32 Offbeat Cruise Excursions That Go Way Beyond Sightseeing

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!