Question about Palm Beach?

[Manyara]

We stayed @ the Holiday Inn Palm Beach years ago. There was LOTS of shade and the water was terrific. Does anyone know if they will rent chairs and umbrellas?

[jacruisers]

Is Palm Beach the same as De Palm Island in Aruba? thanks

[Arubalisa]

Which beach do you prefer, the Radisson on Palm or the Amsterdam Manor on Eagle? We like to relax, I MUST have shade, cannot sit in the sun long. Water sports are not a necessity, a cool drink, maybe some food would be great, nice water to swim in.

 

Thanks!

There is really no right or wrong answer to this question. It is simply a matter of personal preference/choice.

 

There are some differences between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Eagle Beach can have some waves and at times you can feel the wind here a little more than Palm Beach. Eagle Beach is wide, long and very white. Because of it's width and length it will be less crowded than Palm Beach. There is less boat activity, so the water is clearer.

 

Palm Beach is also long and white, but narrower and a lot less wind. Because the beach is narrower, it may seem crowded, but most of the resorts, have long stretches for spreading out. My husband and I have also discovered that the lack of waves on Palm Beach makes a wonderful way to spend an afternoon on a float. Definitely one of our favorite activities. You can rent them for about $5 a day.

 

Water all over the island is blue, warm and refreshing. Our personal preference for Palm Beach over Eagle Beach is activity. Here you are within walking distance of at least 5 casinos, some fantastic restaurants and the basics like Dunkin Donuts and TCBY. All of the hotels along Palm Beach, with the exception of the Marriott, are connected by a beachside walk way.

 

I cannot offer any advice on shade along Eagle Beach or places to rent chaise lounges or umbrellas because I just do not know. Along Palm Beach there are several vendors who do rent lounges and umbrellas.

[Arubalisa]

Is Palm Beach the same as De Palm Island in Aruba? thanks

Honestly, not even close...Your ship will be docking in Oranjestad. Palm Beach is to the Northwest and De Palm Island is to the Southeast of Oranjestad. Neither of these locations are within walking distance of the pier.

 

[jacruisers]

Thank you Arubalisa. Would you recommend for one to visit De Palm Island or go to one of the beachs?

[NAHA]

There is really no right or wrong answer to this question. It is simply a matter of personal preference/choice.

 

There are some differences between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Eagle Beach can have some waves and at times you can feel the wind here a little more than Palm Beach. Eagle Beach is wide, long and very white. Because of it's width and length it will be less crowded than Palm Beach. There is less boat activity, so the water is clearer.

 

Palm Beach is also long and white, but narrower and a lot less wind. Because the beach is narrower, it may seem crowded, but most of the resorts, have long stretches for spreading out. My husband and I have also discovered that the lack of waves on Palm Beach makes a wonderful way to spend an afternoon on a float. Definitely one of our favorite activities. You can rent them for about $5 a day.

 

Water all over the island is blue, warm and refreshing. Our personal preference for Palm Beach over Eagle Beach is activity. Here you are within walking distance of at least 5 casinos, some fantastic restaurants and the basics like Dunkin Donuts and TCBY. All of the hotels along Palm Beach, with the exception of the Marriott, are connected by a beachside walk way.

 

I cannot offer any advice on shade along Eagle Beach or places to rent chaise lounges or umbrellas because I just do not know. Along Palm Beach there are several vendors who do rent lounges and umbrellas.

 

Thanks, Lisa, it sounds like Palm Beach will be a good idea. We will take a taxi to the Radisson and rent chairs and an umbrella. DH tends to get fidgety if he isn't doing anything, so he will enjoy the water sports.

[Arubalisa]

Thank you Arubalisa. Would you recommend for one to visit De Palm Island or go to one of the beachs?

Here is some info I just posted in other threads:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=7926253&postcount=17

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=7973266&postcount=6

 

It really is a matter of personal preference. If you want the beach and snorkeling steps away along with food included then De Palm Island may be a good choice. But it is not cheap.

 

My family of 10 will be cruising together over Christmas. At first we had considered the island because the 4 kids would enjoy the waterpark, but after hearing the description, decided it was not what the kids would be looking for.

 

Instead we will be spending the day at Palm Beach. Here there will be something for everyone:

Umbrella & chaises for my 90+ year old grandmother

Snorkeling within walking distance for anyone who chooses

Watersports- the kids will more than likely do a tube ride or banana boat, my brother (adult) will most likely rent a sailboat or perhaps go waterskiing

Calm, warm turquoise waters- my parents, dh and myself will spend a good part of the day floating around relaxing

Food & drinks readily available from nearby resorts and restaurants (even a Dunkin Donuts at the De Palm Pier next to the Radisson)

Powder white sand beach- all of us :)

 

I budgeted this the best I could for our family and came out with a grand total of $40 per person for the day including taxi ride roundtrip (you can do it cheaper if you take a bus, but my grandmother, understandably, doesn't do buses very well, if at all)

 

Below is a photo of one of the vendors on Palm Beach setting up chaises and lounges for the anticpated passengers from the Destiny taken 2 weeks ago tomorrow.

[NAHA]

ArubaLisa, can you rent waverunners on this beach also?

[jacruisers]

Thank you Arubalisa for all the info that you have provided.

[Arubalisa]

ArubaLisa, can you rent waverunners on this beach also?

Yes, there are a variety of watersports operators up and down the beach who rent them. Figure about $60 for a half hour.

Thank you Arubalisa for all the info that you have provided.

You are very welcome<<blushing>>, the pleasure is all mine. :)

[NAHA]

ArubaLisa, you have saved me hours of research, thank you so much!

 

:D :D

[JEANMR1]

Lisa

Let me thank you too - great detailed information!

I did have another question if you don't mind. I think I decided we would do a cab to the Radisson and stay there for the day. Do I have them just drop us off the front door and we walk straight through or will they know to drop us off nearby. We are taking my mom and she can't walk a lot so I don't want to have to go real far to get chairs and umbrellas.

Thanks again.

Jean

[Arubalisa]

Lisa

Let me thank you too - great detailed information!

You are very welcome :)

I did have another question if you don't mind. I think I decided we would do a cab to the Radisson and stay there for the day. Do I have them just drop us off the front door and we walk straight through or will they know to drop us off nearby. We are taking my mom and she can't walk a lot so I don't want to have to go real far to get chairs and umbrellas.

Thanks again.

Jean

Dummy me should have checked into this a little bit more, but common sense tells me that there is a beach entrance (an alley way from the street to the beach), right near the vendor who rents the umbrellas and chaises. I say this because De Palm Pier is right there and they have a good many boat excursions departing. There has to be a drop off point for their guests without everyone going through the lobby at the Radisson.

 

Though there is nothing wrong with walking through the Radisson property, but the resort is spread out. A direct drop off, asking the driver for the De Palm Pier would be much more convenient and direct than walking through the Radisson. Your taxi driver will certainly know. Ask before you get into the taxi. I find in Aruba, though they speak English, with their accents, some, but not all drivers are difficult to understand. In this way you will know for certain.

 

We will be following this "plan of attack" with my 93 year old grandmother in December. She likes to go to the beach just one day while we are away to see the kids enjoying themselves :D

[CVL105]

What is the closest beach to where Mi Dushi leaves from? Diving in the morning, but want somewhere to relax in between diving and our sunset cruise...

 

thanks!:D

[Arubalisa]

Mi Dushi leaves from De Palm Pier which is located on Palm Beach.

[Arubalisa]

Wanted to post a new photos from our trip in September. This vendor below rents chaises and umbrellas (as well as supply many watersports) and is located between the Radisson and Riu Resorts. The Riu is closed for renovations (the tall building in the background) and has a beach which is not being used. :D

 

 

Below is lower portion (probably a little more than 1/3) of the Riu's beach which is closest to the water.

[55J5-5]

Arubalisa you convinced us to do the Palm Beach on our own. Your breakdown for a family of 4 was perfect. [slight adjustment for our teens wanting their own chairs. haha] Hubby is excited about this one. :) Do you have any suggestions for things to do after spending a few hours on the beach? We have till 10pm for amusing ourselves.

[Arubalisa]

Hubby is excited about this one. :) Do you have any suggestions for things to do after spending a few hours on the beach? We have till 10pm for amusing ourselves.

Thanks for your kind words. With kids, even teens it is a little tougher to find stuff to do at night or late in the day.

 

Easy walk from the ship...

You can always catch up on the latest movies, Seaport Cinemas

A late day helicopter tour http://www.arubahelitours.com/index.php?page=island_tour&subpage=home

Aruba Panorama Experience Viewings up until 5 pm

Renaissance Aruba Mall & Marketplace

 

Other stuff

Jolly Pirates Sunset Sail (dependent upon when you are in port)

http://www.aruba-active-vacations.com/index.html Aruba Active Vacations (depending how active your family is)

Café Bahia

Café The Plaza

Carlos 'n Charlie's Aruba

Mambo Jambo

 

Other ideas Aruba Activities

[55J5-5]

Thanks for the sites. Kinda sad that we are going to the caribbean and we don't drink or 'party' alot, but we are not that old either. We just sound it. hahaha This being our last port it is looking like it will be a quiet no frills day. Nice way to end the vaca it sounds like.

[Arubalisa]

Thanks for the sites. Kinda sad that we are going to the caribbean and we don't drink or 'party' alot, but we are not that old either. We just sound it. hahaha This being our last port it is looking like it will be a quiet no frills day. Nice way to end the vaca it sounds like.

:D LOL! Was hard to come up with a list. Dh and I go to Aruba for beach, sun and good food. After a day at the beach, we shower, head out to a nice dinner and head back to the hotel and go to bed. :D My Aruba bedtime is MUCH earlier than at home. Must be all that fresh sea air! :rolleyes:

[travelgirlie]

Hi! I will be in the Southern Carib later this month. Is $60 per half hr the usual price for the waverunner? I think I went horseback riding the last time I was in Aruba so I am thinking of Palm Beach this time, after reading your detailed info. Thanks--you are the best!!!

[Arubalisa]

Hi! I will be in the Southern Carib later this month. Is $60 per half hr the usual price for the waverunner? I think I went horseback riding the last time I was in Aruba so I am thinking of Palm Beach this time, after reading your detailed info. Thanks--you are the best!!!

Sorry did not see this 'til now :o $60 it is...all the vendors along Palm Beach are competitive so you may be able to get it a couple of $$$ cheaper, but at least with this you have a ballpark figure.

http://www.arubawatersportcenter.com/

Pricelist Watersports

Sailing trip on the Arusun $30

Parasailing Single (12 min) $50

Tandem (12 min) $90

Boat Passenger $10

Kayak Single (60 min) $15

Double (60 min) $20

Wave Runner (30 min) $60

Buga Boat (30 min) $45

Speedboat Rental (30 min) $100

Tube Ride (20 min) pp $20

Banana Boat Ride (20 min) pp $20

Waterskiing (20 min) pp $40

Wakeboarding (20 min) pp $45

Snorkel Equipment (full day) $15

Hobie Cat 12 foot (60 min) $45

14 foot (60 min) $50

16 foot (60 min) $75

Laser (60 min) $45

Need an instructor/captain? $20

Book 3 different activities and receive 15% discount

Book 4 different activities and receive 20% discount

[Zaphod]

Arubalisa,

 

You're a fantastic resource, and I've gotten lots of help just reading your responses to others.

 

I have a question: How is the best way to combine a trip to Palm Beach with a visit to the Butterfly Farm? Is the Farm walking distance, or if not, does the bus stop there? If I take a taxi there, would I be able to pick one up for the return trip (either to the beach or to O'stad)? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[rsail203]

We have a rental car on Aruba. Can we park at the beach? Is there a charge for parking?

[jimbug]

Any idea on approximate cost for chaise lounge rental for the day? Just curious if we should be budgeting in the neighborhood of $5/pp or $20/pp...lol.

 

Thanks!