Alternatives to DCL shore excursions? - Western

[disneymom1]

Can anyone suggest good alternatives to the DCL shore excursions in Grand Cayman and Cozumel that would not be too expensive for my family of 5? (assuming that things will be more or less back to normal in Grand Caymen by December after Ivan).

I know the DCL shore excursions are always more than arranging things yourself. I don't want to go too far, however, and risk not getting back to the ship on time.

My kids are between 7 and 11. Any recommendations for good shore excursions for that age group would be appreciated as well. One beach day would be OK if there is a good one near the ports.

Also, What DCL excursions are the best for my kids in the event that I decide to go the DCL route?

 

[traycie2201]

Hi Disneymom, there's lots to do not via dcl, check out nativewaywatersports.com for stingray swims, snorkelling and beach on GC cruise offer of $25 pp, also captain marvins is popular for excursions
in cozumel you can do paradise beach for $12 taxi and $5 each to use all the water toys, they have a great restaurant. also there is tropical mini golf at cozumel sallys. check out the cruisecritic board and if you can invest in a passporters guide to the disney cruise line book which is a great help planning. Take Care

 

[disneymom1]

Thanks traycie2201!!!

 

[BELLE16127]

In Grand Caymen we went to see HELL......tourist trap yeah but really neat. On the way back we went to a stretch of Seven Mile beach it was beautiful my DH and DD got snorkel gear and my DD and myself sat in the sun and swam it was a very relaxing day.

Cozumel my DD and myself got off ship ahead of the boys and browsed the shops then we all got a taxi to Playa Del Sole and spent the day at that beach again DH and DS snorkeled and we did the beach thing. They have beach chairs and a huge Ice Burge thing in the water that you climb DS had a great time on that, Another great beach and lots of fun.

 

[BobandLee]

If you want to see the stingrays at Grand Cayman, we took Captain Marvins tour. Their office is a short walk from the pier. The are ontime and they do a very good job.
CAPTAIN MARVINS

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<marquee behavior="alternate" scrolldelay="125"><font size+2 color=red> We Can't Wait For Our 14 Day Disney Panama Canal Cruise </font></marquee>

 

[disneymom1]

Thanks BobandLee. Seems like the prices are much lower than the DCl prices!!

 

[traycie2201]

Hi Disneymom, i just read that the turtlefarm has been completely destroyed ! don't know if GC will be on the schedule for some time yet. Happy cruising. Traycie

 

[SeaSpray]

There's a website called Cruise Critic that has message boards for all of the cruise lines, plus almost every port you can imagine. It's a great place to visit to get an idea of what's available at each port. Here is a link directly to their ports page: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5

Hope this helps!

 

[Lynda Silk]

If you want a beach day, there's Paradise Beach, 10 minute taxi ride from the pier that costs $12 for up to 4 people. No entrance fee and the food there is delicious, inexpensive and generous. They have a climbing iceberg right in the water, a water trampoline, kayaks and water mats for free. There are plenty of chairs (very comfortable ones too) and tables and umbrellas, and also a lot of shade area right on the beach. Beach is sandy and the water is beautiful! Service is very friendly and helpful. For 3 people, I think I saved $84 by going to Paradise Beach over a ship excursion (not Disney, it was RCL) to another beach.