Shore Trips or Shore Excursioneer - anyone use these companies

[PixieMom3]

Looking for (somewhat) last minute things to do on several islands and don't want to go with the crowed ship's excursions. In the past, we have always done the ships excursions because I'm really nervous about missing the ship but after reading the boards it seems like going out on your own is something a lot of people do.

 

Do a lot of you just get a taxi to go the places you want? Are there some islands that you wouldn't recommend this? 

[CntPAcruiser]

We tend to be planners, and while we don't usually care for the excursions booked through the ship, we sometimes stick to those where the transportation situation is complex, like Cozumel (ferry and long travel times). 

 

For specific ports, we check out the port of call threads and research the suggested tour operators online before booking. Local tour operators do not want to mess up anyone's vacation—they are going to get you back to the ship on time (barring unexpected circumstances). We don't typically just get a taxi, but lots of others do this. We prefer a guided tour where we know what to expect, but oftentimes you can get that, either private taxi/driver or a group van tour, right at the port. 

 

As for ports where going it on your own may not be recommended, I would again do some research in the specific port of call board.