Aruba - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

powerclown · 05-31-2004, 08:16 PM

Can anyone comment, positive or negative, regarding their experiences on Aruba?

Thanks..

maleficent · 06-01-2004, 06:34 AM

I was there about 10 years ago
It's an amazing place, I did the Aruba, Bonaire and missed Curacao (the C of the ABC islands) didn't want to leave Bonaire.

Both islands had amazing diving.
The restuarants were good, the resorts were a little pricey, but we made nice to one of the hotel staff who pointed us to where the locals went - i"ll be damned if I can remember any of the places.

Between Aruba and Bonaire, I liked bonaire better, it was a little less crowded, a little less touristy, and a little less expensive.
If you plan on diving, get certified before you go... Even if you are just snorkling, no certifications required for that, it's awesome.

SaltPork · 06-02-2004, 06:08 AM

I went to Aruba about 10 years ago also. I loved it. The people were nice and there was a lot to do. As maleficent said, it can be touristy, but we rented a jeep and drove around the island and met some people and got away from the touristy stuff for a couple of days. I would recommend Aruba to anyone. Just make sure you wear 30 spf sunscreen or higher. You will still tan/burn even with that on, but you will be incinerated if you don't wear any sunscreen.

maleficent · 06-02-2004, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wrkime
. Just make sure you wear 30 spf sunscreen or higher. You will still tan/burn even with that on, but you will be incinerated if you don't wear any sunscreen.

I have extremely fair skin -- and burn very easily -- on the advice of a friend, I went to a tanning center a few times before I went just so I had a decent base before I went - -(It also meant I didn't have to show my pasty white skin in paradise)

Sunscreen is essential - -even if you think you don't burn -- the sun there is damn strong... and the water intensifies it.

powerclown · 06-03-2004, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the replies...Im just in the beginning stages of planning something for next February and heard a little but not much about Aruba. I will keep everything you guys said in mind; Bonaire sounds nice indeed, as I dive and prefer less people around when on vacation (the few I get). Comments appreciated...

Quote:

you will be incinerated if you don't wear any sunscreen.

Sounds like Mexico in the summer. Ive gotten a bad sunburn walking to my car. Vacation-ruiner for sure.

maleficent · 06-03-2004, 10:13 PM

Curacau - and I know I didn't spell that right - is the third of the ABC Islands - -Aruba/Bonaire, and Curacau - All have spectacular diving its a bit of a hike from the states...

The Caymans are also lovely - however depending on where you are, if the ships are docking -- its ma and pa kettle from duluth in bermuda shorts socks and sandals- -near the docks everything is overpriced and very americanized.

Where I'd go back to in a heartbeat is Petit St Vincent. Excellent diving, and best of all - No people - -it was so incredibly secluded - there was a restaurant on the resort- -but once we headed to our bungalow -- we were left blissfully alone.

if you want lower cost diving -- think about Cuba -- MotorCity I take to be detroit - go thru Canada, and you can go to Cuba - -it's got amazing little old hotels, great food, awesome diving, inexpensive because it's not "americanized" yet - and if you are car person -- you will drool over all the amazing cars that are still running in the streets -

05-31-2004, 08:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	Aruba Can anyone comment, positive or negative, regarding their experiences on Aruba? Thanks.. Last edited by powerclown; 05-31-2004 at 08:26 PM..

06-01-2004, 06:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	I was there about 10 years ago It's an amazing place, I did the Aruba, Bonaire and missed Curacao (the C of the ABC islands) didn't want to leave Bonaire. Both islands had amazing diving. The restuarants were good, the resorts were a little pricey, but we made nice to one of the hotel staff who pointed us to where the locals went - i"ll be damned if I can remember any of the places. Between Aruba and Bonaire, I liked bonaire better, it was a little less crowded, a little less touristy, and a little less expensive. If you plan on diving, get certified before you go... Even if you are just snorkling, no certifications required for that, it's awesome. __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

06-02-2004, 06:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
SaltPork Everything's better with bacon Location: In your local grocer's freezer.	I went to Aruba about 10 years ago also. I loved it. The people were nice and there was a lot to do. As maleficent said, it can be touristy, but we rented a jeep and drove around the island and met some people and got away from the touristy stuff for a couple of days. I would recommend Aruba to anyone. Just make sure you wear 30 spf sunscreen or higher. You will still tan/burn even with that on, but you will be incinerated if you don't wear any sunscreen. __________________ It was like that when I got here....I swear.

06-03-2004, 10:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Curacau - and I know I didn't spell that right - is the third of the ABC Islands - -Aruba/Bonaire, and Curacau - All have spectacular diving its a bit of a hike from the states... The Caymans are also lovely - however depending on where you are, if the ships are docking -- its ma and pa kettle from duluth in bermuda shorts socks and sandals- -near the docks everything is overpriced and very americanized. Where I'd go back to in a heartbeat is Petit St Vincent. Excellent diving, and best of all - No people - -it was so incredibly secluded - there was a restaurant on the resort- -but once we headed to our bungalow -- we were left blissfully alone. if you want lower cost diving -- think about Cuba -- MotorCity I take to be detroit - go thru Canada, and you can go to Cuba - -it's got amazing little old hotels, great food, awesome diving, inexpensive because it's not "americanized" yet - and if you are car person -- you will drool over all the amazing cars that are still running in the streets - __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.