Halifax Shore Excursions

Inquiries continue to come in daily, the cruise ship " season " is at it's mid-point, one day Thursday October 2, saw four ships in Halifax, and our tourism shore providers were overwhelmed. But, in truth, it is all part of what we like to call The Almost Free Family Fun in Halifax, Nova Scotia - DIY Cruise Ship Excursion.

At Blue Diamond Tours we were busy showing off Halifax to a variety of different groups of people - the Arline-Slattery Group from Arizona - a group of Catholics from the USA the Baluyut Family Group (thank you Suxanne Borte of Europeexpress.com) - a family group from the New York City region and Joyce Austin's JA Friendship Group from Troy, Alabama plus four separate groups from the Princess Cruise Lines (for Atlantic Cruise Ship Services and TayMac Tours both of Halifax), many of these visitors were from either Australia or Europe.

On Thursday and Friday (October 2 and 3) we had the distinct pleasure of again showing off -- Halifax, including Peggy's Cove to the dealer convention of Securtek.com (a SaskTel company) many attendees were from western Canada and were first time visitors to Halifax.

Again on Friday, October 2, Blue Diamond Tours was at it again showing off Halifax to Mary & Bob Ziemer and friends from Philidelphia - I called it the best of Halifax & Peggy's in 5.5 hours. It was a very good time to show off Halifax. Kyle, the so-called hurricane plus an un-named storm, kicked up the surf at Peggy's Cove for Joyce Austin's tour, Zeimer folks and Securtek group as well. They took some great photos and all also saw Peggy's Cove Swimmin' Hole. No surf or waves there - just a pure, natural, off the ocean, pool of wave-free swimmin' water.

To help with those thinking about a private Halifax Shore Excursion and those seeking quotes from Shore Excursion providers contact Blue Diamond Tours. To help you make the most from your time in Halifax always keep in mind our famous DO IT YOURSELF Cruise Ship Excursion but IF NOT then it is very helpful if you have a good idea of what you and yours:

• would like to see while in port - places - sites - things you would like to do


• the amount of time you wish to " tour "


• the number in your group (any disabilities people have - the need to eat at certain specific times)


• and if possible your budget


• Our mini- van seats six persons comfortably and seven " in a pinch " - really good friends


• For groups of eight to thirteen - we use a full sized 15 passenger van supplying both driver and guide


• For groups 14 to 22 persons we use a mini-bus seating a maximum of 24 - driver and guide


• for more than 22 persons we charter a motorcoach - seating 45 to 54 depending on the number in your group

As group size increases, the cost of a vehicle increases as well. You should note that Blue Diamond Tours uses a combination of a driver PLUS a guide on all its Halifax Shore Excursions except for its mini-van series. Be aware - not all companies do this!

• Historic Core Halifax and Peggy's Cove - generally will take about 4 to 5 hours to complete


• Full Halifax and Peggy's Cove - generally will take more than six hours - depending on just what is included


• to Lunenburg/ Mahone Bay - Halifax drive-thro - approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours - depends on route taken, traffic and amount of time spent in Mahone Bay and Lunenburg.


• include Peggy's Cove in the above and time could be 7 hours


• Halifax, Peggy's & St Margaret's Bay to Hubbards (and having lunch) - generally will take up to six hours


• Halifax to Fundy Tidal area - will take up to six hours