10 yr anniversary -- GC or Aruba? Help us decide
 

Well, 5 years after having to cancel our 5 yr anniversary to Aruba b/c my wife broke her ankle the week before departure, we are looking at Aruba again for our 10 yr anniversary (2 kids and 10 extra pounds later).

Will just be the two of us traveling in late June for 6 nights. YES! We have never been anywhere in the Caribbean.

Looking for:
-- long stretches of beach (for walking)
-- clear water
-- some snorkeling (convenient to hotel would be nice)
-- some nightlife (we're more of the cozy casual bar where you can talk type people, not the dance club type)
-- would rather not rent a car
-- plan on eating breakfast and lunch in the room
-- primarily hanging out on the beach relaxing but would like to have some options for excursions on some days


Contenders:

-- Aruba staying at Bucuti in one of the Tara Suites

-- GC staying at Grand Cayman Beach Suites

I'm kind of leaning toward GC and wife is leaning toward Aruba.

Caribbean travel experts -- what say you?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Hello. I have been to both places twice and liked both for different reasons but based on your interests, I think Cayman would suit your needs better. Though Bucuti looks like a very cool place to stay. Beach Suites, which used to be the Hyatt is nice too though.

You can get away without a car on either island but for shore snorkeling (any snorkeling for that matter) Cayman wins hands down. It has the best snorkeling of any island we have been to. The water is much clearer in Cayman as well. The best snorkeling we found was at Governor's Reef. You may want to check out The Westin, Planatan and Villas of the Galleon for accomodations as well. They are closer to the reef. Another great snorkel spot in Georgetown is Eden Rock. You enter the water via a swim ladder and the fish are right there. There is also a restaurant/bar and lounge area there.

Both island have very good restaurants though Cayman will be more expensive overall. Cayman is a prettier island. Very upscale, good roads, lots of flowers and vegetation. Aruba is more arid but chcecking out the rugged side of the island is a fun day trip, as is taking a snorkel trip to the Antilla wreck.

Both have very nice beaches though Cayman gets the edge here especially for long walks.

I agree with Kristen, and based on your interests, GC would probably be the best option.

Aruba has many very nice resturants in all price ranges, part of the draw there is trying them all, so you don't want to eat breakfast and lunch in your room. GC will have much quiter nightlife.

Next to Cozumel, Grand Cayman was our favorite destination until we went to Aruba. To us, Aruba is like Las Vegas with a beach, and we love that type of atmophere.

less chance for rain in Aruba

We just came back from Aruba. Second trip for us @ Marriott. We spent all day, every day on the beach & in the water.
You can walk for miles. The sunsets are amazing on Palm Beach.
There is a great restaurant @ Marriott called Simply Fish where the tables are set right on the beach...wld be perfect for your anniversary dinner!....candlelight, stars, moon, water lapping on the shore....

Thanks much for the insights, folks. After some debate, we have decided (and booked) Bucuti in Aruba. Can't wait!

Great! Happy Anniversary!
Enjoy Aruba!