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

15-Day policy is always included, with option to upgrade

Return to Ship Guarantee

Back on time, or we cover the costs & logistics

Learn more

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

Three individuals explore near a cruise ship, engaged in a shore excursion with ToursByLocals

Private tours at every port

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

Luxury Van Half-Day Skagway Shore Excursion to Yukon

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

Giants causeway full day private excursion

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

2-Tank Cozumel Reefs Private Dive Shore Excursion

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

A Bit of Everything: Santorini’s icons & hidden gems - Half Day Shore Excursion

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.

Three travelers chat on a dock, enjoying their shore excursion experience with ToursByLocals

A smiling woman with red hair stands in the city, showcasing her role as a top-rated local tour guide for ToursByLocals

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.

Three people stroll down a narrow street, guided by ToursByLocals, ensuring timely return to their ship

At a table, three women explore options on a tablet, guided by a ToursByLocals expert

We’re here for you, 24/7

Whether you’re in the planning stages or mid-tour, our global customer support team is always ready to help.

No matter the time zone, you can count on us to be just a call or message away, always.

Frequently asked questions

How are private shore excursions different from cruise line tours?

Private shore excursions, through ToursByLocals, offer a more flexible and personalized experience compared to cruise line tours, which typically follow fixed itineraries with larger groups. With a private guide, you can adjust your schedule, spend more time at the places you enjoy, and avoid crowded buses. We’ve also heard from many travellers that they love being able to choose a time to meet the guide that doesn’t require disembarking with half the ship, instead enjoy a quiet breakfast and meet your guide after the crowds have departed. 

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?

Choose a currency

Top private shore excursions
around the world

Enjoy a private, customizable excursion with
flexible pacing and a Return to Ship Guarantee

Expert local guides

Customizable private tours

Flexible cancellation

Return to Ship Guarantee

Explore by cruise line

Popular cruise destinations

Shore excursions with ToursByLocals

Private tours at every port

What travellers say