Excursion Recommendations for the Fantasy-Western Caribbean?

[anneeb]

Our booking window is coming up for the Fantasy in February, Western Caribbean. Ports are Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Castaway Cay. My kids have requested Dolphins and snorkeling. Does anyone have specific recommendations for excursions they have taken that they enjoyed? Is any one port better than another for either of these (dolphins or snorkeling)? One son is a strong swimmer but the other is not, so it would need to be snorkeling that isn't too intense. We are only looking for something booked directly through Disney, I have really low risk tolerance and wouldn't be comfortable doing something on our own.

Also, how available have excursions been for cruises in 2022? I know people have mentioned many are not available to book on cruises this year. But are they booking everything that is listed on the website as an option for those who are traveling in 2022? Thanks!

 

[Keyser]

I can't provide a full response, but I'll answer a few things that I can.

I think Cozumel is a good place for dolphins: they have two locations (Dolphinaris and Chanakanaab - probably misspelled that) there that offer dolphin interactions. We did the Chanakanaab one once and it went well; we would consider doing it again. Chanakanaab had more there than just dolphins - there was also a beach and some other show from what I remember. We had a weird situation when we went (2 of us did the Disney excursion, 2 of us went on our own, and we met up there), and the timing of the Disney excursion might limit what else can be done, but it was definitely more than "just" dolphins.

Most places seem to offer snorkeling, often in different ways. I can't compare them, since I've not done any of those ports other than the one at Castaway Cay. That (at CC) is fun to do (there are things like statues underwater), and you might consider it regardless (the snorkel equipment rental was cheap). But, it's not the coral reefs/tropical fish/sea turtles that you typically see on other snorkeling trips. In general, though, I'd say you want snorkeling from a boat rather than from shore.

I'll just add that Grand Cayman's 7 mile beach or whatever it's called was the nicest beach I've ever seen. If I get to go to GC again, I will just try to spend time at that beach. Incredible sand, incredible water, and

Finally, as far as excursions, I am on a late December trip (so not quite 2022). The excursions have been a little limited - not all the ones listed on the website have shown up. But, they did in fact add more for our cruise than what was available when our booking window first opened. So, don't get your heart set on just one excursion option, but things might be added over time. Right now, Cozumel is showing 30 excursion options (vs. the 57 on the website), and Progreso (which was just added yesterday now has 5 showing (it had 0 yesterday - I expect more to show up in coming days; there are 26 listed on the website).

 

[anneeb]

Thank you, that's very helpful!

 

[Colo17]

Both GC and Coz have two dolphin places, and both have a Dolphin Discovery location (look this company up yourself). The one on GC is at the far end of the beach across from the turtle farm and the Coz location is in Chankanaab National Park. Great company but they do push their photo packages that can cost as much as the excursion itself. Loved doing the roman ride on two dolphins (higher end package). Both locations are easy to get to via cab (around $20) or via formal tour. They cost MUCH less booking direct and the Coz location gives you full access to the other park facilities with your dolphin experience.

For GC we took a city bus up to the turtle farm, bought the higher admission and snorkeled in the big pool with the turtles (not many fish but a lot of turtles). Then went across the street to Dolphin Discovery. City bus (actually minivans) comes by about every 20 minutes. If the bus doesn't show up to your satisfaction both Dolphin Discovery and the turtle farm will call a cab for you.


GC has much better snorkeling than Coz, shallower and clearer water. Tours going out to the stingray sandbar usually do a snorkeling stop nearby in maybe 10' of water inside the reef. There are tours that do rays (think very large kittens), snorkeling and dolphins. Last time we did that the tour we went to the other dolphin location. Mostly you got pulled back and forth along a dock in an enclosure. Note that you wear life vests for all dolphin tours - being able to swim isn't required.

Snorkeling at Coz is open ocean, may have a current and waves, and is usually in around 30' of water (fish are a long way from you. A lot more work. While you CAN snorkel at Chankanaab from shore, it is rocky and can be tricky to enter with waves.

Not sure GC will be open for tourism in February but it is a very safe island with great transportation and lots of local tour companies. One of our favorite islands. Even if open, the port is sometimes missed due to waves since you have to tender from the ship into town. First time we were there the two story buildings on shore were disappearing behind the waves. Nine ships out there and none got passengers to shore. We have also had one case where wave direction stirred up the sand in Stingray City and all excursions going there were prohibited by the port.

In these ports there is zero risk in booking an excursion on your own (assuming the cruise line lets you these days). Look at shoreexcursioneer.com and shoreexcursionsgroup.com for a ton of ideas. Most tours include transportation, some do not (so figure adding $40 to cost for cabs). The local companies survive on their cruise customers and are very reliable but booking through one of these consolidators gives you a bit more security and the operators are vetted. Plan on getting back to the port 90 minutes before all-aboard time. This allows an easy stroll through the shops.