate Rum Tour (18 and older)
- The Hampden Estate is one of the oldest sugar estates in Jamaica. Renowned throughout Jamaica’s rum history for its full intensely flavorful pot still rums, it continues today to be the quintessential heavy pot rum of choice throughout Europe and other parts of the world.
- They are located 30 minutes from the cruise port.

PLACES TO EAT:

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
- 2 King Street, Falmouth
- Pool, swim-up bar, and hot tub in the shape of a margarita
Leon’s Lobster Hut
- Trelawny Beach, Falmouth Near the Royalton White Sands
- Reservations are strongly suggested – see contact information on their web site
Juici Patties
- Upper Harbour Street, Falmouth
- Yes, it is fast food but this is a must if you want to try authentic Jamaican patties
Peppers Jerk Center
- Set in a former slaves quarters and a short distance from the cruise port this is one of the top authentic Jamaican restaurants in Falmouth.
Dairy Queen
- 829 Main Street, Falmouth
- Yes, even in Falmouth. I don’t get it, but if you need your Dairy Queen fix this is the place to go to.

SHOPS:

There are many shops in the open air market. Here you will find upscale jewelry stores and craft markets. The prices on trinkets and souvenirs are fair. Some shops are: