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Best Things To Do Close To Your Cruise Ship

Thinking of going on a cruise? Jamaica is one of the top anticipated stops for tourists who cruise for vacation. Maybe it’s because of the good vibes, delicious food or fun things to do in Jamaica. We like to think it’s all of the above.

The three most popular ports on the island can be found in Ocho Rios, Falmouth, and Montego Bay. These are all beautiful locations, so let me break down each area with a list of things you can do to make the most of your stop.

Montego Bay

Montego Bay is a town that doesn’t sleep very much, so you can enjoy a lot of things here.

Nightclubs, casinos, and the famous Doctor’s Cave Beach Club are only a few of the places that you can explore.

If you’re traveling with young ones you may want to give Aqua Sol a shot. This is a popular spot for locals and tourists who enjoy the various activities here. There’s a skating rink and go-kart ride which is sure to keep you occupied. Should you get too tired of that you can take a dip in the sea (pure fun!).

If you love a good ghost story, head a little inland to check out the Rose Hall Plantation, a creepy setting for a witch’s burial, and if you like history, be sure to head to Dome Street and check out Creek Dome, an 1836 stone guard house.

Falmouth

A lot of people who stop at Falmouth do choose to make the forty minute drive to Montego Bay or go to Ocho Rios. However, there are actually a few places you can explore close to the Falmouth port too.

For example, you can visit Braco Stables which offer fun and exciting horseback riding tours.

And if you’re looking for a more relaxed kinda escape, consider going rafting on the Martha Brae River.

Should night-time find you here, you’ll probably want to check out Glistening Waters. There’s a 45-minute boat ride tour which takes tourists out to an area where you can best observe the water glow. It’s a marvel you’re sure going to enjoy (excellent photo opportunities too!).

Finally, if you’re up for a little adventure go to Green Grotto Caves. It’s a little bit different than most of the attractions here but will give you a bit of history. You’ll learn about the runaway slaves which used this location to hide out and how the area came to be.

The caves are magnificent and quite a sight to take in. Tours here are held daily from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM so you’ll definitely be able to take one in.

Ochos Rios

Here’s where you’ll find most of the fun (at least in my opinion). Firstly, there’s the famous Dunn’s River Falls attraction and Dolphin Cove. These are 2 of the best MUST see places if it’s your first time here.

Dunn’s River provides tourists with the opportunity to climb the beautiful waterfalls from the bottom to the top. There’s also a beach and a kiddies area here so the whole family can expect to enjoy themselves.

A stone’s throw away from here is Dolphins Cove. Here you can interact with the beloved animals, explore amazing jungle trails or jump on mini-boat rides. This is more of an all-day thing though, so if you have only a few hours on the island you may want to reconsider this one.

These are also not the only places for entertainment. Mystic Mountain is a must see for nature lovers and active tourists alike, with activities like zip lining and bobsledding you can expect to get your adrenaline pumping.

Want more fun and excitement? Stop by Blue Hole which is a scenic little grotto getaway that will get you back in the water with no problem at all. Here you can enjoy swinging off ropes into deep water. Everything here is beautiful and the guides are excellent; always ready to lend a helping hand.

Summing It All Up

There’s a lot of adventure to be had in Jamaica. The activities you choose to explore should depend on how much time you have and your budget.

Keep in mind that the cruise you take will likely have a list of attractions they recommend.

Don’t be afraid to ask the crew for more information prior to arriving in Jamaica. Insider knowledge makes a trip so much more fun!

Finally, don’t hesitate to send us a message. We would be happy to recommend a few stops for you as well!

[kkstarratings]
Michael Rainford

Hi, I'm Michael Rainford! Born and raised in Jamaica, I began Jamaica Hotel Review in 2017 to share my local insights on our best hotels, resorts, eateries, and attractions. Every article is a page from my island journey. Seeking an authentic Jamaican touch? Come explore with me and craft your unforgettable island story. 🌴

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