ARUBA... 9 days!

[Coupon Crazy Lady]

Has anyone here ever been to ARUBA? My husband and I are leaving in 9 days to go... we will be spending 7 nights there at an RCI resort. If you have been... do you have any pointers? Any fun things to do? Things to watch out for or stay away from? Any input or experiences are welcome! Thanks!

[mama2kangaandroo]

We were there for a day as part of a cruise. Rented a car and drove to Baby Beach to snorkel. LOVED it so much. Want to go back (NOT on a cruise, though, hated that!) We felt like it was "Americanized" and thus very easy/safe to visit. It's been 10 years so I don't remember much more, but definitely see Baby Beach and drive around and explore on your own!

[nrpeace17]

Aruba is one of my favorite places. Eagle Beach is just beautiful. The Arikok National Park is fascinating, there are donkeys that wander around and there are beautiful birds flying around. It was a desert like landscape, very different . I would recommend renting a jeep with a roof to shield the sun, and driving around the island. You can see the rock formations, and there are caves with paintings.
There is a lot to see. You can buy very inexpensvie Amber and sterling silver jewelry in the shops off the beaten path.

Here is a link that will give you some ideas:
Beach Aruba : Aruba Spas and Malls

[jetstorm]

If you like to snorkel I would highly recommend Jolly Pirates. They have a three stop tour that includes lunch and open bar which also has punch jiuce and cola - all included in the $50. per person range. You go out on a pirate sail boat and all the equipment is provided. It was a blast. Make sure to go up front and ride on the net thing on the front of the boat. Looks kind of like a hammock. Oh, and they also have a rope swing. I beleive they are under jollypirates.com

[hiding57]

We also LOVED the Jolly pirates. Aruba is great, it has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and everyone there is so friendly.

[Coupon Crazy Lady]

Originally Posted by Coupon Crazy Lady Has anyone here ever been to ARUBA? My husband and I are leaving in 9 days to go... we will be spending 7 nights there at an RCI resort. If you have been... do you have any pointers? Any fun things to do? Things to watch out for or stay away from? Any input or experiences are welcome! Thanks!

Vacation is over and it was WONDERFUL! The people were extremely accomodating and super friendly. I would definitely recommend this island to anyone looking for an awesome vacation spot in the Caribbean!

[mama2kangaandroo]

Where did you end up staying? DH & I are considering a trip there and are looking for a good place with a good deal.

[tacatcon]

I would love to know too. I am trying to get my SO to take me. He said we could go and now he's back pedaling cuz of the $. GRRRRR But hey, I'll go without him! lol

[rbunnymom]

Originally Posted by tacatcon I would love to know too. I am trying to get my SO to take me. He said we could go and now he's back pedaling cuz of the $. GRRRRR But hey, I'll go without him! lol

How about we have HCW reunion there?

[tacatcon]

LOL-who's paying? I'm there! lol