Meme

I am considering a trip for my birthday in June and have never been to Aruba. Loved Bonaire for snorkeling and birding, but thought I'd ask about Aruba. I know they are very different in ambiance, but so many people love Aruba. So can anyone tell me if the weather in June has anything to recommend it or not, over other times of the year.

And where is good snorkeling from the beach if available. Can anyone comment on exploring the natural areas for birding or other out-of-water experiences.

We would likely want to stay somewhere with kitchen facilities...Amsterdam Manor has been recommended.

I appreciate any advice or suggestions, as usual from fellow Fodorites.

Thanks,
Meme

sceneisle

Meme: With reference to snorkeling, after Bonaire, you will be very disappointed with Aruba. We spent one week on each island last November....wished we spent two weeks on Bonaire instead. We did find a few beach accessable sites in Aruba (and I know there are a few more); Malmok & Boca Catalina (right next to each other), past the Marriott resorts, heading toward the California Lighthouse. Of course Aruba does have better dining, shopping & hotel/casino options and the beaches themselves are nicer (Eagle & Palm). Personally, I would not return to Aruba......IMO, many better islands to visit in the Caribbean.

christiegr

Meme-I agree with the previous reply.I went to Aruba in April 2004.It is not very good for snorkeling.If you want an island to enjoy the nature and marine life, Aruba is not the way to go.I have heard that St.John USVI has great snorkeling and has easy beach access.We are going there in June.Aruba does have good food and great nightlife for the party animal but not much else to offer.
Good luck wherever you go!

Meme

Thanks for the feedback. We have been to St. John often (love it), and many other places including Trinidad (for birding) Tobago, Grand Cayman, Turks, etc. Just looking for somewhere new and easy. Think I will look up Bonaire again. We had a wonderful time there.

Best again

milesaway11

avoid aruba-its average at best.

cdt

Other shore snorkeling in Aruba: Baby Beach, DePalm Island (for a fee), Mangel Halto.

However, I agree that it's not the right choice if snorkeling is a top priority.

christiegr

Would you consider Kauai,Hawaii?I have been there and it has alot of birds and the snorkeling was great too!Beautiful chickens and roosters run loose everywhere, it is a very lush,green island.Rosewoods B&B was nice,we stayed there in a hikers room for only $40 a night.The shower is outside but is private with the view of the sky.It was very nice.The website for it I believe is www.rosewoodkauai.com.Hope that this helps.

Traveler863

I agree with previous posters, you'll be EXTREMELY disappointed with Aruba...especially after visiting Bonaire. Recommend you go back to Bonaire, no one can possibly have even put a dent in all the glorious snorkelling sites in one trip. Or for excellent birding try Costa Rica, though I wouldn't say snorkelling is all that great but culturally its a great place with much beauty and is very tourist friendly. You could also try Tobago again, great place, great snorkelling, for good birding hire the Parrot Man to take you through the rainforest, he has a personal relationship with the birds...a particular whistle and they come or you can hire a boat to take you out to Little Tobago for the day, no facilities there, pack a cooler....its full of trails, ruins of house and many birds.

Kelyspo

I agree: there was nothing to see underwater in Aruba!

MeganandJ

Well contrary to most of the posters on this thread, we loved Aruba. We went last September & will return this September. I have visited many other islands. Aruba is more commercialized but we still found it to have lots of charm and very friendly people. We didn't snorkle but heard recommendations about Baby Beach. As far as other natury things, the Natural Bridge was beautiful. Next time we will venture to the Natural Pool as well.

girlonthego

Meme, if you are an expert snorkeler, than you probably won't care for the conditions in Aruba. It is also very commercialized compared to Bonaire. We enjoyed our trip to Aruba and liked the good food, white sandy beaches, green waters, and our novice snorkeling. We liked the high rise hotels. If you do go to Aruba, I would recommend the Bucuti resort. It is located on a quieter beach. The high-rise hotels are busy with lots of watersports and boats buzzing about. It sounds as though you go for the more exotic or quiet places. I hear St. John has awesome snorekeling directly off shore. I also heard this of the Turks and Caicos islands.
Traveler863: I haven't seen you posting in awhile. Hopefully you were on a great trip?? We are off to the city of San Francisco next week.

Traveler863

Girlonthego,
San Fran is a great town, enjoy. Yes, I was off traveling but not pleasure, Cameroon on business.