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!

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

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]

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

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....

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

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.

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

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

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
**********************