Safe to rent a jeep in Aruba?

[twobluecats]

Good morning! Hubby and I are on Celebrity Infinity on March 24 Panama crossing, and our first stop is Aruba. We were thinking of renting a jeep here so we could tour on our own. Is Aruba a safe place to drive/rent? Hubby is a little worried, although we've rented in Alaska and many US ports before, we've never rented a vehicle and attempted to drive on our own in a foreign place. Advise?

[Arubalisa]

I would not hesitate in renting a vehicle in Aruba. Pretty much like driving here in the states, some crazy drivers, lost tourists and some pot holes. :)

 

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1153.html

"Driving in Aruba is on the right-hand side of the road. Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets. Children under 5 years of age should be in a child safety seat; older children should ride in the back seat. Right turns on red are prohibited in Aruba.

Aruba's main thoroughfare, L.G. Smith Boulevard, is well lit and most hotels and tourist attractions can be easily located. There is a speed limit in Aruba and driving while intoxicated may result in the loss of a driver’s license and/or a fine. However, these are not consistently enforced. Drivers should be alert at all times for speeding cars, which have caused fatal accidents. In the interior areas of the island, drivers should be alert for herds of goats or donkeys that may cross the roads unexpectedly. Buses provide convenient and inexpensive service to and from many hotels and downtown shopping areas. Taxis, while expensive, are safe and well regulated. As there are no meters, passengers should verify the price before entering the taxi. The emergency service telephone number is 911. Police and ambulance tend to respond fast to emergency situations."

[titlecruiser]

A little off subject, but here goes. Do you have or know anyone who has rented from Aruba Harley- Davidson. I see they have full and half day rentals. Not a big selection, maybe half doz bikes for rent. Just curious on the condition of the rental bikes, well maintained etc. Riding is not new to me, just want to know the codition of the bikes before I reserve one.

[deppong]

mee too:cool:

[itssunforme]

Very safe and highly recommended if you have time try to find the natural pool.. I will add directions!!

 

So much fun but take a collapsible cooler and snacks any of the companies are safe to rent from they have a list on Aruba.com under things to do then the transportation tab.. You can e-mail a request to reserve and ask them to meet you at the port or at the Marina Renaissance resort lobby just across the street.. Ask them to bring you a map.. also go to baby beach and snorkel...

 

Directions to the Natural Pool – Aruba

These directions and mileage are from the high rise hotels (from the Playa Linda) 13.7 kilometers to the beginning of the off road trail. If you follow these directions, you should be at the pool in under an hour. The off road portion is challenging - a 4x4 is a must!

Take 1A toward Oranjestad - Continue past Adventure Golf.

At circle, just past Royal Cabana, go left. (This is 4A to Paradera) 3.7km

At 1st circle on 4A, go straight through to other side, past Mon Cheri Bar on Right.

Go through 2nd circle, past BMW dealer. 3.9km

Go through 3rd circle, past Aruba bank. 5.3km

Look for Blue sign - Arikok National Park - Make a left turn. Make sure you see MN Supermarket and a colorful building on the corner. 9.7km

The next turn is a right on a small, narrow road. The only landmark is a sign on a telephone pole for "Rancho Del Campo". There are two yellow houses on the left at the turn. 11.3km (You've missed this turn if you pass the Tonca store on left or come to a "T" intersection. Go back .3km from the Tonca store for the turn)

Pass Rancho Del Campo on the right. 11.8km

Make a left at the white house near the end of the road, you will see a red house up on the hill. If you miss this turn, the road ends very soon anyway. There is also a handmade Natural Pool sign at this turn. 13.4km

Go up the hill, you will come up to the red house you saw from below. This is where you start off road. Good Luck! 13.7km

Note: These directions will take you right to the start of the off-road trail. From there you're on your own! Follow the trail, it'll take you right to the pool parking area. If you see any signs for "Conchi", follow them. They built steps that lead down to the pool.