ABC islands- Best excursions

[Cruzmama]

We like beaches and catamarans.  Which are the best excursion choices (ship or independent) that you've done in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao?

[vicd1969]

Woodwind tours in Bonaire is one of the best catamaran snorkeling providers in the Caribbean.

[BSinPNS]

We second the Woodwind recommendation.  Book early as they are quite popular.  Aruba Bob provides a great snorkeling experience, obviously in Aruba.  It's a long snorkel trail, but they provide scooters to help so it's no more strenuous than you make it. 

[1025cruise]

You should ask on the Ports of Call boards for your ports.

[OlsSalt]

DIY - take the ferry over to Petit Bonnaire for the best snorkeling, on your own.

[topspot]

Woodwind!

[Haljo1935]

3 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

DIY - take the ferry over to Petit Bonnaire for the best snorkeling, on your own.

We wanted to do this during recent Feb cruise, but unfortunately Bonaire was canceled. Happy to hear you recommend it and will try again next time Bonaire is on the itinerary. 

[OlsSalt]

15 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

We wanted to do this during recent Feb cruise, but unfortunately Bonaire was canceled. Happy to hear you recommend it and will try again next time Bonaire is on the itinerary. 

 

No facilities or amenities - pack everything you need, including water. But lovely, remote, accessible and warmer water in Bonaire.  We walked to the ferry dock, but took a taxi back to the ship.

[Hlitner]

One warning about the Woodwind (on Bonaire).  It is a popular option with many folks and can be booked-up very far in advance.   Another fun option on Bonaire is to rent a "golf cart" for the day and drive yourself around the island.  We have rented those carts for 2 (they have larger one's that can hold 4) which left us with plenty of room to put our snorkel gear on the back.  It is a fabulous way to explore the entire island.  As to the Woodwind, Dee is an amazing hostess and we have been on her boat 3 times.  A delightful time for snorkelers.  Dong a drift snorkel between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire (weather permitting) is loads of fun.

 

Hank

[CGinMTL]

Another vote for woodwind

[BoozinCroozin]

A lot may depend on time in each port. Aruba you can go to Eagle, Arashi, or Baby beach for the day. You can rent a jeep and tour on your own. Bonaire books golf carts out 6+ months in advance and gone quickly. Woodwind can fill up quickly as well. If you are looking for either of those, book well in advance. For Curacao, we are renting a car from Advance. Plan to had to Playa Grande and Grote Knipp.

[janetz]

Aruba-Trikes-Aruba

Curacao -Rent a car from Advance

Bonaire-Golf Carts

[bigdogag]

On 6/10/2023 at 2:14 PM, janetz said:

Aruba-Trikes-Aruba

Curacao -Rent a car from Advance

Bonaire-Golf Carts

My wife and I did these three EXACTLY and had a GREAT time (especially the Trikes)!

[janetz]

This will be our second time with the Trikes

They are also in Cozumel 

Please tell me what you did when you rented in Curaçao?

Looking for off the beaten track ideas 😊

Edited July 10, 2023 by janetz

[lynnyandon]

Hi.  Can anyone recommend some private tour guides for the ABC islands?  We will be a party of 4 and wish a half or three quarter day tour from the cruise port in each destination.

Thanks

[NightOne]

2 hours ago, lynnyandon said:

Hi.  Can anyone recommend some private tour guides for the ABC islands?  We will be a party of 4 and wish a half or three quarter day tour from the cruise port in each destination.

Thanks

 

I have done private tours in Aruba twice with

 

https://chogogotours.com/

 

I have done private tours in Curacao twice with

 

https://www.curacaotaxishendell.com/

 

Great experiences with both but Shendell has to be the best driver I have ever had anywhere thanks to his years of tour bus driving. That guy can pull in and back out of a sardine can. LOL

[lynnyandon]

Thanks. That's very helpful.

[caribbean2000]

Don't forget the bus system on Aruba, we've used it twice and will again next February. VERY reasonable price, just be sure to get tickets for the route you're interested in. They run loops all day and into the evening, and you can get off wherever you'd like (you must be at a designated pick-up spot to get back on, however). We've also rented a car twice from a rental outfit right where you leave the cruise ship area. That was GREAT, but understand that some roads are unmarked and of course if they are marked any directions or names will be in Dutch. The cars that company rents are mostly a year or two old but clean and reliable and the cost (before the pandemic, the last time we did it) was only $60 for the entire day, plus a full tank of gas when returned. If you're concerned about getting lost, just remember: you're on an island and all roads lead to SOMEWHERE that will be on any decent map. 

[Jayhoaps]

Hello everyone,

 

Does anyone know how much a taxi would cost to go to Arashi beach? Also, if I'm at Arashi Beach, are their taxis stationed there so I can get back to the ship? Thanks in advance.