The best Caribbean shore excursions for families

A Caribbean cruise is packed with unforgettable moments, and excitingly, the adventures continue when you step ashore. From zip lining through tropical rainforests and spotting wildlife along winding rivers to splashing around water parks and discovering vibrant marine life, the Caribbean is home to an incredible variety of family-friendly shore excursions. Whether you're travelling with toddlers, teenagers or grandparents, there's something to suit every age and interest. To help you decide which experiences are worth adding to your holiday, we've rounded up some of the best Caribbean shore excursions for families. 

Duration - 6 hours

Activity level - Moderate

Special Notes - Princess Cruises advises that this tour involves a moderate activity level and guests must be physically capable to attend. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit and to bring a towel and adequate sun protection. The minimum age to participate in this shore excursion is four years old. 

Spend a relaxing day exploring Antigua’s beautiful coastline aboard a luxury catamaran. The first stop is Deep Bay Beach, where calm, crystal-clear waters and a sweeping shoreline create the perfect setting for a refreshing dip. While you relax on the beach, sip on refreshing fruit drinks served by the attentive crew. You’ll then sail along Antigua’s picturesque west coast before arriving at another idyllic beach lined with swaying coconut palm trees. While you spend time unwinding ashore, the crew prepares a freshly cooked lobster buffet for you to enjoy back on board. Order a drink from the bar, listen to lively Caribbean music and soak up the island atmosphere as you sail back to port. 

Duration - 3.5 hours

Activity level - Moderate

Special Notes - Guests are asked not to wear sunscreen or jewellery, as these can harm the dolphins’ skin. Participants must be at least 5 years old, and those under 4 feet tall must be accompanied in the water by a parent or guardian. This experience is not suitable for pregnant women or guests with back or neck conditions. 

Enjoy an unforgettable 30-minute in-water dolphin encounter during this family-friendly experience in Cozumel. After a short introduction from experienced animal care specialists, you’ll step into a shallow lagoon to meet one of these remarkable marine mammals, learning more about their behaviours before sharing interactive moments such as a fin shake and a dolphin hug. Afterwards, tuck into an all-inclusive lunch with unlimited drinks before spending the rest of your time at Serenity Cove. Here, you can snorkel among colourful tropical fish, rays and starfish, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, try kayaking or paddleboarding on the Caribbean Sea. It’s important to note that all water activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Before returning to the ship, there’s also time to browse the shops in downtown Cozumel. 

Duration - 2 hours

Activity level - Easy activity 

Special Notes - This excursion is suitable for children aged four and over. Each chairlift accommodates up to four guests, and children under 48 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult. If you plan on using the pool, remember to bring a swimsuit and towel. Shuttle buses return to the ship approximately every 15 minutes. 

Head into the heart of Jamaica’s lush rainforest for an unforgettable adventure at Mystic Mountain. One of the highlights is the Sky Explorer chairlift, a gentle 15-minute journey that glides high above the treetops, climbing around 700 feet to reveal spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and rainforest. At the summit, families can admire the scenery from the observation tower, discover more about Jamaica’s history, culture and natural environment in the interactive pavilion, or cool off with a swim in the infinity-edge pool. There are places to grab a bite to eat and browse for souvenirs before enjoying the scenic ride back down through the rainforest, where you’ll get an even closer look at the vibrant tropical plants and wildlife that thrive below. 

Duration - 2 hours

Activity level - Low 

Hop aboard an iconic trolley train for a relaxed journey through Castries before unwinding on one of St. Lucia’s beautiful beaches. As you travel through the island’s vibrant capital, your guide will point out some of the city’s most notable landmarks while sharing fascinating stories about its history and culture. Pass bustling streets lined with local shops and market stalls before stopping to admire one of the largest churches in the Caribbean, an impressive landmark dating back to the late 19th Century. After exploring the city, enjoy a visit to a stunning sandy beach. Spend your free time however you choose, whether that’s paddling in the calm, turquoise waters, building sandcastles with the little ones or simply relaxing beneath the Caribbean sunshine with a fruit punch in hand before returning to the ship. 

Duration - 5 hours

Activity level - High

Special Notes - P&O Cruises classifies this as a high activity shore excursion, typically involving a significant amount of walking and physical movement.

Enjoy an action-packed experience in Barbados has plenty to keep everyone entertained. After watching a short film introducing the island, it’s time for the highlight - the Monkey Zipline, which soars more than 100 feet above the ground, offering an exciting ride through the treetops. Thrill-seekers can then tackle the 14-element Gully Challenge Course, the largest obstacle course in the Caribbean, before slowing the pace with a peaceful walk along a nature trail surrounded by Barbados’ tropical plants and wildlife. You’ll also have a chance to discover the island’s famous rum-making heritage with a self-guided tour of the Mount Gay Experience, while the Green Monkey Bar & Grill provides the perfect place to relax with drinks and light snacks before heading back. 

Duration - 4.5 hours

Activity level - Moderate 

Special Notes - Moderate activity shore excursions with P&O Cruises usually last a few hours and may include some walking on uneven ground, up hills, or on stairs.

If you’re looking for an excursion that combines relaxation with a little adventure, Splash Island and Beach is a fantastic choice for the whole family. Set on the golden sands of Reduit Beach, one of St. Lucia’s most popular stretches of coastline, you’ll have time to unwind beside the calm, crystal-clear Caribbean Sea before making your way to Splash Island Water Park. Floating just offshore, this exciting inflatable obstacle course is the island’s only open-water water park, featuring slides, climbing walls, trampolines, swings and more that promise fun for children and adults alike. After working up an appetite, return to your sun lounger to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before heading back to the ship. 

Duration - 4.5 hours

Activity level - Mild 

Special Notes - Please note participants must be at least 3 years old. Celebrity Cruises also notes that full participation might involve leisurely walking over primarily even surfaces. There may be a small number of steps, cobblestones or uneven surfaces, and some periods of extended standing. 

Discover the natural beauty of Belize on this relaxing river safari, where wildlife takes centre stage. After departing Belize City, you’ll cruise along the coastline before entering the peaceful waters of the Belize River, surrounded by lush mangrove forests. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, gentle manatees, colourful iguanas and an array of tropical birdlife, while your knowledgeable guide helps you spot wildlife and share fascinating facts about the local ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the region’s native plants and the traditional medicinal remedies once used by the ancient Maya. As you make your way back, sit back with a complimentary rum punch or fruit punch and soak up the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere as local music plays in the background. 

Duration - 3 hours

Activity level - Strenuous 

Special Notes - This is a strenuous excursion and is best suited to guests with a good level of mobility and fitness. It isn’t recommended for anyone with heart, respiratory or orthopaedic conditions, joint injuries, or any other serious medical conditions. As parts of the experience involve water-based activities, guests should also be confident in their swimming ability. 

Experience the thrill of soaring through Roatán's tropical rainforest on this action-packed adventure. Your journey begins on a high-speed zip line course, where you’ll glide through the jungle canopy while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lush vegetation. The adventure continues with a walk across two hanging bridges, offering a different perspective of the rainforest as you look out over the treetops. Combining breathtaking scenery with an exhilarating experience, this excursion is ideal for adventurous families with older children looking to make unforgettable memories ashore.