Our family is visiting in a few weeks. Should we buy some snorkeling equipment to take down or just rent in Aruba? We're first - timers, so probably will go on our own, just off the beaches. How much to rent?

I get to use snorkel stuff for free at all inclusive so don't know cost of rental. Better to rent than buy as you are beginners and may not like it. Rent and share a set or 2 at first to see how it goes. Go to Baby beach and also take the public bus to Malmok/Arashi beach for some good snorkeling on your own.

Definitely rent the equipment and if you can go on a snorkeling excursion from one of the rental places such as Red Sail. They will take you to the good snorkel spots and most places will include snacks and/or lunch and drinks. It's a lot of fun. My 10 year old loved it!!

Snorkle this!

i ;ve been at the marriot and if i go down a ways on the beach (maybe in front of the holiday inn) theres a stand Roberto's Snorkling ( may not be spelled right) and you can just go out w/ your own family on the ocean. They bring you to three different stops. One is a nice place a/ lots of fish, another is different types of coral, and the last one is a ship wrench. i didnt really like that one so the next year that we did the snorkling we ask not to go to that stop and spent more time on the other two. Oh yea and they had snorkling stuff to borrow.

You can rent at Baby Beach for about $8. Not bad. I rented there, and used Jolly Pirates, and Pelican II: they were worn, but clean and I had no problem. Good enough for first timers.....if you get hooked (as I did!) you can get a good set for about $14.99 at any Target store and carry them with you. My nephew, sister, and I now carry our own and we feel like pros!
There are MANY great snorkel spots, but if you like fish, I suggest a day trip to DePalm island. You won't be disappointed: the fish are like squirrels: eat right out of your hands!