[QUOTE=TravelDuff;178105]
3) should we make a reservation for a snorkel cruise now or wait until we get to Aruba?
We stay at the Surf Club on Palm Beach so I'm not sure if it is different on Eagle Beach, but you can choose and book your tours on the beach (snorkeling, jet skis, tubing, sunset cruises) from many of the operators who are set up there, so don't feel pressured by your hotel's "deals" with their vendors. We have never had a problem booking a trip-probably only an issue if you have a large group, so get down to Aruba and book when you are in the mood. There are also discount coupons or other offers in the books you get at the airport when you land so you can usually save some money or get a free tshirt, etc. We have used a number of different operators for a variety of activities and sometimes the "bigger guys" like Red Sail are better, some have more fun trips if kids are with you like the "Pirate" ship with the rope swing, and some are better if you want a more serious snorkeling with only a few people like the Dolphin (Delphi tours).
The greatest thing about Aruba is you can usually decide to do something at the spur of the moment whether it's an activity or a restaurant and generally be able to do it as long as you have some flexibility. Our motto in Aruba is "no shoes, no socks, no clocks". We are heading down 2 weeks from today and I am already dreaming of relaxing
