Shore Excursions

Personally I just love the atmosphere of the cruise ship and given a choice would father just stay om the ship during the whole cruise and skip the shore excursions.   Before embarking off to your destination and beginning your cruise, the cruise line you choose to travel on offers an entire booklet dedicated to shore excursions at each port of entry.

 This will include anything from snorkeling, to a hiking path, ATV's, dune buggies, horseback riding.  You name it they probably have it.  For convenience and yes as well for additional profit for the cruise line all of these excursions and activities can be purchased on-board the ship or you may even purchase them prior to departure.

 The intention of my blog today is to target those that are not so enthusiastic about spending $1,400 for the group to pet a dolphin as my son and his family did.  With a little bit of research, which is readily available on the web, you can find and access local businesses that are very competitive with the businesses the cruise ships use.

 Often when contacted personally you get the same service, for a better price and even more personal.  A few years ago, when I was married and went on a quick cruise to BAJA Mexico, including Catalina Island and Ensanada Mexico. We decided to book all of our own excursions.

 My wife wanted to go snorkeling in Ensanada Mexico. In Ensanada the water is very cold and poor visibility and probably not the best snorkeling.  In fact it is not offered as a shore excursion anywhere.

 Well as persistent as my wife could be she researched and found a local person that would pick you up right off the cruise ship, drive you to the other side of the Island to a quaint little cove.  He provided wet suits to deal with the cold water issue.  He spent the next 2 hours  taking you out in this cove and giving a wonderful description of any local plant, corral or fish life.

As a side note it felt pretty cool when our guide told us that we were the only Two people from the ship today that had the opportunity to do a water activity.  Guess what it was just the 3 of us. Myself, my wife and the guide.  

All the way there and back he pointed out things and talked about local culture and people. We discussed everything from the average local income to the night life, and the cost of real estate in the area.  It was quite an adventure, riding around in the back of his blazer with the top off.  

He provided snacks for the day and when we were all done he gave us a tour of the down town business district.  The day included lunch, as he took us too this wonderful street taco vendor.  He bought us all the fish and shrimp tacos and soda pop we wanted.  I have been hooked on fish tacos since that day, but have not been able to find any as good as those in Ensanada that day.  

Okay here is the best news of all.  The entire package that I just briefly described was like $45.00 per person.  Oh my gosh what an incredible day.  I have booked other expeditions and activities myself as well.  Continue reading these blogs for more great cruising information. Be a little bit adventuresome and try to book some of these shore excursions with local businesses.

As Usual Bon Voyague and Happy Sailing Fellow Cruisers.

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