22 Offbeat Cruise Excursions That Go Way Beyond Sightseeing

When most people think of cruise excursions, they picture relaxing beach breaks, scenic city tours, and well-trodden tourist spots. But for travelers craving something more immersive, thrilling, or downright unexpected, cruise lines are offering excursions that go way beyond traditional sightseeing. From diving into underwater caves and trekking across glaciers to learning ancient traditions from remote island communities, these unique experiences prove that the most unforgettable moments often happen off the ship. Originally, we curated a list of 12 offbeat cruise excursions, but with so many incredible adventures now available, we've expanded it to 22 must-try excursions for travelers looking to make their next cruise truly extraordinary. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, nature enthusiast, or cultural explorer, these excursions will take you far beyond the souvenir shops and guided tours, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences that transform a cruise into an unforgettable journey. Let’s dive into the most exciting, unusual, and immersive cruise excursions that prove adventure doesn’t stop at the shoreline!

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!

13. Walk on the Edge of an Active Volcano in Vanuatu

Cruises to the South Pacific often stop at Port Vila, Vanuatu, where adventurous travelers can take an excursion to Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Unlike many volcano tours that keep visitors at a safe distance, this once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to stand right at the crater’s edge, watching as molten lava explodes into the night sky. The trek up the volcano is exhilarating, and the reward—an up-close view of the Earth’s raw power—is absolutely worth it. Pro Tip: Tours typically depart at sunset, giving you the most dramatic views of the lava against the night sky. Bring a scarf or mask to protect yourself from the sulfur fumes!

14. Explore an Ice Cave Beneath a Glacier in Iceland

For cruise travelers stopping in Reykjavik or Akureyri, Iceland, an excursion into an ice cave beneath Vatnajökull Glacier is a surreal and otherworldly experience. These shimmering blue tunnels are carved by glacial meltwater and change shape every season, meaning no two visits are exactly alike. Equipped with crampons and a guide, you’ll walk deep into the frozen underworld, where the ice glows in eerie shades of blue, white, and turquoise. Pro Tip: The best ice caves form in winter (November-March) when the ice is most stable. If you're visiting in summer, consider an ice tunnel tour instead.

15. Take a Submarine Ride to an Underwater Shipwreck in Barbados

While many Caribbean cruise excursions focus on snorkeling or scuba diving, Barbados offers a rare chance to explore the deep sea in a real submarine. The Atlantis Submarine Tour takes you 150 feet below the ocean’s surface, where you’ll glide past coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and even a sunken shipwreck. No diving gear required—just sit back and enjoy the thrill of being inside a real underwater vessel. Pro Tip: For the clearest views, book a morning tour before the sand and sea life get stirred up by other activities.

16. Ride the World’s Steepest Zipline in Labadee, Haiti

If your cruise stops in Labadee, Haiti, prepare for an adrenaline rush like no other. The Dragon’s Breath Flight Line is the longest over-water zipline in the world, stretching 2,600 feet above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. You’ll soar from a mountain peak at 50 mph, experiencing breathtaking views of the coast and lush jungle below. The feeling of flying over the ocean is pure exhilaration! Pro Tip: Wear securely strapped sandals or sneakers—flip-flops are likely to get lost mid-flight.

17. Swim with Wild Stingrays in the Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman is famous for Stingray City, a shallow sandbar where dozens of wild stingrays glide through the crystal-clear waters. Unlike aquariums or marine parks, these rays are completely free, but over decades, they’ve learned to associate humans with food—so they swim right up to you! Standing in waist-deep water, you can pet, feed, and even get a friendly "kiss" from a stingray—a tradition said to bring good luck. Pro Tip: If you’re nervous, don’t worry—these rays are incredibly gentle and accustomed to human interaction.

18. Go Whale Watching Under the Northern Lights in Norway

A stop in Tromsø or Alta, Norway, offers an unbelievable double adventure—whale watching under the aurora borealis. In winter, these Arctic waters become a feeding ground for humpback and orca whales, while the dancing northern lights illuminate the sky above. On a small zodiac boat, you'll get up close to these massive creatures as they breach and hunt in the icy fjords. Pro Tip: Winter (November to January) is prime season for this experience, so bundle up with plenty of thermal layers!

19. Explore a 5,000-Year-Old Underground City in Turkey

If your cruise includes a stop in Kuşadası, Turkey, don’t just visit Ephesus—venture into the Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. Carved into volcanic rock 5,000 years ago, this sprawling city extends 18 stories underground, with tunnels, hidden escape routes, air shafts, and even ancient wineries. Originally built as a refuge, it’s a real-life labyrinth waiting to be explored. Pro Tip: The tunnels can be narrow and steep, so skip this one if you’re claustrophobic.

20. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Masai Mara

For those cruising through East Africa, a detour into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve for a hot air balloon safari is worth every penny. At sunrise, you’ll gently float over vast golden plains, watching elephants, giraffes, lions, and zebras roam below. The sense of peace and grandeur is absolutely unmatched—and the champagne breakfast upon landing makes it even better! Pro Tip: Bring a good camera with zoom capabilities—this is a photographer’s paradise.

21. Explore a Ghost Town in Namibia’s Desert

The abandoned diamond-mining town of Kolmanskop, Namibia, is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places on Earth. If your cruise stops in Walvis Bay, this surreal excursion takes you to a town that was once wealthy and bustling—but is now being slowly reclaimed by the desert. Sand dunes engulf old mansions, creating an eerie post-apocalyptic atmosphere perfect for photographers and history lovers alike. Pro Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is best for capturing the ghostly beauty of the sand-filled ruins.

22. Trek Across a Desert to Swim in a Hidden Oasis in Egypt

While most travelers to Egypt focus on Cairo and the pyramids, those stopping at Alexandria or Port Said have a truly offbeat adventure waiting in the Siwa Oasis. After a drive across the stunning Great Sand Sea, you'll reach a hidden oasis of crystal-clear, mineral-rich pools surrounded by golden dunes and palm trees. It’s like stepping into a mirage come to life. Pro Tip: The desert heat is intense, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water for this unforgettable trek.

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 22 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.