Help on Rental Car Decision

[mobeachbum]

We are travelling to Aruba for the first time this year. We are real explorers and will want to spend a lot of our vacation on the east side of the island. I believe I have researched enough to determine that we can pretty much get around the island with a car except for the Natural Pool. I want to confirm this as fact and please let me know it there are really cool beaches or sights other than the Pool that we could not get to without a jeep.

2nd question...we can rent a small SUV with better clearance for the rough roads on the east side for not that much money more than a car....is that reccomended?

Thank you for your help!!!

[mobeachbum]

Sorry all...I've discovered I posted a similar question on this forum earlier....getting my forums mixed up! Any more info is much appreicated.

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by mobeachbum

2nd question...we can rent a small SUV with better clearance for the rough roads on the east side for not that much money more than a car....is that reccomended?

Thank you for your help!!!

This is exactly what we do. Instead of a 4 x 4 because we are not going to the Natural Pool, we do like the SUV for the better clearance. The condition of the dirt roads change with the rains and we have found great variations in conditions between the California lighthouse and Natural bridge.

A 4 x 4 and a lot of patience will get you to the really off the beaten path places such as Daimari, Boca Keto, Three Bridges etc. Make sure you have CDW which will cover any damage to your vehicle. Some car rental agencies will make you sign a waiver not to take their vehicle off road.

An SUV will easily get you to the beaches north of the Natural Bridge and south of the Natural Pool: Boca Prins, Boca Grandi, Bachelors Beach & Baby Beach. At one time you could drive to Dos Playa (near Boca Prins) as well, not sure the road condition there- you may or may not need a 4 x 4. More info on the National Park

Arikok National Park Map

[Cple]

We were on the island 2 weeks ago. We always rent a car for our travels throughout the island. There were places we usually travel to, but were unable to because of washouts on the dirt roads. I'd suggest renting a Jeep if you want to travel to any of the outback sights on the the island.