Morgan

G/Cayman is our favorite destination (we don't like Mexico or Jamacia...pretty but just isn't for us). Though some don't like GC, we don't feel it's too crowded, too safe, boring, or expensive. We are leaning toward a trip to Aruba in June but are somwhat reluctant to break out of the familiar. We don't like high-rises (prefer something smaller with character--MUST be clean...off the beaten path is ok). We don't care if there is night life or not. We want to be able to dress (even when dining) casually and relax. Our main interests are snorkeling and exploring the island. Any trip reports (the longer the better), thoughts or recommendations on Aruba would be appreciated. Also, we always rent a car in GC. Should we in Aruba? What's the average cost? Bus or cab would be fine too...we're flexible. Thanks in advance to the wonderful, informative posters on this forum.

kiersten

ARUBA:
The nicest beaches are in the shadows of the high rise hotels here...so much that the hotels create a "wind shadow" where there was once windsurfing. The windsurfing has just moved down a bit. The island is casual, and you can get the basic lodging. I do not recommend the bus, as it is VERY crowded and SLOW. The island has the beach side and the moonlike rocky side.

I would recommend going to Bonaire. You will have better snorkeliing/scuba, excellent windsurfing, no problem with high-rise hotels, and more to choose from in the way of "out of the way" lodging. I have been to both, and will return to Bonaire first because when the wind skunks you, there is other stuff to do. Aruba attracts people looking to stay in a Hilton and hit the casino---in my opinion.

Cheri

Have been to GC, Aruba and Bonaire and have to agree that Bonaire is the best for us. It's less crowded and not a high rise heaven. The only thing is they don't have the long smooth beaches to walk on the other two islands have. (Pink Beach maybe, but that's a drive and the last I heard it was pretty messed up from Lenny's storm surge last year.)

eileen

Went to Aruba in March. Eagle Beach is low-rise hotels, less crowded and wider than where the high-rises are. Highly recommend it. I walked about two miles down the beach and there are lots of smaller hotels/condos (Costa Linda is very nice and Bucuti Beach has a devoted following). I found Aruba clean, safe, very friendly, and reasonably priced (drinks $4 - 5, not the $8 - 10 I hear it is in GC). We were able to rent a car through Budget and paid about $160 for the week, it was well worth it for going to all the great restaurants and exploring the island -- even parking downtown was easy. Very casual. If you choose one of the smaller hotels I do not think you will be disappointed.

kelly

I would also like to hear from someone who can compare the two. Due to a timeshare, we continue to return to Grand Cayman but would love to try Aruba if we thought it would be worth the trip. By the way, how close is the natural bridge to the high rise strip in Aruba?? Thanks.