Jump to content

Aruba, Do you need an excursion?


Pope Francis
 Share

Recommended Posts

You should consider researching the island to determine what you want to do. If there is something not without no walking distance of the pier I suggest finding a private guide at the port or on line before you leave. There is a very interesting ostrich farm on the island if you like those places.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One doesn't need an excursion as the port and the beaches are easy to get to.

 

However, when we were last there, we took a bus ride which went all around the island- to the Aloe Factory, the baby bridge, and the Casibiri Rocks- plus we saw about 2/3 of the island from the bus. Highly recommended with port and beach breaks afterwards.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were just there and took the bus, which is very easy to do. Bus depot right across the street from the port to the left of that pink palace shopping center. Bus times are posted

We arrived to Aruba at 11 am so we got a later start, so we took the 12:15 bus to Palm Beach. The bus driver announces all the stops along the way. We took the bus to an area at Palm Beach and cut through one of the hotel lobbies. The beach was packed, but we were able to secure 4 chairs with two palapa umbrellas for $40. The beaches are beautiful.

We wanted to go to Eagle Beach instead, but we weren't sure where bathroom facilities were, so we went to Palm instead.

We rented our chairs near one of those long piers, in front of Carlito's Bar. Carlitos had 2 for 1 drinks all afternoon, and the mojitos were excellent! $5 apiece. I recommend the slushy ones

Bus $2.50 pp. pay the driver. Coming back, we were at the bus stop and a commuter van which said "bus" pulled up. My friend inquired if we could get on that bus, and they had room, so it was a fun experience. I think it fit a maximum of 15 people and it was $2 pp back to the bus depot since it is a local bus and not a tourist

Bus. [emoji2]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were just there and took the bus, which is very easy to do. Bus depot right across the street from the port to the left of that pink palace shopping center. Bus times are posted

We arrived to Aruba at 11 am so we got a later start, so we took the 12:15 bus to Palm Beach. The bus driver announces all the stops along the way. We took the bus to an area at Palm Beach and cut through one of the hotel lobbies. The beach was packed, but we were able to secure 4 chairs with two palapa umbrellas for $40. The beaches are beautiful.

We wanted to go to Eagle Beach instead, but we weren't sure where bathroom facilities were, so we went to Palm instead.

We rented our chairs near one of those long piers, in front of Carlito's Bar. Carlitos had 2 for 1 drinks all afternoon, and the mojitos were excellent! $5 apiece. I recommend the slushy ones

Bus $2.50 pp. pay the driver. Coming back, we were at the bus stop and a commuter van which said "bus" pulled up. My friend inquired if we could get on that bus, and they had room, so it was a fun experience. I think it fit a maximum of 15 people and it was $2 pp back to the bus depot since it is a local bus and not a tourist

Bus. [emoji2]

Thank You!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very few places require excursions of any kind to have a great day...but you should research your ports, so you know what is nearby...how to get there, about food/drink, etc....a guidebook is your best resource! The more you know, the better time you'll have!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One doesn't need an excursion as the port and the beaches are easy to get to.

 

However, when we were last there, we took a bus ride which went all around the island- to the Aloe Factory, the baby bridge, and the Casibiri Rocks- plus we saw about 2/3 of the island from the bus. Highly recommended with port and beach breaks afterwards.

 

 

Was that a ship excursion? I am looking at doing a Carnival excursion either Best of Aruba Island Tour or Top 10 Best of Aruba.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

We take a taxi to Manchibo Beach Resort. It cost about $15 you are allowed to use Manchibo's facilities, free wifi, order from their bar etc. You ARE NOT allowed to use their umbrella or chairs but the beach is absolutely beautiful we mostly spend our time in the water. We also walk about a 1/4 mile up and hubby snorkels around some rocks there. Google Manchibo Resort the beach is never crowded and breathtaking

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Regarding "do you need an excursion" we would just answer that we have been traveling around the Caribbean for over forty years and have yet to use any excursion :). But it all depends on you, your level of comfort, and what you want to do with your day. If you want to tour the entire island you are going to need some kind of transportation be it a rental car, or a tour. If you want to simply go from Point A to Point B there are taxis (you can share to save money) and the island bus/taxi vans (they are actually large vans they move around the island and will pick up anyone (tourists and locals) for a small fee (usually no more than $5). These guys actually drive a route...but they are usually common sense routes. For example, if you are at Palm or Eagle Beaches and see a while bus-taxi van heading in the direction of town...that is where they are going. Simply ask the driver to be sure...and then hop in.

 

Hank

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We overnight here and have never been!! Any suggestions as to where we can go to take in the nightlife/ dancing??

 

snow bunny

 

You have a few choices. You can stay in town (within walking distance of the ship) and try to seek out the nightlife in one of the bars or casino. or, you can head out to Palm Beach where there are numerous options. We often end up at Sopranos.....which is a popular piano bar near the Palm Beach hotels. But not sure this would be the kind of night life you seek.

 

Hank

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...