Thinking of returning in Oct. - opinions please?

[Run262]

Hi all -

Great forum. First time poster. My sister and I went to Aruba last year for the first time in April and had a WONDERFUL time - we weren't able to stay but for 4 days - too short for sure. We stayed at the Renaissance and enjoyed it pretty well - explored some of the island although not as much as I would have liked too - she's not much for adventure.

ANYWAY.... my point is. I want to take my boyfriend back there and we're looking at our schedules and it appears that mid-October might be the only time we can go this year or we'll have to wait until march/april of next year. (I don't think I can wait that long!)

Here's the thing. I NEED a vacation BAD. He's about to go surfing in Costa Rica with his buddies in two weeks (a trip he takes every year)...but told me to see if I could plan something for the two of us.

So how's the weather in mid-October in Aruba? What about the surf conditions, are there some places I could take him to surf? (It's not a must). We definitely want to rent a jeep, and do some snorkleing. Not much for the big touristy crowds - more of a "off the beaten path/expolorer" type couple - but also need my time under a palapa with some drinks and downtime.

Don't want to stay at the Renaissance again, looking at the Hyatt. Thoughts on that?

General ideas?

Thanks guys!

[Arubalisa]

October weather in Aruba is perfect as it is the rest of the year.

October weather
Average high temperature 90 F.
Average low temperature 80 F.
Average temperature 83 F.
Average water temperature 83 F.
Average relative humidity 79%
Average windspeed 13 mph
Average maximum wind speed 28 mph
Average rainfall 2.60 inches (20.3 inches annual)

For a single couple and romantic time sipping drinks under a palapa, check out the Bucuti, www.aruba.com/wheretostay/Aruba_Bucuti_Beach_Resort_and_Tara_Beach_Suites/amenities.aspx

IF you are looking for something more lively, then a resort on Palm Beach such as the Hyatt would be great as well, just more crowded. Palm Beach in general is more crowded than Eagle Beach where the Bucuti is located.

For resorts on Palm Beach in the category of the Hyatt, I would compare the Hyatt as well as Radisson, Westin and Marriott. For all inclusive on Palm Beach in that class of resort you could also consider the Riu.

If you rent a vehicle for the duration of your stay and choose the Bucuti you can run down to Palm Beach for activities whenever you wish.

There is surfing year round on the windward coast. Other times of the year elsewhere and of course during storms. Your bf should hook up with a local at one of the surf shops such as Bula to find the best location as well as underwater obstructions (coral). Also see Can I Surf in Aruba?


www.aruba.com/forum/f10/can-i-surf-aruba-36120/

[milford44]

We have been going the last week in September into the first week of October for the past 6 years. We really enjoy that time of year. Alot less wind- not good I guess for surfing- but very enjoyable. We rent a car and go snorkeling from shore about every other day.
We stay at the Renn and really love it there- private island is not crowded and can find shade or sun and chairs anytime during the day. Can always go to Eagle beach or Palm beach for the day.
Really like the Hyatt casino but the room rates are astronimical.
We rent a timeshare at the Rennaisance and save a couple hundred dollars per nite versus the Hyatt. Have a great time

[Run262]

Thanks for the replies. I'm getting excited just talking about this. Okay, more specificially - we're aren't looking for all inclusive, don't need super nice amenities - but don't want to to skimp too much - want nice but not over the top by any means.

Renassiance is not totally out of the picture - I did enjoy the private island, but when we went down to Palm Beach for the day, I just liked seeing the entire ocean when laying under the palapa - not real big on the action/lots of people - just there was MORE to SEE. I know, I'm confusing right?

I think the Bucuti is going to be out of our price range - we won't be spending much time at the hotel.

Milford - could you recommend some places to snorkel from the shore - willing to drive of course.

The more research I do and reading of the forum - I'm sure the trip will take shape and all the names and places will come back to me.

Thanks again everyone!

[milford44]

http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/ABC/Aruba/index.htm

We really like Boca Catalina- entry is real sandy- small area to enter but then go north toward Arashi. This is where the tour boats anchor- people paying $75 and you walk in for free. We also go in from Arashi and swin south to see theat side also. We have also tried Mango Halto but it was too rough the day we went.
Baby Beach is interesting and you can swim back in the inlets and see alot of coral- alot of fish to see also.
At Catalina we have seen squid, rays, alot of fish.
We do not do AI- toomany restuarants we enjoy going to.
Also with timeshare we have refrig so we go to the nice modern grocery stores and pick up drinks and some lunch meat to take sandwiches when we go to snorkel or visit a beach for the day.

[milford44]

If you want to stay up toward the north end they are running a room special at the Mariott Surf Club- it is a timeshare lockoff room for less than $200 per nite that is available during October.

[Arubalisa]

We too love Boca Catalina. Lots of info and photos here on the forum

http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/snorkeling%20boca%20catalina.html

[Andrea J.]

we love boca catalina AND catalina cove.

very good shore snorkeling.

[Andrea J.]

check out this thread

there is a link to photos

most of the snorkeling these fine folks did were shore snorkels
Belated Trip Report

[johnyraz@live.com]

i go in october every year except for this upcoming october =(. Let me tell you that its not going to be as busy as other months but its steady and the weather is perfect.