I'm going somewhere in the Caribbean the last week of October with my 18 year old son who is taking scuba diving lessons now. Which island would be better for an 18 year old -Aruba or Grand Cayman? He wants to be somewhere where there's night life. I've already been to several other islands and don't want to go to someplace I've seen.

Also, will we be fairly safe from hurricanes that late in the season?

Ive been to both and Aruba is def. cheaper. The snorkeling is better on Cayman. The beaches are beautiful on both. The car rental is cheaper on Aruba and you drive on the right. Try Tropic Car rental. We paid $175 for a yaris. Very nice.

Less traffic and congestion in Aruba.

Peace, Greenie

The diving is better in Cayman but I believe Aruba has more to offer an 18 year old is is very safe inspite of all the bad press over the past year or so.

I highly recommend that if you decide to opt for Aruba that your son either complete his certification or at least dive with

http://www.searuba.com/

and no, I have nothing to do with them other than I have been to Aruba twice and found them to be a fantastic dive shop. They get two thumbs up!

I hope this helps.

Cheers,

SD

blondie,

Have been to both.Loved Grand Cayman...did not like Aruba.

Both islands are considered safe places.

The snorkeling/diving is way better in Grand Cayman.

Both places have great restaurants.

IMO..Grand Cayman has more to do..surf/skateboard park,Butterfly Farm,The Turtle Farm,Rum Point (wonderful relaxing beach),blowholes,great off beach snorkeling,Botanical gardens,Pedro's Castle and watersports.Forgot to mention Stingray City a must do!

I felt that the nightlife was alittle more on Aruba but Grand Cayman does have some nightlife.Also the laws on drugs are more harsh in Grand Cayman.

Good luck, anymore questions...feel free to ask!

Christie

One more vote for Grand Cayman. Diving is fantastic. As to hurricane nobody knows this far in advance when and where hurricane can hit but Aruba is out of a hurricane belt. Did not like Aruba, but this is my opinion. We have friends who go there every year for the last 12 years and still love it.

Thanks for all the info. My son is starting his PADI classes on Wednesday, and will be certified before we go. We live in Las Vegas, and his dives will be in Lake Mead. He also wants to go deep sea fishing, parasailing, and things like that so he'll have plenty to do.

He could do parasailing and fishing in Grand Cayman also. Have heard of Bone fishing there and I am sure that they have deep sea fishing also.

Christie

I really enjoyed both islands and would easily go back to both. Aruba has more night life although you can find night life in GC too. But the diving is better in Grand Cayman. You will enjoy either place.
Trish