Can anyone give me some tips on snorkeling with my kids, i read somewhere (but of couse cant remember where) that there are some places that offer private trips for families. Does anyone know anything about this? My boys 10, 8, and 6 all swim was just wondering if anyone with similiar age children have had good or bad experiences. Any info appreciated

We went to Depalm Island. They have snorkeling, snuba and seatreck. You can walk down the stairs into the ocean and be with giant blue parriot fish. It's great. Just a few yards off shore the water is waist deep and full of colorfull fish. Out a little deeper is gets 15 feet deep or so. My 12 year old ventured out into the deep waters and my 8 year old stayed close to shore. Both had a great time. Don't waste your money on Seatrek. The fish are much better where you snorkel.

Baby Beach is very nice for young swimmers. It's an inslet that shields the beach from the waves and has some fish in a channel where you can stand up about 4 - 5 feet deep on average.

There is a rental place there for snorkle equipment. There are no facilities other than a snak stand I didn't see a restroom.

If you're more adventerous or your kids are strong swimmers you can leave the inslet and go out to the ocean and swim with alot more fish with live coral, etc.

Take a disposable underwater camera with you. The one's in Aruba are EXPENSIVE. Like $20 each !!

If you rent gear from somewhere else you might could get lifevests too for your kids.

Make sure you wear shirts while snorkling or you'll get burned bad. Bring dry shirts, towels, snacks to the Baby Beach.

The other place we went was Arashi Beach up in Noord. Lots of dive boats go there, we just drove up and parked and put in and swam out to where the dive boats anchor. The fish there are used to being fed and come right up to you. Once again, no facilities, come prepared.

All in all I'd say Baby Beach outside of the Inslet was the better place to snorkle, but it's only for strong swimmers. Inside the inslet is ok, but visability is not the best because of all the people stepping on the ground kicking up silt.

I would agree that Baby Beach was fantastic. We also did a snorkelling trip with the MiDushi boat. They were very family oriented, and had rope swings for the kids.

Do you recommend renting snorkling equipment or buying/bringing our own for a family of five? We'll be there a week later this month. Thanks!

If you go on a tour (DePalm, Red Sail, Pleasure, Jolly Pirates and other companies), they will provide their own. However, I'd recommend bringing your own. My son used his at the beach at our hotel to find coral and rocks. It kept him busy and he had fun.

As for Baby Beach.... I totally missed out. I drove there but must've ended up at the wrong inlet. Soem other Americans were also lost there (road detours didn't help any)

AS a note, some tour companies go to Antilla (German ship wreck). Interesting snorkeling, but the water is wavy and choppy. My son snorkeled but was quite nervous and lasted about 20 minutes. Somewhat tiring. Coral reef snorkeling is probably better for younger kids. Good luck