Curacao and Aruba with kids ages 4-9?

[switzypooh]

Any suggested itineraries or "must dos" for Curacao and Aruba with kids ages 4-9? Curacao is afternoon and evening (1pm to 10pm), and Aruba is day (8am to 5pm). (I'm reposting from family board)

 

We'd like to try snorkeling on at least one of the days - if we only do that once, which island has better snorkeling?

 

Also, both Islands have Ostrich farms - does anyone know the difference?

 

Will a jeep tour too much for the 4 year old? (she is pretty tough, but is still 4). The natural pool sounds amazing, but will it be ok for that age?

 

Is the Sea Aquarium on Curacao good, or tourist trap?

 

Other suggestions? Thanks. :)

[Happy2travl]

Sounds like the same itinerary we will have. Our plans so far are possibly the Seaquarium in Curacao, Porto Marie Beach, and some shopping. The Curacao night we will be watching the sunset from the beach.

Aruba we are considering the butterfly farm, Aloe factory and taking a local bus to Palm Beach for a few hours. I have heard that there is a private island day trip where you can see flamingos in their natural habitat. We have 3 boys aged 6, 8 and 10.

Thanks for asking the question because we would love to hear first hand about the Seaquarium to know if it's worth going.

[Arubalisa]

We'd like to try snorkeling on at least one of the days - if we only do that once, which island has better snorkeling?

Curacao offers better snorkeling than Aruba and Playa Porto Mari http://www.playaportomari.com/ offers the best of both worlds- beach day and snorkeling. If you have divers in your group, they offer shore dives as well.

Also, both Islands have Ostrich farms - does anyone know the difference?

Could tour the Ostrich farm in Curacao and tour the Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba.

 

Will a jeep tour too much for the 4 year old? (she is pretty tough, but is still 4). The natural pool sounds amazing, but will it be ok for that age?

Personally, with the amount of time that a tour like that requires, it is a long tour for a 4 yo.

 

Another option in Aruba boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1377410

Also, additional ideas-

a day on Palm Beach (water is calm and lake like, sugar white sand)- Aruba Beaches with small children?

Butterfly Farm

Donkey Sanctuary

De Palm Island (small waterpark to satisfy the 4 yo)-- De Palm Beach and water park ??

Ostrich Farm

Phillips Animal Garden

Ideally if you do not think De Palm Island is the right fit for your family, and there are only 5 people or less in your family, I would make arrangements in advance for a private taxi (Questions on Bully Tours in Aruba??) for a few hours. In the interest of the kids, tailor the day to them.

 

Three stops (others above as you find interesting):

 

1. Donkey Sanctuary

2. Butterfly Farm

3. Ostrich Farm

 

You will see some of the sights along the way. Taxis will run $45 per hour holding a maximum of 5 people. In three hours you could see all of those places. Perhaps conclude by having Bully drop you off at Palm beach per-arranging for a pick up time to return to the ship. The taxi could also stop at the supermarket so you could purchase some carrots and apples to feed the donkeys. ;)