AOS which is the best island for boat/ beach/ snorkel?

[cruisingwith6]

Hi! We are on the Adventure of the Seas July 27 with our 4 kids (16, 14, 12 and 9) and both sets of grandparents. We are on the Aruba route and have been researching the ports of call. We would like to spend one day at an All Inclusive type beach/ resort (like Nachi Cocum in Cozumel) with shade, food and a pool (would be great but not necessary). We are also looking at doing a boat excursion that includes snorkeling and a stop at a beach (similar to Native Ways Rum Point excursion in Cayman) as we have some snorkelers and some non in our group so the stop at the beach is a must. Finally we plan to spend one or two days just taking a taxi on a tour or to a beach (we may stay on the boat in one port as well as we enjoy an empty ship). We are not sure if any one island stands out as the best place to do an all inclusive, a boat snorkel/ beach stop or just a beach day. We would love any input.

 

Thanks ahead of time!

[cleavesteam]

De Palm Island Tour will have everything you want. All-inclusive with buffet and drinks. Snorkeling right off the grounds with lots of fish and coral. Nice sand beaches and shade as well. optional activities such as snuba are also offered.

[NYLady]

It sounds like your plan is to do all of the above but that you are choosing on which island to do what...

 

I second the motion for the DePalm Island experience for your group. The only other choice that fits your plan on Aruba is a tour of the island. Be advised, however, that Aruba is not the typical "island paradise". The reason to tour Aruba is because it is quite different - but be advised it is not for everyone. Those of us who have been to Aruba many times (I have been 48 times) love almost everything about the island but there is also the memory of our first tour of the island. The next day we return to the beach with great appreciation of it's relaxing nature knowing that we are "not missing anything out there". This has changed, somewhat, over the years because there is a little more to do "out there" and many of us have developed favorite places, favorite activities, and friendships but for a one-day tour, there just isn't that much to see. DePalm Island does have something for everyone in your group and it should be a lot of fun. It is a very small island so you will still stay together as a group...but each one doing what he/she likes to do.