What are the best beaches in Aruba & Bermuda, also looking for private tour companies

[pinkaboo]

Will be going to Bermuda & Aruba and would like to find a beach that has soft sand and is great for relaxing & swimming. Not concerned with snorkeling or scuba, just want to lay out and enjoy the sun & water. Also would like to find a beach that have bathroom facilities and restuarant or cafe or outdoor bar/grill snacks..:-)

 

Also any suggesstions on private tour companies in either Aruba or Bermuda. I know the ship will offer some excursions, but in St Thomas we used a private tour company and that worked out well, so thought I would try to find a private tour co. in Aruba & Bermuda..

[caviargal]

Eagle Beach and Palm Beach in Aruba both meet all of your requirements. You can rent a chair from one of the many restaursants or hotels lining the beach and have access to rest rooms, etc.

 

It has been ages since I visited Bermuda so cannot help you there. Have you tried the "Ports of Call" board?

 

CG

[pinkaboo]

Thanks for the info. How far is eagle beach or palm beach from where the ship docks & the shopping area? Is there a local bus or are the taxis reasonable? Alos are you familiar with any private companies in Aruba? Kind of looking to rent a private tour guide who will stay with us for the day.

[familycruzer]

Best beaches in Bermuda with facilities would be Horseshoe Bay and Tobacco Bay.

[JessLCH]

Palm Beach in Aruba is beautiful.

 

Just curious, what cruise are you going on that calls in both Bermuda and Aruba? Must be a long one.

[pinkaboo]

JessLCH, we're booked on the 12 night Jewel out of Boston and we are counting the days down. We're trying to search out some private tour guides now to avoid the mad rush close to sail time.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Would agree Palm Beach and Baby Beach for Aruba.

 

Palm Beach is considered the "Hi Rise" section of hotels - they are all grouped in the same general area. Baby Beach is in the other direction - there is not as much there - no hotels - but it is a nice beach.

 

Beaches in Aruba are "public" so you can sit in front of any of the major hotels without any problem ... we usually stick around the Holiday Inn - there are bathrooms inside that are in the lobby area - also used their pool bar and restaurant. Any cab or local bus would drop you off there - just ask for Palm Beach. They might ask if you want a specific hotel - I mentioned the Holiday Inn as it is pretty central and one of the biggest.

 

Cab fare from downtown is about $8. You can also ride the local bus - $1 - cheap, very safe, nice to mix with local people. Bus station is right across the street from the docks.

 

Most people enjoy seeing the "other side" of Aruba, including the Natural Bridge - it is great to do on a jeep tour. It is, however, dry, dirty, sandy, don't go wearing "good clothes" if you do it in an outdoor vehicle or jeep.

It's definitely a highlight of Aruba - would definitely try to do that either by a tour, jeep, or even taxi from the dock. However make sure you have sunscreen and water. You can do this on a tour bus, but it is not as much fun as the jeeps, plus the buses/taxis cannot get you in to all the places.

 

DePalm Tours, I think, are probably the biggest tour operator on the island.

 

Aruba is a great island ... enjoy your cruise. Sorry I can't help with Bermuda.

[pinkaboo]

PmCc1998

 

Thanks

[pinkaboo]

PmCc1998

 

Thanks for

[pinkaboo]

PmCc1998

 

Thanks for the

[pinkaboo]

PMCc1998

 

Thanks for the info. do the hotels ever have a problem with the cruiseship passengers using their facilities?

[Grandma Dazzles]

We have stayed at the Holiday Inn several times for week-long vacations, therefore feel comfortable with the property and know where things are, e.g. bathrooms, etc. However, we have also stopped there when just there for a day on a cruise and never had a problem.

 

There is a casino in the lobby - you could just be visiting that - also several gift shops in the lobby - I don't think any of the "major" hotels object to visitors using their bathrooms, etc. Common sense rules - obviously I would not walk in the lobby soaking wet from the pool or beach - also would wear a cover up.

 

We have also bought drinks at the beach bar, eaten at the beach restaurant, etc. I believe if you decide to use one of the hotel chairs they ask for a room key; if you don't have one they do probably charge for the use of the lounge chair, sun hut, etc.

 

The Holiday Inn, Wyndham, Marriott, most of the "big" chains are on that same stretch of Palm Beach.