To Excursion or Not to Excursion in the ABC's

[robptaylor]

First time visiting the ABC Islands and looking for suggestions on which islands to book excursions and which to just "tour the town". 

 

On a recent cruise we booked excursions for every port and frankly found it EXHAUSTING.  In the past we usually booked one or two excursions and save the other ports for doing our own thing, e.g., walking the town, renting a scooter/car, etc.

 

Which of the ABC's is best for just doing your own thing and which should you go with an excursion/group?  In other words, which ports have plenty to do on your own and which do you need to "get away" to experience the island?

 

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[RMLincoln]

Depends on what you enjoy.... how mobile you are, how adventurous are you with local transportation, taxis... 

 

Curacao is easy to walk around, the ships dock a 5-10 minute walk to the floating bridge, cross the bridge and you are in among the old colorful buildings.  Walk around the floating fish market, shops, eateries, interesting government buildings, the forts... the Rif fort next to the pier is now a mall area.  

 

Not a lot in walking distance in Aruba or Bonaire that I can recall.  I took a taxi tour in Aruba once... it was a pick-up group at the pier that piled into a van... saw some highlights, the lighthouse, a church, drove past the beaches.  Can take local bus to Eagle beach, could walk it in maybe half hour but it can be pretty hot.  The bus terminal is 5 min walk from the pier.

 

Bonair is a place to go snorkeling or glass bottom boating to see the fish and coral through the crystal clear water.  Some people rent a golf cart and ride around the island.  I think most of the beaches are rocky.  

 

These islands are not very big.  The culture is very friendly and safe.  Happy planning, m--