Hi, I'm going to Aruba Sept 16 to 27 for the 1st land trip. I was there for 1 day by way of a cruise. I am staying at Casa del Mar for 6 days and 5 days at Divi Aruba Phoenix Resort- both time share exchanges.

If I rent a car, is there adequate parking in most places? I have heard that there aren't a lot of road signs. Could someone give me 2 road trips to the high points with good directions? What beach would you recommend where the snorkeling is good but with adequate shade? For the 1st 6 days, my daughter, her husband, my wife and I will be there. Some of us will be more active in the water, and others need a comfortable (shady) spot to lie around.

Thanks for any advice. Bob

hi bob
check out this link http://www.aruba.com/whattodo/sightseeing.php

when paul and i head to aruba we typically do nothing other than beach/pool, horseback ride, snorkel, eat and make donations to the casinos.

if you chose to rent a car (and i do suggest it) give tropic a chance at your business. the company is top notch.

tons of shady areas on the beach at cdm and the phoenix. you will be very happy at both places.

great snorkeling at arashi, malmok, baby beach and at the spanish lagoon.

a nice road trip that might occupy a morning or late afternoon of your time................california lighthouse to alto vista chapel to remains of natural bridge. another road trip is heading down towards san nicholas and wandering around the shore road there. the big monstrosity of a building you see up on a hill overlooking the sea is the prison. yup the prison is ocean view property.

or my favorite of favorites is...............cemetary hopping.
(respectfully of course)
the cemetaries in aruba are magnificent. the graves are above ground and they are painted bright colors........very caribbean style. the families of the deceased visit often and the graves are decorated...very decorated. when walking about in the cemetary, you get the feeling of being in a neighborhood of tiny caribbena houses.

it is weird to explain, but it is very peaceful and quite beautiful and incredibly interesting..

often, after an early morning horseback ride or on our way back from picking up pastries, we stop at the cemetary near st. ann's in noord and wander around a bit. we have met some wonderful folks there
(not the deceased)...the family members that come to visit. they all have marvelous stories.

once i find the good map i got online , i will post the link.
i am wagering that lisa or arubaliz have good/great map links.

also too the road map in one of the little aruba books that you'll get in the little switzerland bag at the airport has a great map.

re: road signs they are adequate i think.
andrea

Thanks for the information. We are counting down the days until we get there. My retirement is too far off to even think about. Congratulations on yours. Bob

The only place where parking can get tough is down town.

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