Best excursions on Western Caribbean with a toddler

[olenygiants]

This October we will be sailing with the Western Caribbean with our 2 kids (6.5 and 2) on the Fantasy. We sailed the Fantasy the inaugural year and did the western Caribbean then with our daughter (then 2.5) so have some experience with sailing with toddlers.

Last time we went we did not book any excursions through Disney since our daughter was so young. We just showed up at the port and set our own plans. This time we are interested but not really sure what would be fun for the kids and what they can actually go on. Would like something with enough adventure that the adults and our daughter will have fun with, but not something that excludes the little guy completely. And of course, we have to be able to bring him with us.

Looking at the ports, here is what we did last time and some thoughts -
Cozumel - Last time we went out on snorkeling tour on a glass bottom boat. Was a great time, but not sure we would do again with young kids.
Cayman - We did the turtle farm last time (the whole thing). While we enjoyed it, do not really care much to do again. We saw helicopter tours there last time we were there that looked awesome, but not sure the kids can do this.
Jamaica - this is a new port that we have never been to so no clue here

For those that have done excursions with toddlers at these ports, what are your recommendations. Do you think its wise to book through Disney or do like we did the last time and setup our own plans.

 

[DisMommyTX]

We have been to all three ports multiple times. My favorite activities with kids are as follows:

Cozumel: Dolphin encounter/interaction (not swim) at Dolphinaris or Chankanaab. The marine park at Chankanaab has a great beach for kids and a cute little sea lion show, but the dolphin tanks were more open. Dolphinaris was a more controlled environment, and the kids felt less anxious during the dolphin interaction.

Cayman: They always want to go back to the turtle farm. When she was 6 yo, DD would have stayed there holding the baby turtles for days if we let her. This is the best option for their ages, and I wouldn't hesitate to go again.

Jamaica: We loved the day pass at Hilton Rose Hall. They had a nice (but small) beach area, as well as beautiful, quiet pools and a lazy river. It is all-inclusive, and under 3 is free.

We almost always book excursions independently and have never had a problem. We research port options on the cruise critic boards and usually book in advance from one of their most recommended operators at each port. The cruise ships offer the same tours, but more expensive and with bigger crowds of people (more time waiting, getting on and off buses, etc.). I have missed ports because of storms, arrived late, left early, had days swapped, and never had an issue with an independent excursion.

 

[Tulip2796]

We sail on the Fantasy in a couple of weeks with our 2 kids who are the same age as yours. Following this thread and will also post once we return with my opinions about the excursions we book.

 

[Miggee]

same as above, kids 6 and 5, following

 

[Trera]

We took our 2 year old DD on a western on the Magic last March and we had a great time. Our DD loves the beach so we did Nachi Cocum on Cozumel. It was a 15 min ride or so from the Port and was a quiet day playing on the beach.

On Grand Cayman, we spent the day playing in the pool and on the beach at the Westin Hotel and on Jamaica, we stayed on the boat for a movie, splash pad and nap.

Good luck

 

[AAAG]

Cozumel - Playa Mia is good for the little ones. There is a water park area with a pirate ship, splash pad, and toddler sized water slides. There is also a playground. And obviously a beach. I would take a taxi there (don't book through DCL, what a rip-off), and don't book the all inclusive package as the included food was horrible. Ordering off the menu is a better option.
Cayman - My littles ones absolutely loved the turtle farm and would want to go back. 7 mile beach is another good option, and it's on the way back from the turtle farm, so you could do a half day at each. My little guys loves the soft sand. Bring sand toys.

 

[cscream13]

Another vote for Playa Mia in Cozumel. It has a really great water "park" section for toddlers, which was a huge selling point for us when our DS was under 2. It also has a nice pool, decent stretch of beach with chairs and water activities in the ocean for older kids and adults. We booked through Disney when we went because it was our first time there and I was unsure of the logistics, but if we ever go back I would taxi there.

Not sure what to recommend in Grand Cayman -- we did Turtle farm, too, on our last trip and would not go back. And in Jamaica we just toured the port shops to stay inside the secure area, then went back to enjoy the half-empty ship.

Whatever you decide, have fun!!

 

[amanda ek]

We did playa Mia with two 2.9 year olds and a one year old. The kids really enjoyed the splash area and didn't seem to mind how cold the water in the pools was (in January). I agree that the food at the buffet was really gross. Overall I would say it was just ok and way too expensive for what it is if you go thru DCL.