Best Falmouth Shore Excursions.

Falmouth Shore Excursions

The Best Falmouth Shore Excursions

A historic Georgian town, Jamaica’s busiest cruise port, and a perfect jump-off point for the north coast — including iconic waterfalls, river adventures, beaches, and culture.

History Cruise Port Waterfalls River Tours

A relaxed day in Jamaica can include beaches, golf, local food, and easy coastal exploration.

The historic town of Falmouth, located in the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica, was established in 1769 and remains one of the best-preserved Georgian towns in the Caribbean. Carefully planned with wide streets arranged in a grid layout, Falmouth was once considered one of the most advanced towns of its era. During the 1800s, it became Jamaica’s busiest shipping port, exporting sugar and rum to Europe from nearly one hundred active plantations.

Falmouth holds a unique place in world history. In 1799, it became the first town in the Western Hemisphere to introduce piped running water—well before cities such as New York. The original Persian water wheel used to gravity-feed water into the town still stands and turns today, serving as a living reminder of Falmouth’s pioneering spirit.

Falmouth today: the busiest cruise port

After a quieter period during the last century, Falmouth has re-emerged as Jamaica’s busiest cruise ship port. Major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, MSC, and Holland America regularly call here—making it one of the best places to start a memorable shore day.

One of Falmouth’s biggest advantages is location. Montego Bay lies to the west, while Ocho Rios is roughly 60 minutes to the east. Ocho Rios is home to two of Jamaica’s most famous waterfall experiences: the iconic Dunn’s River Falls and the stunning Blue Hole Secret Falls. Both are top picks for cruise visitors who want nature, adventure, and unforgettable scenery.

Beaches & water sports

White sand, clear water, and plenty of ways to enjoy the sea—from relaxed swims to active water play.

Horseback ride & swim

A classic Jamaica experience: scenic riding with an ocean swim that’s perfect for first-timers.

Adventure & adrenaline

Zipline, ATV tours, dune buggies, and more—great for travelers who want to feel the thrill.

Food, shopping & culture

Local cuisine, craft markets, and cultural stops that give you a real taste of Jamaica.

Whether your interests lean toward relaxation, culture, or high-energy adventure, Falmouth offers easy access to a wide range of shore excursions. With a simple plan and dependable transport, a single cruise stop can turn into one of the most memorable days of your entire trip.

Quick tip: Cruise days move fast. Choose excursions close enough to enjoy comfortably, and leave buffer time so you return to the ship relaxed and on schedule.

Best Jamaica Vacation Planning

Making thoughtful travel arrangements before arriving in Jamaica can make a significant difference in how much you enjoy your vacation. Many first-time visitors underestimate the size of the island and are surprised by the distances between major attractions and resort towns. Jamaica is far more expansive than it appears on a map, and understanding this early helps travelers plan smarter and avoid unnecessary time on the road.

At Best Jamaica Airport Transfers and Excursions, we focus on helping visitors plan efficient, well-balanced Jamaican vacations. As experienced local vacation planners, we offer guidance at no additional cost, ensuring your time on the island is spent enjoying experiences rather than navigating logistics. Jamaica is a country rich in culture and history, and its national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” reflects the harmony and diversity that shape everyday life across the island.

Choosing the right resort town based on your interests and planned excursions is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Jamaica’s geography means that not every attraction is easily accessible from every location. For example, traveling from Negril on the western coast to Port Antonio in the east can take over four hours. Likewise, a drive from Ocho Rios to Negril averages about three hours, making day trips between the two impractical for shorter stays.

Negril is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, iconic seven-mile white sand beach, and cliff diving at Rick’s Café. Located roughly one hour from Montego Bay Airport, it’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a laid-back coastal experience. Negril also serves as a convenient base for South Coast attractions such as the Black River Safari, Appleton Estate Rum Tour, YS Falls, and Floyd’s Pelican Bar, all within reasonable driving distance.

Port Antonio, on Jamaica’s lush eastern side, is widely regarded as the birthplace of Jamaican tourism. Today, it is re-emerging as a premier eco-tourism destination, celebrated for its unspoiled beaches, rivers, and scenic landscapes. Its natural beauty has even attracted Hollywood productions, including films such as Club Paradise and Cocktail.

Ocho Rios, located approximately 90 minutes from Montego Bay Airport, is famous for its waterfalls and adventure attractions. Home to Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole Secret Falls, it appeals to travelers looking for active, nature-based experiences. From Ocho Rios, visitors can also explore Reach Falls and Somerset Falls near Port Antonio.

Montego Bay stands out as the most centrally located resort town on the island. Positioned about 90 minutes from both Negril and Ocho Rios—and equally accessible to the South Coast—it offers unmatched flexibility for exploring Jamaica. Whether your plans include waterfalls, beaches, cultural sites, or rum distilleries, Montego Bay places you within easy reach of the island’s most memorable experiences.

With local insight and dependable transportation, Best Jamaica Tours helps travelers move comfortably across the island and enjoy Jamaica with confidence, ease, and clarity.

Best Tour Company Jamaica

Seeing Jamaica Beyond the Bus Tour

Guided tours are just one of the many services offered by Best Jamaica, but the approach has always been different. Rather than simply selling seats on a bus, the focus is on providing a thoughtful, guest-centered experience. It’s a style of touring that places real value on flexibility, comfort, and personal attention—something that can be difficult to find in mass-market excursions.

Most hotels in Jamaica operate tour desks, and they do an excellent job coordinating large-group excursions. These tours typically deliver exactly what is promised: scheduled transportation to and from attractions, managed efficiently on large coaches. For many travelers, that structure works well, especially for quick, time-sensitive outings.

There is, however, another way to explore the island. Private tours allow visitors to move at their own pace, explore interests more deeply, and adjust plans as the day unfolds. Customized excursions across Jamaica make it possible to focus on what truly matters to you—whether that’s culture, scenery, food, history, or hidden places that don’t appear on standard itineraries.

Experienced driver-guides play a major role in shaping these journeys. Patience, local knowledge, courtesy, and safe driving are just as important as comfort. Traveling privately also means stopping when something catches your eye, enjoying seasonal local fruits, and taking in everyday Jamaican life without worrying about schedules or inconveniencing others.

Travelers who enjoy this style of exploration often seek deeper insight into Jamaica’s culture, destinations, and way of life. Resources like the Best Jamaica Travel Guide help visitors understand the island beyond the usual highlights and discover experiences that feel personal and authentic.

Planning a trip to Jamaica?
If you value flexibility, culture, and meaningful experiences, consider exploring the island in a way that reflects your interests—not just the itinerary.

Jamaica Cruise

Jamaica and the Cruise Experience

The cruising industry has a long and fascinating history in Jamaica, dating back to the late 1800s. With the advent of steam-powered ships, sea travel opened new doors for exploration, and vessels began crossing the Caribbean en route to the island. Early cruise marketing focused less on leisure and more on discovery, often inviting travelers to go “beyond the ocean” in search of new experiences.

Interestingly, Jamaica was not originally promoted for sun, sand, and beaches. Instead, the island was known for its therapeutic reputation. Visitors were drawn by the clean air and natural surroundings, arriving with their automobiles aboard ships so they could explore freely. Destinations such as Milk River Bath, botanical gardens, waterfalls, and other naturally beautiful locations became popular excursions for these early travelers.

The major boom in passenger cruising occurred between the 1920s and 1940s, when transatlantic travel became fashionable and glamorous. Cruises were advertised as refined experiences, complete with fine dining and onboard entertainment. During winter months, when Europe was cold, these voyages extended into the Caribbean, bringing increased traffic to Jamaica. While the ships were not ideally designed for tropical climates, the demand continued to grow.

Today, tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, and cruising is its fastest-growing segment. Millions of travelers now experience Jamaica by sea each year, docking at ports such as the Montego Bay Cruise Port and the Falmouth Cruise Port. For many visitors, a single day ashore is their opportunity to experience the island’s culture, scenery, and hospitality.

If your cruise itinerary includes a stop in Jamaica, planning ahead can make all the difference. Transportation, timing, and local knowledge play a major role in how much you can comfortably enjoy during your visit. A well-organized day allows you to relax, explore, and return to your ship without unnecessary stress.

Contact: info@bestjamaica.com

Best Jamaica Vacation Planning

Jamaica Travel & Airport Guide

Plan smarter, arrive easier, and enjoy Jamaica your way

Jamaica offers far more than what most visitors see in brochures. A little planning—especially around distances, travel times, and expectations—can help you save time, avoid stress, and enjoy more of the island with confidence.

Why planning matters

One of the best ways to improve your trip is to understand the basics before you land. Knowing where activities are located and how long it takes to move around the island makes decisions easier and keeps your days relaxed instead of rushed.

Water, ocean, and adventure

Jamaica’s experiences are spread across rivers, waterfalls, and the open sea. Visitors enjoy rafting, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. Catamaran cruises and parasailing bring a laid-back coastal vibe, while inland you’ll find horseback riding, zip-lines, sightseeing, and even hand-feeding wild hummingbirds.

Beyond the brochure

More travelers are choosing a side of Jamaica that isn’t heavily marketed—local restaurants, smaller communities, and authentic moments with everyday Jamaicans. Places like the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios grew popular because they felt natural and real, and that’s often what visitors remember most.

One trip, one style

Jamaica isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every traveler has different interests, energy levels, and comfort zones. The most rewarding vacations are the ones that match your pace—whether you want high adventure, quiet culture, or a little of everything.

Want help planning and getting around? Explore trusted local guidance and transportation options with Best Jamaica Tours.

Visit BestJamaicaTours.com →

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