MzShelle2U Posted March 23, 2014 #1 Share Posted March 23, 2014 It's just me and my husband traveling on the Breeze. We are looking for a nice beach to visit while we are in Aruba. Is there anything close to the port that's nice and safe? We are willing to walk or take a taxi. If a taxi is necessary, then how much is the cost round trip or per person? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted March 25, 2014 #2 Share Posted March 25, 2014 All beaches in Aruba are public. All below are accessible by public bus, with Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove and Arashi beach being the furthest from the port. Plan on a good hour for the latter. It will be less than that, it depends upon whether or not the bus has to stop at every stop. Water at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach is rarely crystal clear with the exception of just after sunrise. Boat traffic from watersports operators churns up the sand reducing visibility. You will rarely find crystal clear water anywhere in Aruba as you would find in the Bahamas. For the best snorkeling head to Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove, Malmok or Arashi Beach. See below for additional snorkeling info. The closest location to the cruise terminal, with the bonus, if you have small children, of an adjacent playground is Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant at Surfside Beach. Surfside Beach Taxi fare $7 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or 1 mile walking distance along the new linear park Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant http://www.beach-aruba.com Beach chair and Full day rental $12.00 Bar & restaurant Free wifi Swimming pool Showers Restrooms Baby Beach Taxi fare $38 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or by bus. Baby Beach you must take the bus to San Nicolas and change to their mini van transportation which takes you to Baby Beach. Some snorkeling (stay inside the ropes, there were lifeguards there as of 12/29/13) and clear water. Two food vendors providing food and beverage as well as restrooms. Vendors providing chaises and portable cabanas for shade and free public palapas, first come first served. Eagle Beach Some vendors renting chaise lounges as well as jet-skis. They can also provide other watersports such as parasail, banana boat/tube rides, snorkeling excursions, at their locations or take you by boat to Palm Beach. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $15 each Half day rental $10 each Free wifi Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant with beach service No shade palapas available MVC Eagle Beach Resort Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $10 each Half day rental $5 each Tulip Restaurant (across the street from the beach)- breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks Free wifi Restrooms Shower Changing room Shade palapas available Palm Beach Taxi fare $11 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Various vendors along the beach renting chaises and umbrellas. Most centrally located to food, beverage and bathroom are those at the foot of De Palm Pier. Use the alley from the street out to the beach which runs between the Radisson and Riu. MoomBa Beach http://moombabeach.com/ Beach chairs Float rentals Restrooms Free wi-? Beach service Kitchen open 8 am to 11 pm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ignite223 Posted March 25, 2014 #3 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Arubalisa, Thanks for the great post on the beaches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted March 25, 2014 #4 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Aruba Day Passes Occidental Grand Aruba What You Get for Your Money: Passes, which are $76 for adults and about $38 for children, offer access to all amenities, meals, snack and drinks, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The price does not, however, include use of a room. How to Get There: Occidental Grand Aruba is a 15-minute taxi ride from port. For More Info: Visit Occidental's Web site or call 800-858-2258. Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino What You Get for Your Money: The day passes offered at this Aruba resort include transportation to the resort's private island, as well as lunch, a drink and dessert. The cost is $99 per adult and $49 per child and does not include use of a room. How to Get There: This resort is just one-quarter of a mile from the cruise port, and it's walkable. For More Info: Visit Renaissance Aruba's Web site or call 800-421-8188 You are very welcome. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PORT ROYAL Posted March 25, 2014 #5 Share Posted March 25, 2014 All beaches in Aruba are public. All below are accessible by public bus, with Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove and Arashi beach being the furthest from the port. Plan on a good hour for the latter. It will be less than that, it depends upon whether or not the bus has to stop at every stop. Water at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach is rarely crystal clear with the exception of just after sunrise. Boat traffic from watersports operators churns up the sand reducing visibility. You will rarely find crystal clear water anywhere in Aruba as you would find in the Bahamas. For the best snorkeling head to Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove, Malmok or Arashi Beach. See below for additional snorkeling info. The closest location to the cruise terminal, with the bonus, if you have small children, of an adjacent playground is Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant at Surfside Beach. Surfside Beach Taxi fare $7 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or 1 mile walking distance along the new linear park Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant http://www.beach-aruba.com Beach chair and Full day rental $12.00 Bar & restaurant Free wifi Swimming pool Showers Restrooms Baby Beach Taxi fare $38 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or by bus. Baby Beach you must take the bus to San Nicolas and change to their mini van transportation which takes you to Baby Beach. Some snorkeling (stay inside the ropes, there were lifeguards there as of 12/29/13) and clear water. Two food vendors providing food and beverage as well as restrooms. Vendors providing chaises and portable cabanas for shade and free public palapas, first come first served. Eagle Beach Some vendors renting chaise lounges as well as jet-skis. They can also provide other watersports such as parasail, banana boat/tube rides, snorkeling excursions, at their locations or take you by boat to Palm Beach. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $15 each Half day rental $10 each Free wifi Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant with beach service No shade palapas available MVC Eagle Beach Resort Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $10 each Half day rental $5 each Tulip Restaurant (across the street from the beach)- breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks Free wifi Restrooms Shower Changing room Shade palapas available Palm Beach Taxi fare $11 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Various vendors along the beach renting chaises and umbrellas. Most centrally located to food, beverage and bathroom are those at the foot of De Palm Pier. Use the alley from the street out to the beach which runs between the Radisson and Riu. MoomBa Beach http://moombabeach.com/ Beach chairs Float rentals Restrooms Free wi-? Beach service Kitchen open 8 am to 11 pm Do not forget the local bus service with it's terminal on the other side of the road from the port gates. We take this to Arashi (lighthouse). Drop off is at the car park. At the beach turn left, out of the wind, go to the beach with rocks to your left. Wait for the catamarans to arrive from the cruise snorkel trips (food thrown overboard to attract the fish)' and just swim out and join in the fun Cost? A few dollars for the bus.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rummenroman Posted May 4, 2014 #6 Share Posted May 4, 2014 All beaches in Aruba are public. All below are accessible by public bus, with Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove and Arashi beach being the furthest from the port. Plan on a good hour for the latter. It will be less than that, it depends upon whether or not the bus has to stop at every stop. Water at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach is rarely crystal clear with the exception of just after sunrise. Boat traffic from watersports operators churns up the sand reducing visibility. You will rarely find crystal clear water anywhere in Aruba as you would find in the Bahamas. For the best snorkeling head to Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove, Malmok or Arashi Beach. See below for additional snorkeling info. The closest location to the cruise terminal, with the bonus, if you have small children, of an adjacent playground is Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant at Surfside Beach. Surfside Beach Taxi fare $7 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or 1 mile walking distance along the new linear park Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant http://www.beach-aruba.com Beach chair and Full day rental $12.00 Bar & restaurant Free wifi Swimming pool Showers Restrooms Baby Beach Taxi fare $38 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or by bus. Baby Beach you must take the bus to San Nicolas and change to their mini van transportation which takes you to Baby Beach. Some snorkeling (stay inside the ropes, there were lifeguards there as of 12/29/13) and clear water. Two food vendors providing food and beverage as well as restrooms. Vendors providing chaises and portable cabanas for shade and free public palapas, first come first served. Eagle Beach Some vendors renting chaise lounges as well as jet-skis. They can also provide other watersports such as parasail, banana boat/tube rides, snorkeling excursions, at their locations or take you by boat to Palm Beach. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $15 each Half day rental $10 each Free wifi Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant with beach service No shade palapas available MVC Eagle Beach Resort Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $10 each Half day rental $5 each Tulip Restaurant (across the street from the beach)- breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks Free wifi Restrooms Shower Changing room Shade palapas available Palm Beach Taxi fare $11 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Various vendors along the beach renting chaises and umbrellas. Most centrally located to food, beverage and bathroom are those at the foot of De Palm Pier. Use the alley from the street out to the beach which runs between the Radisson and Riu. MoomBa Beach http://moombabeach.com/ Beach chairs Float rentals Restrooms Free wi-? Beach service Kitchen open 8 am to 11 pm Quick question Lisa.... I'm very pale (casper the friendly ghost is tan compared to me). I love sitting at a beach with natural shade to help the umbrella. Our group is also wanting to do a fair amount of snorkeling. What is your thoughts on a beach with ample natural shade and snorkeling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted May 5, 2014 #7 Share Posted May 5, 2014 If you just need shade, but not the chaise lounge then you could head to either Boca Catalina or Arashi Beach for the snorkelers. Otherwise, the only places which rent chaises would be on Palm or Eagle beaches and they do not have any snorkeling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert_ Dweller Posted May 26, 2014 #8 Share Posted May 26, 2014 If you just need shade, but not the chaise lounge then you could head to either Boca Catalina or Arashi Beach for the snorkelers. Otherwise, the only places which rent chaises would be on Palm or Eagle beaches and they do not have any snorkeling. Just a walking bank of knowledge ! We all thank you for your help. I don't think we need the chaise loungers, but we do need shade, and a bar near by, oh and a good beach (easy in, easy out). Most importantly, not too busy or crowded. Maybe I should re-word it to say the least busy for a day visit. Where would "you" go ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue328 Posted May 26, 2014 #9 Share Posted May 26, 2014 Arubalisa can you tell me about malmock beach? Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted May 26, 2014 #10 Share Posted May 26, 2014 Just a walking bank of knowledge ! We all thank you for your help. I don't think we need the chaise loungers, but we do need shade, and a bar near by, oh and a good beach (easy in, easy out). Most importantly, not too busy or crowded. Maybe I should re-word it to say the least busy for a day visit. Where would "you" go ? You are very welcome. :) For shade and a bar nearby, I would go to Palm Beach. It will be busier and no snorkeling but shade and bar yes. Various vendors along the beach renting chaises and umbrellas. Most centrally located to food, beverage and bathroom are those at the foot of De Palm Pier. Use the alley from the street out to the beach which runs between the Radisson and Riu. MoomBa Beach http://moombabeach.com/ Beach chairs Float rentals Restrooms Free wi-? Beach service Kitchen open 8 am to 11 pm For quiet and shade, but a bar across the street and no snorkeling I would choose MVC Eagle Beach. MVC Eagle Beach Resort Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $10 each Half day rental $5 each Tulip Restaurant (across the street from the beach)- breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks Free wifi Restrooms Shower Changing room Shade palapas available For snorkeling, quiet, shade under a tree, no chaises, no bar then Boca Catalina. Arubalisa can you tell me about malmock beach? Malmok Beach is just a little sliver of a beach with a rocky entry. Good for snorkeling but not much else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue328 Posted May 26, 2014 #11 Share Posted May 26, 2014 Would it be easy to get there and back? What would be the nearest beach to that in walking distance. Would really love to snorkel but if we get tired go relax at a beach with chairs. Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted May 27, 2014 #12 Share Posted May 27, 2014 You could get there via public bus but you would have to stand on the road and wait for a pick up on the return. You could perhaps get a taxi to drop you off and agree to come back and pick you up. Having said that, it is not really near anything and there are no seats nearby. Malmok is half way between Arashi Beach and Palm Beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokester Posted June 4, 2014 #13 Share Posted June 4, 2014 ARUBALISA can you tell me anything about cruising to Aruba with a wheelchair confined? My Uncle cant walk at all. Having a hard time really finding out anything. Will we be able to just catch an accessible taxi or is that something we need to prepare for before we arrive?? Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted June 5, 2014 #14 Share Posted June 5, 2014 (edited) You would need to make arrangements in advance. I would contact Bully at bullytaxi79@hotmail.com. If he cannot help you hopefully he knows someone he can recommend. I just remembered this company http://litelifemedicab.com/ Edited June 5, 2014 by Arubalisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokester Posted June 5, 2014 #15 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Thank You ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamecockinnc Posted October 11, 2014 #16 Share Posted October 11, 2014 First off thank you for the time you take to answer all of these questions! Secondly, you responded to my post about a Occidental day pass yesterday but I have decided since alcohol isn't part of our beach day it would be a waste of money. But I do want a lounge chair, some shade and access to something to drink maybe a snack but mainly a cold drink. No snorkeling but pretty beach and nice water to swim. My vision is a relaxing day with my book 😀 . Which beach would you suggest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted October 11, 2014 #17 Share Posted October 11, 2014 First off thank you for the time you take to answer all of these questions! You are very welcome. :) But I do want a lounge chair, some shade and access to something to drink maybe a snack but mainly a cold drink. No snorkeling but pretty beach and nice water to swim. My vision is a relaxing day with my book 😀 . Which beach would you suggest? If not the vendors at De Palm Pier on Palm Beach http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44380273&postcount=2 I would suggest The closest location to the cruise terminal Surfside Beach Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or 1 mile walking distance along the new linear park Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant http://www.beach-aruba.com Beach chair Full day rental $12.00 Bar & restaurant Free wifi Swimming pool Showers Restrooms Eagle Beach MVC Eagle Beach Resort Taxi fare $13 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $10 each Half day rental $5 each Tulip Restaurant (across the street from the beach)- breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks Free wifi Restrooms Shower Changing room Shade palapas available Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Taxi fare $13 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $15 each Half day rental $10 each Free wifi Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant with beach service No shade palapas available Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare l2f Posted November 18, 2014 #18 Share Posted November 18, 2014 (edited) But I do want a lounge chair, some shade and access to something to drink maybe a snack but mainly a cold drink. No snorkeling but pretty beach and nice water to swim. Which beach would you suggest? We have never been to Aruba before. But this is exactly what we are looking for on our first visit. You are very welcome. :) If not the vendors at De Palm Pier on Palm Beach http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=44380273&postcount=2 I would suggest The closest location to the cruise terminal Surfside Beach Taxi fare $10 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or 1 mile walking distance along the new linear park Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant http://www.beach-aruba.com Beach chair Full day rental $12.00 Bar & restaurant Free wifi Swimming pool Showers Restrooms Eagle Beach MVC Eagle Beach Resort Taxi fare $13 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays Beach chair rental Full day rental $10 each Half day rental $5 each Tulip Restaurant (across the street from the beach)- breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks Free wifi Restrooms Shower Changing room Shade palapas available Arubalisa, How quickly does the shade get taken? Or put another way, which beach (meeting our criteria above - if possible) will have the most shade available? Thank you in advance. Edited November 18, 2014 by l2f Error in time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hladygirl Posted November 19, 2014 #19 Share Posted November 19, 2014 We have been in port to Aruba two cruises now and each time have gone to De Palm island through the cruise ship. It was beautiful with food and all drinks included. Wonderful shade and beautiful constant breeze. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough there. We are returning next fall on our cruise and ncl has made this a 7 hour trip. Can't wait. The ship offers it for $99 pp. we'll worth it in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare l2f Posted November 19, 2014 #20 Share Posted November 19, 2014 We typically don't do ship sponsered shore excursions. However if that is the only way to guarantee shade we may have to consider it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormlover Posted November 23, 2014 #21 Share Posted November 23, 2014 Can anyone tell me if we go to Palm beach for a few hours then want to go to Marriott casino is there somewhere we can shower off and change clothes. Don't want to go all the way back to ship to change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted November 23, 2014 #22 Share Posted November 23, 2014 Each resort has an outdoor beachside "rinse" shower and I suppose you could get dressed in one of their rest rooms. There are two casinos in downtown Oranjestad- Seaport and Crystal- within walking distance of the ship. You could always head back to the ship to shower and change and then head out to one of those casinos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkwoody04 Posted January 7, 2015 #23 Share Posted January 7, 2015 ARUBALISA I have been searching the threads reading lots. But I figured I would ask you if you are not so busy. What would you recommend for a family of 5 adults 15yr, 8yr, 5yr to do ? We will only be in port from 1pm-10. I would also like a really good local place to eat dinner at if you can recommend some also. Thank you in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted January 7, 2015 #24 Share Posted January 7, 2015 (edited) ARUBALISA I have been searching the threads reading lots. But I figured I would ask you if you are not so busy. What would you recommend for a family of 5 adults 15yr, 8yr, 5yr to do ? We will only be in port from 1pm-10. I would also like a really good local place to eat dinner at if you can recommend some also. Thank you in advance. For a family I would recommend an afternoon at the beach. Beaches in Aruba You could check out Palm Beach or Reflextions Beach Club or an all inclusive afternoon at De Palm Island (check with your ship for half day excursions). For dinner I would take a look at the reviews at CC's sister website http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g147247-Aruba.html Gostoso is a very short taxi ride from the cruise terminal. I would not walk there, tucked away on a back street in Oranjestad, it is difficult to find. ;) Edited January 7, 2015 by Arubalisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EatonDoolittle Posted January 7, 2015 #25 Share Posted January 7, 2015 Arubalisa is hands the most helpful expert on this port (Thanks!), but I wanted to add a bit about Reflexions (Surfside / Nikki). I have been to Aruba many times, including a land vacation, and normally just go to the Amsterdam Manor area of Eagle Beach to swim and relax, since I've seen the island. This time I wanted a change, and went to Reflexions. Now, the chair and umbrella were fine, and the bar was close and the staff was friendly. However, there was loud rap / dance music playing all day, and (I did not realize this), you are right at the end of the airport landing strip. It's the Maho Beach (St Martin) of Aruba. I enjoyed my few hours there anyway, as my stress level has dropped since I retired, but I will not go back. No, I'm not an old fuddy duddy, just like a little quieter relaxation so I can read and listen to my own ipod music selection. If you are seeking a quiet peaceful day, enjoying the calm breezes under the palm trees, this beach is not for you. Head to Eagle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now