Does anyone have any suggestions on a sail and snorkle trip with two girls who are good swimmers but ages 6 and 9? I've read the websites of the 1/2 dozen or so major sail and snorkle companies in Aruba but can't determine which would be most fun for the kids. (By the way, Dad likes the open bar part!) If it matters, we will be in Aruba in Feb and are staying at the Radisson and will be rentig a car.

Bring a thermos of martinis and go to Baby beach where the water is mostly 4 feet deep. can go to 8 or 10 feet deep by rock jetty where everyone goes to see lots of fish. Otherwise, look in to the Jolly pirates snorkel.

HI,
I read on one of the watersports sites about some special gear that they have for kids 6 and up. It helps them feel more comfortable in the water, keeping the water out of their masks, easier breathing, etc. It was a little more expensive, but we're going to try it for our 6 and 9 year olds just to make sure the trip is enjoyable for all of us! Sorry I don't remember which site; I'll look when I have more time and post again.

We were just in Aruba in january. Our grandaughter age 5 went snorkeling. Her parents took out out with Red Sail Sports. They are located in front of the Marriott Ocean Club right on the beach. Since you are staying at the Raddisson, you are a 5 minute walk to their building. Our grandaughter is also a good swimmer and the people on the trip were very good with the kids explaining all the equipment and proper useage. The kid had a blast and so did the parents.They went out in the afternoon trip which was from 2 to 5. and I think the cost was $35.00 for adults and kids under 12 were 1/2 price and that included the gear..

Hi Tony,
Last year and 23 days from now took son & daughter (8/6) to baby beach. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! The memory of swimming at arms length with my kids in the turquoise azure water filled with large colorful fish and coral formations will last a lifetime!Taught them hand signals like moving first 2 fingers up & down=swim! faster=swim harder!"OK" sign etc. We saw and heard parrot fish munching on coral. We fed the fish bread and I could hear the kids squeeling with joy thru their snorkels. We identified at least 15 types. Saw a barracuda and a school of cuttle fish jet by.Sponges, lobster, crabs, conk, eels,They also learned 4 types of coral.Btwn trips out they played in the sand had a hotdog.Dad had an extremely refreshing polar beer. Natural beauty of Gods bountiful, diverse creation.This is what vacation is all about- nothing artificial,no lines, no computer amimations no hype and no rip-offs (compare Disney World)They learned so much and were so excited to ask me what kind of fish is that Dad? I've had to study up on the subject for this years trip. We went 2 times & I can't wait to go again. Note to those who have never been there, there is an oil refinery amidst all the natural beauty, a poignant dichotomy of mans situation. The water was great. I was told that there is no fishing permitted there and the fishes seemed "friendly". They know what bread is and really go for it. I would recommend checking this out it's free and not that far of a drive. Kids can explore the beach and roam. Bring your snorkle & stuff. The snack shack will also rent but I heard that it sustained some damage from the hurricanes last year not sure of its status. Have a GREAT vacation!!!Aruba is FUN,FUN,FUN!!!!!!!

i most certainly do not think you should let a 6 and 9 year old go sail and snorkeling not to be mean or anything nut i ceriously think you are doing too much if i were their parents i would rather prefer going to mcdonalds,chucky cheeses,or fun works. but that's just my opinion,bye