Excursions: Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman

[ericajane]

Hello, My boyfriend and I are taking our very first cruise on the Carnival Legend to the above locations and really have no idea what to think about shore excursions. We've heard some bad things about booking through Carnival and are looking for any advice or suggestions. Thank you so much, fellow cruisers!

[Marie321]

In Costa Maya, we booked a mayan ruins tour with David and Ivan. We enjoyed it very much! Here is a link:

 

http://www.chacchobenruins.com/

 

Our tour was led by David. We left the shopping complex and David met us right outside the complex walls and took us to the bus. He grew up in the area and is very knowledgable! :D

 

In Grand Cayman, we went to the butterfly farm and shopping. I think most people see the stingrays there, but after the Crocodile Hunter accident, I was leary. We ate at a restaurant on the beach. Very relaxed atmosphere and good food. :)

[lizardhowson]

Choose what you like

 

Cayman http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=147

 

Roatan http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27

 

Belize http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=109

 

Costa Maya http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=169

[Dave&Robin]

It really depends on what it is you are interested in. When we were in Belize we did the cave tubing and really enjoyed it, this tour we booked with the cruise line since we had never been here before and where uncertain about safety away from the port.

In Costa Maya there is a really neat beach area with lots of makeshift bars along the beach....this is about a 5 minute cab ride from the shopping area and we felt very safe venturing there on our own (It's called Mahmahul...not sure about the spelling)

[Hockeyshot]

In May of 2005 I went river tubing in Belize through the caverns and it was amazing!!! The hike through the rainforest to get there is unbelieveable, hot and humid, but unbeliveable. Good luck!

[rjscott]

In Cozumel, if you want to snorkel or beach it, you can take a taxi to Chankanaab Park (the drivers all know where it is). It's a very nice park with snorkel equipment rentals, and there are concessions for food a beverage. Or, you can just laze on the beach for a bit. There are very clean bathhouses where you can freshen up and then spend some time in town shopping or cruising the bars/restaurants.

In Belize, we have taken a snorkel trip thru the ship and last time did the Lamanai/New River tour thru an outside vendor. This is an all day tour which takes you thru the countryside to the New River, where you'll board a boat for the river trip to the Mayan Ruins at Lamanai. A very nice tour.

In Grand Cayman, the Stingray City tour is very popular and a great experience. Or, you can rent a car and drive about the island to various sights and beaches. We did that our last visit and had a great time.

[Beachbum6]

It really depends on what it is you are interested in. When we were in Belize we did the cave tubing and really enjoyed it, this tour we booked with the cruise line since we had never been here before and where uncertain about safety away from the port.

In Costa Maya there is a really neat beach area with lots of makeshift bars along the beach....this is about a 5 minute cab ride from the shopping area and we felt very safe venturing there on our own (It's called Mahmahul...not sure about the spelling)

 

 

We did these same ports in 2005, and I have to agree in Costa Maya this beach was AWESOME, and the only port we didn't book anything in, it was our best day! In Cozumel we did the Dolphin Excursion, in Belize we did Cave Tubing, and in Grand Caymans we did the Stingray/Snorkeling with Native Way Tours (they were GREAT!). We booked all of our excursions ourselves and paid half of what the cruise line offered!