ShoreExcurioneer?

[mvaygibson]

I came across this today for several different excursions. Any one ever use this to pre book activities?

Other suggestions for a beach day, I really would like to rent a jet ski this day? Also, question how hard is it to get a cab or city bus to a nice beach with restrooms close by and availability of chairs/umbrella's? Thanks

[Arubalisa]

There is no need for an "excursion" for a beach day in Aruba.

 

All beaches in Aruba are public.

 

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.

In order to get to Baby Beach by bus, you must take the bus to San Nicolas and change to their mini van transportation which takes you to Baby Beach. There is some snorkeling (stay inside the ropes) 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

Beach chairs

Float rentals

Restrooms

Free wi-?

Beach service

Kitchen open 8 am to 11 pm

 

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"

[andimark]

Which of those beaches has the best snorkeling? We have our own masks. Thanks

[Arubalisa]

What follows is information on the best snorkeling beaches which are different than the previous list of "swimming beaches."

 

In Aruba, the best swimming beaches do not have snorkeling. Fish and critters have to have a place to hide so seek out coral formations. The best swimming beaches in Aruba are just plain white sandy bottoms with no reefs within swimming distance.

 

There is no snorkeling within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

 

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. Either way, take the public bus and ask the bus driver to drop you off wherever you wish. It will literally be a few foot steps onto the beach. If you are at Boca Catalina the bus runs "about" every hour. It is all dependent upon how many stops the bus makes along the way. Keep an eye out for it heading north and you can gather your things and be ready after it goes up and turns around at Arashi.

 

For the best snorkeling head to Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove, Malmok or Arashi Beach.

 

North of Palm Beach, by bus or taxi, there is a small beach at Boca Catalina which is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are a few shade palapas here but no restroom facilities. There are no "real" rest room facilities at all along the coast at either BC, Catalina Cove or Arashi. Though from what I understand, port-a-potties were a recent addition to Arashi beach as well as chaise lounge rentals. It is a beautiful white sand beach if only to get away from the hubbub of the Marriott.

 

Below is Arashi Beach on a day with a few waves, it can be very calm here as well.

click on thumbnail to enlarge

 

Arashi Beach is again pictured below. You can enter here and swim south towards and around the rocks and there is a reef there on the other side.

 

click on thumbnail to enlarge

 

It is a fairly easy walk street side from Arashi southward to Catalina Cove and then Boca Catalina. Malmok beach is further to the south.

 

Below is Boca Catalina

 

click on thumbnail to enlarge

 

If you enter at above, Boca Catalina there is a plain white sandy bottom. On some days, early in the morning, you will be able to see your feet. Put your fins on and walk backwards into the water or walk in as far as you need, sit or get into a crouched position and put your fins on there. This is the easiest spot for a beginner.

 

The snorkeling is a bit better at Catalina Cove below, though it is rocky which makes for a difficult entry. We normally enter the water at Boca Catalina and swim northward due to the difficult entry here at Catalina Cove pictured below.

click on thumbnail to enlarge

 

Catalina Cove, I would definitely put your fins on before entering and just walk backwards as best as you can. If one of you has more tender feet than the other, have the tough foot wade in without, holding your back so you do not fall.

 

I have further information and photos of this area here.

 

When we head to Boca Catalina to snorkel there are always other tourists there. It is a popular spot for those folks staying at apartments or villas to have beach access. Dh and I generally ask someone to keep an eye on our towels and of course never bring anything valuable in the first place.

 

There is a minuscule beach at Malmok. This photo is from 2 years ago. There was little more than just rocks in the area in December.

 

click on thumbnail to enlarge

 

Also an option

 

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 by bus 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.