Best Snokel Cruise?
 

I am going with my family (my wife and teenage boys) to Aruba in mid-March. We are planning on doing a snorkel cruise. Which is the best one (Jolly Pirates, Depalm Tours, Mi Dushi, others)? Also, should we make reservations pior to our trip for the cruise?<BR>

My husband and I went on the Jolly Pirates tour and had a blast - it was fun because the boat really did resemble a pirate ship (your children would enjoy this), and also, there was a rope swing off the boat that was a ton of fun (the employees also pride themselves on the whole pirate persona). There were people of all ages, and we stopped at a couple of the most beautiful snorkeling places there are in Aruba. Mi Dushi is also nice, I heard from another couple. I believe that boat is a catamaran (sp.?), but I could be mistaken. So it depends what type of thing you all like - we thought the pirate ship was great...<BR>Since you're traveling in March, I would suggest reservations ahead of time, only because you'll be running into school vacations.

My husband and I did the Mi Dushi in October; it too was fabulous.<BR><BR>It is an old sailing vessel (not catamaran); the service was top notch; breakfast (bagels, muffins, etc) and lunch (hot seafood something) were part of the package; as well as unlimited beverages.<BR><BR>We made 3 snorkel stops and this boat also has a rope swing and hammock.<BR><BR>Leaving the airport, someone was passing out &quot;Little Switzerland&quot; bags which included several coupons for many activities.<BR><BR>If you have a car, you should rent some snorkel equipment and head down to baby beach. Excellent snorkeling there.<BR><BR>Have fun<BR><BR><BR><BR>I would play it safe and make advance reservations for March.

The Midushi is very nice. One word of caution, however, is that this is a booze cruise with an open bar after snorkeling. With teens you may want to seek another boat. I have not done Jolly Pirates so I can't advise you on them. Whatever you decide you will have a wonderful time in Aruba.

Jolly Pirate gets my vote -- but now we snorkel on our own with a rental car - -much more fun and at our own pace. Great snorkeling at DePalm Island - - Malmok - Arashi and outside the reef at Baby Beach.