First timer needs suggestions !

Mrs.BeachComber · 01-31-2008, 06:47 AM

Hello All!

My hubby and I are taking out first trip to Aruba here in a few months (april 7-12th) Since we want to spend a decent amount of time simply sitting on the beach doing next to nothing, I need some help deciding what to do for the other parts of our trip. We are staying at the tam so dining is not really an issue.

I have just read online about so many activities and tours from different companies and cannot seem to narrow it down since so many of them seem to overlap in regards to the sites they visit. If anyone has any recommendations on 2-3 tours or activities that would cover everything that we absolutley must see/do that would be great. We really like the sailing/snorkeling idea but we dont scuba dive and we like the jeep tour idea. Let me know! Thanks all!

janice · 01-31-2008, 07:33 AM

Jolly pirates snorkel tour
depalm discover aruba bus or jeep tour (jeep gets dusty)
kukuu kunukoo dinner/bar hopper party bus tour
glass bottom boat

see www.depalm.com

*Andrea J.* · 01-31-2008, 08:47 AM

welcome to the aruba community forum

since you only will be having 5 days on island i recommend doing next to nothing (as you mentioned) and staying on the beach.

that being said, one tour that i would do is the Tranquillo snorkel tour.
www.tranquilloaruba.com
many many rave reviews, the ship only holds a few people, there are usually no kids and it is wonderful. (the drift snorkel is particulary terrific)

also too, early mornings or late afternoons are a good time to hop in the car and go exploring.
taking an hour or 2 every day will give you a better feel for aruba and its residents.
(that is if you plan on renting a car)

andrea

quote=Mrs.BeachComber;103626]Hello All!

My hubby and I are taking out first trip to Aruba here in a few months (april 7-12th) Since we want to spend a decent amount of time simply sitting on the beach doing next to nothing, I need some help deciding what to do for the other parts of our trip. We are staying at the tam so dining is not really an issue.

I have just read online about so many activities and tours from different companies and cannot seem to narrow it down since so many of them seem to overlap in regards to the sites they visit. If anyone has any recommendations on 2-3 tours or activities that would cover everything that we absolutley must see/do that would be great. We really like the sailing/snorkeling idea but we dont scuba dive and we like the jeep tour idea. Let me know! Thanks all![/quote]

Snidely · 01-31-2008, 09:35 AM

Mrs B, IMHO with 5 days on the island I would recommend you think seriously about trying to plan for no more than two off-resort activities. Even during our early years of vacationing on the island we rarely planned activities more frequently than every other day. We have found that while staying at the Tam, just doing nothing can be very enjoyable.

That being said, snorkel cruise, Jolly Pirates or Tranquillo. Snorkeling will be great plus you'll have the added perspective of seeing the island from offshore. The jeep tours are great fun. It depends on how much you want to get into it, but my recommendation would be a half day excursion. You'll get to see the north side of the island and also have beach time available.

Enjoy your time on the island. I think you'll enjoy the Tam.

Joe

Cple · 01-31-2008, 10:11 AM

Enjoy the Tam, relax on the beach,discover the Bunker Bar, say hi to all the bartenders.... Now,,, if you can find time after doing all of the above, try to see a little bit of the wonderful island..... Have a great vacation....

Chelle · 01-31-2008, 01:58 PM

You're gonna love Aruba. Honestly with your age and if you guys like to have a good time......Check out the Kukukanuku Bus or even the Black Hog Saloon (they have a BBQ Bash w/all you can eat & drink...dancing, contests plus the girls get to go on a Harley Ride)

Enjoy & hope you'll post a trip report when ya come back.

serene56 · 01-31-2008, 09:24 PM

We used abc-tours and took a 1/2 day jeep tour. It gave us the Island stuff--like he bridge that is no longer there--the natural pool, the gold mine, ostrich farm among some other things. Was well worth the money.

Bryan Morris · 02-01-2008, 10:05 AM

Jolly Pirates and ABC half day tour are a must do.
You cannot leave the island without doing these two or you had not been to the island.

Regards,

Bryan Morris
Aruba's Premier Wedding Photographer

Cecile · 02-03-2008, 02:16 AM

I agree with Andrea. Tranquilo is a lot of fun and not too crowded. We did the full day with Anthony and sailed to Spanish Lagoon. Everyone snorkels in the shallows and then he takes those who are stronger swimmers out to the whitecaps for a drift snorkel. It is amazing. Then we all go back to the boat for lunch. Capt. Anthonys' moms Dutch Pea Soup is really good.
We have never taken an organized island tour(abc) so I can't speak for that but we rent a jeep for our 2 weeks and explore on our own. Have a great trip.

Mike · 02-03-2008, 10:07 AM

If you are into a snorkeling trip, may I suggest the Delphi Watersports tour. It is much less crowded than the larger companies, like Red Sail Sports. If it hasnt changed from last August, the price is about $35 and the tour lasts about 3 hours. It consists of stopping at a World War 2 era shipwreck and a coral reef both near the north end of Aruba. The company (Delphi Watersports) is located on Palm Beach infront of the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Look for the white tent.

01-31-2008, 06:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mrs.BeachComber Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Age: 25 Posts: 9	First timer needs suggestions ! Hello All! My hubby and I are taking out first trip to Aruba here in a few months (april 7-12th) Since we want to spend a decent amount of time simply sitting on the beach doing next to nothing, I need some help deciding what to do for the other parts of our trip. We are staying at the tam so dining is not really an issue. I have just read online about so many activities and tours from different companies and cannot seem to narrow it down since so many of them seem to overlap in regards to the sites they visit. If anyone has any recommendations on 2-3 tours or activities that would cover everything that we absolutley must see/do that would be great. We really like the sailing/snorkeling idea but we dont scuba dive and we like the jeep tour idea. Let me know! Thanks all!

01-31-2008, 08:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: eagle beach alto vista chapel arashi beach amsterdam manor beach bar LePonderosa or Gold Mine Ranch about 30' off shore @ eagle beach..ahhhh Posts: 4,203 Images: 40	welcome to the aruba community forum since you only will be having 5 days on island i recommend doing next to nothing (as you mentioned) and staying on the beach. that being said, one tour that i would do is the Tranquillo snorkel tour. www.tranquilloaruba.com many many rave reviews, the ship only holds a few people, there are usually no kids and it is wonderful. (the drift snorkel is particulary terrific) also too, early mornings or late afternoons are a good time to hop in the car and go exploring. taking an hour or 2 every day will give you a better feel for aruba and its residents. (that is if you plan on renting a car) andrea quote=Mrs.BeachComber;103626]Hello All! My hubby and I are taking out first trip to Aruba here in a few months (april 7-12th) Since we want to spend a decent amount of time simply sitting on the beach doing next to nothing, I need some help deciding what to do for the other parts of our trip. We are staying at the tam so dining is not really an issue. I have just read online about so many activities and tours from different companies and cannot seem to narrow it down since so many of them seem to overlap in regards to the sites they visit. If anyone has any recommendations on 2-3 tours or activities that would cover everything that we absolutley must see/do that would be great. We really like the sailing/snorkeling idea but we dont scuba dive and we like the jeep tour idea. Let me know! Thanks all![/quote] __________________ Aruba Jan 21 for 2 weeks!

01-31-2008, 09:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
Snidely Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bunker Bar Posts: 102 Images: 8	Mrs B, IMHO with 5 days on the island I would recommend you think seriously about trying to plan for no more than two off-resort activities. Even during our early years of vacationing on the island we rarely planned activities more frequently than every other day. We have found that while staying at the Tam, just doing nothing can be very enjoyable. That being said, snorkel cruise, Jolly Pirates or Tranquillo. Snorkeling will be great plus you'll have the added perspective of seeing the island from offshore. The jeep tours are great fun. It depends on how much you want to get into it, but my recommendation would be a half day excursion. You'll get to see the north side of the island and also have beach time available. Enjoy your time on the island. I think you'll enjoy the Tam. Joe Last edited by Snidely; 02-01-2008 at 09:44 AM.

01-31-2008, 10:11 AM	#5 (permalink)
Cple Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Our favorite place on the island, is the great beach at the Grape field. The water is the best, and its very quiet. Age: 61 Posts: 37	Enjoy Enjoy the Tam, relax on the beach,discover the Bunker Bar, say hi to all the bartenders.... Now,,, if you can find time after doing all of the above, try to see a little bit of the wonderful island..... Have a great vacation....

01-31-2008, 01:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
Chelle Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 169	You're gonna love Aruba. Honestly with your age and if you guys like to have a good time......Check out the Kukukanuku Bus or even the Black Hog Saloon (they have a BBQ Bash w/all you can eat & drink...dancing, contests plus the girls get to go on a Harley Ride) Enjoy & hope you'll post a trip report when ya come back. __________________ Michelle & Mike

01-31-2008, 07:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
janice Banned Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 90	Jolly pirates snorkel tour depalm discover aruba bus or jeep tour (jeep gets dusty) kukuu kunukoo dinner/bar hopper party bus tour glass bottom boat see www.depalm.com

01-31-2008, 09:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
serene56 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 190	We used abc-tours and took a 1/2 day jeep tour. It gave us the Island stuff--like he bridge that is no longer there--the natural pool, the gold mine, ostrich farm among some other things. Was well worth the money.

02-01-2008, 10:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
Bryan Morris Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: The entire island Posts: 99	Jolly Pirates and ABC half day tour are a must do. You cannot leave the island without doing these two or you had not been to the island. Regards, Bryan Morris Aruba's Premier Wedding Photographer

02-03-2008, 02:16 AM	#9 (permalink)
Cecile Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: My favourite place on the island is Boca Catalina for snorkeling and sunbathing, and the windward side of the island for exploring. Age: 48 Posts: 48	I agree with Andrea. Tranquilo is a lot of fun and not too crowded. We did the full day with Anthony and sailed to Spanish Lagoon. Everyone snorkels in the shallows and then he takes those who are stronger swimmers out to the whitecaps for a drift snorkel. It is amazing. Then we all go back to the boat for lunch. Capt. Anthonys' moms Dutch Pea Soup is really good. We have never taken an organized island tour(abc) so I can't speak for that but we rent a jeep for our 2 weeks and explore on our own. Have a great trip. __________________ 4th trip to paradise

02-03-2008, 10:07 AM	#10 (permalink)
Mike Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 37	If you are into a snorkeling trip, may I suggest the Delphi Watersports tour. It is much less crowded than the larger companies, like Red Sail Sports. If it hasnt changed from last August, the price is about $35 and the tour lasts about 3 hours. It consists of stopping at a World War 2 era shipwreck and a coral reef both near the north end of Aruba. The company (Delphi Watersports) is located on Palm Beach infront of the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Look for the white tent. __________________ ********************** Mike **********************