Using the beach for free

[exarkkun]

Hello All! :D

The hubster and I have booked our first cruise with Royal Caribbean for September 29th, 2014 upon Vision of the Seas. Ports of call will be Roatan and Cozumel. We're looking at the shore excursions and they just seem sooooo expensive! :eek: We really just want to lay on the beach, swim, and relax. Enjoy the tropicalness of it all. Maybe (and that's a huge maybe) purchase ONE of the excursions, like the Mayan ruins. My real question is if we visit port, can we just go to the beach or will we have to pay regardless? If that's the case we'll just buy the excursion so we can at least guarantee the boat will wait if we linger to long. Thanks!

[shipgeeks]

There will be lots of taxis at the pier in Cozumel; you can ask to be taken to a beach. Maybe even share the taxi with shipmates? I believe there are also signs posted with prices to various beaches and attractions. Confirm the price with the driver before you go.

The driver might offer to pick you up for the return trip. Be sure you allow plenty of time to get back; the ship will not wait for you!

There are also some beaches you can walk to. Turn left when you leave the ship, and follow the sidewalk that parallels the shore. If you go about 1.5 miles, you will find small beaches with hardly anyone using them.

On Roatan, at least as of a few years ago, the only beach was on the opposite side of the island. It is a beautiful beach, especially on a nice day, but if the weather is bad, it's not that great. That makes it hard to know whether to book a tour in advance. Maybe others will be more familiar with the situation now. Are there cabs? Other options for getting there without advance bookings?

[cb at sea]

Actually, all of Roatan's beaches are public...some will try to get you to pay, but it's not legal!

 

A guidebook is most helpful when going out of your comfort zone.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Actually, all of Roatan's beaches are public...some will try to get you to pay, but it's not legal!

 

A guidebook is most helpful when going out of your comfort zone.

 

I would definitely check out the beaches for your ports. A good guidebook will tell you if there's any charges. Also go on the website for your port (or a good tourism website for that area). Bring something in writing (the guidebook or info from an official website) about any admission charges so that if someone is trying to scam you, you'll know.

 

Of course, there may be charges for chairs or cabanas. But again, a good website will tell you this. Most cruiselines will provide beach towels -- you just need to make sure you bring them back so you won't be charged.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Also ask about and check out your Ports of Call here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=587

And you might want to join your Roll Call here and see what others are doing here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1979199