Taino Bay guidance

[KPookey]

I recently cruised to a port I feel had a little less to do than I expected and feel like I made the mistake of not planning an excursion.  
 

I am cruising to Taino Bay. It looks like there is a lot going on in port.  I’m interested in Monkey Island and would love to shop a little, sit by the pool, but I really wish they had beach access, DR beaches can be amazing. If I take a beach excursion I feel like I won’t have time to see the monkeys or check out port. I don’t want to snorkle…I am usually ready for land by the port stop lol. 

So, my question…did anyone do a beach excursion through Virgin that they recommend? If there is one that had a spectacular beach…do tell. 
Did anyone do an beach excursion that was short enough that they spent time in port too? Did anyone do monkey island and recommend it enough that I should skip the excursions.  
 

Thanks!!
 

 

[cruisinSLO]

Hi @KPookey - we are traveling with Virgin for the first time next week and I booked the City and Beach half-day excursion. Our hope is that we get to see the town and then spend some time at the beach with a ride there. We are then planning to spend the rest of the time at the Port as they don't leave until 7 pm. 

[KPookey]

I was looking at that excursion.  If you think of it, tell me how it is!!
Enjoy yours cruise!

[singleflyer]

The port area at Taino Bay is basically brand new and right off the ship.  They have a lazy river and lots of bars and restaurants.  I believe the pool area is free.  I saw a lot of the Happenings cast hanging out there.  It is right on the bay but no ocean swimming -- it's a large rock shore (see photo below).    

 

I did the cable car excursion just because I didn't know what else would be offered.  We also stopped in the "town" which was just a tourist trap to be honest.  It was all skippable.  Some others I spoke to did the beaches but nothing really too exciting from the sounds of it.  

 

[lisabucsfan1]

When I was there in April, we did the cooking class with the local chef and it was fantastic. I'm not sure if that's a regular excursion, but I highly recommend it.