Top 8 Things to Do in Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth is quickly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in all of Jamaica. The two main reasons so many foreigners are choosing to spend their Jamaican holiday in Falmouth are that it’s now an official Royal Caribbean port city and it’s close to two of Jamaica’s finest resort cities: Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

 

Although there are plenty of excursions you can book outside of this tiny northern town, there are tons of things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica, proper. Indeed, Falmouth is actually considered a National Heritage Site for its remarkable colonial buildings. If you’re trying to plan an itinerary of things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica, then please check out this list!

1. Red Stripe Beach

The number one beach in Falmouth according to TripAdvisor reviewers is called Red Stripe Beach. Everything you’d expect from a Jamaican beach is here: crystal clear waters, white sand, and plenty of sun. Also, all of the amenities you need for a comfortable beach-going experience are here as well, including a small restaurant, changing rooms, gift shops, and a shower area.

There are plenty of water sport activities to take part in here and even a dancing conga line! If you want to see only one beach in Falmouth, make sure to put Red Stripe at the top of your list. By the way, it only costs around $5 to get into this beach.

2. Hampden Estate

Anyone who needs a refreshing beverage while in Falmouth must book a tour of the Hampden Estate. Founded way back in 1753, this sugar estate and distillery continues to produce some of the finest rum in the Caribbean. The major product they manufacture here is Jamaican pot still rum.

You tour guide will tell you all about this company’s long and illustrious history as you walk through the stunning grounds. Of course, you’ll get to taste the company’s best products at the very end of your tour.

Guided tours are only on weekdays between 10AM and 11PM. Lunch is included in your tour package.

3. Blue Waters Beach Club

Another one of the popular things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica, is taking a trip to the Blue Waters Beach Club. Much like Red Stripe Beach, many beach-lovers take a Royal Caribbean excursion to this relatively secluded beach with picturesque waters. Many people who visit Blue Water Beach rave about the authentic Caribbean food you can order.

 

You can rent a cabana here and enjoy live music as you munch on some delicious jerk fish, beans, and fruit! What more could you ask for on a Jamaican holiday?

4. Jamaica Swamp Safari Village

Anyone traveling with children should put a trip to Jamaica Swamp Safari Village on their list of things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica. A few of the most popular animals to see here include a humongous boa constrictor, agouti, and a mongoose. There’s also a wonderful aviary here with tons of colorful native birds.

 

This safari is extremely hands-on, so if you’ve ever wanted to hold a baby crocodile, now’s your chance! James Bond fans will also enjoy a trip to this safari area. Believe it or not, a few scenes in the 1972 film Live and Let Die were filmed right here.

5. Good Hope Great House

The Good Hope Great House is only an 8-mile drive away from Falmouth’s city center. This impressive 2,000-acre estate was built for Col. Thomas Williams in 1755 and has remained untouched ever since that time. You’ll get a great sense of Jamaica’s colonial past as you tour this incredible house and take in the sprawling grounds.

 

Besides the main house, the Good Hope plantation has many buildings such as a church, a hospital, and a school. Today, Good Hope survives on tourism and citrus farming. After touring this mansion, you can schedule a zip-lining excursion or tennis match.

6. Walk Around The Historic District

The best place to learn about Falmouth’s past as a sugar plantation is to visit the central Falmouth Historic District. This part of town was officially founded in 1769 and built in the Georgian style. During its heyday, Falmouth was a prosperous port in the Caribbean until steamships, which weren’t designed to dock in Falmouth’s shallow port, were invented.

 

Falmouth’s Historic District has the best-preserved buildings from the Georgian era in all of Jamaica. Here you’ll find the old Town Hall, the John Tharp House, the Barrett House, and the William Knibb Baptist Church. Be sure to take a walking tour with a local historian to get the most out of your visit to this region.

7. Dining In Falmouth

Another one of the many things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica, is to sample the local cuisine. There are plenty of restaurants here that offer all the classic Jamaican dishes like jerk fish, jerk pork, and ackee with saltfish. A few popular restaurants include Club Nazz & Restaurant, Glistening Waters Restaurant, Leon’s Lobster Hut, and, of course, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Definitely try out all the local cuisine in this divine destination.

8. Book A Falmouth Excursion Package

One of the most common things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica, is actually to leave Falmouth! Since this city is so close to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, there are literally hundreds of high-quality excursions you can book for a half-day or a whole day. Adventurous souls might be interested in booking a river rapids adventure or a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. People who just want to take it easy can schedule a local heritage tour or a scenic horseback riding trip. The list trips you can take in and around Falmouth is literally endless, so be sure to research this topic well before visiting this region.

Final Thoughts

As you can see above, there are so many amazing things to do in Falmouth. Although its glory days as the Caribbean’s richest port are long over, Falmouth is steadily becoming one of the most visited cities in all of Jamaica.

 

Visitors are always impressed by the charming architecture and wide variety of things to do in Falmouth, Jamaica. Whether you want to relax on a beach or better understand Jamaica’s history, you can do it all and more in fantastic Falmouth.