shore excursions freeport carnival

Pirate's Cove Beach Getaway

Pirate’s Cove Beach: Enjoy true Bahamian relaxation at Pirate’s Cove catering to Carnival guests, located just west of the historic Taino Beach. Take in the picturesque views of the turquoise water and the sunlit, sandy shoreline from the famous Black Beards Tree Bar as you sip on locally brewed Bahamian beers and spirits. The experienced, hospitable, and cordial staff will ensure you have a memorable visit. Fun in the Sun: Participate in swimming, volleyball, land obstacle course or watersports rental activities. Shopping: Shop the two unique vendor booths at your leisure. What’s Included:

• Beach chairs and umbrella.
• Kids play area.
• Changing rooms.
• Volleyball court, tug of war rope and land obstacle course.
• Free Wi-FI.
• Kayaks, paddleboard, and floating mats for 15-minute intervals.

Requirements & Restrictions: Minimum age for alcoholic beverage service – 18 years and must present a valid ID. A life vest must be worn. Signed waiver required. What to Bring: Cash or credit/debit card for purchases. Good to Know: Children ages – 5 years and under are free. Travel time to and from the location is approximately 30 minutes. Use of aquatic equipment depends on sea conditions. Approximate time at the beach is 3.5 hours. Food and beverage from our two food booth menus include the best of international and Bahamian dishes and is available for an additional cost. Available rentals are charged to your onboard Carnival Sail & Sign card: kayak or standup paddle board (life vest mandatory to wear) and lockers.

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Freeport (Grand Bahama) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)

Ultimate guide for cruise passengers to Freeport cruise port: where ships dock, top things to do, highlights, shore excursions, and how to explore on your own.

By: Editor-in-Chief Updated: May 26, 2023

The Grand Bahama port in Freeport is known for not having attractions nearby the cruise terminal where cruise ships dock. The cruise terminal has many amenities and excellent services, which many cruise passengers passionately enjoy. But the top things to do and the best attractions in the port of Freeport are between 20 and 40 minutes away.

• Where is Freeport

Where do cruise ships dock

• Cruise terminal

Shuttle bus

• To do and see on a cruise
• Top highlights
• Beaches and day-passes
• Shops and shopping
• Shore excursions (Shorex)
• Explore on your own
• How to get around

Must-know: tourist info, language and currency

• Safety, emergencies, and basics

Freeport is a regularly visited cruise port of call in the Caribbean during the Fall-Winter season, with as many as 400,000 passengers and over 150 cruise ships visits in 2019.

The cruise port terminal has a delightful ambiance, the area is very clean and immaculately kept. On the whole, Freeport is safe but it is advisable to use caution in crowded areas considering that there have been reports of tourists having purses snatched.

The local population is good-natured, polite, helpful, and speak English extremely well. After all, English is the country's official language. For those cruising with families, there is a lot to do. Cruise passengers with disabilities or with walking difficulties will find it relatively simple to wander around in Freeport on their own.

Where is Freeport and the cruise port

Freeport, a major port city with a population of around 26,900, is located in The Bahamas northwest region. The port is on the southwest coast of Grand Bahama Island, 80 miles (129 km) east of the Florida coast, directly across Boyton Beach.

How far is Freeport from highlights

Although the cruise terminal in Freeport has a number of attractions, namely restaurants-grills and shops, the city itself, most highlights and things to do are between 3 and 11 miles from where cruise ships dock.

Ships dock on a medium-sized mixed (ferry and cruise port) with quays for up to 3 cruise ships to moor. The Freeport cruise terminal is on Lucaya Harbor and many times confused with the Port Lucaya Marketplace and with the Port Lucaya Marina (both in downtown Freeport).

Freeport cruise terminal services and amenities

There is nothing to do or see right outside the exit gates of the cruise port. And the city of Freeport is not within walking distance. The cruise terminal is on a large open area with different buildings where cruise travelers will find the following services and amenities:

• Tourist info kiosk
• Beach tours
• Duty-free shopping
• Souvenirs shops
• Drug Stores
• Arts and crafts stores
• Señor Frogs
• Fat Tuesday
• Caribbean Barrel restaurant and bar
• Tropical juices and drinks bars
• Seafood shaks

Although you may read outdated reviews stating that cruise lines provide a shuttle bus to downtown Freeport city, for more than a decade that shuttle buses are not in operation.

Things to do and see in Freeport cruise port

Freeport may not be the best cruise port for passengers that enjoy exploring on foot sites close by where ships dock. But it is a marvelous cruise port if you appreciate botanical gardens, nature parks, and scenic sights.

Freeport is also a very nice cruise port for those that enjoy diving, snorkel, fishing or look forward to just relax on a beach, where there are always many things to do. Cruisers who appreciate sightseeing tours, outdoors and thrilling activities will find quite a few in Freeport. Here are the most interesting things to do in Freeport:

• Swim with pigs. One of the most unusual and unique experiences only available on cruises to Freeport. How: on a shore excursion.
• Dolphin adventures. Shows, encounters, and swimming with Dolphins in Sanctuary Bay, a natural 9-acre lagoon and home to fourteen Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. How: on a shore excursion.
• Visit National Parks and Botanical Garden. The 3 national parks (Lucayan National Park, Peterson Cay National Park, and Rand Nature Center) are a must-visit in Grande Bahama as is the Garden of the Groves.. How: on a shore excursion.
• Shopping and lunch at the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Ideal for those that enjoy an open-air mall with lots of stores and restaurants. Lucaya Beach is a 5-minute walk away. How: on a shore excursion or on your own.
• Enjoy a day at a pristine beach. There are 8 beaches to choose from (read more below) and a couple of places with beach-day-passes available. How: on a shore excursion or on your own.
• Sightseing tours. For those that like sightseeing, there are tours available on a glass-bottom boat, a semi-submarine, on Segway, and sailing on a catamaran. How: on a shore excursion
• Enjoy adrenaline pumbing activities. For the more adventurous you will find thrilling activities like horseback riding, biking, jeep safaris, and ATV tours. How: on a shore excursion.
• Water sports and activities: Cruise passengers looking forward to watersports can enjoy Kayaking, Jet Ski, Parasailing, and Windsurfing. How: on a shore excursion only. | on a shore excursion or on your own.
• Diving, snorkle and fishing. The crystal clear waters of the Grand Bahama Island are a delight for both certified divers and those that enjoy snorkel. Fishing is another top attraction in Freeport. How: on a shore excursion or on your own.

Top highlights in Freeport cruise port

The following are all the attractions and sites in Grand Bahama for cruise passengers.

• Lucayan National Park. Established in 1982, this 42-acres national park is home to a profuseness of native flora and fauna; and an underwater cave system with over 6 miles of tunnels. Distance from port: around 10 miles (16 km), 40-minute drive. Visiting time: half day. Getting there: on shore excursion. Website: Bahamas National Trust
• Rand Nature Center. Near the heart of downtown Freeport, this 100-acres Nature Center is a well-known birding spot, with numerous foot trails through the native pine forest leading to an arboretum and a freshwater pond. Distance from port: around 8 miles (12 km), 16-minute drive. Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours. Getting there: on shore excursion. Website: Bahamas National Trust
• Peterson Cay National Park. National park occupying a small 1.5 acres island surrounded by coral reefs and sea life. Great site for diving, snorkeling, and relaxing on a secluded beach. Distance from port: around 20 miles (32 km), 40-minute drive. Visiting time: hald-day. Getting there: on shore excursion. Website: Bahamas National Trust
• Garden of the Groves. Botanical garden featuring the flora and fauna of The Bahamas. On a 12-acre site with lush tropical flowers and trees, colorful birds, 4 waterfalls and cascades, and the replica of an 18th-century chapel on a hilltop. Distance from port: around 15 miles (24 km), 30-minute drive. Visiting time: half day. Getting there: on shore excursion. Website: thegardenofthegroves.com
• Port Lucaya Marketplace. Outdoor 12-acre complex with over 60 retail shops, a dozen restaurants, straw vendors, and local artisans. Distance from port: around 10 mile (16 km), 20 minutes drive. Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours. Getting there: on your own by taxi ($15) or shore excursion. Website: portlucaya.com
• Bahamian Brewery. For those that enjoy beer and want to know more about it, the brewery of the local Sands beer houses a tour facility, a retail store, a gift store, and a beer garden. Distance from port: around 3 miles (4.6 km), 10-minutes drive. Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours. Open 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. Getting there: on your own by taxi or shore excursion. Admission: US$8 per person Website: bahamianbrewery.com
• Perfume Factory. At the rear of the International Bazaar, a free visit takes you behind the scenes of fragrance production. You will also have the opportunity to mix your own fragrance, bottle it, and name it. Distance from port: around 3 miles (4.6 km), 10-minutes drive. Visiting time: 1 to 2 hours. Open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. Getting there: on your own by taxi or shore excursion. Website: perfumefactory.com

Best beaches in Freeport and Grand Bahama Island

The Grand Bahama Island is know for its pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, mostly located on the south coast. Naturally, cruise lines offer excursions to some of these beaches.

Cruise passengers looking to spend time on a free beach on their own will have to get there by taxi, car, or scooter rental as you will not find beaches within walking distance of the cruise port. Here is a list of the best beaches in Freeport ordered by closeness to the cruise port terminal:

• Lucaya Beach. The most famous, popular, and one of the best beaches in Freeport city, it is a 5-minute walk south of the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Distance from port: 10 miles (16 km), 20-minute drive. Features: all major watersports and restaurants.
• William’s Town Beach. Seclude off-track beach. Distance from port: 10 miles (16 km), 20-minute drive. Features: Manta Ray Beach Club. Banana boats, jet skis, and snorkeling.
• Taino Beach. The other famous beach and considered by many cruise passengers ad the best beach in Freeport. It has lots of attractions. Distance from port: 12 miles (19 km), 25-minute drive. Features: Pirate's Cove Zipline and Water Park, restaurants such as The Stoned Crab and Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience.
• Smith’s Point Beach Next to Taino beach. Distance from port: 12 miles (19 km), 25-minute drive. Features: text.
• Paradise Cove beach (Deadman's Reef). Secluded beach west of the port. Distance from port: 14 miles (21 km), 25-minute drive. Features: snorkeling, kayaking, beach bars. Website: deadmansreef.com
• Mather Town Beach. Known for its restaurants and beach bars. Distance from port: 14 miles (21 km), 25-minute drive. Features: Cleveland’s Beach Club restaurant and Margaritavilla Sand Bar.
• Fortune Beach. Quiet and secluded beach. Distance from port: 15.2 miles (24.5 km), 30-minute drive. Features: Banana Bay restaurant.
• Gold Rock Beach. This large beach with many shallow areas belongs to the Lucayan National Park. Be aware that it is at least a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the beach. Distance from port: 27 miles (43 km), 40-minute drive. Features: picnic tables and benches.

Beach day-passes

Unlike other cruise ports, such as Nassau or Cozumel, where cruise passengers have a great choice of beach day-passes, in Freeport, there are only 3 places offering beach day-passes.

• Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan beach day-pass
• Paradise Cove Beach Club day-pass
• Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach day-pass

These day-passe are offered by the following online services: resortforaday.com , bahamasdaypass.com , resortpass.com and shoreexcursioneer.com . IQCruising is not affiliated with any of these.

Shops and shopping in Freeport

Cruise passengers looking for souvenirs and duty-free shops will find 2 main shopping areas in Freeport.

• Freeport cruise terminal Next to the gangway of your cruise ship, you will find souvenir shops, arts and crafts stores, duty-free liquor, Delsol, Cariloha, and a shop featuring Anto gold and silver designs.
• Port Lucaya Marketplace The best and most recent mall for shopping in Freeport city with famous brands and stores like John Bull, Colombian Emeralds, Harley-Davidson, Nautica, Pandora, Silver Traditions, and House of Rum.
• International Bazar and Straw Market Don't be fooled by outdated port reviews. Once the place for shopping in Freeport city, the International Bazar has been run down and abandoned since at least 2015.

Shore excursions and tours

Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Freeport, which include the most exciting activities and highlights of Grand Bahama Island. Carnival lists 21 shore excursions . Norwegian Cruise Line has available 15 shore excursions , and Royal Caribbean has 16 excursions available.

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

• Shore Trips
• Shore Excursions Group
• Tours by Locals
• Venture Ashore
• Shore Excursioneer
• Bahamas Cruise Excursions

IQCruising does not endorse nor get paid to mention any of these services. IQCruising is just providing the information and you should be aware that you are solely responsible for booking excursions online with these third-party services.

Local tour operators

The following are well-rated local operators in the Grand Bahama Island offering tours for cruise passengers, which can be booked online:

• westendecologytours.com
• westendwatersports.com

How to explore Freeport on your own

As mentioned before, the main things to do in Freeport are not close to the cruise port terminal. But that doesn't mean that you should stay onboard your cruise ship.

What's within walking distance

Cruise passengers that like to explore ports on foot will be disappointed to know that besides the shops, restaurants-grills, and bars in the Freeport cruise terminal, there is absolutely nothing else to see or do within walking distance of the Lucayan Harbor.

How to get around in Freeport

If planning to get around on your own in Freeport, be it to enjoy a free beach or to explore other attractions like the Port Lucaya Marketplace, cruise passengers must-know that there are only 3 available options: travel by taxi, rent a car, or a rent a scooter.

Taxis in the cruise terminal

There is always a good number of taxis available at the cruise terminal and, generally speaking, are reasonably priced. Although most taxis are metered with government official rates, it is always advisable to agree on a price before entering a cab. A taxi ride to Port Lucaya Marketplace should cost around US$30.

Car and scooter rental in the cruise terminal

Renting a car or a scooter might be the best way for those wanting to be independent and travel to more off-track attractions. You can rent a car online with Avis , or walk to the kiosk of Island Jeep and Car Rental in the cruise terminal on arrival day. Celebrity Eco tours also has a shop in the cruise terminal where you can rent a car or a scooter.

Public bus in the cruise terminal

You may have read that there are public buses in the cruise terminal costing US$5 for visitors. Obviously, the locals that work at the terminal use these public buses but cruise travelers should be aware that this public service is not geared for tourists and schedules are not designed for visitors.

Tourist Info

There is a Tourist Information kiosk in the Freeport cruise terminal.

English is the official and widely spoken language in The Bahamas. Many people speak what as been designated as Bahamian English, a specific dialect blending British accent with African influences

The legal tender in The Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (B$). However, US$ dollars are widely accepted, and generally speaking, you will receive change in US currency. Even so, it is always advisable to double-check when receiving change for any purchase.

Safety, US travel advisory and basics

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Grand Bahama see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory.

Covid-19 advise for cruises to Freeport (Grand Bahama)

For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Freeport and Grand Bahama visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas . For more Traveler's Health advice to The Bahamas see the CDC Website information page for travelers to The Bahamas .

Freeport basic info at a glance

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The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, tour or excursion of Freeport Cruise Port. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

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Search the site, the best carnival bahamas excursions in nassau & freeport.

by Jennifer

This is part 3 of our Carnival Cruise Bahamas series. If you missed the first 2 posts, check them out here:  book a Carnival Cruise  and foodie favorites. Now it’s time to talk about Carnival Nassau & Freeport excursions! After all, you’re cruising somewhere, right? So you might as well embrace the destination by partaking in a fun activity or two! Here are  some of our favorite Carnival Bahamas excursions .

This is a partnered post for #CruisingCarnival. All opinions are my own.

The Bahamas has tranquil blue water for miles and beautiful surroundings, but there are also a lot of fun activities to do off the ship. Wondering what excursions are available for travelers in the Bahamas?

Here are our top picks for Nassau and Freeport Bahamas.

Carnival Nassau Excursions

Relax and soak up the warm Caribbean sun at the world-famous Atlantis Resort!

Select from multiple shore excursions at Atlantis Resort including :

A  Beach Day with reserved seating, then explore the resort on your where you can shop, dine and more.

Not up for the beach? Choose the guided Discover Atlantis tour where your guide escorts you through the Ruins Lagoon , a recreation of the sunken streets of mythical Atlantis, and The Dig , a replica of an archeological excavation site. Visit the Predator Lagoon , where you will view sharks, barracuda and many other creatures from the deep.

Want to swim with the fish? Atlantis offers a Snorkel Experience where you can don a wetsuit and snorkel in world’s largest open-air marine habitat.

Atlantis Aquaventure allows guests to explore the largest water-themed attraction in the Caribbean. Ride four adrenaline-inducing water slides among a mile long rapids and wave river. Experience the thrills of the towering Mayan temple’s five water slides and the 7-story Power Tower. Relax in the warm tropical sun, plunging into the refreshing waters of a swimming pool or pristine beach.

Or opt for a swim with the dolphins at the Atlantis Dolphin Cay . They offer shallow and deep water dolphin excursions.

Not interested in visiting the resort? Book a Catamaran Sail & Snorkel shore excursion aboard a stylish, 110-passenger catamaran. It’s one of the featured Carnival Bahamas excursions. Take a relaxing 30 minute journey before plunging into the crystal-clear waters below while you snorkel with the fishes.

Many of the Carnival Bahamas excursions are family-friendly, so bring the kids along! Or you can elect to keep them at the popular Carnival Camp Ocean , while you venture off on your own.

Don’t forget these items before you go!

Freeport, Bahamas Excursions

Discover the colorful reefs and their inhabitants in the waters surrounding Freeport in a Reef Dive excursion. Enjoy a 60-80 ft. dive as you explore the amazing marine life in the reefs and wrecks.

Looking for something more basic? Try the Discover Scuba and Beach Day excursion where guests are introduced to the Scuba world. Gear up and take a basic dive course, then head to the shore to explore, followed by food and relaxing on the beach.

You can also Swim with the Dolphins or book a Dolphin Close Encounter excursion. Enjoy a 20-minute boat ride through the beautiful canals of Grand Bahama Island then arrive at Sanctuary Bay where you’ll have an opportunity to swim with the dolphins in the open ocean. Or elect for the encounter where you’ll also visit Sanctuary Bay, a natural 9-acre lagoon and home to fourteen Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Interact with the dolphins on a 3 foot deep platform.

One of the featured Carnival Bahamas excursions in Freeport is the Beach Getaway where guests will spend a day in paradise. Swim in the crystal Caribbean waters; participate in activities based both on land or water. This inclusive package includes an open bar and a delicious Bahamian buffet.

Which Bahamas excursion will you be booking?

*some photos courtesy of Carnival.com

You Are Also Going to Love:

Nidhi Chauhan says

Looks like your family had so much fun. I love tropical vacation. hope I get a chance to go for such fun vacation with my family soon.

1stopmom says

I would love to try snorkeling. It is one of the things on my bucket list. The beach getaway sounds like a lot of fun too!

Honey + Lime (@honeyandlimeco) says

I’ve never swam with dolphins, and that Atlantis Adventure looks awesome!

Allison says

These pictures are beautiful! I’m looking to plan a family vacation for the summer and this sure looks like a place to look into!

Melissa Au says

That looks absolutely amazing. I have always wanted to take my kids on a cruise.

justin tan says

Swim with the Dolphins or book a Dolphin Close Encounter Excursion simply because we’re dolphins lovers!!!

Maria H says

Looks like you guys had a great time!! Love the pics!

Denise Hoyle says

Looks like you guys had so much fun! I’ve never been on a cruise but I need to get to planning one!

Lauryn R says

What a beautiful tropical vacation spot!! I definitely want to take my kids someday. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!

Jennifer says

The boys are still thanking us for taking them, so I highly recommend taking the kids on a cruise. It’s SO fun!

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Freeport is one of the 2 port cities on the island of Grand Bahamas (the other is Nassau). Located just 65 miles from Palm Beach, FL Freeport has become a popular year-round cruise ship port of call for fun Freeport Excursions. Being so close to the United States makes Freeport Bahamas an affordable cruise destination and a great spot for a long weekend stay to enjoy shore trips, shore excursions, and much more. Freeport was designated a Free Trade Zone in 1955 and offers some incredible deals and souvenir bargains.

Top 4 Freeport Excursions

• Snorkel & Turtles ($154.99)
• Kayak & Turtles ($154.99)
• Grand Lucayan Day Pass ($44.99)
• Paradise Cove Day Pass ($59.99)

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• Fully licensed and insured round-trip transportation from your Freeport cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking shore excursion guides!
• The snorkel set includes varied-sized fins, sanitized snorkel, a silicone mask, and a vest!
• All snorkel instructions, no snorkel experience required!
• Guided snorkeling!
• Complimentary cold bottled water!
• Light snacks included!
• Visit the Turtle Farm!

• All kayak equipment and safety instructions are provided!
• No kayaking experience is required!
• Complementary lunch!

• 2 packages to choose from!
• 100% Deposit Back Guarantee for cancellations at any time and for any reason (weather, mood, etc)!
• All access to resort facilities including lounge chairs, restrooms, kids' activities, and more!
• Fresh-water swimming pool at the resort!
• Flexible hours and day passes are valid from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM!
• Enjoy a relaxing day at a lovely all-inclusive beach resort in Freeport Bahamas!
• One towel per person (upon availability)!
• One Chaise lounge!

• Fully licensed and insured round-trip transportation to Paradise Cove!
• Flexible return times back to your cruise ship pier!
• Access to all of the club facilities including chairs, restaurant, and restrooms!
• 5 package choices for your day!
• Private beach break day passes to escape the crowds!
• Options to purchase food and drink ala carte and day pass specials!

• Convenient location from our Freeport cruise ship terminal!
• English-speaking certified parasailing instructors!
• All necessary safety gear and parasailing equipment are included!
• Parasailing at one of the best beaches in Freeport, Bahamas!

• Convenient meeting location from your Freeport cruise ship pier and terminal!
• All necessary instructions and equipment are provided!
• English-speaking certified guide!
• Single or double-rider jet ski riding options!
• Fun for families includes beach break at Lucayan Beach!

• Convenient location from your Freeport cruise ship terminal!
• Unlimited Snorkel (09:00 AM to 05:00 PM) plus a beach break at your leisure!
• English-speaking certified snorkeling guide!
• Complimentary bottled water on the boat!

• Easy, convenient meeting location on Lucayan Beach, close to your Freeport cruise ship terminal!
• No waiting around for a jet ski - reserve yours today!
• Fully automatic, 700cc Yamaha Wave Runner, includes insurance and fuel charge!

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Excursions & Tours

Taino Beach Resort Day Pass

Garden of the Groves and City Tour

Swim with the Dolphins

Dolphin Close Encounter

Lucayan National Park & Cave Tour

Freeport bahamas excursions & cruise tours.

Located in the northwest part of the island chain, situated on the island of Grand Bahama, is the charming port city of Freeport. The second largest city in the Bahamas, Freeport can offer its visitors an unforgettable island experience in paradise. Our Bahamas shore tours in Freeport provide you with an inside view of the city's shopping and natural beauty, including the famous Garden of the Groves gardens. Wallow and enjoy the sun while immersed in the crystal clear waters of Freeport, through which you can go horseback riding, scuba diving, or snorkeling off of a party boat outfitted with a rock climbing wall and a waterslide. Book your Freeport, Bahamas shore excursions today!

THE 10 BEST Freeport Shore Excursions

Shore excursions in freeport.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Paradise Cove Day Pass with Pickup from Freeport

2. Blue hole snorkeling, and turtle park

3. Mamma Gal East End Native Experience

4. Swim with Pigs on a Tropical Island

5. Freeport Shore Excursion: Kayak Turtle Park

6. Mamma Gal Native Experience

7. Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience

8. Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour

9. Beach Day and Clear Kayak Photoshoot in Bahamas

10. Snorkel/Swim with the Turtles Experience

11. Freeport Shore Excursion: All-Inclusive Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort Pass

12. Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure

13. Rumbo Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Clear Kayak Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Swim with Pigs on a Tropical Island
• Paradise Cove Day Pass with Pickup from Freeport
• Blue hole snorkeling, and turtle park
• Mamma Gal East End Native Experience
• Mamma Gal Native Experience

Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

From lazy lounging on the beach to action-packed water adventures, cruise ship shore excursions in the Bahamas are packed with fun in the sun and sea.

Whether you're looking to get wet, get chill or get stuff, you'll find a way to do it on a shore excursion here. You can swim with pigs and dive with sharks. You can cruise the islands on ATVs or skim across the water on a wide array of vessels. Tours often include time to shop the straw markets, and many also include traditional Bahamian lunches, snacks and/or beverages.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter

The list of Bahamas tours and activities includes options to suit almost everyone. We sorted through the choices to find you the best Bahamas shore excursions. Ready? Let's dive in.

Prices for the same tours can vary across cruise lines and third-party sellers, so tours are listed below by price ranges, using the following shorthand (per adult):

$= $0-50. $$= $51-99. $$$= $100-199. $$$$=$200-499.

Best Nassau, Bahamas shore excursions

Island food and culinary tour

3-3.5 hours, easy, $$.

Bahamas food and beverage excursions are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the culture of the islands. You'll feast on island specialties and favorites such as conch fritters or salad, rock lobster, traditional cornbread-like Johnny cakes and tropical punches laced with rum. Most cruise lines offer food tours that stop at multiple local eateries. There may be walking involved, so be sure to read your cruise line's description.

Blue Lagoon beach break

Varies, easy to moderate, $$-$$$.

Some of the best excursions in Nassau are to Blue Lagoon Island, a privately owned island with a beach, food, water sports and other activities. You can choose the standard beach break option with lunch, beach games and use of water noodles and tubes. Or you can upgrade to a tour that includes snorkeling or swimming with stingrays, dolphins, sharks and even sea lions. Additional activities can be purchased upon arrival on the island.

Scuba diving with sharks

4.5 hours, moderate, $$$-$$$$.

If you are a certified scuba diver and have ever considered diving with sharks, this is your excursion. The shark dives involve one reef dive, followed by a second dive with everyone kneeling in the sand on the bottom as the shark feeder doles out his goodies. You've heard the term "sharknado?" It's a real thing and being in one is an adrenaline rush you'll never forget.

I should warn the shark-timid among you that because Caribbean reef sharks are plentiful in the waters surrounding Nassau and because dive shops have been doing baited shark dives here for years, you may encounter sharks on any dive in Nassau, though at a bit more distance than during the shark feeds. In fact, I've never not seen a shark while diving here.

Paradise Island and Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark

All day, moderate, $$$$.

Excursions that include access to Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas seem to no longer mention the name of the mega-resort that made Paradise Island famous. If you've always wanted to go, excursions labeled Aquaventure are your ticket.

The day pass includes access to miles of beaches, the on-site casino, and the Aquaventure water park featuring 141 acres of slides, swimming areas, river rides, and wave areas. The pass also allows you to dine in the resort's eateries, explore a myriad of shops or even add an aquatic animal experience like a dolphin swim.

You can purchase Atlantis day passes independently, but the advantage of booking your visit as an excursion is that transportation will be included.

Related: A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

Best shore excursions in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

Freeport island tour, beach and shopping

4 hours, easy, $.

Shore excursions that bundle a tour with a beach break and shopping are always a good choice in the Bahamas. You get to see a bit of the island, learn its history, shop for souvenirs and get in some coveted beach time, all with easy transportation. This kind of tour is especially useful if you've never been to Grand Bahama Island. For a small amount of money, you get to scope the place out for your adventures on your next Bahamas cruise.

Pirate's Cove beach, zipline and waterpark

4 hours, moderate, $$$.

If zip lining is your thing, this is a good place to get your fix. The beachside zip line has options for starting at 50 feet up or 30 feet, making it ideal for newbies wanting to try the experience. Since this excursion also includes time at the beach and floating water park, consider it a deal.

Glass bottom boat shark experience

3 hours, easy, $$$.

Want to see Caribbean reef sharks without putting your toes in the water? This excursion takes you on a glass-bottom boat ride to waters where Caribbean reef sharks have been fed. The boat has ample deck space for sunning when you aren't watching the action below the boat. It's a fun way to spend a day out on the water with an opportunity to see these predators and other colorful tropical fish without fear. Typical Bahamian refreshments round out the fun.

Blue hole snorkeling

5 hours, moderate, $$$.

My rule of thumb is to snorkel at every opportunity while in the Bahamas. It's a fun and easy way to take a peek beneath the waves at the colorful sea life found in these waters. When you book a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas, gear is provided, including snorkeling vests to keep you afloat.

For the best Bahamas snorkeling, choose a blue hole snorkeling excursion. Blue holes are found throughout the Bahamas and are essentially open-topped caverns, so it's like swimming in a fishbowl. Some are landlocked, where they may be filled with either fresh or salt water, and inhabited by a wide range of aquatic life, including crabs, lobsters, octopus and fish. Others are offshore, below the surface of the ocean, creating a mini reef environment to explore.

This excursion involves a lengthy ride, but it's definitely worth it.

Swim with the pigs

1.5 hours, easy, $$$.

Swimming pigs are kind of a big deal in the Bahamas. Animal lovers can enjoy time in shallow water watching (and even feeding) these silly pigs. Most of the cruise line private islands also offer pig swims, but the one in Freeport does not involve a boat ride, which may make it more appealing to some. You'll also get time to hang out on Crystal Beach and buy lunch.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Best Bahamas shore excursions from cruise line private islands

Snorkeling from shore or by boat

Varies, moderate, $-$$.

Cruise ship private islands make snorkeling easy. Most of the islands will offer snorkeling gear for rent, and you can snorkel right from the beach. (If you, like me, never miss an opportunity to put your face in the water, consider buying your own snorkel gear for future sailings.) Optional boat excursions to primo snorkeling spots are also possible from some islands.

1-1.5 hours, moderate, $-$$.

Kayaking from the cruise line private islands gives you a new perspective of these fun playgrounds. Tours are led by experienced guides who can point out sea life in shallow water while leading you along the shore of the tropical paradise. Beginners are welcome and life jackets are provided.

Stingray City Bahamas

1.5 hours, easy, $$.

While the Stingray City experience has been popular in Grand Cayman for years, it's relatively new to the Bahamas. Stingray City Bahamas is located among the Berry Islands, home to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay and Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay. You'll be taken on a short speedboat ride to a shallow sandy spot in a location where stingrays congregate. Your guide will provide fish to feed the rays, which swoop in and suck the fish from your hand. It's a fun outing if you haven't done it before and it doesn't take away too much of your beach time on the island.

Horseback riding by land and sea

1.25 hours, moderate, $$$.

Carnival offers a horseback riding tour from Half Moon Cay that includes a brief venture into the sea with your horse. The minimum age is 10. As the mother of a horse-loving daughter, I can tell you that riding in the ocean was one of her favorite cruise memories ever. No riding experience is required, but you must be able to follow directions and pay attention to your guide for your own safety as well as that of the horses and other riders. One other thing to know: There will be poo, both on land and in the water.

Related: Visiting a cruise line's private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes

Bottom line

Bahamas shore excursions typically focus on activity in the water, but if shopping, food tours or sightseeing are more your thing, you'll find those options as well. The Bahamas is made up of a culturally rich collection of islands that have a reputation for welcoming visitors with arms wide open. From simple beach break excursions to full-day tours, you can easily find something that floats your boat in the Bahamas.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

• Freeport Excursions

Freeport Shore Excursions From Cruise Port In 2024

There are numerous high-quality Freeport shore excursions in 2024 for you to enjoy. Once you dock at the cruise ship pier at Freeport, you will have the opportunity to explore Grand Bahama island as well as the historic city of Freeport. Depending on the amount of time you wish to spend there is a perfect outing for you to enjoy. There are plenty of tours that are family-friendly like going snorkeling at the famous Deadman’s Reef, a day pass to the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort, a round-trip transfer to several pristine beaches such as Paradise Cove and Junkanoo Beach Club. Other opportunities include visiting Lucayan National Park, kayaking in a Turtle Park, going on the Bahamian Brewery and beer tasting tour as well as a unique Bahamas-style Bonfire on the Beach Party. No matter how much time you are docked on the island there is the perfect tour for you to enjoy. Many of the tours depart several times again and each tour varies in length of time. Read on for things to do in Freeport, Bahamas, off a cruise ship!

• Freeport Resorts
• Freeport Activities
• Freeport Shore Excursions
• Nassau Resorts
• Nassau Activities
• Nassau Shore Excursions

Kayak Turtle Park

The Kayak Turtle Park is a great Freeport shore excursion for your family to enjoy one of the more unique experiences while visiting Freeport. Your 90-minute excursion begins with a ferry boat ride to Sweeting’s Cay, which is one of the more unspoiled cays around Grand Bahama. As your ferry travels you will be pleased with unspoiled beauty of the nearby cays. As you arrive you will notice hundreds of starfish in the shallow warm water. Before you jump into the Caribbean Sea, where you can touch the numerous starfish, you will be given a short talk on the do’s and don’ts of this picturesque area. Once in your kayak you will travel through the famed Turtle Park where you will spot several turtles swimming around your kayak. You can take as many photographs as you want as you glide through the clear and multi-hued Caribbean Sea waters. Your Freeport shore excursion ends with a ferry ride back to your cruise ship pier.

All-Inclusive Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort Pass

The All-Inclusive Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort Pass is an ideal Freeport shore excursion for a couple, group or family to spend a day of hassle-free fun while visiting Freeport. Your 8-hour excursion begins when you hail a taxi for a quick ride to this beautiful all-inclusive resort that has over 1,200 feet of white sand beachfront property. Once at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort you will have access to numerous activities that will please everyone in the family or your group. The resort offers complimentary non-motorized watersport equipment like kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkeling apparatuses and windsurfs. There numerous freshwater swimming pools for you to relax around or participate in a water aerobics class. Land activities include an archery range, tennis courts and even a trapeze. You can enjoy unlimited beverages at several bars throughout the property as well as enjoy quality cuisine while poolside and at a buffet-style restaurant. If you have children 4 to 12 years of age, they can participate in the Kids Club which has organized activities like team games, painting and sand castle building. When you have finished your day, you simply have someone at the resort hail a cab. This Freeport shore excursion does not include transportation to and from the cruise ship pier to Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort.

Round-Trip Beach Transfer to Junkanoo Beach Club

The Round-Trip Beach Transfer to Junkanoo Beach Club is the perfect Freeport Shore Excursion for families to spend a day at one of the premier beach clubs in the Bahamas. Your 3.5-hour beach opportunity is available for departure at three different times throughout the day and you will meet your expert guide at your cruise ship pier. You will then be transported by a comfortable coach to the Junkanoo Beach Club. You will need to pay a $3.00USD fee to enter the beach and from there your fun is limitless. You can decide to rent a Segway, go snorkeling, take a swim or just relax under an umbrella on this beautiful white sand beach. There is food and drink available for purchase while you are enjoying the Bahamian sun and surf in your own little piece of paradise. The Junkanoo Beach Club is known for having reliable vendors with everything from waterskiing to jet skiing to standup paddleboards to parasailing. You will be amazed at how much energy can you expend at this beach with all its recreation opportunities. After you scheduled time has expired, you will be provided drop-off service back at your cruise ship pier.

Round-Trip Beach Transfer to Paradise Cove

The round-Trip Beach Transfer to Paradise Cove is a great Freeport Shore Excursion for families to spend a day soaking up the surf and sun in Freeport. Your 3.5-hour excursion is available for you to enjoy in the morning or afternoon. You will find the Beach Hopper coach at your cruise ship pier and take a 12-mile drive along a southwestern route until you reach the white sands of Paradise Cove Beach. After arriving at the beach, you will pay a small entrance fee before enjoying the beach area. You have plenty of opportunities at Paradis Cove Beach to swim, relax under an umbrella, walk the beachfront or rent equipment for one of the many motorized and non-motorized watersport activities available at this beach. One big highlight at Paradise Cove Beach is the chance for you to snorkel at the famed Deadman’s Reef which is just offshore. The reef is full of colorful reef formations and is home to numerous species of marine life. When you are hungry or thirsty, you can order from the beach bar which serves cold libations and plenty of tasty food. Whether you are interested in fun in the sun or just plain relaxing while the family enjoys the warm Caribbean Sea, this is the perfect Freeport shore excursion to spend part of your day. When your scheduled time concludes, you will be transported back to your cruise ship pier.

Freeport, Bahamas

Freeport, grand bahama.

ShoreExcursions.com offers an excellent variety of independent shore excursions in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Unforgettable Shore Excursions in Freeport, Grand Bahama

Explore the breathtaking wonders of Freeport, Grand Bahama. Dive into a world of adventure, relaxation, and discovery as you embark on a journey that will create lifelong memories. From thrilling water sports to serene nature explorations, there’s something for everyone on these captivating excursions.

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer

Thrilling Adventures Await!

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. With our shore adventures, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Freeport and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Snorkel alongside tropical fish and marvel at the colorful coral formations. For those seeking more excitement, hop on a jet ski and feel the wind in your hair as you zip across the waves. The thrill of these adventures is simply unmatched.

Immerse Yourself in Natural Beauty

Discover the Wonders of Nature

Freeport, Grand Bahama is a paradise of natural beauty, and our shore excursions allow you to immerse yourself in its wonders. Embark on a guided nature hike through lush rainforests and encounter exotic flora and fauna along the way. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet as you stroll along pristine beaches, or kayak through tranquil mangrove forests, witnessing the incredible biodiversity that thrives here. These experiences will awaken your senses and leave you with a profound appreciation for the natural world.

Indulge in Cultural Delights

Immerse Yourself in Bahamian Culture

Delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Bahamas during our shore excursions. Visit the charming Port Lucaya Marketplace, where local artisans showcase their craftsmanship. Explore the vibrant straw market, where you can find unique souvenirs and handcrafted treasures. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the island with a lively Junkanoo dance performance. These cultural experiences will leave you with a deeper understanding of the Bahamian way of life.

Below are Viator Shore Excursions:

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Royal caribbean vs. carnival: quick comparison chart.

Decide which line is best based on costs, food, onboard entertainment and other key factors.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line have quite a bit in common.

Trying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

SBW-Photo | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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Kids programming

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Getty Images

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
• How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
• The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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