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How to Spend a Port Day in Falmouth, Jamaica

If you are headed to Jamaica on a cruise ship there is a good chance you will be docking at Falmouth. The port at Falmouth was updated in 2011 into a fantastic place to eat, shop, and play. For some visitors, the port area is as far as they go. They find enough shopping (common international port shops and a few craft booths), restaurants such as Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, shaded areas to relax, and a pool area. But, for the adventuresome, there are some great things to discover once you step outside the gates. So, read on and find out a few terrific things to do while you spend a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica!

By the way, these activities are also great for those planning a resort vacation near Falmouth.

Rafting Martha Brae River

Rafting down the Martha Brae River is an hour long rafting trip that is fun for the entire family. You ride down the river on a 10-foot long bamboo raft, which is stable enough for those who don’t swim. The 3-mile journey will take you through a scenic mangrove forest. The river is quiet and peaceful creating a experience your family will remember for a long time.

If you are short on time, this is a great excursion. It is fairly close to the port. You will even be able to visit Miss Martha’s Herb Garden and still return to the ship on time.

Swamp Safari

Do you love crocodiles? How about a snake or two? At Charles Swaby’s Swamp Safari or Crocodile Farm that is just what you will find. So, if holding a baby crocodile or boa constrictor has been on your bucket list then this is the place for you. If you aren’t particularly a fan of reptiles, I will say it is pretty cool to watch them be fed. Oh, James Bond lovers, you will also be really interested. After the tour you get to see a reenactment of a scene from “Live and Let Die,” the one originally shot there.

This excursion is only 5 minutes west of the pier. It’s a nice close activity for those who just don’t want to adventure out too far. This is a great way to spend a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica.

Jamaica Culinary Tours

The Jamaica Culinary Tours serves the best of two worlds: food and history. On the tour you expert guides will lead you through the streets of Falmouth. As you walk you will hear about plantation life, local cuisine, Jamaican cooking methods, and a bit of history thrown in there too. You will also stop along the way with a couple of street vendors for a sample and then in a restaurant for a couple more.

The samples are usually enough to make up lunch. They are able to make accommodations for vegetarians but not for other dietary needs such as vegan, gluten, or dairy-free.

River Tubing the Rio Bueno

The Rio Bueno River is over near Montego Bay so you get to start off your adventure with a ride over there. You will get to hike through the forest before reaching the river. Once at the river, you will get into your tube. Let the fun begin!

Currents propel you down the river past many scenic sights in the surrounding jungle–Old Colonial Bridge, the Bengal Beach, and others. If you really want to up the action you can opt for white-water rafting. Bengal Beach is the ending spot where you can then relax on the beach, swim, or get something to eat. This river tubing adventure is another fun way to spend a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica.

Burwood Beach

Would you just like to relax on the beach in Jamaica? Burwood Beach is only 10 minutes from the port. This beach is one of the only public beaches available. But you will not be disappointed! The beautiful white sands and ocean waves are the perfect place to relax or swim. There is bathrooms, showers and a changing area available. There is even a lifeguard on duty. But, there isn’t a whole lot of shade and the beach can get pretty hot. Don’t forget the sunblock! The cost is only $5 per person which makes this a really affordable excursion.

Have you been to Falmouth, Jamaica on a cruise? How about for a resort stay? If you have, what was your favorite way to spend a port day in Falmouth, Jamaica? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Destination Highlights

An Activities Guide to Disney’s Castaway Cay

Disney’s Castaway Cay–a favorite cruise stop!

Disney’s Castaway Cay is a favorite stop for many Caribbean and Bahamian Disney Cruisers. A day at Castaway Cay is relaxing and yet full of fun. Most Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries stop for one day at Castaway Cay. Many people want even more time on Disney’s Private Island so they book two consecutive cruises or cruise. Some cruisers book far enough ahead that they are able to book one of the coveted itineraries with two port days at Castaway Cay.

Activities to do on Castaway Cay

There is plenty to do on Castaway Cay to occupy your entire day. There are family activites, adult activities, teen activities and kids activities. Something for everyone in the whole family!

Activities for Families on Disney’s Castaway Cay

Pelican Point

A day on the family beach is another on of the activities on Disney's Castaway Cay.

Pelican Point is the family beach area. After getting off the tram you will see a peninsula that divides the family beaches. If you want to play in the water go to the right. The complimentary Pelican Plunge waterslide and water-play area is anchored on this side. The lagoon is shallow which is great for little ones.

Pelican Plunge is one of many activities on Disney's Castaway Cay

To the left of the peninsula you will find the hut to rent water equipment such as floats, boats, paddleboards, or snorkeling equipment.

Both sides of the beach offer complimentary lounge chairs and towels.

Beach sports such as volleyball, tetherball and soccer are nearby.

Items to Rent to Maximize your Fun

  • floats and inner tubes
  • bicycles
  • kayaks
  • sailboats (must have prior experience)
  • paddleboats
  • catamaran
  • snorkel equipment
  • banana boat rides
  • Cabanas–Pelican Plunge beach has a small number of private cabanas for rent. The price is somewhere in the vicinity of $600/day for up to 6 guests. It may seem frivolous but these covered cabanas are a wonderful haven from the sun. They are supplied with cushioned chairs and loungers, a hammock, a bar area, fresh towels, water, soft drinks, some snacks, sunscreen, a fridge, a safe, outdoor shower, and last but not least, a shaded deck. Plus, it also includes free use of snorkeling equipment, bicycles, and floats. For a family of 6, those things can add up making the Cabana rental more of a bargain. Cabanas are VERY popular. Many cruises they are snatched up by the Concierge cruisers, and Platinum Castaway Club members (another reason to book concierge or take just one more cruise).

In Da Shade Pavillion

Located near the family beach the In Da Shade Pavillion is a great place to get out of the sun and still have fun. There might be character dance parties, free throw and ping pong tournaments, fooseball tables, giant chess and checkers.

Castaway 5K

This free fun-run takes competitors on a tour of the developed parts of the island. It is open to everyone 12 and over and it’s not just for runners. Joggers and walkers are welcome too! Oh, and there is a medal at the end.

Port Adventure Excursions

Since Castaway Cay is a port desitnation it must have some exciting excursions! Most of these are 1-3 hour activities so choose wisely. Is the excursion worth the time you are missiing from relaxing on the beach.

  • Bottom Fishing–3 hour catch-and-release fishing trip in the waters around Castaway Cay. ages 8 and up.
  • Glass-Bottom-Boat Excursion–45 minutes-1 hour total trip–travel out about 15 minutes to a location where you feed the fish and then watch the frenzy. all ages
  • Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure–your chance to feed and pet small and medium sized stingrays plus a lesson on stingrays, skates and sharks. ages 5 and up
  • Parasailing–float hundreds of feet in the air for 5-7 minutes behind a speed boat. The whole trip lasts 45 minutes-1hour depending upon the number of guests. ages 8 and up
  • Walking a Kayak Nature Adventure–Walk on the nature trail behind Serenity Bay beach with a guide. Once you reach the beach you will head out in kayaks. As you will be ocean kayaking pay attention to the tides. Morning tours are usually better than afternoon. This is a 3-hour tour for ages 10 and up.
  • Watercraft Ski Adventure–This is a thrilling 1-hour excursion on a WaveRunner to a secluded beach (the same one you kayak to without all the hard work) and possibly the island opposite the beach. The WaveRunners and not the beach or nature talk are why you want to book this tour. ages 8 and up

Activities for Adults on Disney’s Castaway Cay

Serenity Bay

Serenity Bay is the adult-only area on Castaway Cay. In this area you will find a rental booth, massage cabanas, and the Castaway Air Bar. Cabanas are also for rent over here at around $400/day for up to 4 people. Amenities at the Serenity Bay Cabanas are similar but don’t include snorkel equipment. There are only 5 cabanas over here so they go quickly.

There is a tram stop so you don’t have to walk all the way over to the quiet side of the island.

Activities for Kids on Disney’s Castaway Cay

Just like the ship, Castaway Cay caters to kids and has special areas just for them.

Spring-a-Leak

Spring-a-Leak splash area is one of the activities on Disney's Castaway Cay.

A water-play area near Pelican Point. Great for the little ones who are not as comfortable in the ocean water-play area.

Scuttle’s Cove

This area is like an extension of the Oceaneers Club on the ship (ages 3-12). The activities over here are supervised by Oceaneer’s Club cast members so parents can comfortably leave their children to play. Also just like on the ship, cast members will have a number of activities ready for the kids.

The Hide Out

Designed only for teens this area is tucked away off the beach. Teens have the freedom to come and go as they please. Cast Members are ready with sports games (volleyball and ping pong) and other scheduled activities. This is also a great place for teens to just hang out.

Where to Eat on Disney’s Castaway Cay

Cookie's BBQ is the place to eat on Disney's Castaway Cay

There is no need to go back to the ship to eat during your day on Castaway Cay. All day long food and non-alcoholic beverages are provided for guests to enjoy. There are a selection of covered and uncovered dining areas not too far from the family beach area. Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ is the place to grab some grub to fill you up. Then just take your food over to one of the dining areas. Cookie’s is on the far end of the family beach closest to the ship. Cookie’s Too is behind the Pelican Plunge beach.

Serenity Bay has it’s own restaurant just for grownups. Often there are special dishes found here that aren’t at Cookie’s. So, it might be worth a wander down to this area just to see what’s available.

Alcoholic Beverages

While all non-alcoholic beverages on the island are complimentary (not including specialty drinks) the alcoholic beverages cost extra. There are a few different locations where you can get a frosty cold beverage for your day on the beach.

  • Summertime Freeze–near the Pelican Peninsula
  • Heads Up Bar–on the Pelican Peninsula
  • Sand Bar–right near Cookie’s Too BBQ
  • Castaway Air Bar–on Serenity Beach

Well, I think that about sums up all the ways to spend your day on Disney’s Castaway Cay! Do you have a favorite Castaway Cay activity? Is Castaway Cay a favorite cruis port or definitely one on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!

If you would like to find out more about cruise itineraries with a stop at Disney’s Castaway Cay please contact me! Let me help you plan that relaxing beach day you have been waiting for!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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