A Caribbean shore excursion sounds simple: pick a beach, a boat, or a bus tour and go, right? Not so fast.
A little planning can mean the difference between the best day of your cruise and the one you’ll spend wishing you’d stayed on deck with a cocktail.
These tips on booking a Caribbean shore excursion will save you time, money, and maybe even a headache or two.
Twenty-five years of travel writing (and several Caribbean cruises later) means I’ve seen it all. The gorgeous, the gritty, and the “don’t try this yourself” moments.
My lessons learned were none too hard. Let’s just say if you decide to swim topless at Orient Beach in French St. Martin, don’t leave your clothes (or your glasses) in an unsecured bag.
Because if someone runs off with it, you could find yourself walking back to the ship half-dressed and that’s more of a walk of shame than Caribbean chic.
Here are my best takeaways.
1. Consider Safety at the Port
Not every island feels the same once you step off the ship. Some ports, like Jamaica and Nassau, carry higher crime warnings. So booking a guided tour can be the safest bet.
Others Caribbean countries, such as Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are safer on your own, provided you plan carefully and get back before sail away.
On St. Lucia, some people were even robbed ashore despite a crew warning. Proof it pays to take onboard advice seriously.
2. Know Your Limits
Excursions are categorized according to physical condition. For example, a rating of “Difficult, you need to be in good physical condition” should be taken seriously. If you can’t keep up with the group, not only will you inconvenience your fellow passengers, but you could put yourself in physical danger.
Don’t let FOMO talk you into something you’ll regret halfway up the trail.
It’s also worth considering the temperature at your destination. While you might very well be able to easily hike several miles uphill on a cool fall day back home, a jungle hike in 35°C heat feels nothing like a cool walk at home.
And there’s the matter of insects. Read our tips on How to Avoid Mosquito-borne Viruses such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya.
3. Factor in Travel Time
That must-see excursion might look great in the brochure—but check how far it is. We once spent nearly seven hours in a car just to see Jamaica’s Blue Hole.
Stunning? Absolutely. Worth the ride from Montego Bay? Not so much. Although it’s tempting to want to do it all and see everything at each port, you might also not want to spend ALL day and every day long distances away from the boat.
4. Mix Adventure with Downtime
Strike a balance. Pair a high-energy tour (like Dominica’s Trafalgar Falls hike and Champagne Reef snorkel) with a lazy afternoon such as a St. Kitts Scenic Railway or a Carambola beach club day pass.
Your body will thank you.
5. Choose Culture – Not Just Beaches
Shore excursions aren’t only about sand and sea. Shop for spices in the market in St. George’s, Grenada or take a cooking class with locals, or explore Montserrat’s Exclusion Zone.
Often, it’s these cultural experiences (not the sun loungers) that you’ll remember most.
6. Mind Your Budget (and Look for Freebies)
Some of the best days don’t cost a cent. In Îles des Saintes, I rented a scooter, grabbed a café au lait, and swam off a deserted islet for less than the price of a ship tour.
Even on pricey islands like Aruba, you can enjoy free beaches, colourful attractions and complimentary tram rides without opening your wallet.
Check out our post on 15 Free Things to do in Curacao for ideas!
And take your own inflatable pool noodle or other beach toy. It will add to the fun factor especially if your travelling with kids. Check out this Cruise Packing List for other tips on what to bring (and what not to bring) on a Caribbean cruise.
7. Double-Check Return Times
Independent tours can be cheaper, but if you miss the ship, it won’t wait. Always confirm you’ll be back well before sail away. Factor in travel time and traffic. It can be intense on caribbean islands if multiple cruise ships are in port.
Cruise-line excursions cost more, but usually guarantee your return.
Decide how much that peace of mind is worth.
Follow these tips and your Caribbean shore excursions will be more than just a day off the ship. They’ll be the memories you bring home.
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