Best Snorkel boats? Beginner/resort diving?

[blahblahblah]

What does everyone think is the best Company/boat to go out with if what we're really looking for is great snorkeling?
We've done extensive snorkeling throughout the Hawaiian islands for about 8 years so we're more interested in what you see than the free drinks on the boat/atmosphere etc.

Also, has anyone done one of those 'resort' courses for Scuba diving in Aruba? We didn't get certified in time but would love to be able to scuba some if that's even possible. (I've done it once in Cancun without being certified)

Thanks! T-minus 13 days till we go

[Arubalisa]

For serious boat snorkeling, Tranquilo. It is a long day though with the sailing included. All in all a nice relaxing day. I wrote about our experience here.

Some of the best snorkeling is reached by shore. Have car?...will travel. I have written about our last snorkeling experiences here. As I mentioned there, http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/ABC/Aruba/index.htm is an excellent resource.

For a Discover Scuba course, we used Aruba Watersports for our 10 yo dd. Many here will recommend Unique Watersports. They and Red Sail are the two largest operators on the island. We were very happy with the personalized service we received and dd received one on one training and undivided attention of the dive instructor during the dive. They don't have big fancy boats, just inflatables, but we would not hesitate suggesting them. I wrote about her experience here.

[blahblahblah]

Hey Lisa, So it looks like Tranquilo does not go to the Antilla Wreck. Is it possible to go to the Antilla from the shore if you're snorkeling or do you need to take a boat to get there? We're staying at the Surf Club so we should at least be close to the site if I'm reading the maps right.
Thanks!


edit - ooo I think I just saw it on google maps...thats probably not swimable from the shore =\ So we'd miss the Antilla if we did Tranquilo...tough decision.

[Arubalisa]

Tranquilo goes in the opposite direction of all of the "other" excursion boats.

I have snorkeled the Antilla twice and it is pretty unremarkable. Most of the "good stuff" is well below the edge of visibility for snorekling. When I snorkled it last month with dd it was good for her to be able to see the outline of the cargo holds and the mast sticking up the water's edge, but that was about all she could see along with a few assorted fish.

IF we were in the water 10 minutes it was a lot. Unless you are there very early in the morning or an uncommonly calm day, the Antilla is far enough off of shore that it is windy and the water gets very choppy.

Having dove the Antilla approx. 20 times I can say that it is more of a wreck for diving than snorkeling. Maybe see if you can take a Discover Scuba course to the Pedernales wreck and see if the operator will then allow you to put your experience towards a second dive on the Antilla.

The last person I heard who tried to snorkel from shore to the Antilla was rescued by one of the crew members of Jolly Pirates using their dinghy. Please DO NOT DO IT. It is TOO far to swim.

[blahblahblah]

So I noticed on your blog that the coral is pretty beat up where Tranquilo takes you. Would you say its worse/better than where Pirates would take you?
And you're stickin with Tranquilo as the place to beat as far as what you see when you snorkel?

[cindyo]

We personally like the Depalm Tours boat, the Palm Pleasure for snorkeling...see my pics in the gallery

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by blahblahblah

So I noticed on your blog that the coral is pretty beat up where Tranquilo takes you. Would you say its worse/better than where Pirates would take you?

Originally Posted by blahblahblah

And you're stickin with Tranquilo as the place to beat as far as what you see when you snorkel?

Would you believe me if I told you that the coral is more beat up where the Jolly Pirates and other excursions take you on the northside?

Originally Posted by Arubalisa In Her Blog

The shallow area of the reef has been really chewed up by people standing on the coral. Simply pitiful for sure. In the 10 years we have been diving Aruba we have seen the coral go from being pretty excellent shape to now alarming. There were plenty of fish here, but don't expect any breathtaking National Geographic moments.

My comments on the coral being beat up at Mike's Reef were the shallow snorkel which does not really compare to the "awesomeness" (is that a word? ) of the drift snorkel.

People have to learn NOT TO TOUCH OR STAND ON CORAL. Do it and it dies. Plain and simple. People are warned and we saw it once again last month. People standing on coral.

In an "ideal" world imho, take the Tranquilo excursions and then another day, take the bus and spend one morning (you really only need a couple of hours or half day at most) snorkeling Boca Catalina/Catalina Cove. For ease, enter the water at Boca Catalina and swim north.

[mattmorr]

That is a great link to all of the off shore snorkeling spots. My question is: the locations have a gps cordinate location. Can I plug those numbers in to my GPS, and it will take me to that particular spot?

[Arubalisa]

I have never tried it, but as long as your unit has the map for Aruba, I would assume to coordinates should work. If you need the Garmin or Magellan maps let me know and I will see if dh has the links.

[Chadd]

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

I have never tried it, but as long as your unit has the map for Aruba, I would assume to coordinates should work. If you need the Garmin or Magellan maps let me know and I will see if dh has the links.

I would love the Garmin link if you would be willing to provide it.