CarolineF

I am wanting your best suggestions for activities at the following ports. It can be as simple as going to a particular beach or seeing something in the town or a particular tour you would recommend. Here are the ports:
Antigua
St. Lucia
Barbados
Grenada
Bonaire
Aruba

Thanks.

DaveJJ

On our last cruise we went swimming with the green turtles in Barbados. We quite enjoyed it.

I've been to Grenada 9 times in the last 12 years. What to do will depend on how long you are in port.

Some people just shop at the terminal and walk around the spice market area.

Some groups will take a taxi over to Grande Anse beach to spend the day swimming and perusing the local craft market.

Others will take one of the various island tours on offer. I would suggest taking one that includes a stop at the River St. Antoine rum distillery (very interesting) and the Grand Etang Forest Reserve. Some tours also include a stop at the Belmont Estate for the buffet lunch (something we do every year).

You could also take a hiking tour to the 1 or more of the waterfalls. Can be a problem for those with a mobility problem.

Now if you like snorkelling I would highly recommend the underwater sculpture park. There are 25-30 sculptures. The water is about 15-20 feet deep.

For the history buff there are a number of old forts.

BarbAnn

Each island offers a multitude of activities and tours. Which one activity or tour depends on your family and what you like to do.

On Antigua we always book the Eco Tour with Adventure Antigua. Eli and his crew do a fabulous job.

http://www.adventureantigua.com/the-eco-tour/

St. Lucia has the Pitons, drive thru volcano and mud baths along with snorkeling.

Barbados is our favorite for snorkeling with the turtles. We always sail on the Calabaza. Gina and her cruise are easy to work with and fantastic.

http://sailcalabaza.com/project/your-perfect-cruise/

Barbados can also be visited by land. The town is interesting. Mount Gay Rum distillery is near the port. There is also the Agapey Chocolate Factory. Friends took a cab and visited the chocolate factory , had a flying fish sandwich for lunch at a local restaurant (Barbados is famous for them) and then visited the rum factory. They told me they had a wonderful day.

http://www.agapey.com/

On Grenada we have taken several different land tours. Many visit the same landmarks.

I will visit Bonaire for the first time next month on a 14 day cruise. My brother who has visited several times suggested the drift snorkel trip with Woodwind. It gets top reviews.

https://www.woodwindbonaire.com/

I will also visit Aruba. I must say it is not my favorite island. I have been there so many times, I may not even get off the ship. Some people LOVE the beaches and resorts there.

If you want to investigate what other cruisers have experienced, join Cruise Critic. Each ship and island has it's own forum with a lot of information.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/

Have fun. Bon Voyage!

Jimmie

Bonaire has some of the best (if not THE best) snorkeling in the Caribbean. Woodwind, as mentioned above, is the best guide company on the island. They are great with kids and beginners. The water clarity is incredible, the coral healthy, and turtles abound.

jul4

In Aruba I would try to get to one of beaches. Palm beach area has really nice beach/bars and shopping. Was not impressed with orenstead(sp) the city near port. Straw market was really not as good as others I've seen but it did seem there was another market area that I guess may only be open when ships come in.

In st Lucia try to get to volcano snd mad baths.

coastalstem

Aruba, maybe head Arachi beach which isn't too far from downtown. If you don't want to do a beach get a cab to Zeeover where you can get good LOCAL fried seafood and sit right on the water.