Cape Canaveral in 1 Day for Families - Private shuttle from Port Canaveral
In Collaboration with Beach Shack Beach Rentals. Updated on February 1, 2026.
A relaxed, family-friendly 5‑hour shore excursion from Port Canaveral to Cocoa Beach. Private shuttle to downtown Cocoa Beach where Beach Shack staff set up chairs and umbrellas on the sand. Enjoy beach time with lifeguards on duty and a $20 food‑hall gift card to redeem at nearby Pier restaurants. Stroller‑friendly and paced for families with young children.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Beach Shack Beach Rentals, inspired by the tour Cocoa Beach Cruise Excursions Shared Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private shuttle from Port Canaveral
- Reserved chair with leg rest and umbrella on Cocoa Beach
- $20 gift card for nearby Pier restaurants / food vendors
- Lifeguards on duty and stroller‑friendly beach access
Itinerary
Day 1
Five-hour family-friendly shore excursion: pickup at Port Canaveral, beach setup and relaxation at Cocoa Beach Pier area, redeem $20 gift card at nearby pier vendors, short stroll to Ron Jon for essentials, return to ship.
Private shuttle pickup at Port Canaveral (meet your Beach Shack van)
Meet the Beach Shack Beach Rentals shuttle at your cruise terminal. Staff will confirm the group, collect any quick details, and begin the short transfer to Cocoa Beach.
Tips from local experts:
- Have one adult with the group keep the cruise boarding pass and ID handy for a quick check‑in with the driver.
- Ask the driver in advance for the closest, step‑free spot they can drop you off to avoid carrying strollers a long distance.
- If you need infant car seats, ensure you requested this before the day — this shuttle does not provide infant seats onboard.
Arrival & Beach Shack setup at Cocoa Beach Pier (orientation)
Arrive at the Cocoa Beach Pier area where Beach Shack team will set up your reserved chair with leg rest and umbrella downtown on the sand. Brief orientation on where to find restrooms, lifeguards, and how to redeem your $20 food gift card.
Tips from local experts:
- The crew will set up within a short walk of the Pier; request the umbrella be angled to provide morning shade for little ones.
- Ask where the nearest public restrooms and changing stations are — Pier restrooms are short walk away and stroller‑friendly.
- Make a note of the lifeguard tower number near your setup; it’s the quickest way to describe your location if you need assistance.
Beach time — relax, play & nap-friendly break
Unwind on reserved chairs and enjoy safe, supervised beach time. Build sandcastles, paddle at the shoreline, or nap under the umbrella while lifeguards are on duty.
Tips from local experts:
- Rotate short 20–30 minute shade breaks for toddlers — the umbrella and leg-rest chairs are great for mid‑morning naps.
- Keep sunscreen reapplications on a timer (every 2 hours) and bring a small wet bag for sandy swimsuits — the pier area has freshwater rinse stations.
- If you have a stroller, park it on the boardwalk rather than the sand to keep sand out of cup holders and babies’ shoes.
Lunch / redeem $20 food‑hall gift card at Pier vendors
Use your $20 gift card at one of the pier's food vendors or restaurants — order kid‑friendly options and have food delivered to your beach spot if preferred.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose vendors with kids’ menus or simple items (grilled cheese, chicken tenders) — many Pier spots have flexible dishes for picky eaters.
- Ask for food delivery to your umbrella area when you order so younger kids can keep playing or napping without a long walk.
- Double‑check any allergy requirements with the vendor; Pier restaurants are used to accommodating families but confirm before ordering.
Quick stroll & essentials stop — Ron Jon Surf Shop
Short walk along N Atlantic Ave to Ron Jon Surf Shop for sunscreen, souvenirs, ice cream, or an extra towel. Restrooms and shaded benches are available nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Ron Jon has a large, stroller‑friendly entrance and plenty of space to browse without blocking walkways.
- Buy an extra bottle of sunscreen here if you ran out — they stock reef‑safe options and kid‑friendly sprays.
- If a child needs a quick nap, use the quieter shaded benches on the boardwalk instead of bringing them into the busy shop.
Return to shuttle & transfer back to Port Canaveral
Gather your belongings and meet the Beach Shack shuttle at the prearranged pier pickup point for the return to your cruise terminal.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the shuttle pickup point with your Beach Shack contact when they set up your chairs to avoid last‑minute searching.
- Load strollers onto the shuttle last and unload first to minimize sand in the vehicle; bring a small dust brush or towel to shake off sand.
- Keep the gift card stub or confirmation with you until you’re back on board — some vendors may ask for proof of redemption.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Outdoor, Meal, Shopping |