Aruba or Turks
Feb 19th, 2011, 05:07 AM
#1
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Aruba or Turks
We are looking for a spring break vacation for my husband and 12 and 14 year old. We are having trouble deciding between Aruba or Turks and Caicos. Has anyone been to either recently who can help. I want nice ,and my kids want activities with a good island feel, with good snorkeling.
Feb 19th, 2011, 07:23 AM
#2
More Spring break feel in Aruba
better snorkeling in T&C
prettier water in T&C
more to do in Aruba
both are scrubby dry islands, Aruba has crowds and chains, but offers more to do, T&C is quieter but very family friendly with gorgeous water but not much to do at nights.
better snorkeling in T&C
prettier water in T&C
more to do in Aruba
both are scrubby dry islands, Aruba has crowds and chains, but offers more to do, T&C is quieter but very family friendly with gorgeous water but not much to do at nights.
Feb 19th, 2011, 05:56 PM
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I completely agree with that assessment. Really depends on what you want to do. T & C is all about the water. We found good snorkeling in Aruba especailly at Baby Beach, but the water isn't as clear. Eagle Beach is very nice. Aruba has tons of resturants and many are within walking distance from the Palm Beach area. Aruba also has good shopping. T & C is lacking in that area. We really enjoyed both, but we gave Aruba the edge just because there are more things to do, more resturants and a night life.
If your interested our pictures of both Islands are posted at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
If your interested our pictures of both Islands are posted at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Feb 20th, 2011, 03:38 AM
#4
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www.gracebayresort.com Provo best T/C Island for me
green hills other Turks flat beaches ok
Aruba spring breaky desrrty ok.
Hyatt Palm Eagle Beach best water warmer...
www.hyatt.com
green hills other Turks flat beaches ok
Aruba spring breaky desrrty ok.
Hyatt Palm Eagle Beach best water warmer...
www.hyatt.com
Mar 15th, 2011, 08:10 AM
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I've been to both islands and just got back from Aruba. I think Aruba would be the better bet for a family with kids -- more to do, more kids programs, more restaurants within walking distance. We went snorkeling on the Jolly Pirate and had a great time. It's more crowded than T&C, but we were there during a very busy week.
I loved Turks and Caicos for our honeymoon, but it seemed more quiet and couple-friendly. There weren't many dining options other than our hotel restaurant.
Best of luck with your decision.
I loved Turks and Caicos for our honeymoon, but it seemed more quiet and couple-friendly. There weren't many dining options other than our hotel restaurant.
Best of luck with your decision.
Mar 15th, 2011, 09:52 AM
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Full disclosure: I haven't been to T&C, but from what I've heard, I imagine it as being a great destination for me and my husband, not so great for active teens. We did, however, just return from Aruba, and although it's not my favorite island ( very Americanized, lots of cruise ship crowds, big chain stores/restaurants) I think it's a better fit for your family. There's as much- or as little-activity as you want 24/7, and plenty of affordable dining and hotel options on the beach.
You could also check out Grand Cayman, which we used to go to all the time when our kids were the same age as your kids. There's great snorkeling, swimming with Sting Rays, a turtle farm, beautiful botanical gardens, and very good food. However, it used to have a rep as one of the more expensive islands for dining and accommodations, and I think that may still be true.
You could also check out Grand Cayman, which we used to go to all the time when our kids were the same age as your kids. There's great snorkeling, swimming with Sting Rays, a turtle farm, beautiful botanical gardens, and very good food. However, it used to have a rep as one of the more expensive islands for dining and accommodations, and I think that may still be true.
Mar 15th, 2011, 10:19 AM
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I as well have been to both actually twice to T&C and once to Aruba. Aruba has no snorkeling. It is unusual because the other sister islands Curacao has good snorkeling and Bonaire are good to very good snorkeling. If you are near Provo in the T&C's the snorkeling can be pretty good but what you likely sacrifife is the social life that Aruba offers during spring break. The T&C's are classier, in my opinion, and have lovely beaches and very nice hotels but the rates may be 10-15% higher than Aruba but worth the difference. The water temperature in Aruba will be likely be 5-6 degtrees warmer in Aruba. It is not until June that T&C ocean water warms up but in April it usually is warm enough for good snorkeling.
Mar 15th, 2011, 01:03 PM
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StanKase - "Aruba has no snorkeling."
That actually is not a true statement. Aruba has decent snorkeling, and we actually enjoyed are snorkeling trips we did there. You can check out my picture page and veiw all the underwater snorkle pictures I took on our vacation.
Actually, I was quite disappointed in the snorkeling on T & C and Curacao. I feel those destinations would be better for diving. The water in Aruba is not a clear as T & C and Curacao, but we saw many more fish in Aruba. I guess it all depends on the experience.
I agree that T & C is really more for couples and Aruba would be better with kids. It's just more diverse.
That actually is not a true statement. Aruba has decent snorkeling, and we actually enjoyed are snorkeling trips we did there. You can check out my picture page and veiw all the underwater snorkle pictures I took on our vacation.
Actually, I was quite disappointed in the snorkeling on T & C and Curacao. I feel those destinations would be better for diving. The water in Aruba is not a clear as T & C and Curacao, but we saw many more fish in Aruba. I guess it all depends on the experience.
I agree that T & C is really more for couples and Aruba would be better with kids. It's just more diverse.
