Falmouth has become a popular cruise port for Jamaica in recent years, thanks in large part to their modernized facilities and plethora of nearby attractions. While this is not really a beach town, with no beaches readily available by the port, there are still a great many things to do while spending a cruise day here. The port itself is a bustling hub of commerce, and the local culture provides much to be explored for the wandering tourist. If you happen to find this on your itinerary for an upcoming Caribbean cruise, then we’ve got just the thing for you. Here are our picks for the best activities to experience during a cruise day in Falmouth, Jamaica.
Rafting on Martha Brae River
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Located just a couple of miles from the Falmouth cruise port, the scenic Martha Brae River is the perfect spot for a relaxing ride through the jungle. Here you can take a guided tour down the river on an actual bamboo raft, enjoying the lush scenery and calming sounds of the surrounding jungle. If you sign up for a shore excursion, you can also get transportation to and from the port, to make sure you get back before your cruise leaves. You’re definitely going to want to get some video of this experience, so think about getting a phone tether so you don’t accidentally drop it in the river!
Zipline Canopy Tours
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If you are a real thrill seeker, experience the jungles of Jamaica like a bird flying through the canopy on one of the local zipline courses. If you’ve never been on a zipline course, you should know that it is an exhilarating experience that requires minimal skill or experience, and is a great activity for the whole family. You will be strapped into a harness for the entire experience, with trained professionals guiding you from platform to platform, so you don’t have to worry about safety. Tours can take anywhere from half an hour to 2 or 3 hours, depending on the course. Be sure to book through your cruise line to make sure you have transportation that will get you back before the cruise departs!
Shop at Local Markets
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If you are new to cruising, you may be content walking Falmouth Pier and checking out the highly commercialized shops laid out specifically for cruisers. But savvy cruisers know that the only way to really get to know a city is by venturing beyond the beaten path laid out for you. A few blocks from port, you can find Albert George Shopping and Historical Center, where well-preserved historic architecture combines with local vendors for a much more authentically Jamaican shopping experience. While you're out around town, check out places like Heroes of Jamaican Cigar for smokers or Fiat Lux Boutique for local clothing. To complete the experience, keep an eye out for food carts to get a taste of the local flavor!
Rose Hall Great House
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Constructed in the mid-1700s, Rose Hall Great House can be an appealing destination for history buffs, fans of creepy stories, and country music lovers. This old plantation house was restored in the 1960s and converted into a museum that showcases both the splendor of colonial architecture and design, as well as the plantation’s dark history of slavery. A famous legend of the estate tells of a so-called White Witch named Annie Palmer that haunts the grounds. According to the legend, Annie was taught witchcraft by a nanny who took her in after her parents died of yellow fever. She then allegedly went on to murder husband after husband before being murdered herself by one of her slaves. The tale was further immortalized by Johnny Cash’s “The Ballad of Annie Palmer.” It may be a bit of a drive to get there from Falmouth (about 20 minutes by cab), but it is well worth it!