Hatteras51

There are no golf cart rentals. I've never noticed scooter rentals in Aruba. There are electric bike rental sites, but I don't know if there are any close to the cruise port. Traffic in that area is terrible, and honestly, I don't think that I would attempt to get around on a scooter or a bike in that area. Probably waiting for a taxi or renting a car would be the best solution.

Usually, there areas that are clear of seagrass at Reflexions. . Further down Surfside Beach, the seagrass (Sargassum) is much thicker.

There's a steady amount of flights into Aruba every day of the week. We actually enjoy watching the planes flying in for a landing, but you can also hear the ones that are taking off. We've gotten so use to it that we hardly notice. They do have music there and good food and drinks at reasonable prices.

New Years is a very big deal in Aruba, with fireworks everywhere, and I mean everywhere, on New Year's Eve. Even the residents set off massive fireworks around their homes. From a balcony, one can see them going off in every direction. Most locals will be spending the day with their families, and probably there won't be many taxi drivers working. The busses will operate on a holiday schedule, and waits will be longer. I try to avoid ship excursions, but this would be a good time to book one, if they are available. You could also check with Reflextions Beach Club and see if they will be open. Even if you go to a local beach, there's a good chance that some of the chair vendors won't be there. Good luck!

Passions is definitely more romantic. In my experience, the food at Barefoot is better than Passions, but the atmosphere can't be beat. The reason that I never recommend Passions is because there is a waste treatment plant nearby, and sometimes the stench from it carries all the way to the beach. The resort that owns Passions has filed multiple lawsuits against the government about the issues at the waste treatment facility. It has really hurt their business over the years. Sometimes, it's just unbearable in that area.

We spend 2 -3 weeks in Aruba every year, and there are many restaurants that I visit every visit. I haven't been to Opus, but I have been to their sister restaurant, Wilhelmina, which is one of the finest and more popular restaurants on the island. We go to Barefoot for the atmosphere, which is dining right on the beach. I have several friends, however, that don't enjoy Barefoot because there are people in front of them, wading in the water, and music from the beach club, Reflextions, can be loud. The last time that we were there, children were playing soccer right next to our table. It is on what is considered a "locals" beach, and they continue to enjoy themselves while people eat. That doesn't bother us, but it does bother some people. The food at Barefoot is good, but it is not considered on the same fine dining level of Opus and Wilhelmina.

Taxis don't hang around Barefoot. They will call one to pick you up. There's no telling how long it will take. We've waited 30 minutes for a taxi, and have also had one arrive in less than 10 minutes. We vacation in Aruba every year, and go to Barefoot every visit. One thing that we discovered, on our last trip in February, was that it was extremely difficult to get a taxi anywhere on the island. Drivers told us, that they are so busy during the day, that a lot of them are going home early, and a lot less drivers are working at night. It was very frustrating, and we were late to many reservations.

We always use our friend, Bully, for island tours, and have recommended him to many people. He gives outstanding tours, and will customize it to your preferences. However, he can only take 5 passengers, by law. Rates are by tge hour. His email is bullytaxi79@hotmail.com. His reply email will probably be under the name, Amador Lacle. Bully is his nickname. Check your spam because a lot of email from Aruba often goes to spam.

Hi Purplsmurf! It's been awhile since we have chatted. For the last several years, we've been spending time in your neck of the woods, spending a week or two at ABC before moving to our timeshare at Renaissance. I believe that you guys stay at Casa Del Mar?? We were there last February when most of the beach was washed away. It made for an interesting and very different experience. We've been on Black Pearl for the sunset cruise. They do offer snorkeling during that sail. I highly recommend it. Sorry to hear about your experience at Pinchos. We love it, but if we'd had your experience, we'd never go back.

Taxis can only carry 5 passengers, by law. There is some talk about changing that, but time will tell if that will happen. You would need 2 taxis. The current rate from the downtown area to Baby Beach is $35.00 per taxi, one way. Because you are coming from the cruise port, there will be an additional surcharge. We own a timeshare in Aruba, and have been vacationing there for years. We used to love Baby Beach, but it has become so crowded that we now avoid it. The butterfly farm is very nice. We enjoy it. You could take the bus there or taxis. It is only about 15 minutes from the port.

I have several friends who go there every time that they vacation in Aruba. All of them love it. I've walked through there several times. It's rather small, with a nice, calm beach, and a small swimming pool. My friends say that the food and drinks are good.

Montforte and Tranquilo might be what you are looking for. Black Pearl does sailing tours, but goes to all of the snorkel stops that all of the other boats go to. None of these are party boats.

Barcelo in Palm Beach has day passes. Eagle Aruba Resort on Eagle Beach also has day passes. Another good option is Reflections Beach Club on Surfside Beach.

To walk from the ship would take close to 30 minutes. It would be much better to take a taxi.

There has been a ton of growth since you were there, with lots of new condos, hotels, and lots of traffic. However, the attractions and things to do are basically the same. Beautiful beaches, good snorkeling, island tours, etc.