The Port Of Falmouth
Georgian Meets Gorgeous
The coastal town of Falmouth is packed with rich history dating back over 200 years. This capital city of the Trelawny Parish in Jamaica is an exemplary display of heritage and architecture, and Falmouth possesses the largest collection of Georgian-style buildings in Jamaica.
In the 1700s, fortunes from the sugar industry were booming and Falmouth was considered a cosmopolitan metropolis. The industry’s decline resulted in the town’s decrease in profits, and ultimately its status. In recognition of its rich history, Falmouth is both a Jamaican National Heritage Site and a United Nations World Heritage Site.
The history of this port town makes for an interesting cruise stop with plenty to do and see as soon as you dock.
Things to Do in Falmouth
Guided Tours
Many of Falmouth’s original buildings still stand, whether in ruins or restored. A walking tour is an obvious option for many visitors seeking a lay of the land and to take in some of the historical architecture. Trained guides, such as those at Braemar Tours and Travel Around Jamaica Tours, share the legacy of the historic city with you.
Braemar Tours operates by trolley and will transport you from the cruise port to a previous time: through the town past the dome structure that was once a foundry, past the old Jewish cemetery, the Baptist Manse, St. Peter’s Church, and other buildings reminiscent of the period. Befittingly, the trolley ride adds a charming authenticity to the tour as it was a popular mode of transportation back in the 18th century. Travel Around Jamaica Tours provide a selection of shore excursions, including tubing at River Rapids Adventures and wildlife interaction at Safari Village Tour where a James Bond movie scene was shot.
Chukka Good Hope Estate Adventures
In the 18th century, the prime Good Hope Estate was a village and sugar plantation. Fast forward a few centuries, and the elegant property is now a nature adventure park.
About a 20-minute drive from the port, Chukka Adventures Park & Falls at Good Hope is a go-to option for adventure travel seekers. Its Falmouth operation boasts a whizzing zipline through forestry, drives on rugged terrains, river tubing, Appleton Rum tasting, historic Great House tour, and expansive bird aviary. Chukka Good Hope includes more than 2,000 acres of lushness with the Martha Brae River flowing through it, lavish country-style Great House property, and enviable views of the Cockpit Country mountain range.
Martha Brae River Rafting Village
The choir of birds echo from the canopies, the soft rush of waves against the raft, and the slight creak of towering bamboos swaying with the wind are perfect for a day out in nature with family, friends, or a mate.
Traverse through the green bamboo gateways leading to the Martha Brae Rafter’s Village, tucked in unspoiled greenery less than 15 minutes away from the port. Here, you can marvel at flora and fauna housed on land arced by freshwater. The Village includes picnic areas, a bar, and souvenir shops for convenient Falmouth shopping before heading back to the port. The bamboo raft ride, complete with seating and floral adornments, takes you on a tranquil 3-mile journey down the picturesque river.
Eat Jamaican
There’s a reason Jamaican cuisine is internationally praised. Find out why before you reboard the ship and taste Jamaica at Falmouth restaurants. Devour wood-smoked jerk dishes at Falmouth Jerk Centre or Pepper’s Jerk Center; or try addictive, flavor-packed patties fresh from the brick oven at Juici.