powerclown

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

Thanks..

maleficent

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.

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SaltPork

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.

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It was like that when I got here....I swear.

maleficent

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.

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powerclown

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

maleficent

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 -

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