jul4

We(just two adults) are planning to go to aruba in january, we booked at the Bubali bliss suites near eagle beach which seems to have great reviews but can still cancel if we want, would you recommend staying in that part of the island or near palm beach? if we stay there do we need a car? in the past on other islands we have not rented cars and instead hired guides to take us around and show us the sight which has has affordable . we will want to sit on beach, go snorkeling and see other sights what are must see things there??. what is in "town" that we will want to see? is there night life in eagle beach(bar/music)also i'm curious are tropical fruits going to be in season then? still miss the amazing passion fruit we ate daily Cuereco(never could spell that) thanks

jul4

I'd really appreciate some input. Thanks ��

girlonthego

Hi! aruba-bb.com gave me great advice on where to stay and what to do when we went to aruba for the first time many years ago. We stay on Palm Beach at the marriott because we used Marriott points to stay there. Eagle beach is quieter and has a lovely beach. Palm beach has more action and watersports. Every place is near everything. We rented a jeep last time we went, but found taxis to restaurants and walking around during the day was fine. You can walk to many restaurants and places.
I do not know the hotel you are staying in.

Restaurants when we went that were good: El Gaucho steakhouse, Madame Jeanettes, Suisse Chalet, Simply Fish at the Marriott were some.

Palm beach hotels have casinos and bars. There is a bus called the kukukanookoo or something like that that takes you from bar to bar all night long.

We did sightseeing last time and found that Aruba's best part was the nice hotels, great restaurants, nice beaches and some fun watersports. There is a place called Baby beach which you would need a car to get to, but not worth it in my opinion.

jul4

Thanks

diann24

Jul4 we own a timeshare and go to Aruba every year I love Aruba. It always feels like home to us. I do know of the hotel you are staying but I have no personal experience with it but I have never heard anything bad about it although it is in the quiet area. You might check out trip advisor for some recent reviews. We do always rent a car but It is up to you. I believe there is a bus that runs right past the hotel which takes you to Avarak Garden area where it is very lively in the p.m.

We have done the ABC jeep tour. It is very bumpy and not recommended if you have a bad back but you will see all the Island. Baby beach, natural pool, etc. do the all day tour. You can also check De Palm tours. I would do the jeep tour with them not as rocky you will see the island in a way that a car cannot possibly drive through. Yes you can do the Kanuku bus it is quirky and a fun night. They take you to some local bars and you get one drink, then you must buy the next one. It is ok. For me it is not a "must do." Go the lighthouse and check out the view.

Dinners do not miss Madamn Jeanettes or window on the green at Divi resorts. or Wacky Wahoos. Very good.

hemp

Oh yes, do the ABC tour. We spend our days on the beach (Palm Beach) and the nights for dining and drinks (Carlitos). The area is blessed with fine dining all over. Local places like Peanuts and Zeerovers, are not to be missed. And I have special place in my heart for Scala. Ravioli Bolonesse(sp) is my favorite. We have been to many islands, but have only visited one more than once....Aruba. Also, I suggest Rebertos, for your snorkeling tour.

girlonthego

hemp, is Robertos a small boat with captain? I believe he is who we went with as well and I also recommend him. IT was a few years ago and I guess he is still there! He was located between the Holiday inn and the Marriott?

NorthernExposure

We far prefer Eagle Beach to Palm Beach but it depends upon what you are looking for. Eagle Beach is both much wider and far less crowded -- the resorts here can't be more than 5 stories. Palm Beach will be packed -- the resorts are mostly high-rises -- and the strip of beach is much narrower. If you are looking for an incredibly beautiful beach that has space to spread out and is more low-key, Eagle Beach is better. If you are looking to meet a ton of people, looking to party and looking to have a ton of water activities, Palm Beach is your best bet. Neither are ideal for snorkeling -- there are better places for that as well as boat excursions with snorkeling; I recommend the drift snorkel on the Tranquilo.

We always rent a car. While some people do get around with taxis, we prefer the convenience of a car, which is relatively cheap compared to the price of the entire trip. I like being able to drive just a few minutes to the grocery story, restaurants or Oranjestad, and for a first-time visit, it's also nice to be able to explore the island. I'm pretty good with a map, the island is relatively small and the roads are generally good.

As for sights, we did a lot the first trio or two but gradually did less -- we really love spending as much time as possible at the beach. That said, the west side (the ocean side) of the island is undeveloped and wild with big surf; it was fun to drive there, though to explore it to any extent, you need 4-wheel drive. If you like shopping, Oranjestad is a nice outing.

Not much grows naturally in Aruba - is is an arid climate, and inland there are catcuses, Aloe is grown too. All fruit will be shipped from S. America or the U.S. The resort-side of the island has a "tropical" look with palm trees but that is because of irrigation/watering.

While I share your love for tropical fruit, what Aruba offers instead is almost guaranteed sunshine most of the time and great beaches, especially Eagle Beach, which is a great combination. When it rains, it usually is over quickly. We have probably spent close to 10 weeks in Aruba and maybe only had a couple of days when it was rainy most of the day. (though we tend to go in summer)

Best place for locally-caught and well-prepared fish is Wacky Wahoos, whose prices are actually quite reasonable in the context of high restaurant prices in Aruba.

rncheryl

One of the best excursions we have done in the Caribbean is the trike tour in Aruba. We were on a cruise, and this was a great way to see the island highlights.

http://www.trikes-aruba.com/

jul4

Thanks to everyone for their responses. Great ideas. We do not want to rent a car so does anyone have a recommendation for a driver who can pick us up at the airport ? And then do a private tour of the island one day? We have Been successful doing that in other islands for a reasonable price and get to see what we want.

jul4

Booked with Robertos for snorkeling
Prob gonna do a abc all day jeep tour also. Any other ideas ?

schmerl

We did the DePalm jeep tour and loved it. They also took us out to DePalm Island for some great snorkeling.

jul4

ABC seems to be only one with snorkeling at the natural pool which seems cool

travelenthusiast

We've been to Aruba several times and love it. You don't need to rent a car. Taxis are abundant and reasonable with set rates. You will be able to get a taxi easily in the taxi line at the airport. There really isn't a need to set up transportation beforehand.

We always try to do an island tour on each island we visit. We usually chit chat with the taxi drivers and if one seems knowledgeable and personable, then we ask if he does island tours since so many of them do.

I hope you enjoy Aruba. It isn't a lush tropical island but Eagle Beach is gorgeous.

jul4

Thanks so much. Great idea