[Arubalisa]

Welcome to the forum. For a first time visit you may wish to view some of the info at
http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/first%20time.html

As a resident of Georgia, I can tell you that you will be no hotter, and possibly cooler in Aruba than here. There is a constant average tradewind of 17 mph which makes the island tolerable, even in summer.

Snorkel gear can be rented close by the Westin, down the beach at Aruba Watesports. http://www.arubawatersportcenter.com/pricelist_WS.htm
You can weigh the advantages of rent vs. purchase.

Some of the best snorkeling is reached by shore. I have written about our best snorkeling experiences here.

http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/ABC/Aruba/index.htm is an excellent resource.

There is nothing to see in the waters off the Westin. It is just a white sandy bottom. You may see some fish swimming by, but that is just a random thing.

For snorkeling, a short walk south from the Westin towards the Phoenix Resort, there is a break that goes about 80 yards out into the water. http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=12.5663237&lon=-70.0513762&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2 The water is very calm there. There is also a little rock island
click on thumbnail to enlarge

Here you should be able to find some fish, octopus, etc. There is a little Polis (Police) substation right there on the beach (point of reference- between the Westin and Phoenix). This is a perfect spot on Palm Beach if you just want to do some snorkeling on your own for free

Unfortunately the sand here is loaded with tiny coral pieces and rocks, but there is free shade.
click on thumbnail to enlarge

See the bottom half of the page here for additional photos.

For additional snorkel info here see
http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/snorkeling.html
http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/snorkel%20cruise.html

Your kids would love Jolly Pirates.