Seeking suggestions

[blondie99]

Hello!

 

We are sailing the Carnival Liberty on 1/16 and am looking for excursion / tour suggestions. I have cruised three times before and know very well most islands aren't very accessible, especially for power chairs.

 

While I'd like to use my power wheelchair as much as possible, I'm also bringing my manual wheelchair and my caregiver can easily transfer me to a car, van or bus. It'd be great if the van had room inside for me to ride in my chair instead of having to collapse it - we've done that before.

 

We definitely want some beach time, but I also aim to find at least one adventurous thing to do at at least one island we go to. In the past I've done swimming with dolphins and sea lions, a monkey farm, Mayan Ruins and kinda speed boats.

 

I've almost never booked these through the cruiseline.

 

What can you tell me and suggest? Any wheelchair accessible vans or trolleys anywhere? Beaches I could roll to nearby? What's the best beach? Also would there be a Visitors Center or something nearby I could park my power chair at while we go out with my manual chair?

 

Thanks !

[Jeal]

We are on that cruise as well. If you are able to snorkel you might want to contact Woodwind and see if they can accommodate you.

We are snorkeling with them that day.

[blondie99]

I'm unable to snorkel but maybe my caregiver would like to. Is it a beach trip?

[blondie99]

We are in port from 2-10p. Could someone suggest a good private tour company? Maybe we could go sightseeing and then maybe come back and find somewhere for dinner. Also, what's available right at or near the pier?

[ABQrobin]

I have been to Bonaire twice on land-based week long tours... downtown is cute, quaint little shops, cobblestone sidewalks, but not much else. It really isn't much of a tourist shop or things to tour. Bonaire is primarily a scuba diver destination.

If your cruise ship has some tours, you might want to book one of those. I just can't imagine what you could do for more than an hour otherwise. The salt industry operates down south on the island, slave huts are interesting to visit. Up north is the national park with very rough roads and desert landscape, cactus, wild donkeys, goats, etc.

[canadarocks]

For an excellent island tour I very much recommend Bonaire Vista Tours. But I'm sorry I don't know whether the vehicle is accessible. Perhaps email Brian and Barbel to find out?

 

http://www.bonairevistatours.com/Contact--Reservations.html

[Jeal]

Woodwind does not go to the beach. But the water taxi does. You can catch it at the pier.

Edited January 8, 2015 by Jeal

[DiamondDiva]

Yes, can also recommend you contact Bonaire Vista Tours and see what Brian can do for you...he and his wife do a great tour.