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Top private shore excursions
around the world
Enjoy a private, customizable excursion with
flexible pacing and a Return to Ship Guarantee
Expert local guides
Vetted for their expertise and experience
Customizable private tours
Shape a tour to your interests, pace, and priorities
Flexible cancellation
Standard policy is always included, with option to upgrade
Return to Ship Guarantee
Back on time, or we cover the costs & logistics
Explore by cruise line
Sailing with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, or another cruise line? Find your cruise line below to access private, customizable shore excursions available for your ship's specific port schedules and itineraries.
Popular cruise destinations
Explore top-rated private shore excursions in the world's most popular cruise ports. Discover authentic local experiences and skip the crowds with your private guide.
Shore excursions with ToursByLocals
You've booked a cruise. Now it's time to book your private shore excursion. At ToursByLocals, you'll discover a variety of local tour guides offering shore excursions in popular ports of call like Alaska, Puerto Plata, Cozumel, Nassau, and more. Whether you're cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, or any other popular cruise lines, you'll find the perfect cruise excursion with a local guide.
Unlike most people on your cruise, you'll disembark at port and meet your own personal tour guide ready with a private vehicle. No crowds, no being herded onto a big bus, no endless waiting for a group of strangers throughout the day. Your guide will curate a day of exploration and conversation just for you, ensuring that you make the most of your time ashore. Go at your own pace, see what interests you, skip what doesn't, and perhaps uncover some unexpected surprises along the way.
Private shore excursions are ideal for couples, families, or friends. Plus, with our Return to Ship Guarantee they're a stress-free experience. So book your private tour now and explore the world's top destinations with ease.
What travellers say
We enjoyed our tour with Sherry. We enjoyed travel on the Klondike Highway in Sherry's van, seeing the sights, knowing when to stop and hearing about life in Skagway and their connection with the Yukon. We were lucky to also see some wildlife. We would recommend Sherry to others taking a cruise to Skagway.
Heather D.
traveller
What a great day! We were so pleased with our tour guide Pat. He's professional and so knowledgeable. He showed up early and dropped us back at the cruise ship with time to spare. We got to see everything on our wish list of sights and more! It also helped that, like us, he's a huge Game of Thrones fan, so we were able to see so many sites where scenes from the show were filmed. We would definitely recommend Tours by Locals and, of course, Pat.
Charlene S.
traveller
As a cruise ship passenger, I was concerned with booking a tour that was not coordinated by the cruise line. I wanted to make sure that the Tours by Locals guide could provide the dive within the cruise schedule. Lara quickly put my mind at ease and answered all of my questions. She provided all instruction so that I was able to take a taxi from the cruise terminal to the marina where she met me. While I am PADI certified, I am still a beginner diver and she was so thorough in her instruction and continued to follow through and monitor me throughout the dive and between our dives to ensure that I had a wonderful and safe experience. She even brought a GoPro and took the most amazing video footage of our dive and provided me with clips. Whether you are staying on Cozumel, or coming for the day on a cruise ship, I cannot recommend Lara enough! She is amazing!
Lori F.
traveller
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Markos. We saw the big highlights to see in Santorini as well as sites off the beaten path. It was the perfect mix of information and time to wander on our own. We also went to a delicious family restaurant for lunch and it was by far the best meal we had on our entire vacation. Marcos gave us a very easy meeting location and was very flexible with time pick up due to us arriving by cruise ship and having to navigate tender boats and the cable cars. We found Marcos to be so friendly and welcoming to us. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a private tour in Santorini.
Jamie C.
traveller
Why you'll love a ToursByLocals shore excursion
Booking a private shore excursion with ToursByLocals isn’t just about ticking off things to see at every port, it’s about crafting a meaningful travel experience, one that’s tailored just for you. Let us handle the details, so you can relax and focus on enjoying your adventures on shore.
Your tour, your pace, your experience
With ToursByLocals, you’re never just part of the crowd.
A private tour gives you the chance to explore with a local, one-on-one. Want to dive deep into the local culture or explore hidden gems off the beaten path? It's entirely up to you. Our itineraries are fully customizable, so you can enjoy the things that matter most to you, at a pace that suits you. No rush, no stress - just pure discovery.
Top-rated guides, handpicked for you
We only work with the best local guides, carefully vetted to ensure they’re the right fit for travellers like you
Each guide goes through a rigorous onboarding process, so you can trust that you’ll be exploring with a knowledgeable and experienced professional who’s passionate about sharing their hometown with you.
Back to your ship on time
Your guide’s top priority is getting you back to your ship on time, every time.
On the extremely rare occasion that something doesn’t go as planned during your private excursion, don’t worry: if you miss the boat, we’ll cover your expenses to reach the next port, including any accommodation you need. You’re never stranded with ToursByLocals. Plus, if your ship’s itinerary changes for any reason and you can’t dock, we’ve got your back with a no-hassle, full refund.
Frequently asked questions
How are private shore excursions different from cruise line tours?
Can I customize my shore excursion?
What types of shore excursions are available?
Are private shore excursions worth it?
Are shore excursions suitable for families or small groups?
How far in advance should I book a shore excursion?