Shore exscursions

Hi all - new here. I have not figured out where or how to search past threads regarding shore excursions yet but I will keep looking. In the mean time - We are sailing in June to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay. I'm thinking we will splurge in Cozumel on shore excursions but I just want to hang out on a beach in Montego Bay or Grand Cayman. Is that possible? Or do we have to pay since they seem to be private beaches?

How do I search shore excursions that are not done through the cruise line and know that it is a reputable company?

Thanks!

Tripadvisor. Just put in the location and you will see the local activities ranked. They often include reviews also.

Hi all - new here. I have not figured out where or how to search past threads regarding shore excursions yet but I will keep looking. In the mean time - We are sailing in June to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay. I'm thinking we will splurge in Cozumel on shore excursions but I just want to hang out on a beach in Montego Bay or Grand Cayman. Is that possible? Or do we have to pay since they seem to be private beaches?

 

How do I search shore excursions that are not done through the cruise line and know that it is a reputable company?

 

Thanks!

TripAdvisor is a good resource. I would also check the Ports of Call forums here for some assistance, as well.

Have you looked at the Ports of Call boards for Grand Cayman and Jamaica? Lots of info there. You pay more for a ship's excursion to the beach than you need to. In GC we take a taxi or a bus to 7 Mile Beach and usually wind up at Royal Palms. One thing about that tho - they have a pool and it's adult only, so if you have kids they might not like that. You get a chair for $10 or $12 or an umbrella for a couple bucks more. Much cheaper than a ship excursion, and you can stay as long as you want, don't have to leave when the 'excursion' is over.

Wonderful - thanks!

technically all beaches are public in the Caribbean. Just get in a cab and ask, no shore excursion is necessary.

technically all beaches are public in the Caribbean. Just get in a cab and ask, no shore excursion is necessary.

Not true, many Caribbean locales have private beaches.

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Perhaps the area directly in front of a hotel might be "private", but the "private part" doesn't extend all the way to the water....most beaches are totally public....so yes, it's quite easy to do a "beach day" on your own in almost every Caribbean port. There are some exceptions, but not many!

Another place to check would be the Roll Call for your cruise. There you can meet others sailing with you. Someone may be organizing a private trip to one of the beaches.

You may also find transport options just outside of some ports.

yes, all beaches are public but some resorts have security, especially all inclusive. They don't want you walking up to the bars or buffet. These are kind of unspoken rules, giving the hotels some privacy.

It might help if you post on the roll call for your cruise. If I knew your cruise date and ship I would do it for you, but go here https://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls/ find your cruise line, ship, then date.