princess shore excursions cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

Just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula sits Cozumel, a tropical oasis in the Caribbean Sea. The island often is considered one of the world's best snorkeling and scuba diving spots due to its clear, warm water, dazzling coral reef and an abundance of marine life. Popular Palancar Reef delights divers with its swim-through tunnels and caves, and beginners can encounter eels and rays at Paradise Reef. Additional shore excursions include Jet boat tours, fishing trips and expeditions that explore the island's cenotes and Mayan ruins by Jeep, horseback or electric bike. Tequila and salsa tastings embrace local culture, and Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park thrills with ziplines, glass-bottom kayaks and a crocodile exhibition.

Royal Princess

Princess cruise lines.

We warmly welcome all Royal Princess Cruise Ship Passengers to Cozumel, Mexico. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Port of Cozumel.

Cozumel offers an abundance of excursions and activities to delight Royal Princess cruisers of all ages and activity levels.

Recommended Shore Excursions:

Nachi Cocom Beach Club ,   Secrets Aura Day Pass ,   El Cozumeleno Day Pass ,   ATV and   Xrail Offroad Tours ,   Dune Buggy and Jeep Tours , Deep Sea Fishing , Sunscape Sabor Day Pass , Private Yacht and Deluxe Private Boats , Parasailing , Discover Diving , Two Tank Scuba Diving , Mini Submarine Adventure , Tulum Ruins , Cozumel Highlights , Shore Snorkeling,   Private Palancar Snorkeling Tours and more

Cozumel Cruise Excursions offers a variety of options for you to choose from. Our rates are direct rates from the operators, allowing you to save money while providing you with a greater selection of shore excursions.

Cozumel Cruise Excursions recommends excursions for Royal Princess passengers for your visit to Cozumel Mexico based on the arrival times, departure time of your the Royal Princess as well as the length of your visit to our Port.

We also take into account the number of cruise ships arriving on the same day your ship comes to port. We can then provide you with options on how to avoid the busy excursions when this is appropriate.

Please have a look at our Recommended Royal Princess Excursions and Itineraries. If you don’t find what you are looking for, click on Excursions in the top navigational buttons for a full listing of excursions.

We are diligently working to bring you the best tours available in Cozumel, Mexico.

Cozumel is uniquely situated in an ideal location that provides access to incredible sea and land adventures.

We specialize in unique and boutique tours in addition to our “best for less” excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Excursions International Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need.

Cozumel Cruise Excursions are tour and excursion experts representing the best independent operators in Cozumel, Mexico.

We provide firsthand information on every excursion we offer and recommend the best excursions for you.

That’s the Excursions International Ltd. difference!

Recommended Excursions

Cozumel ATV, Clear Boat, Beach Club Day Pass Excursion – $109us

• Thrilling Cozumel ATV ride with Off-Road fun and 1.5 Hour Fantastic Clear Boat Tour!
• Beach Club Day Pass, Delicious Chicken Fajitas Lunch included!
• Beach Club Entrance and shore snorkeling excursion, equipment included.

Cozumel VW Buggy Island Tour – $74us

• Snorkel amazing coral reefs (Gear Included)
• Unlimited Beverages including Bottle Water, Sodas and Cold, bottled Mexican Beer
• Delicious Mexican Style Lunch included!

Cozumel Beach Break at Nachi Cocom – $69us

• Open Bar and 4 Course Meal Included! (National and international brands and dishes!)
• Pristine white sand beach. Spectacular panoramic seaside palapa restaurant with Seaside Swimming pool/bar.
• All day open bar and delicious four course lunch.

Cozumel Glass Bottom Boat Snorkeling Tour – $35us

• Snorkel two beautiful coral reefs on this 2.5 hour glass bottom boat tour
• Full snorkel gear/ snorkeling vest included
• Bottled water , sodas, Beer and Tequila

Cozumel ATV Mezcalitos Tour and Beach Club Snorkeling – $80us

• Thrilling Cozumel North Coast ATV ride with Off-Road fun!
• Beach Club Entrance and shore snorkeling excursion, Kayaks & equipment included.
• Authentic Fajitas Lunch & Famous Tequila tasting Stop too!

Cozumel Parasailing Adventure – $80us

• Experience the thrill of flying over 600 ft above the crystal clear waters of Cozumel
• Fly single or you can fly tandem (with two people)
• Departs from ideal location in town close to all the action!

Cozumel Xrail Buggy Adventure – $240us

• 2 Hour Xrail Off-Road Excursion to Jade Garden
• Refreshing Swim in Jade Cenote
• High Paced, exiting adventure!

Cozumel ATV Adventure To Jade Cavern & Cenote – $79us

• 5 Hour ATV Tour with 9 Miles of trails within jungle reserve & Beach Break Day Pass!
• Thrilling off Road ATV fun and a refreshing swim at exotic fresh water Jade Cavern Cenote!
• Beach Club Entrance, shore snorkeling excursion, equipment included, and 30 min use of kayaks!

Cozumel Two Tank Scuba Diving – $94us

• Two incredible Dives at Palancar and Columbia Reefs
• Small Groups on Well Equipped "fast boats"
• PADI, NAUI, SSI Certified Instructors

Cozumel Beach Club Day Pass and Guided Snorkeling Excursion – $45us

• Guided Shore Snorkeling Tour Included.
• Kayaks, Snorkeling gear Included!
• 4hr Open Bar including domestic beer, rum, tequila margaritas, daiquiris and more

Discover SCUBA Diving in Cozumel $85us

• Instruction and Assistance with all aspects of SCUBA gear and safety.
• All SCUBA required equipment included!
• 1 tank dive at Paradise Reef.

Cozumel Private Island Tours – From $220us

• Private Air Conditioned Vans all to yourself.
• Professional English Speaking Driver/Guide.
• 4 hour Tours, 6 Hour Tours or 8 to 10 hour Customized Island Tours.

Cozumel Mini Submarine Adventure – $79us

• Experience Cozumel's underwater wonder in your very own submarine!
• Easy, safe and secure underwater activity. No experience required.
• 1.5 Hour Tour including instruction and 1 tank dive.

Cozumel Cozumeleno Resort Day Pass – $60us

• Access to Resort and Amenities from 9am-5pm
• Unlimited Drinks with domestic and International Brands
• Unlimited Dining options ( Buffett and snack bar)

Cozumel Deep Sea Fishing Charter Adventure – From $510us

• Deep Sea Fishing Charter with Snorkeling Option for up to 8 passengers
• 33 ft Deep Sea Fishing boat equipped with Pen International Equipement
• Beer, soda and water included

Cozumel Private Boat Charters – From $1,200us

• 4 to 6 Hour Private Charters with options for Snorkeling and Deep Sea Fishing
• Full open bar including domestic brands of beer and alcohols
• Bottled water, sodas, and snacks

Cozumel Palancar Snorkeling Tour – $50us

• Snorkeling stops at Palancar Gardens, Colombia Shallows and Al Cielo
• Full snorkel gear/ snorkeling vest
• Aprox 4 hour tour

Tulum Mayan Ruins Private Tours – From $240us

• Private air conditioned transportation and Professional Guides
• Entrance fees to ruins included
• Guided tour of Ruins

Cozumel Private Snorkeling Tours – From $360us

• Explore the world Famous Palancar Reef, Colombia Reef and the incredible El Cielo Sandbar!
• Fantastic Cozumel Snorkeling destination choices.
• The ultimate Group or Family excursion.

Other Destinations

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Costa Maya Excursions

Cozumel Excursions

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Jamaica Excursions

Puerto Rico Excursions

Roatan Excursions

St. Maarten Excursions

St. Thomas Excursions

We guarantee a full refund of your excursion deposit if your ship can not make it into the port of Cozumel

Cozumel Shore Excursions

Absolutely loved our tour, especially with Tony as our tour guide. This guy became like a member of the family in just a few hours that we spent with him. He seemed to genuinely care about the well-being and comfort of my elderly parents who were along with us for Jeeps and ATVs. Tony always had a big smile and looked out for our comfort and satisfaction. I would definitely recommend another tour with this company, but especially if we were able to request to spend the day with Tony.

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Cozumel Shore Excursions: Explore the Island’s Wonders with CocoAdventours, the #1 Family-Owned Operator on the Island!

Welcome to CocoAdventours Cozumel, your gateway to unforgettable experiences in Cozumel, Mexico! Our excursions in Cozumel are tailored for small groups , ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience. Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating day trip at our beach club or exploring the island’s hidden gems on our shore excursions , we’ve got you covered!

At CocoAdventours Cozumel, we understand the importance of flexibility, which is why we offer a full refund policy for your peace of mind. Join us for a day filled with adventure, where crystal-clear waters and comfortable loungers await. Our shore excursions provide the perfect opportunity to explore Playa del Carmen or Cozumel Mexico , with expert guides leading the way.

Embark on one of our small group tours and discover the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history of Cozumel. Book your shore excursion in Cozumel today and let us show you the beauty of this tropical paradise!

Hello, cruisers and travelers! Now that we’ve covered that, let us introduce you to our catalog featuring a variety of shore excursions available for you to explore.

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Hottest tours & excursions.

• ATVs Cozumel Jungle Experience + Beach Club All Inclusive – $137,99
• ATV, Snorkeling, and All-Inclusive Lunch:Complete Cozumel Experience – $79,99

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$65,00 USD $35,99 USD

ATV TOUR BOOK NOW!

Thank you for exploring our exciting Cozumel excursions! For more adventures and helpful tips, make sure to visit our blog. We look forward to welcoming you to CocoAdventours Cozumel for your next unforgettable island experience!

@cocoadventourscozumel

Scuba Diving in Cozumel Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort

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Dive into the underwater world treasures with Coral Princess!

Discover the crystal clear waters of Cozumel and explore the fascinating coral reef! At Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort, we offer diving experiences for all levels . Enjoy unique emotions, be amazed by the marine biodiversity of our oceans, and become a PADI certified diver.

Plunge into the Adventure

Unleash Your Inner Mermaid (or Merman)! Calling all thrill-seekers and water enthusiasts! Dive headfirst into an underwater wonderland that will leave you speechless . Cozumel is renowned for its awe-inspiring dive sites, boasting a rich diversity of coral reefs, tropical fish, and hidden treasures. Strap on your flippers, adjust your mask, and prepare for an aquatic escapade like no other. Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort is located above the reef, with private access to the ocean from our dock. It is truly the perfect place to scuba dive, snorkel, swim, and to have fun at sea.

Dive into Paradise: Don’t miss Scuba Diving in Cozumel!

Welcome to the breathtaking world of scuba diving in Cozumel, where crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life await your underwater exploration. At Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort, we invite you to embark on an unforgettable adventure that will leave you awe-inspired and exhilarated. Join us as we delve into the depths of the Caribbean Sea, where every dive is an enchanting discovery!

Explore Cozumel's Marine Gems

The Great Coral Chronicles: Discover a World Beneath the Waves Prepare to be captivated by the majestic beauty of Cozumel's coral gardens . Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors as you swim alongside graceful sea turtles, playful dolphins, and majestic eagle rays. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a first-time explorer, our expert dive instructors will guide you through the vibrant reefs, ensuring an experience that will leave you yearning for more. As a Prime Diving Destination, there are many scuba providers on the Island. At Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort we can suggest some of the most famous and professional scuba diving companies. They offer: a professional and safe bilingual attention, pick-ups and drop-offs at the hotel dock, small-group high speed dive boats, equipment rental, gear rinse station, PADI Certifications, beginner courses and more.

Unwind in Paradise

Beyond the depths: dive into bliss at coral princess hotel & dive resort.

After a day of thrilling dives, it's time to bask in the tranquility of our oceanfront paradise. Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort offers a haven of relaxation where you can unwind and rejuvenate . Soak up the sun on our loungers, indulge in delicious local cuisine, or simply savor a refreshing cocktail by our heated infinity pool. With our world-class amenities and warm hospitality, your stay with us will be the perfect complement to your scuba diving adventure. Are you ready to plunge into the depths of adventure? Book your scuba diving experience with Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort today and prepare for an extraordinary journey beneath the waves. Let the underwater realm of Cozumel become your playground, where every dive is an invitation to explore, imagine, and embrace the wonders of the sea.

Last Minute Offer: Up to 45% off BOOK NOW

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Cruise Etiquette: How To Get the Most Out of Shore Excursions

By Scott Laird

Cruising is an efficient means of travel, allowing you to tick off multiple bucket-list destinations in one fell swoop. However, that means you might only spend about 8 hours in each port (although more and more cruises are staying in ports overnight .)

To make the most of their limited time on the ground, many passengers book cruise shore excursions : multi-hour tours and activities organized specifically for cruise passengers at the port of call. Typical cruise line excursions have long featured bus tours—with stops for shopping and photo opps—but have recently grown to include a diverse range of activities for all types of travelers.

Active passengers can go on a fishing excursion in Alaska (and some cruise lines, like Princess and Holland America , cook and serve the fish they catch), while the culinary-minded might learn how to grind cacao beans into chocolate and pair it with wine in Cozumel. Relaxation seekers might choose a day trip to an all-inclusive resort in Roatán, Honduras where they can lay on the beach, sipping drinks from the open bar–that is, if they’d rather not go ziplining or play a round of golf, also excursions offered in Roatán.

Of course, passengers can always go off on their own–but new-to-cruisers should note that not all ports are convenient for self-exploration, particularly if the cruise terminal is far from local attractions.

There are two ways cruise passengers can book shore excursions: directly through the cruise line or with independent tour operators based at the port. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each option, when paying for a shore excursion makes sense, plus other expert tips on how cruise-goers can best organize their time on shore.

When to book your shore excursions through the cruise line

Cruise lines have entire teams dedicated to selecting a diverse array of high-quality shore excursions vetted to ensure they meet the line’s defined standards. But cruise lines are also known to add markups to their excursions—many of which tour operators also sell directly to travelers at a lower cost.

The main benefit of booking a shore excursion directly through the cruise line is convenience. Cruise line-offered excursions are charged directly to shipboard accounts, can typically be changed or canceled up to a day prior to the excursion, and offer a seamless experience: passengers are escorted off the ship when the excursion is ready to depart, and tour leaders on shore maintain contact with the shore excursion team onboard the ship to communicate any changes or delays.

Anxious travelers have good reason to fear delays on shore; passengers on private excursions who don’t board by the ship by the “all aboard” time can be left behind at the pier. But when the cruise line arranges the excursion, the ship won’t depart until the group returns. Earlier this year, staff on a NCL ship refused to board late-returning passengers, stranding them on a remote island in West Africa. The group of ten passengers who missed their ship were on a private excursion, a fact that NCL pointed to as a reason for initially refusing to reimburse any of the expenses they incurred to rejoin the ship at a later port.

Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist Tom Baker , president of CruiseCenter, says that cruise lines play on passengers’ fear of missing the ship to sell their own excursions at higher costs. Approximately 40% of Baker’s clients elect to book private excursions instead of cruise line offered excursions, he says, adding that he’s never had a passenger on those tours miss the ship.

But in some ports, booking a group excursion through the cruise line is the best option. Many big-ship cruises, especially in the Mediterranean , dock in ports that are located several hours away from popular tourist sites.For example, passengers on ships docking in Civitavecchia (for Rome ) or Le Havre (for Paris ) will find themselves a 1.5 to 3 hour drive away from their respective cities—meaning if you try to make the lengthy trip on your own, there's a higher chance of missing the cruise ship’s departure time. Even some coastal cities, like Barcelona and Marseille, have sprawling industrial ports that may appear close to the main attractions, but in reality, they are not quite walkable or easily accessible from the ship.

On a recent cruise aboard the new Sun Princess , an excursion to Florence proved to be an all-day affair. The ship was docked 2 hours away from Florence in the port town of La Spezia; our tour bus greeted us immediately upon disembarking, ready to whisk us off to Pisa and Florence . It was a fulfilling, jam-packed day, with several hours spent in the bus watching the Tuscan countryside. But, pulling off this carefully planed itinerary required precision—we arrived back to the port just before the lines were cast off for departure. Any delay would have compromised a timely return to the ship, and knowing that the ship would have waited certainly provided me with peace of mind.

However, most cruise ports don’t require such lengthy transit times. For example, port calls on smaller Caribbean islands where the excursion lengths are just a fraction of the ship’s overall time in port, the need for precision arrivals and departures is simply less necessary.

First time cruisers who are still getting adjusted to the rhythm of cruise travel may benefit from booking a shore excursion through the cruise line at the first port in order to get accustomed to the process. A trusted travel advisor can be invaluable in figuring out which ports are better for structured tours, and which walkable ports are best for exploring on foot.

How to plan a personalized shore excursion

A main complaint surrounding cruise line shore excursions is that, due to their size (the average excursion group on a large ship is around 30-50 people), the tours don’t feel personalized and can often be held up by stragglers. On larger ships, there’s a definite “mass travel” experience: passengers are given color coded stickers to wear before being herded into a public area, where they’re escorted off the ship to rows of waiting buses. For independent-minded travelers, this alone can be off-putting.

By Emily Pennington

By Charlie Hobbs

By Kaitlin Menza

By CNT Editors

However, the size—and type—of shore excursions vary by cruise line. Just as expedition cruises , river cruises , and luxury small ship lines offer different experiences at sea compared to large ship brands, the same goes for the shoreside experience. Before booking, you can check to see the specific excursions that will be offered on your voyage on the cruise line’s website.

While you can expect intimate excursion groups on small ships, some larger cruise lines also offer more personalized alternatives. Celebrity Cruise passengers can book tailored excursions through the line’s Private Journeys program; and Oceania Cruises also offers Oceania Exclusive excursions, which limits groups to 16 passengers.

For those seeking a highly-personalized experience on shore, another option is to book a private excursion with a tour operator or through a travel specialist. Top cruise specialists like Mary Jean Tully can tap a network of trusted guides in each port to tailor shore excursions to her guests’ preferences.

“We always encourage people to do something privately whenever possible,” Tully says, adding that she recommends booking a private car instead of a bus tour if flexibility is what you're after, as they can stop on a moment’s notice if travelers see something of interest.

Regardless of the type of shore excursion booked, don’t forget to take identification, cash, and most importantly, contact information for the cruise line’s port agent—they’re the local contact who can alert the ship if any emergencies or delays arise on shore. Cruise lines typically publish the port agent’s contact details in the daily program; some even hand out cards with the information or display it on monitors so passengers can take pictures with their smartphones.

In any case, the most important thing to ensure a successful shore excursion is to make it back to the ship on time, to look forward to enjoying the next day in the next port.

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Cenote Hopping & Lunch

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Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.

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Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Follow the path of the ancient Mayans who believed that the rain god Chaak lived in natural wells and sinkholes called cenotes. After a short ferry ride to the mainland, enjoy a bus drive through the Mayan Riviera to an ancient Mayan cenote sanctuary. During the day, you'll visit four cenotes. A jungle walk along the "Original Mayan Water Trail" takes you to the first cenote named "La Cueva," due to its spectacular natural arch. Hop back onto the path to the second cenote, known as "Centote Kay," one of the few cenotes with stalactites. Next, is the amazing "Gran Cenote Azul," named for its clear blue water color, and cool temperature. Hop on to your final stroll to the fourth cenote named "Cenote Naval," which measures 1,640 feet in diameter. You will traverse this natural wonder in your own canoe, admiring the surrounding exotic flora and fauna.

Special Notes:

Medical restriction:.

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Ferry transport from Cozumel

Arrival to playa del carmen and board motorcoach, drive to cenote park, guided tour of cenote park, return to playa del carmen, board ferry, return ferry to cozumel.

How to find a cruise excursion you’ll actually enjoy

Ben Souza has had some unforgettable shore excursions. On a cruise from Singapore to Thailand , he and his wife visited an elephant sanctuary, a high point in their dozen years of cruising. On a Caribbean voyage, he booked a tranquil day at a Bahamas resort. The property turned out to be ratty, with a trash-filled pool and a mediocre beach.

Unlike the animal encounter in Phuket, he wishes he could wipe that outing from his memory.

“If I had been on my own private tour, I could have left and went to a better place to relax,” said Souza, the editor of Cruise Fever who has sailed on 75 ships with 18 cruise lines.

For passengers, the land is as important as the sea. Many travelers choose a voyage based on the ports. However, because shore time is limited, they must be savvy when planning their excursions.

The most convenient option is to sign up for an outing through the cruise ship. The cruise line makes the arrangements and vets the operators, which is especially important in destinations with safety concerns. Onboard credits apply to excursions. In the event of a cancellation or disruption, the cruise line will issue a refund. Most important, the captain will always wait for tour groups to return, even if they arrive past the scheduled departure time.

“Some guests value having the cruise line handle everything,” said Michael Consoli, who owns a travel agency that specializes in cruises. “So they just have to leave their house and come home.”

Booking an excursion with the cruise line comes with disadvantages. If the trip requires a minimum number of guests, the ship will cancel outings that do not meet its quota. Alternately, if too many people sign up, you may feel like a lost lamb in a flock. On a recent Royal Caribbean excursion in St. Kitts, we waited in a broiling parking lot while the guide tried to find us a spot on the packed tour bus. He finally plopped us down on a hard jump seat that blocked the exit.

Excursions organized by cruise lines can also feel like a highly touristy way to see a port destination. During our trip aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise , shore excursions ranged from a $59-per-person beach day, including chair and umbrella reservations, to ethically questionable wildlife experiences like an “Up-Close Encounter” with dolphins.

The cost is also higher than booking with a third-party operator, because cruise lines place a premium on extras. Independent travelers can save 25 to 40 percent on tours they plan themselves, according to Souza. On a Hawaii cruise, he arranged an island adventure that was nearly identical to one offered by the ship, except for the price.

“We all ended up on the same river cruise together. The only difference was we took different buses to get there and everyone who booked through the cruise line paid double,” he said.

Organizing your own excursions has additional benefits, such as greater flexibility, smaller group size, a wider variety of activities and a more personalized experience.

“If you want a truly unique experience while traveling,” said Souza, who organized a side trip to Capri for an upcoming Princess cruise that stops in Naples, “sometimes you just have to do your own thing.”

For advice on planning shore excursions, we spoke with cruising experts and tapped into our own seafaring adventures. Here are our top tips.

1. Book excursions as early as possible

Cruise lines open up reservations weeks or months before the ship’s departure date. Consoli said excursions sell out on luxury cruises that offer free shore activities, such as Regent Seven Seas and Silver Sea. The limited spots also fill up on mega cruise ships with thousands of passengers, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas .

“When you have a ship with 7,000 passengers, it’s going to be harder to get excursions,” he said.

If you change your mind, you can often cancel without penalty, depending on the ship.

You should also plan ahead if you are booking with a local outfitter. Tours and guides can be hard to come by on busy cruise days or during peak travel periods.

2. Stick with cruise lines on complicated outings

When deciding between a ship’s excursion and your own, consider the complexity of the outing. If the adventure involves several modes of transportation or long distances, signing up with the cruise line is the safer bet. On the other hand, if the excursion is close by and straightforward, you can easily make your own arrangements.

“If I was going to Cozumel and I wanted to do the pyramids or ruins on the mainland, I would book a tour through the cruise line because you’re leaving the island and you want to make sure you get back on time,” said Doug Parker, guest host of Cruise News Today . “But in Nassau, where I can see the ships from most places on the island, I would … do something on my own.”

In some countries that require tourist visas, only passengers who are touring with a licensed operator can disembark without the document. Souza discovered this arrangement on a Mediterranean cruise that stopped in Algeria and Tunisia. Consoli said China recently introduced similar restrictions.

3. Research tour options before the cruise

Part of the appeal of cruising is that the company oversees every detail. However, you should still read reviews of excursions posted on Cruise Critic , Tripadvisor or reputable cruise blogs to guide your decisions.

If you strike out on your own, carefully research the guides and operators in your destination, including the ones who solicit business inside the cruise terminal. Check their credentials and ask to see pertinent licenses.

Many cruisers use the same outfitters as landlubbers, such as Viator and Tours by Locals . Shore Excursions is also popular. You may also be able to find your own activities like cooking classes and food tours on Airbnb Experiences .

Parker said some excursions, such as hop-on/hop-off buses, are a set price, regardless of whether you book through the ship or the outfitter. However, if the purveyor has an online promotion, you might save a sliver of money.

If you book your cruise with a travel agency, the agent can also arrange private shore excursions. In addition to overseeing the planning, the adviser provides a safety net and can reschedule or cancel the tour on your behalf. Consoli said some planners, such as himself, do not charge for this service; they earn their commission through the cruise line and tour operators.

4. Look outside the terminal for better prices

Tour operators, rental agencies and taxi drivers hike up prices in cruise terminals. For lower rates, venture a short distance away from the disembarkation point.

If you take a cab to an attraction where taxis seem scarce, arrange a pickup time. Ilana Schattauer, who blogs at Life Well Cruised , recommends hiring the driver for the entire excursion.

“If I was doing something that was a little bit off the beaten path or if I wanted to go to a more secluded beach, I would have the driver stay with me,” she said. “Or I would book a tour where the tour guide and driver stay there.”

During our Margaritaville at Sea sailing, we used Google Maps to find a scooter rental company in Grand Bahama. Around 9 p.m. we called Bullseye Car Rental , a local agency with strong reviews. Despite the late time, owner Raymond Bowe answered on the second ring. He knew our cruise schedule, offered to pick us up and drop us off from port, and gave us clear instructions for where to find him when we docked. The total for the day’s rental: $49, including transfer and helmets — about half the cost of taking the cheapest shore excursion from the cruise line.

5. Ask locals what to do, eat and drink

If you haven’t planned your off-ship day down to the minute, talk to taxi drivers, shop keepers and other locals to get tips. Crew members, who are often familiar with the ports, also are great resources.

In Grand Bahama, Bowe was an invaluable source of intel for how to spend our day. We’d made no plans and instead took Bowe’s suggestions for beaches and restaurants.

That’s how we ended up at Bernie’s Tiki Hu t , where lunch for two — Bahama Mama cocktails and a fresh lobster tail fried on the spot — cost $35. We ate on the beach in front of the tiki shack, then swam in the sea before driving down to Terry’s Conch Salad Stand . Owner Terry Pratt showed us the process of breaking a live conch out of its shell and preparing it into a Bahamian ceviche. It was $11 for a bowl and far better than anything we ate on the ship.

6. Give yourself at least an hour for the return

If you have ever left an airport during a long layover, this rule will sound familiar: Don’t cut it close . Give yourself an hour or two before final boarding time.

“If the ship is sailing at 4, I try to be back at 3,” Parker said.

Schattauer reminds cruisers that in some destinations, such as Caribbean islands, the small roads can get congested, especially when passengers are returning to the ships around the same time. She said a few years ago, she rode a shuttle to Magens Bay on St. Thomas. The trip to the beach was a quick 15 to 20 minutes. The return took an hour longer. Because she gave herself a two-hour buffer, she arrived at the terminal before the ship sailed off.