Excursion for almost 5 year old autistic boy

[crzycick]

I have a little boy who will be 5 the week after we cruise. He’s mild to moderately autistic and he LOVES ships and boats of all kinds. Because of this we’re considering the submarine tour through Carnival. If we do, is there time for anything else, the beach perhaps?

 

The submarine might not be in budget so any other suggestions for excursions appropriate for a nearly 5 year old, more budget friendly? Preferably something not too crazy overwhelming.

[JohninDC]

How about a glass bottomed boat tour - most usually include snorkeling/swimming, which you can skip if desired. Every organized snorkel tour I have been on required the use of a float vest if that helps.

 

Good luck! :cool:

[momto2js]

Paraise beach was fantastic!! Quiet, nice pool, parts at the bar, reasonably priced and you could leave when you needed to in a cab. Our family of 4 spent about $100 including the taxi.

[l1222]

Does he like getting in the water? Chankanaab has a great lagoon for children, no waves, very accessible and calm. There is seating and shade (if you're quick to get there in the a.m.) right beside the lagoon. A 5 minute taxi from the port taxi stand is a short and easy trip. Print a coupon off the web for a small discount at the park. Our Asperger guy enjoyed this place. You can watch the dolphin experience, sea lion show (modest show). We found small fish swimming in the lagoon, it's also a great place to practice snorkeling.

[crzycick]

Does he like getting in the water? Chankanaab has a great lagoon for children, no waves, very accessible and calm. There is seating and shade (if you're quick to get there in the a.m.) right beside the lagoon. A 5 minute taxi from the port taxi stand is a short and easy trip. Print a coupon off the web for a small discount at the park. Our Asperger guy enjoyed this place. You can watch the dolphin experience, sea lion show (modest show). We found small fish swimming in the lagoon, it's also a great place to practice snorkeling.

 

We were late getting him in swim lessons (he couldn’t handle it before) and so he only had 3lessons in November, they don’t do lessons in December and we’re leaving in January. But he loved his lessons and already improved with his comfort in the water.

 

How’s the sand there? He loves playing in sand. I think we’ve narrowed it down to chankanaab or the submarine tour. Chankanaab would be cheaper! Plus his grandparents got him a blow up boat with a clear bottom to use on the trip so he can see the fish.

[JohninDC]

Sand is good at Chank and the snorkel area is separate - sounds like a good choice. Have a great cruise! :cool: