Help!! I'm so lost and only a few days left.....

[westcruzer]

I will be cruising on the Caribbean Princess and arriving in Aruba on Monday Dec. 7th. The ship arrives at 8am and leaves port at 5pm. I think I've done too much research so now I'm confused. Can anyone list the top 3 or 4 things to do and companies they would recommend? ArubaLisa I know it seems everyone seems to call for you....must be because you are so helpful.

 

All help is appreciated!!

[Arubalisa]

What do you enjoy doing?

Beach

Touring

Adventure

Watersports

Snorkel/Scuba

[westcruzer]

Watersports

Snorkel

Touring - Not a history only tour though.

 

I have thought about hiring Cerry for a few hours of touring.

 

Let me know what you think.

[arlodog]

We used Kini Kini tours and had a great time. We just drove around the island, but they will do what you want. Just drop them a quick e-mail and maybe they can help you with some suggestions.

[Arubalisa]

Touring

Kini Kini info@kinikinitours.com is a great choice for a private or small guided jeep tour. They are a small "mom & pop" operation. We have used them before for an ATV tour and found it very worthwhile. For something more lively a guided jeep tour, the most popular and postively reviewed, is ABC Jeep Tours http://www.abc-aruba.com/

Reviews at CC's sister website http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147248-d523465-Reviews-ABC_Tours_Attractions-Oranjestad_Aruba.html

 

A taxi tour is a terrific way to see the island and would be only $45 an hour with a maximum of 5 people. That is NOT per person.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=12787946&postcount=2 Review of First-time Touring with Bully in Aruba

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=560106 Private tour guide

I have written about our family's experiences with Bully at The Aruban Taxi Driver and Bully Again

 

Another suggestion from one of my friends who used a taxi driver named Cerry Croes for an island tour in January.

Her comments:

"yes more than a "generic tour" but as somoene that did our own al' acarte tour with cerry in january, it is money well spent.

he is accomodating and knowledgeable.

yes a taxi/tour service, but i felt like it was a limo service."

http://www.pitaruba.com/

Email cyrllcroes@yahoo.com

 

Snorkeling

For a lively family type atmosphere snorkel excursion the Jolly Pirates http://www.jolly-pirates.com/ is a lot of fun.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147248-d1013414-Reviews-Jolly_Pirates_Cruises-Oranjestad_Aruba.html

Our experience here

Addtional info http://boards.cruisecritic.com/tags.php?tag=aruba+jolly+pirates

 

For a bit longer and much more leisurely day the Tranquilo is a great way to spend the day. You also get to see a bit of the coastline.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147251-d1009676-Reviews-Tranquilo_Charter_Cruises-San_Nicolas_Aruba.html

We have taken their south side lunch and snorkel cruise twice and find it one of the best excursions offered on the island. I have written a review here http://www.bloggingtoaruba.com/my_weblog/2009/07/our-day-on-tranquilo-in-aruba.html

 

Snorkeling from Shore (easily reached via bus, taxi or rental car)

Snorkeling at Boca Catalina/Catalina Cove is easy to reach, but no real beach, just enough to get wet. ;)

 

There are a few shade palapas at Boca Catalina but no restroom facilities. There are no rest room facilities at all along the coast at either BC or Catalina Cove. Boca Catalina below

click on thumbnail to enlarge

 

The snorkeling is a bit better at Catalina Cove, though it is rocky and a difficult entry

click on thumbnail to enlarge

 

I have further information and photos of this area here

[Tess111]

I will be cruising on the Caribbean Princess and arriving in Aruba on Monday Dec. 7th. The ship arrives at 8am and leaves port at 5pm. I think I've done too much research so now I'm confused. Can anyone list the top 3 or 4 things to do and companies they would recommend? ArubaLisa I know it seems everyone seems to call for you....must be because you are so helpful.

 

All help is appreciated!!

 

We are looking for something to do in Aruba that will be "safe" for hubby because he will be 1 month post foot surgery and cannot get dirt or salt water in his incision. I have booked the tomcars, but I have been re-reading posts thinking that it may be too dirty for hubby. I have suggested wrapping his foot with garbage bag and using duct tape inside his boot, and again outside of his boot, but I don't know if that would work. Any suggestions on how to do this tour, or other tours that we may be able to do, would be greatly appreciated. We arrive in Aruba Dec. 22 at 11 am and leave at 10 pm on Holland America Eurodam.

 

Thanks for all of your help.