The Best Caribbean Excursions for Each Disney Cruise Line Route
Exploring the Caribbean with Disney Cruise Line is an adventure filled with vibrant cultures, beautiful landscapes, and exciting excursions. Each island offers unique experiences that can make your vacation even more memorable. Here’s a guide to the best excursions on each Caribbean route, ensuring that you make the most of your time ashore.
1. Cozumel, Mexico: Chocolate and Piñata Making
- Route: Western Caribbean
- How to Get There: A short 10-minute mini-bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately $55 for adults, $45 for children (prices may vary).
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
- What You Do: This family-friendly excursion takes you into the heart of Cozumel, where you’ll learn the traditional art of chocolate making and create your own piñata. It’s an engaging experience that combines cultural education with hands-on fun. Afterward, enjoy some DIY time exploring the Cozumel port area, where you can relax with a cocktail at a nearby bar.
2. Falmouth, Jamaica: River Tubing Safari
- Route: Western Caribbean
- How to Get There: A 30-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately $89 per person.
- Duration: 3.5 hours.
- What You Do: Drift down the Martha Brae River on an inner tube, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. This excursion is perfect for adventure seekers looking for a mix of excitement and natural beauty. The gentle currents make it suitable for most ages, and guides are on hand to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
3. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: Magen’s Bay Beach Break
- Route: Eastern Caribbean
- How to Get There: A 15-minute taxi or shuttle ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately $50 per person for the Disney excursion; DIY options available at lower costs.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- What You Do: Spend a relaxing day at Magen’s Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This excursion is all about soaking up the sun, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. It’s the perfect escape for those looking to unwind.
4. Grand Cayman: Stingray City Sandbar
- Route: Western Caribbean
- How to Get There: A 25-minute boat ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately $79 for adults, $59 for children.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the famous Stingray City Sandbar, where you can interact with friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat. Standing in shallow water, you’ll have the chance to feed and even hold these gentle creatures. It’s a must-do for nature lovers and families alike.
5. Castaway Cay, Bahamas: Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure
- Route: Bahamian and Caribbean Cruises (when Castaway Cay is included)
- How to Get There: Located on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
- Cost: Approximately $45 per person.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- What You Do: This guided snorkeling adventure allows you to swim with stingrays in a safe, controlled environment. You’ll learn about these fascinating creatures and even get to feed them. It’s a fantastic way to experience marine life up close, right on Disney’s private island.
6. Tortola, British Virgin Islands: Virgin Gorda and The Baths
- Route: Eastern Caribbean
- How to Get There: A 40-minute ferry ride followed by a short hike.
- Cost: Approximately $89 for adults, $69 for children.
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
- What You Do: Explore the famous Baths of Virgin Gorda, a stunning area where massive granite boulders create natural tidal pools and grottoes. This excursion involves a bit of hiking and swimming, making it perfect for those who love outdoor adventures. The views are breathtaking, and the unique rock formations are unlike anything else in the Caribbean.
7. Nassau, Bahamas: Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounter
- Route: Bahamian and Caribbean Cruises
- How to Get There: A 30-minute boat ride from Nassau’s port.
- Cost: Approximately $175 per person.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- What You Do: Spend the day on Blue Lagoon Island, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with dolphins in a beautiful, natural environment. This excursion is educational and fun, offering a memorable experience for both adults and children. After the dolphin encounter, enjoy some free time on the island’s pristine beaches.
8. St. Kitts: Scenic Railway Tour
- Route: Southern Caribbean
- How to Get There: A short walk or shuttle ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately $119 for adults, $59 for children.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- What You Do: Ride the last railway in the Caribbean, a narrow-gauge train that takes you on a scenic journey around the island of St. Kitts. The train passes through lush landscapes, past sugar cane fields, and offers stunning views of the coastline. It’s a relaxing way to see the island and learn about its history.
9. San Juan, Puerto Rico: Old San Juan Walking Tour
- Route: Southern Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean
- How to Get There: A short walk from the port.
- Cost: Approximately $35 per person.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- What You Do: Explore the historic streets of Old San Juan with a guided walking tour. This excursion takes you through the city’s cobblestone streets, past colorful colonial buildings, and to landmarks like the San Felipe del Morro Fortress. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture and history.
10. St. Lucia: Soufrière Volcano and Mud Bath
- Route: Southern Caribbean
- How to Get There: A 1.5-hour drive from the port.
- Cost: Approximately $100 per person.
- Duration: 6 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the world’s only drive-in volcano at Soufrière, where you can take a dip in the mineral-rich mud baths. This excursion is a full-day adventure that includes a scenic drive through St. Lucia’s lush countryside, a visit to the Pitons, and time to relax in the warm, therapeutic mud. It’s a unique experience that combines natural beauty with relaxation.
