Shore Excursion Suggestions for Toddler

[erinlaw]

We will be traveling on the Carnival Liberty next month with our three year old daughter. If I am reading the schedule correctly, we will be there for most of the day. Any suggestions for shore excursions? We had thought about going to the rainforest, but noticed Carnival does not have a tour available, other than the horseback ride, which she is too young to do. Can anyone recommend another tour operator?

 

All input is appreciated:)

[138east]

I have a three year old granddaughter and I am trying to imagine what I would consider doing with her in San Juan.

 

Unfortunately, I'm not sure I would recommend a rain forest tour. It's a 45 minute ride out to the rain forest and then you mostly ride in the bus through the rain forest with a couple of stops to walk a short trail, climb a tower, see a waterfall, and buy souvenirs. Interesting for adults and older children, but not a 3 year old in my opinion. I've done this twice to kill time between disembarking and flying out and it was perfect for that, but I would not choose it for a full day port stop.

 

Here's a web sight for beaches in San Juan. Balneario de Escambron is in the northeast section of Old San Juan - I am going to try this when I am there in February. Balneario de Carolina sounds nice as well, but it is a longer cab ride away. Both have all the amenities that you would need with a 3 year old. I don't think you have to spend the money for a day pass at a resort.

http://www.sanjuan.com/public.beaches.php

 

Old San Juan is interesting just to wander around. There is a free trolley that circles through the old town. You could hop on and off as you liked. Another option would be a horse and carriage ride.

 

The forts are interesting, but again probably more interesting for adults and older children.

 

Of all the island ports, San Juan is one of the best (along with St.Thomas) for not booking an excursion and just doing it yourself on your 3 year old's schedule.

[rainforestgirl]

Well, you will be here on a Wed from 7-3:30p. 3 yo might be too young to really enjoy OSJ.

 

From my limited experience with little kids, I know they love the beach. But you might get tired of beach everyday of the cruise. So while here, mix it up by taking a trip to the rainforest (there are some short, easier paths, and rivers to play in) and then go to the beach afterwards (balneario Monserrate).

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/category/rainforest/

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/a-day-at-the-beach-in-luquillo-monserrate-balneario/

 

You can rent a car (it is not a bad drive and would be MUCH cheaper than a tour), or find a tour guide to take you. You can do a search on this forum for names of tour guides, or go to the PR Tourism page for a list:

http://www.gotopuertorico.com

 

Another cheaper, easier option- Take a taxi to the Pinones area. Rent bikes (they have bikes with a baby seat) and bike along the board walk. Stop along the way and play in the sand/water. Then have ocean front dining- either at a restaurant or pick up some of the fried but delicious stuff at the food stands. and have a picnic in the sand.

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/pinones-mangrove-forest-nature-boardwalk-waterfront-fun/

 

Make sure to bring a hat and SUNSCREEN!

[rainforestgirl]

Unfortunately, I'm not sure I would recommend a rain forest tour. It's a 45 minute ride out to the rain forest and then you mostly ride in the bus through the rain forest with a couple of stops to walk a short trail, climb a tower, see a waterfall, and buy souvenirs. Interesting for adults and older children, but not a 3 year old in my opinion. .

 

I agree- that "tour" of the rainforest does not sound fun!

If you go to the rainforest via a tour, make it a private one, where you can customize your day. Then you can do the things that will be fun for you and your child.

[erinlaw]

Thanks for the responses; I'm glad I asked about the rainforest. If not, we may have had a very cranky child on our hands. The tour operator may have left us there:p