A few questions about Aruba.

[Todd]

Hi!
I haven't been on since you changed formats. I know the last few times I was on the old format it had gotten a little rough at times.
Anyway, I am a regular traveler to the caribbean. I will be in Aruba, for the first time, one day and one evening on a cruise in late may.

1. Is there a private snorkeling tour that shouldn't be missed?
2. If not what are the best public beaches to snorkle off of?
3. What are the best public beaches for sun bathing?
4. I have heard there is a bus system that circles the island. If so how regular does it run? What does it cost? Is it safe for tourist? Could it be used to sample several beaches?
5. Any sites that should not be missed?
6. As for the evening. What are the best restuarants?
7. What evening entertainment is there?

My wife and I are pretty confident travelers(no, not rude Americans). We are not afraid of booking tours outside of the cruise line. Riding public transportion, etc.....
Anyway, all you experienced Aruba people, help me out.

Thanks!!!!

[daka630]

Todd,
As a point of reference, view the map at
http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/islands/ar/armap.shtml

Beaches for snorkel'n
Arashi (B1), small beach at Malmok (C1),
Baby Beach (H16).

Snorkel trips-
Several vendors of morining/afternoon
boat trips with snorkeling involved.
Did these some years ago & enjoyed it.
An observation from visits last month, Feb. & July '05 -
They seem to be a bit overcrowed on the boats these days.
There are some smaller boats. Ask the concierge at your
resort.

Day trips to Oranjestad -
for a map: http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/islands/ar/ormap.shtml
Day trips to St. Nick
map: http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/islands/ar/snmap.shtml

Best Beach:
Well, those who are regulars to one area tend to
favor where they always return. With that said ...
In the Hi-Rise resort area -
Hi people density. So, a lot of people on the beach.
Alot of boat activity.
Excellent beach. Many resorts means many pool/beach bars.
A lot of social interaction. Not calm and quiet.

Eagle. Another lovely beach. Most use is in front
of La Cabana.

Manchebo. Wide, white sand. In the Lo-Rise area.
Much less crowed.

Druif. From Tamarijn up to Manchebo beach. Again,
an excellent beach. My choice for "best float" &
best swim.

Baby Beach. Different, Shallow. Great when with kids.
No facilities.

Roger's Beach - take care with regard to the currents.

Many other, smaller beaches but off the beaten path.

BUS (Arubus)
A number of routes with hubs in Oranjestad and St. Nick.
Oranjestad to Hi-rise resorts - $2.00 round trip.
All routes have fairly frequent designated stops.
The website is http://www.arubus.com/Index.htm
Safe? Very Much "YES"

Routes/schedule? See the website.
Could it be used to sample several beaches?
Honest answer ... have not considered it so do not
know.

Not to miss?
- any one of the excellent restaurants.
- Mopa Mopa (Ricardo's shops in the Seaport Mall or the main
Renaisance mall or the INTI shops (Royal Plaza Mall or on Main Street)
avoid the "knock offs" at Port of Call)
- Jewelery shopping (my favorite ... Raj's Royal Jewelers/Royal Diamonds)
- Sun, Moon & Stars by the Windmill
- Butterfly farm (sit and let the butterflies hover about you
... take photos)
- Ostrich farm, if you've not seen the ostrich "in person"
- Relax time on the beach or pool side
- Sunset meal at Flying Fishbone or at one of the Hi-Rise locations
- A meandering drive about in the rental car. Visit Alto Vista church, the
church in Noord.
- Enjoy a visit to one of the casinos.
- Look for the warawara.
- Catch the sunrise and the sunsets. Some can be awesome.
- Should it rain while at the pool or on the beach .. grin
and enjoy it.
- Get to know the "locals"

Best Restaurants?
A loaded question. Too many "best" to count.
Every repeat visitor has their favorites.
Most all resorts will have a LARGE book showcasing
the restaurants. Take some time to look through it.
Photos, menus, etc. Have the concierge make the
desired reservations.

[Todd]

Thanks for all the great info....I really appreciate you taking the time and giving such a complete list.

[daka630]

Todd, glad I could be of some assistance.
Let us know how your visit goes.