Port Canaveral Cruise Port Stop 1pm - 9pm What to do???

[Mione]

We will be sailing on the Breakaway in a few weeks and trying to plan out our cruise port excursions. Having a bit of trouble with our first port of call Port Canaveral. Due to the late arrival time (1pm - 9pm) the normal excursions like Kennedy Space Center or Orlando's theme parks just wont work due to time constraints. Can anyone suggest something interesting and fun to do with a group of three adults and 2 children (boys) ages 11 & 13. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

Mione

[dexddd]

Stay on ship and enjoy slides with small lines. NCL getting into PC so late has limited what you can do.

 

If you haven't been to KSC you might still think about that even through NCL as it is fabulous. NCL excursion supposedly gets a little after hours time there.

[pe4all]

Kennedy Space Center is usually open till 6 pm. We used VIPLimo (Mike and Marla -owners) for transport. They were waiting for us when we ported, drove us to KSC, then picked us up and drove us back to ship. 5 hours is a nice amount of time there - just make sure you go online and book your time for tour at KSC before you arrive so you know everything is set. Ship excursion is probably more expensive, but may give you more time there. Otherwise, Cocoa Beach is a nice place to hang out - grab a cab! Or, as dexdd suggested - stay on ship and enjoy all there is to do there without the crowds!

[mkmaj]

We will be sailing on the Breakaway in a few weeks and trying to plan out our cruise port excursions. Having a bit of trouble with our first port of call Port Canaveral. Due to the late arrival time (1pm - 9pm) the normal excursions like Kennedy Space Center or Orlando's theme parks just wont work due to time constraints. Can anyone suggest something interesting and fun to do with a group of three adults and 2 children (boys) ages 11 & 13. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

Mione

My kids (9&13) are very excited to go back to Cocoa Beach. We spent a day there on a land based Disney Vacation a few years ago and loved it.

If you're not beach fans there are some cool looking airboat tours, a little shopping village, etc. and Kennedy would be cool. Disney/Universal (sorry to the zillions that go!) would be a complete waste in my opinion. It's very expensive and not much time in the actual park. (I can understand if it's a bucket list type of thing and no other chance to go, etc.)

 

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[seamonkey]

I can give you some sites and you can pick out what you and your kids might like if not interested in Disney.

The Kennedy Space center is terrific even for kids and they added even more.

 

These are a few sites that can advise you on more to do. I also suggest you go to the inlet to eat and see other ships leaving.

You can rent by the hour small scooters that hold 2 people and have a lot of fun discovering the pier and city.

 

https://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Florida/Cocoa_Beach-761789/Transportation-Cocoa_Beach-TG-C-1.html

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34145-d2285722-Reviews-The_Dinosaur_Store_Adventure_Zone-Cocoa_Beach_Brevard_County_Florida.html

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34145-d3844186-Reviews-Scooters_n_Spokes-Cocoa_Beach_Brevard_County_Florida.html

[MellyMel612]

Rent a car and go to Gatorland (Orlando but not a full day trip) or to take an airboat ride or the Brevard County Zoo

 

Rent a car and go to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - lots of gators and birds, also a manatee viewing deck - this would be my choice - unspoiled nature, the Wildlife Drive is awesome. We fish this area almost every weekend

 

Explore the port

 

Fishing charter

 

Agree that KSC is still worth it, it's a great place to visit

[bermudagal56]

I have stopped at that port several times and I always end up doing the same thing. Purchase the transfer tickets from the ship to cocoa beach and purchase them early so you will be one of the first ones off the ship. (I have also just taken the bus outside the port but too many stops along the way) Enjoy a few hours on the beach. Its very nice. You can rent chairs there. After the beach, there are 2 surf shops- one is the Ron John shop and I forget the name of the other and they are near each other. They are one block to the beach. The shuttle from the ship drops you off at that surf shop so you can do that first if you want but if you buy anything you have to carry it to the beach.

[Sanlin]

Brevard Zoo in Melbourne is about a 25 minute drive. Cute zoo but has a zip line and tree treck path above the zoo. I think the last trip out is 3:30 or so. My 11 year old grandson did it. Cocoa Beach and Ron Jon is good also. Many restaurants on the pier.

[seamonkey]

https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise

https://www.portcanaveral.com/Recreation

https://www.portcanaveral.com/Recreation/Boat-Ramps-Parks

http://www.portcanaveralwebcam.com/

http://www.visitspacecoast.com/towns/port-canaveral/

http://visitportcanaveral.com/

http://www.worldportsource.com/ports/maps/USA_FL_Port_Canaveral_221.php

 

 

Use the plus sign to get a closer view....It's a bit of a problem for people to know how to get to the restrarants (Heading NORTH) on A-1-A also called Astronauts Blvd) Keep to the RIGHT... and head towards the Victory Casino boat...but turn left at the first light and it will take you down to the channel/ fish store/restaurants....ASK...ASK..ask. People are happy to show you.

and watch the other lines leave starting at 4:45 pm

Port Canaveral – Tourist Information

I think there is a lot to do near the Port but Walt Disney World and other theme parks are just over an hour away by road!

The locations of the activities listed below are indicated on our area maps.

The activities below are presented to help cruise passengers who have a day or more in the area before/after their cruise. If you are visiting on a cruise ship and planning a shore excursion, please read our Shoretrips section.

Getting Around

Public Transportation:

The SCAT route system is not always convenient for visitors because it is designed for locals traveling to work and about. But it is cheap!

Routes 9 and 4 are useful for visitors staying in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. You can travel between Cocoa Village, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.

Please note the Cape Canaveral section (near the Port) runs anti-clockwise, meaning the bus drives one way in a loop.

Shuttles/Taxis

If you do not want to drive or use the public beach bus, then shuttle/taxi/Uber/Lyft services are available.

888-transportation has a port contract with hail privileges whereas others have to pay port entry fees ($3 or more depending on vehicle size) which add to the costs. So while other companies may offer cheaper per mile or metered rates, it is best to compare them with 888-transportation before booking. They will all be busy so it is best if you call ahead.

Here is a list of the shuttles I see most often in the area.

Cocoa Beach Shuttle

Beach Line

Hoo Ha taxi – (321) 749 3232 – a fixed rate service that is very popular with locals

Happy Hour Shuttle – Growing in popularity and recommended!

Uber and Lyft are available and growing in popularity!

Expect to pay up around $20 for two people for a one-way trip from Ron Jon Surf shop to the Port for example.

Kennedy Space Center:

The most popular attraction in the area is just a short drive north of Port Canaveral.

A private return shuttle to Kennedy Space Center averages between $80 and $120 roundtrip for 2 people (total) plus 20% tip. If you self-drive, the parking costs are $10.

Beach:

The best beach is Jetty Park. The beach there is wide with some wave action and life guards are on duty. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and some beach toys (beach chair/umbrella rentals for 2 people are about $20 a day).

If you want to go to the beach near restaurants/bars, try the Cocoa Beach Pier area Mostly bar food. Cruise ship shore excursions go to Shepard beach (near Ron Jon) with several restaurants/bars nearby.

TIP – even when the waves do not look that big, the ocean here is deceiving with dangerous rip currents and the (very) rare shark attack. For these reason I suggest you ALWAYS swim near a lifeguard station. Restrooms are also important as well as beach toy rentals!

There are four year round lifeguard towers near Port Canaveral

Jetty Park – closest to the cruise ships with restaurant/shop/cafe/rentals/restrooms but the cafe opening times vary during the year.

Cocoa Beach Pier – the busiest beach with everything you need nearby including bars, restaurants and shops

Shepard Park – the beach of choice for cruise ship shore excursions near Ron Jon and always busy. Bars, restaurants, rentals nearby

Lori Wilson Park – fewer people and the furthest away from the port. Restrooms and rentals but no restaurants or bars nearby except at the Hilton and International Palms

At the Pier and Ron Jon areas you will find several companies for learning how to surf, paddleboard, etc. I know the kids love the surfing lessons so please consider that but do be aware the water is cold in winter and I recommend you use a surf school that supply wetsuits.

Activities (Orlando area):

The theme parks are only 75 minutes away.

To save money you can visit Disney Springs (a free Disney-like experience but be aware it is mostly restaurants and shops), or perhaps a lesser-known place like Gatorland

Activities (other than Orlando and Kennedy Space Center):

The best activities around Port Canaveral are beach or nature-based but there are very good museums too. Manatees, gators, airboats, learn to surf, kayak, hike, etc. are on offer. Airboats are a lot of noisy fun! Pre-arrangements/bookings are crucial.

　

Sunward Tours – They can arrange just about any activity including the great Canaveral Lighthouse tour!

FunDay Tours – Works primarily with pre-formed groups such as shore trips but check them out anyway.

Segway Tours – Will guide you around the Port on segways! Fun trip!

Bike rentals – See our dedicated bike rental page!

Airboat rides – There are several but most shore excursions go to Midway or Lone Cabbage. To get away from the crowds, try Grasshopper, Old Fashioned Airboat Rides or Switchgrass

Kayaking to see manatees and wildlife – Adventure Kayak, Fin Expeditions for Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Also Calypso at Manatee Cove not far from Kennedy Space Center.

TIP – from November to March the Manatees prefer warmer water in other areas and may not be seen regularly around Canaveral.

Learn to Surf. Cocoa Beach is where world champion Kelly Slater learned to surf, so why not follow in his footsteps? Cocoa Beach Surf Company or Ron Jon are solid representatives of the many surf school companies in the area.

Air Force Space and Missile History Center – The history of the launch areas around Canaveral. Very informative.

Parker Brother’s Concepts – A living Hollywood museum of their fascinating vehicle creations for movies and celebrities. See the Shredder from the Battleship movie and many other custom fabrications.

Warbird Museum – If you love aviation then this is the place to go. Lovingly maintained by volunteers (mostly ex-armed forces). It is an amazing museum.

Police Hall of Fame – More interesting than most expect. Various exhibits of the history of major crime as well as an impressive though very sad memorial. Policing nowadays get plenty of bad press but it is sobering to see how many perish daily around the country. It is a very dangerous job. Respect.

Astronaut Hall of Fame – Part of the Kennedy Space Center experience but in a different location. Be sure to visit using the same entrance tickets otherwise you have to pay extra.

Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek – Much more than a zoo, it is an adventure that the whole family will enjoy! Do not miss the train as it steams from Cairo to Australasia past Lemur Island and into Africa!

Shopping – Dinosaur Store and Museum and Ron Jon Surf Shop are fun for kids old and young!

Wildlife Parks – Jungle Adventures. An old-time Florida animal park. Not fancy but friendly and interesting. Larger than Expected. Shore excursions often combine the Jungle and a Midway Airboat ride in the same package.

Pontoon Boat rides on the Banana River – To see wildlife including manatees (not many around from Nov to Apr). Start with Island Boat Lines and also Wild Side Tours

Forever Florida – A a really adventurous safari with swamp buggy rides, ziplines, etc! A bit far unless you have car.

Cocoa Beach Skatepark – Certainly unusual for cruisers but a seriously fun and safe skatepark for the cool kids in your family if they packed skate boards! Open at 4pm during school days so plan accordingly so they can skate for 2 hours or so before returning to your ship.

Brewery – Florida Beer Company – Offers an interesting tour and tasting arrangement! Close to the Port.

Obstacle Course (like American Ninja Warrior) – Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures – Climb high and complete the challenging zip line course way up in the air!

[maryisme]

Seamonkey,

Some really great info here. Thanks for taking the time.

 

 

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[shof515]

for the airboat rides, is it do-able in november or will it be too cool/windy?

[seamonkey]

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/cocoa-beach-fl/32931/february-weather/2230945

[Mione]

Thank you all for the great ideas. I am sure we will be able to put together a great day from many of the offered suggestions. SeaMonkey thank you so much for your detailed information. Everyone's suggestions were greatly appreciated.

[seamonkey]

We are a busy little town now with so many cruise ships.

Keep a close eye on weather conditions though the site AccuWeather just before you leave, so you can decide indoor or outdoor activities.

The map is helpful with it's ability to zoom in very closely. It's helpful to find how far apart some things are by dragging the map around.

I can't say enough about the dock area and the fish shops and restaurants where you can view the ships leaving port, so close you could almost touch them....Hearing the cruise directors and music.

We may be small, but we have many activities, even if not known. Carnivals, festivals and parades at times.

Have a GREAT time!

[SteerageJoe]

Dear Mione

 

The information presented in an earlier post was recently updated and expanded! So for the latest list of shore trip and private activities available during your Port Canaveral stop, please visit the following site:

 

http://cruiseportcanaveral.us/shoretrips/

In particular, look for the water-based activities, the scoot coupe rentals and bike rentals (complete with route maps). Your family can rent bikes for a few hours and visit most of the attractions between the Port and Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach!

 

Have fun!

[biker@sea]

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Merritt_Island/Endangered_Species.html.aspx

 

Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge / Canaveral nation seashore had , Gators, Manatee's, Tons of Pink flamingo's etc. :D

 

rent a car.

 

.

[Cruslvr81]

With two boys I'd say Kenndey Space Center would be a hit. We arrived the same hours on the GEM lest year and while I would have liked a little of more time there was enough to see everything. I also agree with other posters: buy your tickets online and make your own travel arrangements , I forget who we used but defiantly saved money over the NCL Excursion.

[mudders]

We really enjoyed walking to the park near the ship. When you leave the ship the park is to the right. We saw many sea turtles off of the jetty.

 

 

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[amberjohn]

Stopping in Port Canaveral from 1-9pm on 11/27/18.  Planning on just going to

the beach for a few hours.  Is the water warm enough to comfortably swim

this time of year or should we plan on something else to do?

 

How does the shuttle run from the cruise ports?  Is it $15 one way or can

you get off and on?

 

Thanks

[BirdTravels]

Be careful about prices and information. You are posting to a 2 year old thread. Things change. 

[SteerageJoe]

Cruise line Shore Excursions to the Beach

• Travel time – It takes about 15-20 minutes from the Port to Alan Shepard Park or the Sheraton Four Points Hotel from where it is a very short walk to the beach (east) and the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.
• Frequency – The buses run every 30 minutes or so and the last shuttle is usually 3 hours prior to ship sailing time from both pick up and drop off location.
• Costs – Average $15 to $19 per adult for the round-trip usually including 15% shopping discount vouchers but this depends on the cruise line.
• Description – This is a cruise line bus service running continually throughout the day during your cruise ship visit. You will travel mostly in smaller vans but some times a large bus.
• Negatives – While convenient, it can get expensive if you have more than 2 people in your group. UberX will cost between $25 and $35 per car round-trip (maximum 4 adults). Also, you do not get to choose which beach you want to visit – it will be Alan Shepard Park Beach/Ron Jon and that’s it.

NOTE – In summer 2018 we saw most cruise lines drop passengers at the Sheraton Four Points across the street from Ron Jon, instead of Shepard Beach. It may be a better option in Summer because of the heat and lack of shade/shelter at Shepard Beach.

Please also note – there are no bathrooms at the beach if you walk directly east from the Sheraton. The nearest bathrooms are at the hotel or a block or two north at Shepard Beach. 

 

In November the water is still fine for swimming IMO!

Edited October 21, 2018 by SteerageJoe