Arubalisa

Baby Beach is the only place which will offer EVERYTHING which you have listed. De Palm Island will offer those as well with limited shade and an expensive price of admission, though it is all inclusive.

A taxi from Oranjestad to Baby Beach is $38 each way. That is for up to a maximum of 5 people and add an additional $3 each way on Sunday or a National Holiday. Pre-arrange for a return pick up.

An alternative within easy walking distance of the cruise terminal is to take the public bus from the main terminal in Oranjestad to San Nicolas. Once in San Nicolas the bus company offers a shuttle van from the S. N. bus station directly to Baby Beach. It will be time consuming.

Other transportation alternative would be to rent a car.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2145343 see towards the end of the first post in this thread for snorkeling from the beach for other options, though none offer EVERYTHING on your wish list.

When you return come here and tell us ALL ABOUT it.

Rented waverunners are not permitted off of Palm Beach.

There are vendors all along Palm Beach who rent waverunners but they will transport you by boat to Eagle Beach.

There are two vendors at the north end of Eagle beach there at the Amsterdam Manor and at least one other one further south on Eagle Beach near the vicinity of Paradise Beach Villas.

$75.00 Double- 2persons, 30 minutes

$65.00 Single- 1 person, 30 minutes

Taxis by law can only carry a maximum of 5 people.

Your price estimate is close if not correct.

If you take a taxi to Arashi, pre-arrange for the driver to return to pick you up. Make the arrangements BEFORE you get into the taxi to have them take you to the beach.

To save some money you could take the bus from the cruise terminal to Arashi Beach and then the bus from Arashi to Eagle Beach. From Eagle Beach to return to the ship you could then take the bus or a taxi.

Just head to the bar at the Amsterdam Manor. There are jetski operators right there at the north end of the beach.

You can always google "eagle beach aruba "waves""

This was in January https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srse8-2jU2g

It all depends upon the day. I have seen 6 foot plus pounding waves on Eagle Beach and I have also seen Eagle Beach with nothing more than 1 inch ripples.

Bugaloe bar & Grill at the end of De Palm Pier is right there next to the Hilton. Beautiful open air dining sitting out over the water.

If you are flying in August, as long as your dates are flexible, I would hold off booking. Wait for fares to drop or an airfare sale. You still have time.

Will add to what Hatteras said, we considered the Divi for our upcoming trip. New poolview category rooms were already sold out and based upon numerous photos of the other room categories available on the internet, namely Cruise Critics sister website Oyster.com we decided against booking the Divi.

We will be in port until 10 PM. Hoping to sit on beach sipping champagne at sunset. Which beach...not sure directions beaches face.

Palm Beach and Eagle Beach both face west and the sunset.

$99 dollars per person to be harassed by flies all day is not my idea of fun. :(

Thanks for the review. We have found we enjoy both Palm and Eagle.

I believe it comes down to the fact that they both offer different options for different types of experiences.

What appeals to one person does not appeal to others.

What is practical for some is not practical for others.

We all have different expectations for what we want out of a beach day.

During park's operating hours, the visitor's center is staffed. There has to be someone there to accept your entrance fee. I would be shocked if they were unwilling to call a taxi for you.

Have the taxi take you to the visitor center and ask the driver to wait while you run inside to verify that they will indeed call a taxi for you to return the the ship.

For hiking the park wear sturdy boots the ground is hard and loaded with rocks and coral. Also carry plenty of water, slather on the sunscreen (bring extra to reapply, wear a hat to protect your scalp, face and ears from the sun.

Flamingo Beach is on Renaissance Island. There is also a family beach.

Walking Oranjestad

Oranjestad info

"Getting around downtown Oranjestad has never been easier or more fun with the addition of a state-of-the-art tram, inaugurated in 2012. Connecting the cruise ship terminal with the center of town, the tram passes through the Main Street, now totally remodeled and an attractive pedestrian mall. The tram makes six stops, at monuments and museums along the way, as well as at key shopping areas. In 2015 Oranjestad has welcomed the new cultural/historical project Paardenbaai Aruba, which features 8 blue horses showcased around the downtown area. "

Tram Route

Paardenbaai Aruba walking tour

From the Aruba Tourism Authority

Walking Oranjestad

Additional Oranjestad info

The Aruba Tourism Authority has put together this project, including a map

Paardenbaai Aruba

Meet the herd: Rosalinda, Saturnina, Bonifacia, Eufrosina, Celestina, Sinforosa, Escapia, and Ambrosio. Eight horses revisiting us from our memorable past, claiming their nearly forgotten place in history.

Google cruise ship from renaissance "aruba"

You will see some examples. IF your ship is moored far enough south you would be able to get a good shot from the main road across the marina (see example on google).

You would also be able to get some shots from the Renaissance and Seaport Mall. It will just take some walking around. If you ship is not the only one in port or not the ship moored furthest south, it will be a difficult proposition.

Welcome Hatteras! :)

From a press release from Aruba's Department of Health

"Aruba’s Department of Health has confirmed 11 cases on-island, seven of which were imported from other nations. The safety of our locals and visitors continues to be our top priority. Aruba’s health authorities and tourism sector have been working together to implement an island-wide proactive plan – taking all necessary precautionary measures and educating the local community. The tourism sector is applying protocols provided by the Department of public health, including: providing guests with convenient access to insect repellent; inspecting and covering outdoor water systems; installing traps and window/door screening; and most importantly, providing information and resources to all visitors for their continued peace of mind."

Jolly Pirates is pretty lively. We take their lunch cruise which includes three snorkel stops as well as lunch and everyone gets to try their rope swing. This was my daughter years ago

We went on the Jolly Pirates in December. I could not imagine a better way to spend Christmas or any day in Aruba. The snorkeling was excellent, the crew is amazing and fun. FlaMommy75 has all the details!

The Linear Park unfortunately only runs southward from Orajestad to the airport. There is no walkway north from Oranjestad to Druif, Manchebo, Eagle and Palm Beaches.

Luckycop there is some info here for you as well.

For calm water I would suggest Palm Beach or Reflextions at Surfside Beach. Reflextions also has a small swimming pool.

You can walk south towards The West Deck for lunch http://thewestdeck.com/

FYI Weather.com uses a "canned forecast".

For local weather ALWAYS rely on the Aruba weatherman http://www.meteo.aw/

What the weatherman looks like

80 F. and clear with winds 17 mph at 10 pm ;)