Beach Recommendation - 4 & 6 year old

[LuckyCop]

Hello! I love reading the reviews and pointers on this board. We are cruising with our 4 and 6 year olds in March and are looking for a beach day.

We dock at 1 pm, and are looking for a beach that is suitable for young kiddos (shallow entry, sandy and not a lot of waves). If I am reading correctly - Palm and Eagle are our best bets, correct? We only need restrooms, snacks and a couple lounge chairs. Would like to play 3-4 hours then grab dinner and maybe something fun until later in the evening. Thanks!

Edited January 9, 2016 by LuckyCop

[Hlitner]

This is a tough call. Assuming the sea is calm, both Eagle and Palm would be calm (but this is not always the case). But neither are "kiddie pools" and quickly drop off to several feet in depth. You can rent lounge chairs and there are some limited rest room facilities (not necessarily very close to your location). Baby Beach (very inconvenient for cruisers) is probably a better option assuming one stays close to shore.

 

We took our DD into the Ocean when she was 5 (but she already knew how to swim) but we always were very cautious and never let her more then a few feet out of our grasp. Keep in mind that even at 5 she could swim and snorkel and both her parents were very comfortable and competent in the sea. And we had 2 adults totally focused on a single child (all the time). These days, many would even be critical of our actions. We taught our DD to swim about 18 months which is helpful but certainly no panacea for safety. If you want to take a child into the sea that cannot swim, at the very least, we would have them in an approved life vest. And even that would be questioned by some.

 

Hank

Edited January 10, 2016 by Hlitner

[cb at sea]

Your kids will be fine....you will be in the water with them at all times...right? No worries! Yes, Eagle or Palm beach will be fine. Remember the sun is MUCH stronger there than in more northern climes....slather the sunscreen on and repeat frequently, or you'll burn up! A sunburn can ruin the rest of your vacation. You'll be at the beach during the strongest sun hours....

[LuckyCop]

Thanks for the tips. This will be the girls' 4th cruise and both can swim. Of course we will be in the water with them at all times - we also take puddle jumper style life vests in case the water is tough. Thanks for the sunscreen tip - we usually reapply hourly, but sounds like we may need a little more in Aruba!

[Hatteras51]

Eagle Beach can get rough at times. The water at Palm Beach is flat, like a lake. There are also places close by to get something to eat and drink in Palm Beach. That is a better choice for your needs. I believe that someone mentioned Baby Beach. The water there is nice and calm, but it is very far from port and is a very expensive cab ride.

[LuckyCop]

Thank you!! Palm Beach it is :)

[helensobol]

I love baby beach. It is very calm. Just remember it gets very hot and you will want to find shade for them.

[LuckyCop]

Thanks!