When it comes to cruising the Caribbean, the biggest dilemma isn’t what to pack – it’s how to spend your time ashore. With crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, ancient ruins, and colourful local culture on offer, the choices can be overwhelming.
To help narrow things down, I turned to the experts at Shore Excursions Group. They’ve shared the most in-demand Caribbean tours right now – the ones fellow cruisers are booking in droves.
What’s amazing is just how much variety there is in these options – I bet you can easily pick out a few that you’ll be doing next time you visit the region…
1. Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling, and Sun – Nassau, Bahamas
This easy-going day out mixes a bit of everything the Bahamas does best. After a breezy 30-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at a beach where the stars of the show – yes, actual swimming pigs – greet you in the shallows.
There’s plenty of time to relax on the sand or try out paddleboards, kayaks, and beach games. You’ll also head out for a guided snorkel over colourful reefs, with a chance to spot tropical fish – and maybe even a sea turtle.
2. Chacchoben Extreme Tour – Costa Maya, Mexico
This tour blends ancient history with a slice of tropical paradise. First, you’ll explore the ruins of Chacchoben, where your guide will walk you through jungle-covered temples and plazas once used for Mayan ceremonies.
After taking in the site’s quiet, overgrown beauty, it’s off to Lake Bacalar – also known as the Seven Color Lagoon. Kayaks and canoes are available if you feel like paddling, or you can just unwind under a cabana and enjoy the view over crystal-clear water.
3. Discover Nassau Town and Atlantis – Nassau, Bahamas
This tour offers a laid-back way to explore Nassau’s highlights, ending with some free time at the famous Atlantis Resort. You’ll visit Fort Fincastle and the Queen’s Staircase, pass historic landmarks like Gregory’s Arch and the Governor’s Mansion, and stop for rum cake samples along the way.
After crossing to Paradise Island, you’ll have time to explore the Atlantis lobby, shops, or casino before heading back – or staying longer if you’d rather make your own way back to the ship.
4. Costa Maya’s Chacchoben Mayan Ruins – Costa Maya, Mexico
Choose this excursion if you want to explore Chacchoben at a more relaxed pace. Chacchoben offers a quiet, powerful glimpse into the ancient world of the Maya. As you walk past pyramids, temples, and ceremonial plazas – some still partially buried – you’ll learn how this once-thriving city was built, abandoned, and rediscovered.
Traces of red pigment still cling to stone walls, and a carved stela tells stories in ancient glyphs. There’s time at the end to browse handmade crafts from local villagers – don’t be shy about haggling; it’s part of the fun.
5. Monkeys, Sloths and Iguanas – Roatan Island, Honduras
This relaxed animal encounter takes you to two of Roatán’s most popular wildlife spots. First, visit a rescue sanctuary where you’ll get up close to sloths (no hugging allowed, but selfies are encouraged!) and meet lively Capuchin and spider monkeys.
Then it’s off to the beachside iguana farm, where dozens of free-roaming iguanas – some over four feet long – are happy to be fed and petted. Along the way, enjoy scenic views, local villages, and a glimpse into island life.
6. Sloths, Monkeys, Zip Line and Snorkel Combo – Roatan Island, Honduras
This action-packed day covers a bit of everything. Start off with a visit to an animal preserve where you’ll meet sloths, monkeys, and brightly coloured parrots and macaws – perfect for photos.
Then it’s time to gear up for a zipline adventure through the treetops, with guides on hand every step of the way. After a short break, hop on a boat to snorkel over one of Roatán’s vibrant coral reefs, then wrap up your day with a laid-back beach lunch, island-style.
7. Jungle Jeep Adventure to Mayan Caverns and Snorkel – Cozumel, Mexico
Trade the tour bus for a Jeep and hit the trails through Cozumel’s lush jungle. You’ll visit El Cedral, once the island’s Mayan capital, where your guide will share the history of this ancient site.
Then it’s off to the Jade Caverns for a swim in a stunning cenote tucked inside a cave. Along the way, stop for a tequila tasting to learn how it’s made – and sample a few flavours. Finish with a snorkel over the Dzul-Ha Reef, full of colourful marine life.
8. Costa Maya Beach Day – Costa Maya, Mexico
If you’re after an easy, no-rush kind of day, this beach break delivers. Settle into a lounge chair – under the sun or in the shade of a palm tree – and enjoy all-you-can-drink service right to your spot on the sand.
A local snack and lunch are included, and there’s relaxing music in the background. Want to do more than just unwind? You’ll find snorkelling, boat rides, and even beach massages available if the mood strikes.
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9. Stingray City, Barrier Reef and Starfish Beach – George Town, Grand Cayman
This relaxed, small-group trip gives you the chance to meet some of Grand Cayman’s most famous residents. First, you’ll wade into the shallow waters at Stingray City, where friendly stingrays glide by and may even take food right from your hand.
Next, you’ll head to the barrier reef for a snorkel through colourful coral and tropical fish. Finish the day at peaceful Starfish Beach, where giant sea stars dot the clear shallows and there’s time to relax with a drink under the palms.
10. The Baths Discovery – Tortola, British Virgin Islands
This day trip takes you across the water to Virgin Gorda, where you’ll explore one of the Caribbean’s most unique natural landmarks.
After a scenic ferry ride, you’ll follow a guided trail through The Baths – a maze of massive granite boulders, narrow passages, and hidden pools carved by ancient volcanic activity.
The trail ends at Devil’s Bay, a picture-perfect beach where you can swim, snorkel, or just stretch out in the sun before heading back to the pier.
11. Exclusive Supreme Snorkeling – Grand Turk, Turk and Caicos
This half-day adventure is perfect for ocean lovers. You’ll start by snorkelling in Grand Turk’s famously clear waters, exploring the vibrant coral reef that lines the edge of “The Wall” – a dramatic drop-off that plunges from shallow reef to thousands of feet below.
Next, head to Gibbs Cay, where stingrays glide through the shallows and you’ll get the chance to dive for live conch. Finish with a fresh conch salad on the beach and a bit of time to relax, drink in hand, before heading back to port.
12. Half Day Sail and Snorkel with the Turtles – St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Set sail on a classic 46-foot yacht for a half-day escape to Buck Island’s Turtle Cove. After a laid-back cruise with drinks, snacks, and some local pirate tales from the crew, you’ll anchor at the marine sanctuary for a guided snorkel.
This spot is known for green sea turtles, but you might also spot octopus, starfish, or even squid along the reef. After your swim, rinse off with fresh water and enjoy a cold drink on the sail back to port.
13. The Antilla Shipwreck Sail and Snorkel Trip – Oranjestad, Aruba
Climb aboard a 50-foot catamaran and sail along Aruba’s scenic coast, catching the steady trade winds and enjoying a laid-back ride with drinks, snacks, and a small group of fellow travellers.
Your first snorkel stop is the famous Antilla shipwreck – one of the Caribbean’s largest and most accessible wrecks, now home to a vibrant underwater world. Afterward, weather permitting, you’ll visit a second reef for more snorkelling time before kicking back on deck with a light lunch and an open bar.
14. San Juan Old and New Tour – San Juan, Puerto Rico
This relaxed guided tour offers a great overview of San Juan, blending the energy of the modern city with the charm and history of the old town. You’ll pass through Condado, known for its upscale hotels, casinos, and lively nightlife, before heading into Old San Juan.
There, narrow cobblestone streets lead past centuries-old buildings and landmarks like San Juan Cathedral, Fort San Cristobal, and El Morro. It’s an easy way to take in the city’s highlights – with plenty of photo ops along the way.
15. Jost Van Dyke Escape – Tortola, British Virgin Islands
If you’re after a classic Caribbean beach day, this trip to Jost Van Dyke delivers. After a scenic ferry ride from Tortola, you’ll arrive on the BVI’s smallest main island – famous for its powdery white sands and relaxed beach bars.
Spend your time soaking up the sun at White Bay Beach, often ranked among the world’s best, or grab a drink at favourites like the Soggy Dollar or Foxy’s. It’s four hours of sun, sea, and island vibes – no agenda required.
Why I Use Shore Excursions Group
I keep coming back to Shore Excursions Group for a few simple reasons: better prices, smaller groups, and more authentic experiences. Their excursions often cost less than the cruise line’s options – sometimes by a significant margin – without cutting corners on quality.
They work with trusted local guides to offer a wider variety of tours, including off-the-beaten-path adventures and private options. Plus, they guarantee you’ll get back to your ship on time – and if something ever goes wrong, they’ll cover your transfer to the next port and give you $1,000 for the hassle.
With easy online booking, helpful reviews, and 24/7 support, they make it simple (and safe) to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.
Final Word
The Caribbean is a region made for exploring – and these excursions prove just how much more there is beyond the beach. Whether you’re ziplining through jungle canopies, snorkelling vibrant reefs, or wandering centuries-old forts, these tours turn a good cruise into a great one.
By booking with Shore Excursions Group, you’re getting expert-vetted adventures with excellent value and peace of mind built in. So don’t leave your day in port to chance – secure your spot and start counting down to island time.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
