We are going to Aruba in July

[kelscourt]

Hi,

I am so glad I found this board. My husband and I with our 2 kids, ages 10 and 12, are heading to Aruba for 8 days starting July 8. I am hoping we didn't make a mistake as it looks like that is Aruba's off-season. It can't be any hotter than here in GA, can it?!?! We are staying at the Westin. I am trying to find out if there are places to snorkel right off the beach for the kids since this will be their first time. I think I read about Baby Beach? Is that right? If so, how far out do you have to go to see some cool fish, etc? Will the kids still be able to stand? And, one last question for now, should we just buy our snorkel equipment here in the states? Thanks so much! I look forward to chatting more on here.

[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.

[kelscourt]

Thank you so, so much for your quick reply and SUPER HELPFUL answers! I appreciate it!!! That price list made me decide it is definitely worth purchasing our own equipment. I have been reading all about your shore diving locations. What has me worried now is theft of a rental car. Seems like that is the biggest crime there. Do taxis run to places like Malmok Beach and Boca Catalina? Also, I have been reading where some people say to take a taxi and some say to the bus to the hotel from the airport. Do you have a price list for those options or recommendation? Thanks again!

[B-Man]

You would be better off renting a car. Don't worry about the crime, it is probably 0.0000000000001%. Take rental insurance. We use American Express travel and rental insurance and so far no problems.

[kelscourt]

Thanks! This is so exciting to plan this trip. Searching for the snorkeling gear is what is going to take the most time. I really appreciate all the help.

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by kelscourt

Thank you so, so much for your quick reply and SUPER HELPFUL answers! I appreciate it!!!

You are very welcome.

I have been reading all about your shore diving locations. What has me worried now is theft of a rental car. Seems like that is the biggest crime there.

We did not have any problems.

Originally Posted by B-Man

You would be better off renting a car. Don't worry about the crime, it is probably 0.0000000000001%. Take rental insurance. We use American Express travel and rental insurance and so far no problems.

There is tons of info here at
http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/car%20rental%20insurance.html

If you are AMEX cardholders, we are big fans of Premium Car Rental Protection
https://www152.americanexpress.com/fsea/travel/car_rental/product.do

Do taxis run to places like Malmok Beach and Boca Catalina?

Yes, taxis will take you and drop you off. I would suggest having the driver come back for you at a prearranged time. Your bathing suits must be dry however, or the driver will not take you.

Also, I have been reading where some people say to take a taxi and some say to the bus to the hotel from the airport.

Either way works, for a family of four, a taxi would more than likely be less expensive. Either way, most of the time, the taxi will get you to the resort quicker AND you will be way ahead of the folks on the bus at check-in at your resort.

There are two members of this forum who are both honest, dependable and hard working taxi drivers-- Serry and Bully.

You can read up on them at
http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/taxi.html

I have to say, that even though we consider Aruba our "home away from home", there is nothing like having a familiar smiling face waiting for you outside of Aruban customs when you are ready to leave the airport.

Do you have a price list for those options or recommendation?

http://taxiaruba.com/new/farelist.html
Taxi rates are set by the government and allow for a maximum of 5 persons per vehicle. Fares are per ride, NOT per person.

http://taxiaruba.com/new/policy.html
Make note of the policies, especially:
"Sundays, official holidays and after midnight there will be a surcharge of Awg. 5.40 / US$ 3.00 to the regular fares;

Each passenger from and to the airport is allowed on piece of luggage. For each additional piece of luggage there will be an additional charge of Awg. 3.60 / US$ 2.00 per piece;"

Originally Posted by kelscourt

Thanks! This is so exciting to plan this trip. Searching for the snorkeling gear is what is going to take the most time. I really appreciate all the help.

I would start your research with the question, is this a one time vacation use, or will the equipment be used for years to come. Check out this recent thread
Snorkeling gear Shop

[elizmed]

My husband keeps trying to scare me about how HOT it is in Aruba. We're from Georgia too, so I'm pretty much used to the heat & humidity. However a few years ago when we visited a small island near Venezuela (Las Roques) I got a severe sun burn due to my own fault. I thought with my olive skin, I was immune to the sun.
WRONG! Being much closer to the equator, puts your skin in hazard.

[Andrea J.]

the thing about aruba is the tradewinds sometimes makes one not feel hot and not know they are getting "fried" in the sun.

9 degrees north of equator

sunblock is in order
15++ til I get a good base and then an 8 spf works well for me

for others...they seem to always need the high SPF


andrea