Hi. Sister wants me to join them in Aruba. Hubby is concerned that it's flat & dry.
But everyone seems to love Aruba. Staying at Costa Linda. How expensive is the food on the island? How is the snorkeling? What do you like about Aruba? We don't gamble, so casinos not important. Thanks!!!

we went to aruba about 7 years ago and are considering going back this spring break. aruba has many food choices from cheap to expensive. we found the food to be very good. we did go snorkeling and it was okay. if we do head back there, then we will definitely go snorkeling again. there are many watersports to try there. it may be flat and dry, but the resorts are very pretty and lush and the dryness means more sunshine and less rainy vacations. i think it rained once for about 5 minutes while we were there last time. we stayed at the marriott and will probably stay there again using points. we liked aruba. it was a very friendly island. the beaches are the white sand and the water is very green/blue in color. it is hot and you definitely need to use lots of sunscreen. food was also good and affordable. this is one of the reasons why we are thinking of returning. it is a no brainer easy vacation.

We've gone to Aruba a lot for family reunions. It's a great island for that, since there are so many reasonable choices for food and accommodations. We usually stay at The Radisson, because we think it has the nicest beachfront in the high-rise hotel area.

We've traveled to a lot of the islands in the Caribbean, and while Aruba isn't my favorite ( it caters to cruise ships, and is very Americanized), it has (usually) great weather, and very good food. The island itself isn't all that pretty. Your husband is right- it IS flat and dry- but the people are really nice, and it's an easy place to vacation.

I think there is good snorkeling ( maybe Baby Beach??) but we haven't tried it, since we're beach potatoes! Anyway, have a good time!

We love Aruba. Most people don't like it as they think it is too Americanized and reminds them of Florida. That is exactly one of the reasons why we do like it. The Palm Beach area has several hotels lined up next to each other and then across the street you find shopping complexes, restuarants, bars and entertainment.

There are tons and tons of resturants in all price ranges. We found the food/drink to be a little expensive for our budget. We did the AI thing at the Holiday Inn, which was good for drinks and some food and then we splurged for a few dinners. We would love to return, but have other destinations on our list.

We found the snorkeling good. We did the MiDushi snorkel trip to the Antilla ship wreck, Arashi Beach and one other stop. Also did a beach hopping tour to Baby Beach, Rodgers Beach and the Malo Halto Mangroves. Lots of fish, but the water clarity is not as clear as some other destinations, but still good. Next trip we would love to go on the Tranquillo snorkel tour. Also take a full Island jeep tour with ABC. I'm a shopper and found great stuff. Loved their linen shops. Their casinos are nothing like Las Vegas, so we didn't enjoy them. We thought it was a great destination and it's on our return list.

We just came back (sigh) 2 days ago from Aruba. We really liked the guaranteed sunny weather, the warm clear ocean. We found the food to be expensive, but we had a kitchen in our apt. so we ate breakfast and lunch in our place. We went out to eat only for dinner. One place I can recommend is "Passions on the Beach". It's just across the street from the Amsterdam Manor Hotel (Low rise section). We went at 6:15 and sunset was 6:30, it was literally on the beach with our feet in the sand, classy though, with a one-man band playing romantic music and a small dance floor. Food was very good, but not cheap. Make a reservation. We also really liked the 2 hour Sunset Cruise on the Catamaran boat. Also romantic with a beautiful sunset on calm water, music and open bar with appetizers. Bring some books, and lay under a palapa and enjoy!!

Just returned from one week in December. As an independent traveler I started off at a B&B in Savaneta. After 3 days of schlepping everything to the beach, I moved to the high rise section which was much more comfortable. Stayed at The Westin Palm Beach. Got a great internet rate (it was the last week of low season)I could easily walk to nice restaurants - enjoyed Giannis. Drove to El Gaucho for excellent meal. What I loved about Aruba: friendly people, beautiful beaches and clear blue water, snorkeling at Baby Beach, para sailing. You will love it.

i wouldn't call it flat, or dry. a great deal of the island is "desert" climate, and it's all rocky and spiky, we went off roading there in the jeep and it's like driving on mars! and it's very, very, very hot, but the wind is like i've never seen! the wind is considerable strong there. i love aruba, been twice, and can't wait to go back.

Aruba isn't that flat (it is a volcanic island with several spots rising about 600 feet), but it is dry That doen't mean that it isn't beautiful. The American Southwest is dry, but much of it is beautiful.

The grounds of the major hotels are as lush and beautiful as you could ask for. The previously mentioned Radisson has about the the nicest grounds.

The people are extremely friendly and helpful.

We are one of those couples that don't care much for Aruba. Very commercialized, lots of boats and jet ski's - you could be anywhere USA. The beaches are very nice and it's a very relaxed place, but way too many fast food places. We're foodies and were disappointed in most of the restaurants. I wouldn't say any of them were must-go places.

My family went to Aruba last summer after going to Nassau the summer before. There was a total of 13 of us ranging in ages from 5 to 65. This was my favorite vacation yet. BEAUTIFUL ! My husband still looks on the internet everyday to see what the weather is. We went snorkeling but my favorite part of the trip was when we rented jeeps and drove to the back side of the island. We just took off and went exploring on our own and never got lost. The back side is uninhabitted and even prettier than the beach side. Very rocky and picturesque with the waves crashing against the cliffs. My husband is the pickiest eater ever and he even ate well. We stayed at Divi resorts and I would go back in a heartbeat but my family loves exploring different areas so this year its off to St Maarten! (I'm a little nervous) have read mixed reviews

Knowing, which restaurants did you try?

Keith

Knowing, I'd like to know which restaurants you tried, too. Out of the many islands we've visited in the Caribbean, we think Aruba has some of the best food. Did you try places like Flying Fish, Madame Jeanette's, El Gaucho?

I have to agree. Of all the Caribbean Islands we've been to Aruba has a great divisity and abundance of resturants. We found some great choices, but also found some we didn't care for. You will find that anywhere. We've been wanting to make a return trip just so we can catch the restaurants we didn't get try the first time.

I thought Aruba had great food too! Also, I thought it was cheaper than many islands we have been to.(food wise) El Gaucho was a great restaurant and I didn't think it was that pricey at all.
Bermuda, one of my favorite places, has some of the most expensive restaurants!

We love Aruba too! We rent a car and have the best time exploring the "other side" of the island -- all the lush vegetation and palm trees have been planted around the hotel areas, but the natural beauty is the cacti, rocky coast, aloe, wild donkeys and goats! The crime rate is very low -- feel extremely safe there. There are wonderful and many restaurant choices -- we love Papiamentos, Mirandis, Pinchos, Suisse Chalet, Passions, The Flying Fishbone, to name just some, and Barefoot is a new one to try. Go to the forum at Aruba.com for answers to every question you could possibly have! It's a wonderful friendly informative forum!
Surratts4, we're going to St Maarten this year for the first time, too! Can't wait!

P.S. About the wind on Aruba -- yes, it's hot there! (high 80's to low 90's), but the trade winds blow pretty consistently, and we're talking 20+ mph! So, it feels just perfect!

whammy77, hey I am a little nervous about st maarten have been reading mixed reviews. What do you think? ever been there? I have young children do you think we will be ok?

surratts4, no we've never been there either! I think it will be a lot of fun! The beaches look amazing and there are so many to choose from! The butterfly farm and zoo would be fun to see. sounds like there are restaurants for every taste and budget! Where are you staying? We decided on the Dutch side, but the island is so small and we'll have a car, so I expect we'll be all over the island! I'm not particularly worried about crime, as some posts have been over-dramatic I think! We don't flash jewelry or cash, don't stay out late at night, or go to casinos much. Just like t enjoy the beach and do some shopping and exploring, and trying out places to eat! I've heard that the people are very friendly. I think we'll all be fine, and enjoy our stay there! I'm interested to see the more tropical foliage, but we, too, love the "outback" part of Aruba -- it's so beautiful in it's wild natural way! When you get back to Aruba some day, I highly recommend a private tour with Madi (you can find info on her on the Aruba.com forum!)

surrats4,

We visited St. Maarten many years ago when our kids were little, and thought it was ideal for young children. We stayed at The Divi Resort, just outside Phillipsburg ( I don't even know if it exists anymore) and had a very easy, relaxing vacation. IF you were going by yourselves without the kids, it would certainly not be my first pick, esp. the Dutch side. But with young kids, I think it's very good. Have fun!

Weadles,
I know orient beach is clothing optional but will we have problems other places with topless people? I dont want to give my children an early education & we will have 2 pastors with us as well. we are staying at Divi Little Bay.

Whammy77,
We are staying at Divi Little Bay on the Dutch side. going in July. Have you rented your car yet? From where and for how much?