Best Family-Friendly Shore Excursions in the Caribbean

#1. Discover Ancient Ruins

For an adventure that combines education and excitement, don’t miss the chance to visit at least one ancient Mayan ruin during your Caribbean cruise. Notable sites include Tulum, Chacchoben, Nim Li Punit, and Chichen Itza.

The Tulum ruins are perched along the stunning coastline of the Caribbean Sea, featuring a stone watchtower and pyramid temples that date back to the 13th century. Located south of Tulum, Chacchoben boasts impressive Mayan temple pyramids, while Nim Li Punit in Belize is home to a forty-foot step pyramid and intricately carved stone monuments of ancient Mayan rulers.

Chichen Itza is the most famous Mayan ruin site, recognized by people worldwide. This site includes remarkable structures like the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and, most notably, the Temple of Kukulcan. Whether through guided tours or independent exploration, visiting these sites offers unforgettable experiences for the entire family. These shore excursions are typically available on most Western Caribbean cruises.

#2. Try Snorkeling

Snorkeling excursions offer incredible wildlife encounters and are available on every Caribbean cruise. Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling is accessible to people of all ages, requiring no prior certification or extensive training to enjoy the underwater world.

A prime snorkeling destination is Belize, which boasts the world’s largest living barrier reef and over five hundred species of fish. Snorkelers here may encounter sea turtles, rock lobsters, manta rays, as well as puffer fish and a dazzling array of other fish. This excursion is available on Western Caribbean cruises as well as Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises.

For those traveling with very young children or who prefer not to snorkel, the Atlantis Submarine provides a breathtaking opportunity to observe coral reefs and marine life safely and dryly. Both snorkelers and submarine passengers should remember to bring a suitable camera to capture the vibrant marine life beneath the waves.  

#3 Enjoy a Day at a Theme Park

Wherever you go, few excursions are as enjoyable for families as visiting theme parks. The Caribbean offers several thrilling theme parks, including Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom, and Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park.

Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom is located in Mahahual, Mexico and features eight thrilling water slides, two ziplines, a zip-coaster, a river tubing ride, a relaxing pool, and a dedicated area for kids with shallow pools, slides, and tunnels. This Mayan-themed water park is nestled in a jungle habitat, home to native wildlife such as howler monkeys and iguanas. Excursions to Maya, Lost Mayan Kingdom are available for cruisers exploring the Western Caribbean.

#4 Have an Animal Encounter

Traveling through the vibrant Caribbean provides numerous chances to engage with wildlife. Beyond snorkeling and submarine excursions, visitors to Coral World Ocean Park in the Southeastern Caribbean can swim and interact with sea lions.

The sea lion swim excursion provides an opportunity to touch, pet, and play with these delightful creatures while also observing other marine life. For dolphin enthusiasts, Balmoral Island in the Eastern Caribbean offers a dolphin encounter, allowing participants to interact with these intelligent animals right on the beach.

A dolphin encounter is also available on Paradise Island near the Atlantis Aquaventure park. For a wider variety of animal interactions, the Ardastra Zoo and Gardens in the Bahamas features over two hundred birds, reptiles, and mammals, including several endangered species. Visitors can safely observe and interact with these exotic animals under the guidance of handlers during their cruise.

For the more adventurous, consider the Hato Caves and Ostrich Farm Adventure on Curacao Island, close to Venezuela. This thrilling experience takes travelers through underground caves and tunnels before offering an ostrich encounter in a real safari truck.

#5 Embark on an Outdoor Adventure

Families who love nature should definitely schedule an outdoor adventure while cruising through the Caribbean. These excursions include nature parks, ziplines, and jungle trails that showcase the unique tropical environment. For instance, Xcaret Eco Park in the Western Caribbean features underground rivers, jungle paths, natural pools, a coral reef aquarium, a butterfly pavilion, and more. These attractions cater to visitors of all ages, making them perfect for families and groups with diverse interests and hobbies.

The Caribbean offers numerous ziplining opportunities, allowing thrill-seekers to glide over lush jungle landscapes at exhilarating speeds. The Flighthouse Zipline in Harvest Caye, Belize is one of the most popular attractions, taking adventurers from the top of a lighthouse down to the ground with breathtaking views of the beach below in this premier island destination.

Xplor Park in Mexico also features ziplining, rafting, and jungle driving in a variety of natural settings, making it an excellent spot for engaging with the region’s diverse flora and fauna.

In the Eastern Caribbean, another type of adventure awaits, delighting travelers of all ages. The Schooner Sailaway and Swim excursion allows cruisers to not only sail on the schooner Eldorado through the Caribbean but also assist in setting the sails and even take the helm.