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8 Best Things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica

8 Best Things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica

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Planning a trip to Falmouth, Jamaica? You’re in the right place!

We fell in love with Falmouth after our first visit, and have been back a handful of times! So after exploring every corner of this charming coastal town, we’ve crafted a list of the top activities to add to your itinerary.

From tubing along scenic rivers to deep-sea fishing and swimming in the famous Blue Hole, there are so many fun adventures to be had in Falmouth. The only trouble is deciding where to start!

So whether you’re staying here or just visiting for a day on a cruise ship, we’ve got you covered. Keep on reading to discover everything that this Jamaican gem has to offer.

Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

Dunns River Falls seen from Falmouth Jamaica

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our personal FAVORITE Falmouth experience was this day trip to Ocho Rios. This tour made it easy to visit Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls – which is perhaps the most iconic destination in Jamaica!

Check out the 600+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

Things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica

1. Visit Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls

Blue Hole seen on a tour from Montego Bay Jamaica
The famous Blue Hole
Dunn's River Falls on a tour from Montego Bay Jamaica
Dunn’s River Falls Is so pretty!
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Time: 8 am
  • Highlights: Head to Ocho Rios for a day of activities, swim in the pristine Blue Hole, hike to the Secret Falls, walk up the waterfall cascades at Dunn River Falls
  • Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide, skip-the-line entry tickets
  • Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 750+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check the price here!

If you’re staying in Falmouth and craving a full-day adventure, this tour to Ocho Rios is absolutely worth the journey. It’s a chance to see some of Jamaica’s most stunning natural wonders all in one day!

First up is the Blue Hole, a series of hidden natural limestone pools and caves. The water here is such a vibrant blue it almost doesn’t look real! We had so much fun jumping off the cliffs and doing the Tarzan Swing into the mineral-rich pools. 

But the best part was when we did a quick 5-minute trek to a secret waterfall. It was so gorgeous and our guide helped us to get some great photos! 

Then, it’s on to the iconic Dunn’s River Falls, where we got to climb up a cascading, 600-foot waterfall! And don’t worry, if at any point the climb becomes too strenuous or you want a break, you can relax in the nearby rock pools and try out a natural water massage instead! 

The tour also includes some scenic stops and interesting commentary during the drive along the north coast. So even though the drive is around 2 hours, it went by really quickly and I enjoyed listening to the stories about Jamaica’s rich history.

I think this is the perfect tour for any adventure lovers out there. It’s a long day, but it’s worth every second – and I’m not the only one who thinks that – have a look at all of these amazing reviews

2. Get your adrenaline pumping on a river tubing adventure

Bailey-putting-on-safety-gear-for-river-tubing-in-Falmouth-Jamaica
Ready to go!
Shot-of-the-front-of-a-tube-going-down-the-river-in-Falmouth-Jamaica
So cool
  • Duration: 3.5 hours
  • Time: Start time can vary – check with the tour provider
  • Highlights: Go river tubing down Jamaica’s Rio Bueno, enjoy the jungle landscape and look for wildlife, relax on the beach or go swimming at Bengal Bay
  • Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, river tube, safety equipment
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 250+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check the price here!

For a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy, you must try river tubing on Jamaica’s Rio Bueno

This 3.5-hour excursion combines gentle adventure activities like river tubing and rope swings with relaxing beach time. It’s an activity that any age will enjoy, and anyone over the age of 4 can participate in.

The adventure begins with a short trek through the lush jungle to the starting point. Here, you’ll gear up with life jackets and helmets before hopping into an inner tube and letting the current take you down the winding river. 

There is a good mix of gentle rapids and calm stretches, so you get the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation during the journey. Plus, you’ll get to stop along the way to try out a rope swing and admire the jungle scenery. Then at the end, you’ll hit Bengal Bay’s white sandy shores, where you can relax on the beach or go for a swim. 

I have to give a shoutout to our guide, Davian, who went above and beyond to make sure everyone was having a good time on this tour. He was very knowledgeable and told us all about the local flora and fauna which I appreciated – plus he was hilarious! 

We also loved how affordable this experience was, which isn’t always the case in Jamacia! It’s such a fun time, believe me, you won’t regret adding this one to your itinerary! 

3. Go deep sea fishing

Fishing-off-the-coast-of-Falmouth Jamaica
Hoping I get lucky!
Trawling-on-a-fishing-charter-in-Falmouth Jamaica
The views were great
  • Duration: 4 hours 
  • Time: 6 am – 4 pm 
  • Highlights: Fishing for Blue marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, and more; catch and dine experience; fishing with seven rods; friendly and experienced crew 
  • Inclusions: Port or hotel pickup and drop-off, professional crew, all equipment and gear
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check prices here!

Deep sea fishing off of the coast of Falmouth was an unforgettable adventure. We had such a great time on this half-day tour and would recommend it to anyone, whether you’re a keen fisherman or just curious to try something new. 

The crew was super friendly and welcoming. They set up our rods and baited the lines for us so that we could just focus on trying to catch giants like Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Yellowfin Tuna. Their passion for fishing made all the difference to our adventure.

We were so excited when we actually managed to catch a huge Mahi Mahi! Reeling the fish in was a bit of a battle, but the boat’s fighting chair really helped. And even though we missed a Marlin that teased our bait, we still relished the thrill of the chase! 

Afterwards, the crew expertly cleaned and filleted our catch, then we took it to a nearby dockside restaurant for the “Catch and Dine” option. For a small fee, the chefs prepared the freshest, most delicious Mahi Mahi we have ever tasted. It was fried to perfection and seasoned with authentic Jamaican flavors. The fact that we had caught it ourselves made it even better! 

Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or just looking for a memorable marine adventure, we highly recommend this tour. Tight lines! 

4. Float down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft

A-raft-on-the-Martha-Brae-River-on-a-tour-from-Falmouth-Jamaica
Such a great way to get into Jamaica’s colorful nature!
Martha-Brae-River-on-a-tour-from Falmouth-Jamaica
The Martha Brae River is so pretty
  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours
  • Time: Start time can vary – check with the tour provider
  • Highlights: Float down the Martha Brae River aboard a private bamboo raft for two, enjoy scenic views of the lush vegetation around the river, and buy food or drinks to enjoy while you float
  • Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, local captain, bamboo raft fee, life jackets
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 500+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check the price here!

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into Jamaica’s natural beauty, rafting down the Martha Brae River is a must! Plus, it’s just a few minutes outside of Falmouth, so it’s an easy addition to your itinerary!

After a quick drive, you’ll arrive at the lush riverbanks, where you’ll board the 30-foot (9-meter) bamboo raft. This is a private experience, so it’s just you and one guest with a skilled local captain on board. They will guide the raft gently downstream while you enjoy the surrounding tropical vegetation and nature sounds. 

If you want to add some more fun to the experience, make sure you bring some cash to buy food and beverages that you can enjoy while you float. And if the nature sounds aren’t doing it for you, there is an option to play some music on board as well!

When we went, our guide let us take a turn steering the raft, which made for some really awesome photos! 

The ride lasted about an hour and was the perfect way to get into nature. Once we reached the end, our driver was waiting to take us back to our hotel in air-conditioned comfort.

We think this is the perfect activity for couples looking for a romantic getaway or who are celebrating a honeymoon. It’s a very highly rated experience (check out the reviews here) that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for all the other fun activities on your itinerary! 

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

5. Join a thrilling ATV and zipline combo tour 

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-while-ATVing-in-Falmouth Jamaica
ATV tours are some of our favorites!
Bailey-upsidedown-on-a-ziplining-course-in-Falmouth Jamaica
My favorite way to zipline!
  • Duration: 6 – 7 hours 
  • Time: Flexible
  • Highlights: ATV ride through the jungle, zipline adventure, watching the cliff jumpers at sunset at Rick’s Cafe (if option selected)
  • Inclusions: Port or hotel pickup, transport, ATV ride, zipline course, local guides, lunch 
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check prices here!

Whether you’re staying in Falmouth or docking for the day, this ATV and zipline tour is a surefire way to experience the best of Jamaica’s wild landscapes in just one day! We loved this heart-pounding tour, and we’re sure that our fellow adventurous travelers will too. 

We started out by conquering rugged trails on an ATV. We zoomed through lush jungle, sugarcane fields, and plenty of muddy terrain, of course! There’s no need to worry if you’re new to ATVing, either, as the guides are very patient and friendly.

After that, we enjoyed birds-eye views of the beautiful landscapes as we tackled the zipline course. Jamaica conjures images of pristine beaches, but whizzing through the jungle proved that there’s so much more to the island nation than its stunning coastline – fantastic though it is. 

To ensure that you get to do both the zipline course and the ATV ride, you’ll need to select the “ATV and zipline” option on Viator. However, we actually recommend going one better and choosing the “ATV, zipline, and Rick’s Cafe” option, as this iconic cliffside bar in Negril is the perfect place to cap off this epic adventure. We loved watching the sunset here and seeing the daredevils jump off of the cliffs!

This tour really showcases everything that makes Jamaica such a vibrant and special place. We had an absolute blast, and we will definitely do this tour again the next time we visit Falmouth.  

6. Explore Montego Bay on a private tour

Doctors-Cave-beach-seen-on-a-tour-of-Montego-Bay-Jamaica from Falmouth
Doctors Cave Beach
Jerk-chicken-seen-on-a-food-tour-in-Montego-Bay-Jamaica from Falmouth
Our guide brought us to the best jerk chicken spot in the city
  • Duration: 3 – 4 hours 
  • Time: 8 am – 8:30 am 
  • Highlights: Montego Bay Cultural Center, Tropical Bliss beach, free time for shopping, trying local fruits and patties, private tour with a customizable itinerary 
  • Inclusions: Private guide, private transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, port pickup and drop-off for an additional fee 
  • Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check prices here!

Exploring Montego Bay on this private, customizable tour was easily one of the best decisions we made during our trip to Jamaica! Having a private guide meant we could tailor the day exactly to our liking, stopping at the places that interested us the most and skipping anything that didn’t. Our guide, Jermaine, was also incredibly personable, so we really felt as though we were exploring the city with a local friend.

We kicked off the day with a visit to a local fruit stand, where we sampled fresh pineapples and sugarcane juice. Jermaine taught us about how these fruits are woven into everyday life in Jamaica, so we really got an authentic taste of the island – pun fully intended. 

Next up, we explored some of Montego Bay’s historical highlights, including the town square, and did some plane spotting at a scenic airport overlook! But I have to be honest, the real highlight of the day was a stop at a local jerk stand. We watched chicken and sausage being prepared over an open flame, and then got to try some for ourselves. 

We rounded off the day at the stunning Doctors Cave Beach. We had some time to soak up the sun and take a dip in the turquoise waters before heading back to Falmouth. This tour truly was the perfect mixture of culture, history, and relaxation, and after exploring Montego Bay for ourselves, we can confidently say that this place is a must-visit! 

7. Go sightseeing and relax at Blue Hole 

Blue-Hole-and-falls-seen-on-a-tour-from-Falmouth-Jamaica
Blue Hole is one of the best swimming spots in Jamaica
Bailey-relaxes-on-a-beach-during-a-tour-from-Falmouth Jamaica
Working on my tan!
  • Duration: 6 hours 
  • Time: 7:30 am – 10 am 
  • Highlights: Swimming in natural pools, climbing waterfalls, swinging on the Tarzan rope, delicious lunch at a local restaurant  
  • Inclusions: Port or hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, driver and guide, bottled water, all taxes and fees, lunch
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 75+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check prices here!

This top-rated Blue Hole sightseeing tour is absolutely perfect for cruise ship passengers docking in Falmouth! It offers convenient port pickup and drop-off, and since it’s 6 hours long, you can just relax and enjoy the adventure, knowing you’ll be back in time for departure. 

The journey begins with a scenic drive through Jamaica’s lush countryside. Along the way, we stopped to taste some tropical fruits and enjoyed listening to our driver’s commentary. Then, when we got to the Blue Hole itself, our jaws dropped. It’s a natural, bright blue oasis hidden in the rainforest-covered hills – talk about a magical spot!

We had plenty of time to enjoy the Blue Hole as we wished. Our guide, Tony, made sure we stayed safe as we climbed up the waterfalls, and we had so much fun jumping into the vibrant turquoise pools. The cool water was so refreshing, which is just the ticket in the Jamaican heat. We recommend standing underneath the waterfalls because this way, you’ll enjoy a natural shoulder massage!

On the way back from the Blue Hole, we stopped for a quick shopping session and beach hang out in Ocho Rios, where we had the opportunity to pick up some souvenirs and soak up the sun. Then, we enjoyed a delicious jerk chicken lunch before being dropped off back in Falmouth. 

If you’re only in Falmouth for a day, this tour is an incredible way to spend it. It’s seamless and time efficient, but still gives you plenty of time to enjoy the Blue Hole. 

8. Take a day trip to Negril Beach

Bailey-swims-at-negril beach-on-a-tour-from-Falmouth Jamaica
Yes, Negril Beach is this nice!
Rick's Cafe sunet and cocktails on a tour from Montego Bay Jamaica
Sunset cocktails and music was the perfect way to end the day! Photo credit: Rick’s Cafe
  • Duration: 6 – 8 hours 
  • Time: 9 am – 2 pm 
  • Highlights: Visiting Margaritaville at Seven Mile Beach, free time to relax at the beach club, watching cliff divers at sunset from Rick’s Cafe 
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, private driver, beach club entry
  • Rating: 4.7 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check prices here!

If you’re looking for the ultimate way to relax and soak in Jamaica’s beauty and fun vibes, a private beach club experience in Negril is the way to go! This full-day tour was all about unwinding and making the most of our time on the island. We loved it! 

The first stop of the day was Seven Mile Beach. It was absolutely stunning! Our guide gave us the option to visit Margaritaville or a quieter and more exclusive beach club. We went to Margaritaville because we were in the mood for a party vibe, but the serene Tree Tops Beach Club would be a great choice if you fancy a more chilled-out atmosphere.

We had so much fun relaxing and partying at Margaritaville, and then the day wrapped up with a visit to Rick’s Cafe. We had heard a lot about this spot, and it certainly lived up to the hype! The sunset view from here is absolutely unbeatable, and what was even better was seeing cliff divers take the plunge as we sipped on our cocktails.

What made this tour truly special was the private setup. Having the flexibility to choose where we went and how long we stayed made the experience feel so personal. If you’re short on time and want a mix of relaxation and adventure, this is the tour to book!

Where to Stay in Falmouth, Jamaica

Retreat Guest House Luxury Suite in Falmouth Jamaica
Photo credit: Retreat Guest House Luxury Suite

Falmouth is a popular cruise port, but if you get the privilege of staying here a few days you’re in for a treat! The best hotels are a bit spread out, and there aren’t a ton of options in Falmouth, so I recommend booking something as early as possible to secure your favorite hotel!

Luxury – $$$

If you like an all-inclusive resort, Riu Palace Aquarelle is your place! Situated right on the beach, this 5-star resort is the definition of luxury with six pools, six restaurants, upscale decor, and massive rooms with ocean views. 

Since this resort is all-inclusive, the upfront cost can be quite steep, but you’re getting a lot of perks! Prices start as low as $750 USD, and there are often good deals when you book in advance here on Booking.com

Mid-range – $$

For those who prefer the mountains over the beach, the Retreat Guest House is sure to please. This hilltop guest house is located about 1.5 miles (1 kilometer) from the beach, but you get incredible views from your room. They offer twin, double, or king hotel rooms, as well as suite styles. You can also enjoy the pool and restaurant onsite.

Prices range from $160 to $350 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Budget – $

The Vista Inn is a budget friendly stay that offers full apartment style rooms! This is another hilltop guest house, about 1.6 miles (1 kilometer) from the Luminous Lagoon. Prices start at $95 USD, including a full kitchen, terrace, and access to the saltwater pool – which is a steal!

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

For more options, check out all of the hotels in Falmouth here!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie on-a-boat-on a tour from Montego Bay Jamaica
Thanks for reading!

Falmouth was one of our favorite places we stayed in Jamacia. Its chilled-out vibes were a nice change of pace, yet we were still close to some of the best things to do – as you can see from this list! No matter what you end up doing here, I know you’ll have a fantastic time in paradise!

Before you go, check out our other travel blogs. We’ve traveled all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few related blogs that will help you plan your next adventure – cheers!

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