Aruba vs. Cayman Islands?
 

Hello! I am starting to look into the various islands, trying to decide where my best friend and I should go for spring break next March. Cost and safety are my two major factors. Based on both of those, I think I have it narrowed down to Aruba & The Cayman Islands. Does this seem about right? I'm wondering if anyone can suggest one over the other, or fill me in on pros and cons of the two islands. (I'm also open to any other island suggestions - I'm in the early stages of research so any info/tips will be greatly appreciated!)

Thanks!

Both are comparable in terms of safety and degree of development. Aruba has SLIGHTLY more of an americanized feel. I prefer Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman to Palm/Eagle beach, but that is just me. Snorkeling is much, much better in Cayman. Grand Cayman is marketed to higher end clientèle and will tend to be more expensive. A find the activities to also be comparable, but Cayman has a slight edge with Sting Ray City. Aruba will have the edge with nightlife and casinos (no casinos in GC). Can't really go wrong with either.

I agree with the above poster. Food, safety and beaches are comparable. Water clarity and snorkeling much better on Cayman. Cayman is also more expensive bu can be done on a budget.

They are both safe, so you really just need to concentrate on cost. GC is more expensive, but more of a gem in our opinion. A more simple flight as it's not quite 2 hours from Miami and Stingray City is very enchanting. Wonderful sandy beaches. We also enjoyed all the great restaurants.

I agree with everyone above.. after 3-4 days in GC I was ready to head to Aruba! It was very relaxing though.. and different with the sand bar and sting ray city... I actually liked some of the beaches in Aruba better! Found the ones in GC to have some rock, we had to wear water shoes... but both beautiful! I also would add that the Cayman Dollar is worth more than a dollar.. so you will loose money there, in Aruba it's $1 is 1.75 local currenty... The C$ I think is $1.25 for 1U$... something like a 0.8 conversion...
If you're not going for long and want to relax I would say GC, if you're going for a week and want to explore I'd say Aruba...

We stayed at the then Hyatt on Seven Mile Beach.. I love the beach in front of the Radisson in Aruba...Keep in mind that in the Caymans you drive on the opposite side of the road!

Good luck in what you choose! They'll both be fun!

Grand cayman has better snorkeling and is a quieter island. Both islands have good food and are friendly. Aruba will have more nightlife. We enjoyed our stay on both islands.

It's a very hard choice. We loved both, but for us, Aruba has the edge. We found more things to see and do and way more resturants and bars. Grand Cayman has the better snorkeling, but we enjoyed the sailing in Aruba, plus we found some pretty good snorkeling there also.

I agree, Grand Cayman is much more expensive, which is one of the reasons we haven't been back. Hoping to go back to Aruba in the very near future.

I am returning to Aruba for the third time on May 1st. For me it's always an "easy" vacation.A direct flight from PHL and easy to navigate once I am there.
It is a safe island. I am a single 30 something and I have always felt safe. The beaches are beautiful and the water is amazing. The weather is always hot but luckily the wind is always blowing.
I agree it does have an "americanized" feel. From Dunkin Donuts to Tony Roma's to Subway but you know what? I'm ok with that. I pick where I go. I don't go to Dunkin Donuts at home and I don't go in Aruba.
This will be my second time at the RIU but there are so many food options AI almost seems like a waste, but oh well.

I say give Aruba a try. It's a great island.

Spring break? I hate to ask, but what are your appox. ages?

After going to both places IMO---25 & under, Aruba, more fun. But be forewarned of the wind----it blows 24/7.

Quieter and more relaxing, Grand Cayman. Yes some of the beaches are rocky near Georgetown. As you head out of Georgetown, the beaches get sandy, white, and soft.

I agree with above posters that both are safe and GC more expensive.

Thanks everyone for the responses! TPAYT - My friend and I will both be 22 at the time of the trip. I'm looking for a spring break full of rest and relaxation, NOT partying, which is why I'm looking at the Caribbean rather than say, Cancun.