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-   -   Someone who's been to Aruba & Bonaire OR Aruba & Curaco, please provide some info. (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/someone-whos-been-to-aruba-and-bonaire-or-aruba-and-curaco-please-provide-some-info-133757/)

Kristin Jun 29th, 2001 09:45 AM

Someone who's been to Aruba & Bonaire OR Aruba & Curaco, please provide some info.
 
We loved Aruba. How do Bonaire & Curaco compare? What we loved about Aruba was the desert, the scenery (natural pool, etc.), lovely beaches & friendly residents. Don't care about fancy restaurants, shopping, glitzy hotels or night life. Just need good food, nice & clean accomodations, good beaches, & water conducive to snorkeling. Safety and decent driving conditions a plus. Also, what's the price difference? Are things much more expensive on the B&C islands??? All input greatly appreciated.

Debi Jun 29th, 2001 12:09 PM

We went to the ABCs in March. We spent the majority of the time on Curacao. We flew through Aruba and spent about 7 hours per visit there. Of all the islands, Aruba was my least favorite. To me - it was way too windy. Curacao had beautiful beaches - no wind (had a breeze, but just a regular one), the people were very friendly. The capital was very pretty - small but nice. We went to Bonaire for 2 days. Once again, there were nice beaches - it is definitely a diver's place. I'm sure there's good snorkeling, but it caters to divers. I would go to either one of those (B or C). Curacao would probably have the lowest prices.

Kristin Jun 29th, 2001 12:35 PM

Thanks Debi. For others I should probably clarify that we LOVE the wind in Aruba. For us, the weather in general & the evenings/nights were perfect. So the wind is not a factor at all.

Teresa G Jul 2nd, 2001 04:30 AM

Aruba, a do as you please kind of place, totally relax or shop till you drop, explore (a must), swim, snorkel, dive. Aruba deserves at least 10 or 12 days. The first two days relax and get to know the place and people, then rent a car and explore (easily and inexpensive), the bus service is great. The wind is only really gusty in certain locations. The Sonesta resorts offers their own private, very relaxing island. The gentle breeze made it very comfortable. I've been to many locations around the world, but Aruba was definitely the most unique. Be sure to visit the giant rock formations. Have fun......<BR>

Sally Jul 2nd, 2001 07:52 AM

Stick with Aruba. You'll be disappointed with Bonaire and Curaco. They have little to offer unless you're a diver.

Colleen Jul 3rd, 2001 12:42 PM

My husband and I visited Bonaire a couple of years ago. We loved it. But, to clarify we are both scuba divers that are low key and not looking for much night life or shopping. There was only one stop light on the island and everyone was very friendly. Hope this is of some help. Sincerely, Colleen

shell Jan 3rd, 2003 03:04 PM

Went to Aruba twice, and Bonaire once at least 8 years ago. Loved them both. Much more to do in Aruba. We did alot of bicycle riding, snorkeling. Hard to find good snorkeling right off beach. Had much better snorkeling in Bonaire, right off the beach. Less developed. We stayed in an apartment in Bonaire and rented a car. Did all-inclusives in Aruba. We really did not save any money by not doing an all inclusive in Bonaire. But it was more private, we didnt party like we did in Aruba. Different kind of fun.

Janet Jan 4th, 2003 05:45 PM

We went to Curacao 2 years ago, and stayed at the Princess, which is now a Breezes! The beach was great, rooms were very nice, and we rented a car in order to see the entire island. We are scuba divers and I did my open water cert. there. It was a fantastic choice! Calm, clear water, laid back people, and a night life IF you wanted one...you just had to leave the resort because they really only had a casino and a piano bar. (which was fine by us!)

sally Jan 5th, 2003 12:33 PM

We have been to both Aruba and Curacao,I loved them each in their own way.We did more snorkeling in Curacao,probably because we know more about it than our first time in the Carib.,which was Aruba.Curacao doesn't have anything like the desert,but they do have Mt.Christofal and the Hato Caves.We stayed at the Marriott in Curacao and we loved it,we had a room very close to the beach.Apparently from all the research we did,this is the best place to stay.Bonaire,from our research didn't seem to have much to do if one didn't scuba dive,like many other posters said.Good luck with your choice.


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