Caribbean Cruise Excursions: Top 10 Most Popular
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Cruising to the Caribbean and don’t know which excursions to pick? We’ve come up with a list of the most popular Caribbean cruise excursions for you!
A wide variety of excursions are available on a Caribbean cruise, ranging in activity level from taking a sedate city tour in a bus to zip-lining through a rainforest. No matter what your preference is, you’re sure to find an interesting excursion to take in every port. We’ve tried most of these types of excursions and have had a great time.
Some of the most popular excursions in the Caribbean include:
1 | A Beach Day
This is a classic Caribbean cruise excursion where guests can relax on a beautiful sandy beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the sun. Some excursions are hosted by a beachside resort that may offer lunch with the package. Rentals of snorkeling or other equipment are often available, or you can bring along your own.
Pro Tip: Sometimes great beaches are within walking distance from the pier, so ask crew members what they’d recommend. You might save some money.
Reminder When Booking Third-Party Tours
When booking tours outside the cruise line, be sure that the time you book for your excursion is well within the time frame you’ll be in port. Booking earlier in the day is preferred, and ensure the tour ends at least two hours before your sailaway so you won’t miss the ship after your excursion.
2 | Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
The Caribbean is known for its stunning coral reefs and marine life, and many Caribbean cruise excursions offer snorkeling or scuba diving opportunities for guests to explore the underwater world. You’ll find that some of these excursions offer lunch and/or alcoholic beverages. Some of the best snorkeling is in the Caribbean, so why not take advantage of it?
3 | Island Tours
Many Caribbean islands have unique cultural and historical sites, and island tours offer a chance to learn about the local culture and see important landmarks. Some port cities, such as Curacao or San Juan, are rich in history and provide many wonderful photo opportunities for your Instagram feed. Your friends will be jealous!
4 | Zip-lining
For the more adventurous guests, zip-lining through the jungle or over water can be an exhilarating experience. We’ve zip-lined in Alaska, which was so much fun!
5 | Catamaran Sail and Snorkel
One of the most popular Caribbean cruise excursions is a catamaran that takes guests to a prime snorkeling spot for a chance to see tropical fish and coral. Lunch and cocktails are often offered on the cruise. Snorkeling equipment is provided, or you can bring your own. Catamarans are often easier to get in and out of from the water, since some have steps, which make them attractive for people like me who aren’t the most athletic.
6 | ATV Tours
For guests looking for an adrenaline rush, ATV tours through the jungle or off-road on an island can be an exciting option. Be prepared to get dusty or muddy, though, so dress appropriately. We recently took one of these tours in Aruba and had so much fun!
7 | Dolphin or Stingray Encounters
Many Caribbean cruise destinations offer opportunities to swim with dolphins or interact with stingrays in their natural habitat. With stingray encounters, snorkeling equipment is provided. Grand Cayman is the perfect place for this kind of excursion.
8 | Rainforest Adventures
Exploring the lush rainforests of the Caribbean can be a great way to get in touch with nature and see some of the region’s unique flora and fauna. The El Yunque Rain Forest in San Juan is the perfect place for this type of excursion.
9 | Shopping and Sightseeing
Some guests may prefer one of the more relaxed Caribbean cruise excursions, such as a tour of local shops or a visit to a historic site. Port cities such as San Juan offer wonderful guided tours of their historical sites and shopping areas.
10 | Swimming With Pigs
Believe it or not, this is one of the more popular Caribbean cruise excursions in Nassau! The pigs live on Big Major Cay, familiarly known as Pig Beach, which is uninhabited by humans. This island is about 80 miles from Nassau, so the excursion can be a bit pricey.
Final Thoughts On Caribbean Cruise Excursions
Overall, there are plenty of Caribbean cruise excursions to suit any taste or interest. You’re sure to find many fun things to do on your cruise, so many that you may have trouble choosing.
Happy cruising!
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