Don’t Miss Out on These 5 Family-Friendly Beach Excursions While Cruising the Caribbean

Cruise vacations are a fantastic way to experience multiple exotic destinations without the worry of committing to one place for too long. Instead of spending hours researching locations and activities, booking flights, transfers, hotels, tours, and dining reservations, you simply pay for your cruise, board the ship, and let the excursions desk take care of all the details for you.

Cruise ship excursions are tried and true favorites. The tour operators are well-regarded in their areas and collaborate closely with cruise lines to ensure all passengers enjoy their time and return to the ship on schedule to avoid missing departure. Most excursion desks on board also offer a “lowest price guarantee.”

Each cruise offers a wide variety of excursions catering to different interests. Activities range from ziplining and waterfall climbing to kayaking. You can embark on animal safaris, swim with dolphins, scuba dive, or snorkel. Personally, my top choice for excursions are the beach getaways, and here are five that you simply can't afford to overlook.

#5 Freeport, Bahamas (Beach Escape)

From the port, hop on a charter bus for a scenic thirty-minute journey to a secluded private beach on Freeport Island. This pristine stretch of soft white sand is equipped with lounge chairs for relaxation, and right behind you, there’s an outdoor open bar and patio restaurant where chefs prepare fresh conch salad sourced directly from the Bahamas. This excursion also features a playground for families with young children, plus a massive inflatable water trampoline just offshore.

#4 Aruba (De Palm Island, Beach and Snorkeling Adventure)

Upon arriving in Aruba, enjoy a quick fifteen-minute bus ride followed by a five-minute ferry trip to the private beach and water park known as De Palm Island. While the artificial lagoon beach may be small, the surrounding rocky areas are vibrant with tropical fish. Don’t miss the chance to use the complimentary snorkeling gear and explore the wonders beneath the waves. There’s also a sizable water park for children to enjoy, and lunch is provided, complete with sodas and alcoholic drinks.

#3 La Romana, Dominican Republic (Bayahibe Beach Getaway)

This breathtaking beach is situated at the Be Live Canoa Resort. After a thirty-minute ride on a motor coach from the port, guests are welcomed by locals offering authentic rum and fresh coconut cocktails directly from the trees. Several palapas dot the shoreline, providing shaded spots for guests wishing to escape the Caribbean sun for a nap. This excursion also grants access to the resort's expansive lagoon-style pool, with alcoholic beverages included.

#2 Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos

Grand Turk boasts a breathtaking beach right at the pier. Complimentary lounge chairs are available, and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville is just a short walk away. With the ship so conveniently located, you can enjoy the beach early, return onboard for lunch, and then head back to the beach for a little more relaxation before it's time to set sail.

#1 Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan

Mahogany Bay on Isla Roatan stands out as the top beach destination. Located just steps away from the pier, it's incredibly accessible. You can either take a short stroll from your cruise ship or enjoy a scenic 5-minute ride on the chair lift from the cruise center. Here, everything you need for an idyllic "beach day" awaits. With complimentary lounge chairs and an array of activities from shopping to swimming with dolphins, you won't run out of things to do. Plus, there’s a full-service bar and multiple dining options for vacationers. It truly is a slice of paradise.