Hello everyone!

My wife and I are going on our first anniversary in late Oct to Aruba. We are staying at the Renaissance hotel and casino.
I have seen a lot of GREAT post on the activities, and would just like some input.


So far we know we are going to do:
1) Jolly pirates 3pm-6pm tour.
2) DePalms ATV mania

We want to snuba, but want to feel like a as one person here said. Packed like the animals on Noah's ark, like from what i have read with the depalms happy hour sail+snuba. Plus its really crouded, and from what i read, by the time you get in the water, its about time to get back on the boat.

We were thinking about doing the half a day at dePalm island. So we can go to the waterpark, eat, snorkel some, and snuba. It includes the snorkel gear, drinks and food, and the snuba?

~What kind of food is included all day?
~How does the snuba work on the island? Do you just go and get the little boat thingy with the hose's to snuba?
~ Is the island worth the amount of money they are charging?
~ Is the water park only for kids or are the slides big enough for adults?
~ What all can be done on the islad?

Last

1. they serve basic finger foods on the island - buffett style - hot dogs, beans, hamburgers, chicken fingers, etc...
2. never did the snuba and the waterpark was under construction when i went to the island 3 years ago. however, from reviews on this forum, it's really small.
3. the island is worth it for the blue parrot fishes in the corals on the island - they can be seen only there. they are HUGE. and the water is shallow and calm on the island - thus, allowing you the freedom to explore with comfort. and yes, the water does get crowded easily.

We did the depalm island a couple of years ago. It was really nice, if a bit rushed. The snorkeling is outstanding though, and well worth the trip out

The waterpark is small, nothing in comparison to what we have here in the U.S. Geared towards little kids.

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

I personally didn't care for DePalm Island. We did the half day with lunch. The food is a step above MacD's. Nothing to write home about. We didn't do the Snuba, However, the snorkeling was good once you got out to the "open area". You have to follow a rope line under water that guides you through the coral or else you will cut yourself. (which of course I did). Minimal shade on the island. The water park was not built when I was there, but I felt stranded after awhile. This is just a personal opinion...lots of people love it.

From your post's, it really seems you know Aruba. =o)

So, then in your guys opinion, its really not worth going to the island for half a day to do the suba?

We are staying in the renessance hotel and casino, and from what i can tell thats not even as nice at the private island the resort will have.

I just dont wana snuba and sail, and be crammed in a boat being rushed for almost $110 a person, when we can go on the island for 5hours, snuba, snorkel, for just $74 a person.

We are already going to do the 3-6pm jolly pirates that goes to the ship wreck, and from what i herd, and read, its seems really fun.

What if not the island, would be the best place for the snuba?

Thanks for your input.
Bill

Bill, have your considered a Discover Scuba course instead of SNUBA? It will be imo, a better experience and a little cheaper, so more "bang for your buck".

In regards to DPI, go with your instincts and intuition.
Reneissance Island v De Palm Island

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

We looked into it with red sail, and loved the price of just $79. Just somewhat intimidated by the first time of all that heavy gear, freaking out, and always really had problems with ears not pooping 13' deep pool.

Hmmm from that post, instincts seems that we are already going to have a better time being a guest and able to go free everyday, and dont really need to check out depalms island.....Wonder if they have snuba available on the renaissances island. I was told that red sail does a lot of stuff on it.

Its an arm and a leg to call aruba, and the resort doesnt have an 800 number... lol


Thanks!

Thanks for the input

When in October will you be going? I will be at the Renaissance Oct17-24th this year.

no, snuba is not available on renaissance island to my knowledge.
redsail owns the watersport concession at renaissance and has float, kayak, rentals there.

go with your gut feeling re: Depalm

Depalm is overpriced and overstated imo.

you will indeed love renaissance island.

do not totally dismiss the scuba course tha lisa mentioned.
there may be certain "tricks" the instructors can guide you to help relieve the blocked ear thing.
(i usually take a sudafed and theat helps me a lot)

andrea