Shore excursions are one of the best parts of a cruise—but they’re also one of the priciest. While cruise lines offer convenience and coordination, their tours often come with high markups and large group sizes. Fortunately, many ports are easy to explore independently, giving you more flexibility and saving you significant money.

Here’s how to plan your own shore excursions and enjoy authentic experiences without the inflated price tag.

Why DIY Shore Excursions Can Be a Smart Choice

Booking through the cruise line guarantees you won’t miss the ship, but it’s rarely the most affordable option. Many independent tours offer similar or better experiences at a lower cost, and in some cases, ports are walkable or offer inexpensive transportation.

Benefits of DIY shore excursions:

• Lower cost compared to cruise-booked tours
  
• Smaller groups or private tours
  
• Freedom to customize your schedule
  
• Direct support for local businesses
  

That said, it’s essential to manage your time carefully and return to the ship early to avoid missing embarkation.

Start With Port Research

Every port is different. Some offer beaches and city centers just steps from the terminal; others may require a taxi or bus ride. Before your cruise, visit these resources:

• CruiseMapper for port locations and terminal maps
  
• Travel forums like TripAdvisor and r/Cruise on Reddit

Find out:

• Is the port industrial or scenic?
  
• How far is the city center?
  
• Are there beaches or activities nearby?
  
• Is public transportation available and reliable?
  

Use Independent Tour Platforms

Sites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Shore Excursions Group offer private or small-group tours at most cruise ports. Many include transportation, local guides, and refund guarantees if your ship is late or changes schedule.

Check ratings, cancellation policies, and customer reviews before booking. Be sure to communicate your ship’s arrival and departure time clearly when booking.

Plan On Your Own With Public Transit or Taxis

In some ports—especially in the Caribbean and Mediterranean—you can hop in a taxi or use local buses to reach beaches, markets, or historic sites. For example:

• In Cozumel, a $10–15 taxi ride can get you to popular beaches like Paradise Beach.
  
• In Dubrovnik, the walled city is a short walk or bus ride from the port.
  
• In Barcelona, hop-on-hop-off buses leave directly from the terminal area.
  

Always agree on taxi fares upfront and carry local currency when possible.

Use Cashback and Rewards Tools for Pre-Booking

If you’re planning ahead and booking tours, consider using cashback platforms like Rakuten or Ibotta for travel-related purchases. Additionally, buying gift cards through Fluz for merchants like Airbnb or other participating travel brands may allow you to earn cashback on shore excursion bookings when available.

Pack Smart for DIY Days

To avoid unexpected costs or discomfort, pack these essentials:

• Copies of your passport and ship schedule
  
• Cash for transportation and entry fees
  
• Portable phone charger and offline maps
  
• Sunscreen, water bottle, and a light backpack
  
• Reef-safe gear for beach or snorkeling stops
  

Return to the Ship Early—Always

Cruise lines guarantee ship reboarding only for passengers on their tours. If you explore independently, build in plenty of buffer time—aim to return to port at least 90 minutes before sail-away. Missing the ship can be costly and stressful, especially if the next port is far away.

The Bottom Line

DIY shore excursions offer a rewarding, budget-friendly way to explore new destinations. With the right preparation, you can experience authentic culture, stunning scenery, and exciting activities—often for half the price of cruise-sponsored tours. Just remember to plan smart, manage your time, and keep flexibility in mind.