Comparison

Hello Explorer Guide vs DIY Port Days

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Hello Explorer Guide

Features
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Introducing Hello Explorer Guide, your ultimate travel companion in discovering the world like never before! Embark on unforgettable journeys with our innovative travel app that not only guides you on what to do and where to go, but also connects you with fellow explorers, both tourists, and locals alike. Key Features: Discover Hidden Gems: Uncover the best local experiences and hidden gems at your fingertips. From must-visit attractions to off-the-beaten-path treasures, our app ensures you make the most of your travels. Connect with Explorers: Forge connections with like-minded adventurers! Connect with fellow tourists and engage with locals to gain insider tips and recommendations. Share your experiences, create lasting memories, and expand your travel network. Collect Points, Win Prizes: Elevate your travel experience by collecting points for every adventure! Accumulate points by exploring new places, meeting people, and completing challenges. Exchange your points for exciting travel prizes and exclusive rewards. Start making memories that last a lifetime! EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.helloexplorerguide.com/privacy-policy

About

DIY Port Days

Features
Read full description

Skip the $89 tour bus. See the port your way. DIY Port Days is a free app with self-guided walking tours for cruise ports — built by a fellow cruiser who got tired of overpriced shore excursions and rigid schedules. Walk when you want. Linger where you love. Skip what doesn't interest you. And spend the money you saved on the rum cake, the lobster lunch, the perfect souvenir. Each guide is a hand-crafted walking tour with: • Step-by-step directions you can read offline at sea • Real walking distances and timing — no surprises • Local food picks, not tourist traps • "Did You Know?" history that brings each port to life • Tips on safety, money, and getting back to your ship on time Currently available — Caribbean, Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Alaska: Nassau, Cozumel, Old San Juan, St. Thomas, Key West, Grand Cayman, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, Barbados, Bermuda, Ocho Rios, Antigua, Curaçao, Aruba, St. Kitts, Barcelona, La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Valencia, Naples, Mykonos, Mallorca, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Victoria. More ports added regularly. Three ways to use the app: • Single port — $9.99 one time, keep forever. Best for cruises with one or two stops you care about. • Cruise pass — $14.99 unlocks every port for 30 days. Best for a single multi-port cruise. • Annual all-access — $29.99 per year unlocks every port year-round. Best for frequent cruisers, travel agents, or bloggers. What makes our guides different: We've walked every route ourselves. Every recommendation is actionable, with real distances, costs, and timing you can trust. Premium design — not generic PDFs. Each guide is beautifully laid out with custom typography, maps, and imagery. Works offline at sea — download a guide on the ship Wi-Fi before you sail and use it in port even with no signal. Perfect for cruise stops where data roaming charges would cost more than the guide itself. One purchase covers your whole party. Walk together. Save together. Make memories that don't come with a guide-bus schedule. Try the app free. Browse every port. Unlock the ones you need. Questions? Email hello@diyportdays.com — typical response within 1–2 business days.

Screenshots

Hello Explorer Guide4 screens
DIY Port Days4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: DIY Port Days at none against Hello Explorer Guide's shown. DIY Port Days also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Hello Explorer Guide sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.00 per month and DIY Port Days sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hello Explorer Guide ships an update every 3 months, DIY Port Days every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Hello Explorer Guide versus DIY Port Days: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHello Explorer GuideDIY Port Days
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size116 MB5 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperJOHN STEFAN SAHLINTimothy Byer

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Hello Explorer Guide

Subscriptions2
  • 1 month Premium14 Days trial$1.001 Month
  • 1 Year Premium Subscription14 Days trial$8.991 Year
10 purchases

DIY Port Days

One-time10
  • Valencia Walking Tour$9.99
  • Napoli Walking Tour$9.99
  • Mallorca Walking Tour$9.99
Show 7 more
  • Mykonos Walking Tour$9.99
  • Juneau Walking Tour$9.99
  • Skagway Walking Tour$9.99
  • Ketchikan Walking Tour$9.99
  • Victoria Walking Tour$9.99
  • Cruise Pass - 30 Days$14.99
  • Annual All-Access$29.99

Questions

Is Hello Explorer Guide free?
Hello Explorer Guide is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DIY Port Days free?
DIY Port Days is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Hello Explorer Guide or DIY Port Days have ads?
Hello Explorer Guide shows ads; DIY Port Days does not.
Which is updated more often, Hello Explorer Guide or DIY Port Days?
Hello Explorer Guide ships an update every 3 months, and DIY Port Days every 3 days. Most recently, Hello Explorer Guide was updated on October 19, 2026 and DIY Port Days on October 25, 2026.

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