12 Offbeat Cruise Excursions That Go Way Beyond Sightseeing
Cruising often conjures images of sunbathing on deck, strolling through tourist-packed ports, and ticking off famous landmarks. But for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary, some cruise excursions break the mold, offering deeper cultural immersion, heart-pounding adventure, and hands-on experiences. Whether it’s diving into uncharted waters, trekking through volcanic landscapes, or engaging with remote communities, these 12 offbeat cruise excursions prove that the best part of a cruise isn’t always the ship—it’s what happens when you step off it.
1. Snorkel Between Continents in Iceland’s Silfra Fissure
Forget warm, tropical waters—one of the world’s most extraordinary snorkeling experiences takes place in Iceland’s Silfra Fissure, where you can float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Excursions from Reykjavik or Akureyri-based cruises take you into Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll slip into a drysuit and plunge into the crystal-clear glacial waters of Silfra. With visibility reaching over 300 feet, the fissure reveals an underwater world of neon-blue rock formations and deep crevices. The water is icy, but the experience—swimming quite literally between continents—is unforgettable. Pro Tip: This isn’t a casual snorkeling experience. The water hovers around 35°F (2°C), and while a drysuit keeps you from freezing, a love for adventure is a must!
2. Volcano Surfing in Nicaragua
When a cruise stops in Corinto, Nicaragua, you can take the standard city tour—or you can hurl yourself down the side of an active volcano on a wooden board. At Cerro Negro, one of the youngest volcanoes in Central America, adrenaline-seekers hike up its black, ashy slopes before donning protective gear and “surfing” or sledding down the steep face at speeds up to 50 mph. The volcanic landscape feels otherworldly, and the thrill is unlike anything else on the cruise circuit. Pro Tip: Choose between standing like a snowboarder or sitting like a sledder—both methods guarantee a rush, but sledding is easier to control!
3. Dive with Great White Sharks in South Africa
A port stop in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth can lead to one of the most exhilarating wildlife encounters on the planet—diving with great white sharks. This isn’t your average marine excursion; in Gansbaai, known as the "Great White Capital of the World," you’ll board a cage-diving vessel and submerge into waters teeming with these apex predators. No diving experience is necessary, and watching these magnificent creatures glide just feet away from you is an unforgettable thrill. Pro Tip:Shark activity peaks between May and October. If you prefer to stay dry, you can observe from the boat—sometimes, the best views happen at the surface!
4. Camel Trekking Across the Sahara Desert
If your cruise stops in Casablanca, Morocco, don’t settle for a city tour—opt for a trek into the Sahara Desert, where you can ride a camel across golden dunes just as traders did for centuries. Some excursions extend into the evening, offering starlit dinners in a Berber camp, where you’ll experience traditional Moroccan hospitality, music, and tagine feasts under an endless sky. Pro Tip: Wear loose, breathable clothing and bring a scarf or bandana to protect against the desert wind and sand.
5. Explore the Floating Villages of Vietnam
In Halong Bay or the Mekong Delta, travelers can step beyond the typical junk boat tours and venture into floating villages, where locals have lived on the water for generations. Instead of simply cruising by, immersive excursions allow you to visit floating homes, schools, and markets, learning how residents adapt to life without land. The experience offers a rare glimpse into a unique way of life that few tourists truly experience. Pro Tip: Be sure to bring small cash bills if you want to purchase fresh seafood or handmade goods from local vendors.
6. Hunt for Glowworms in New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves
While many New Zealand cruises highlight fjords and vineyards, few travelers expect to embark on a magical underground adventure. From Tauranga or Auckland, an excursion to the Waitomo Caves takes you into a subterranean world illuminated by thousands of tiny, bioluminescent glowworms. You’ll glide silently through the caves in a small boat, as the creatures overhead create a starlit galaxy-like scene. Pro Tip:This is a popular attraction, but early morning tours tend to be quieter and more atmospheric.
7. Kayak Among Icebergs in Alaska
A cruise to Glacier Bay or Juneau, Alaska, is already spectacular, but to truly connect with the landscape, trade the ship’s viewing deck for a kayak excursion among icebergs. Paddling through fjord-filled waters, you’ll get close to towering glaciers, seals sunning themselves on floating ice, and maybe even a passing whale. The silence of the Arctic landscape is awe-inspiring—until the occasional thunderous crack of a glacier calving into the sea. Pro Tip:Dress in layers! Even in summer, the icy waters can make temperatures feel much colder than expected.
8. Swim in the World’s Only Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico
While the Caribbean is known for snorkeling and white-sand beaches, one of its most magical experiences happens at night. From San Juan or Vieques, an excursion to Mosquito Bay—the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world—lets you swim or kayak in waters that glow with every movement. The phenomenon, caused by tiny microorganisms reacting to movement, makes you feel like you’re surrounded by underwater fairy lights. Pro Tip: To get the best glow effect, visit during a new moon, when the sky is darkest.
9. Trek to the Lost City of the Incas in Peru
A cruise along Peru’s Pacific Coast offers an opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, but for a more offbeat alternative, head to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) in Colombia. Predating Machu Picchu by 650 years, this ancient site requires a challenging multi-day jungle trek, leading to a hidden city only recently uncovered. The hike takes you through lush rainforest, indigenous villages, and stunning mountains before arriving at the sacred ruins. Pro Tip: The trek is intense—come prepared with good hiking boots, bug spray, and an adventurous spirit.
10. Dog Sledding on a Glacier in Norway
From Tromsø or Svalbard, hop on a helicopter for an Arctic dog-sledding adventure on a remote glacier. Here, a team of enthusiastic huskies will pull you across frozen landscapes, their excited barks echoing in the icy silence. It’s a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime way to experience the Arctic wilderness. Pro Tip: Many tours let you drive your own sled, so get ready for a hands-on adventure!
11. Track Gorillas in the Jungles of Uganda
For travelers on a Nile River cruise or an East African voyage, a side excursion to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda offers the rare chance to trek deep into the jungle and observe wild gorillas in their natural habitat. These treks, led by experienced guides, bring you face-to-face with one of the most incredible species on Earth. Pro Tip: Gorilla permits are limited and sell out months in advance, so book early!
12. Take a Zodiac Safari Through Patagonia’s Ice Fields
Cruises along South America’s southern coast often include Patagonia, but the most incredible way to experience it is by Zodiac boat. Instead of simply admiring glaciers from a cruise deck, small boats take you through ice-clogged channels, up close to massive ice walls, and into hidden fjords. You’ll feel the raw power of Patagonia’s landscape as you float among towering peaks and massive icebergs. Pro Tip: Bring waterproof gloves—handling a camera in the cold can be tricky!
Beyond the Shore: The Joy of Unexpected Adventures
A cruise is more than just a way to reach a destination—it’s an invitation to explore, engage, and embrace the unexpected. These 12 excursions go beyond sightseeing, offering hands-on, immersive experiences that push the boundaries of what a cruise can be. So next time you book a voyage, go beyond the guided city tour. Take the leap, paddle the fjord, dive into the deep, and discover the magic waiting beyond the shore.
