One of the things I love about all-inclusive resorts is that you don’t ever have to leave the resort. Yet, the most commonly asked questions for all-inclusive newbies are about the ways that they can leave the resorts! I’m talking, of course, about the all-inclusive resort excursions.
Most resorts work with outside tour companies to offer excursions to allow guests to experience the country outside the confines of the resorts. If you book your entire trip with a vacation company, like Apple Vacations (one of my favorites), a representative from the company will have an on-site representative to offer advice and assistance with booking excursions from the resort. Most companies also have a website that can be used for research and booking as well, like this one from Apple Vacations, that will direct you to the appropriate tour companies (like Amstar). Most hotels concierges can assist with bookings or connect with the recommended tour providers.
We have taken five all-inclusive vacations – Riviera Maya, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and two trips to Punta Cana. We booked excursions in Riviera Maya, Ocho Rios, and Punta Cana, and have learned a few things about all-inclusive resort excursions.
General Information about All-Inclusive Resort Excursions
- Excursions are fun, but can be time consuming. Most are a half-day minimum and many are all-day events.
- Most resort destinations, no matter the location, offer a set of similar excursions. These include excursions like booze cruises, dolphin encounters, fishing charters, and dune buggies.
- Excursions are an additional cost. Excursions usually include transportation to/from the resort, but may or may not include food, drinks, or snacks. Gratuities are almost always expected.
- Bring cash. The tour company itself may offer souvenirs, or they may take you to locations with local artisans. Credit cards may not be accepted.
Tips for Choosing All-Inclusive Resort Excursions
- Plan for one excursion per 4 night stay or two per 7 night stay. If your stay is less than 3 nights, no excursion is necessary. Booking more than two excursions over seven days negates the benefits of staying at an all-inclusive resort.
- Explore what the country or area is known for, and decide if this is interesting to you. This may be natural landscapes like rain forests or coral reefs, cultural sites or major cities, or industry or major exports.
- Consider how safe you feel exploring on your own. If you are in a new country but don’t necessarily feel safe exploring on your own, an excursion with a tour company is a good option.
- Pay attention to age recommendations, and other restrictions. Not every excursion is recommended or even fun for every guest.
- Understand that options that are available regardless of destination are offered because they are globally popular, not necessarily because they are authentic to the region. You can snorkel in any water, but that doesn’t mean the water is great for snorkeling! I would include dolphin encounters in this category as well – we’ve been warned that the dolphins can be mistreated when the company’s primary purpose is entertainment for tourists.
Recommendations for Excursions
Here are a few of our favorite excursions:
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Outback Explorer: Get out to see the Dominican small towns and countryside to learn about the native vegetation and agriculture, like coffee and cocoa beans.
Cancun/Riviera Maya/Cozumel, Mexico
Snorkeling: Cancun hosts the second largest barrier reef in the world so the snorkeling is fantastic. Look for excursions to Coral Reef National Park that use reef-safe practices.
Chichen Itza: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Ocho Rios/Montego Bay/Negril/Runaway Bay, Jamaica
Climb Dunn’s River Falls: Many excursions involve a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. However, pay attention to whether the excursions involves visiting or climbing Dunn’s River Falls – you want to climb! We took the catamaran (aka Booze Cruise) option because it fit with our schedule, but I would probably opt for a different experience
All of these tips aside, the best excursions are the ones you’re most interested in doing – so find something that sounds fun and explore!
