Making the most of Falmouth
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Historic Falmouth offers a new port experience, including walking tours of the 240-year-old town. Passengers can also choose from 60 attractions in the surrounding area, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Downtown Falmouth is less than 1 km away, roughly a 5-minute walk.
As passengers leave the ship, a reggae band provides a welcome, while steel-pan players perform in the main cruise terminal.
This new port has two docks available.
A printable map is available to take with you.
In historic Falmouth, points of interest include St. Peter's Anglican Church, Tharp House, Old Baptist Manse and William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church. Also see Water Square; the Cannon and Armoury at Fort Balcarres; the luminous Glistening Waters Lagoon; Albert George Market; and the historic courthouse.
Walk through Falmouth's Historic District to see an impressive collection of 19th-century Georgian buildings. Many survive intact and are known for their distinctive gingerbread woodwork. The mix of wooden homes, brick Georgian mansions and plantation complexes makes for an engaging journey through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Getting around
Falmouth offers 30-foot bamboo rafts on the Martha Brae River in place of Venice's gondolas, for romantic or adventurous rides. Relax while a raft captain steers through the island's tropical scenery. A scenic inland drive leads to Appleton Estate, where visitors see how rum is made, sample wet sugar and may taste different aged rums. You can buy an Appleton-only souvenir and enjoy a Jamaican-style lunch.
A visit to Jamaica Swamp Safari Village in Falmouth, Trelawny introduces the area's wildlife and natural surroundings. Set in a mangrove habitat, Jamaica Swamp Safari has over 30 endangered American Crocodile, the endangered Jamaican Boa Constrictor (Yellow Snake), and the Jamaican Coney, once thought extinct.
Nearby places
Near Ocho Rios, Dunn's River Falls is a well-known waterfall.
Dolphin Cove Jamaica has natural sights to experience personally. At Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios, visitors can stroll the Jungle Trail and notice different wild animals, plants and trees. Dolphin Cove Jamaica respects the environment of every species, creating its most natural experience.
Food and shopping
Water Square is at the heart of Falmouth, where the Albert George Shopping and Historical Center can be found. Look for local craft wares reflecting the area's history and culture, whether for yourself or people at home. On Wednesday mornings, dedicated shoppers can browse stalls of native produce and gifts unavailable elsewhere on their journey.
Money
Approximately 70 Jamaican dollars (JMD) equals 1 US$.
International bank cards work at many Jamaican ATMs.
Staying connected
Jamaican Creole, locally called Patois, is spoken by most Jamaicans, and English is widely used.
For police assistance, dial 119.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1600 and Sat 0800-1300. Some Kingston shops close for half a day on Wednesday, and those elsewhere on the island on Thursday.