Third-Party Port Excursion Companies

[lhandthesquid]

If this has been asked and answered previously, my apologies. I did search but did not find exactly what I am asking. For us first-time cruisers, Disney excursions will likely be largely unavailable. Hopefully not, but I'm trying to be prepared with a backup plan. Any tried and true, recommended third-party port excursion companies in either Tortola or San Juan? Thanks in advance.

 

[NEGeekymama]

Don't immediately think you'll be out of luck! On our 2/25/23 sailing there are still a lot of excursions available.

That said, what I do when I look for outside excursions is 1) Search on Viator and/or Trip Advisor for the top rated excursions; if you scroll down to one of the "more info" sections, you'll find the name of the tour company. 2) Go directly to that tour company's website. This is where I look for signs that they have experience working with cruise passengers; it can be anywhere from tours labeled just for cruise passengers, to asking for your cruise info, to even having a link for the port schedule.

 

[Chemist]

Depending on what you want do in San Juan you might not need a tour operator! (Most people go visit the forts, one is an easy walk. One is a slightly longer walk through town.)

I'd start with deciding what you want to do (often inspired by the cruise line excursions) then looking to see who else you can do it with.

Its just like planning a land trip. You just need to make sure that you get back in plenty of time. (I generally allow a 2 hour or more buffer.). If a sailing excursion is 5 hours, with a start time of 9 am, you know you will get back around 2:00, for example.

 

[auntlynne]

What the two above said.

I watched a video by Cruise with Ben & David that shows a DIY visit to The Baths when docked in Tortola. I have visited Old San Juan on foot by myself.

 

[DisneyConvert]

We are usual NOT Port Adventure folks as we do exactly as described above. Having a smart phone with a good mapping app and cellular service in the port/country helps as well. Knowing the taxi, Uber/Lyft ecosystem is helpful as well.

But we took two DCL Port Adventures on our last cruise - an express boat to/from the Bermuda Zoo & Aquarium, and a moderate "hill & jungle" hike in Antigua. Both were reasonably priced and very enjoyable.