Bahamas Shore Excursions

First 7-day cruise, will I find enough to do on shore without purchasing excursions?

This is my first week-long cruise which stops at cozumel, belize, cayman islands, etc.
Are shore excursions necessary, or would I be fine exploring on my own?
I've done it before in the Bahamas, but will it be fine on the previously mentioned destinations? Would I HAVE enough to do WITHOUT the ridiculously priced shore-excursions they sell on the ship?

Yes, if you're willing to do your research.

In your case, Coz and Cayman are both easy and safe to do on your own. In Coz, you can just grab a cab south to one of the many beach clubs or to Chakanaab Park. In Cayman you can grab a cab or the public bus and go to Seven Mile Beach. If you want umbrellas, chairs, drinks, etc. at either place, of course, you'll pay for them.

Belize is NOT easy to do on your own. It's generally not recommended that you go outside the gates of the port to wander around. You may want to arrange for someone to take you on a tour, or arrange an excursion to the cave tubing, etc. If you want to go snorkeling, and you're on Carnival, you can arrange a ship excursion to take you to Goff's Caye right from the ship, so you can avoid the long tender into port and back out again - well worth it, we thought.

Go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then go to "Ports of Call" and browse through the comments from past cruisers. Your library will also have books on Caribbean ports of call that can be helpful in a more general way.

Have fun! [And, as someone else said, MAKE SURE you get back to the ship on time! And be prepared just in case you don't - money/credit card, passport, etc.]

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Nassau Bahamas Shore Excursions HELP!!!?

Ok, so I am going on a 7 day cruise on Carnival in January. I was searching for fun shore excursions on www.bestonbahamas.com. I saw a shore excursion called "Adventure Glass Bottom Kayak"(see the hyperlink below) and it was really cool! I read all the details and saw the pictures, but then I thought... what if little 4 year old Jeffrey can't participate?

Although the reseller omits the restrictions on the website, the tour company that provides this service has a restricition..

Here's the info from their website:

Included:

~ Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkels, and fins)
~ Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres or sandwiches
~ A complimentary tropical beverage
* Snacks and alcoholic beverages are available for sale

Please Note:
~ The age range for this tour is 7 to 60 years
~ At the time of departure, waiver, release and indemnity agreement will need to be signed by all passengers (parents must sign for minor children)
~ This tour is a moderate level activity and participants must know how to swim
~ This excursion is not suitable for people with medical conditions or pregnant women

48 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED. This tour offers pick-up from Nassau and Paradise Island hotels. Rates are per person in US Dollars. Child rates apply to ages 7 to 12. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-317-1580.

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