OT: Leaving from Aruba on Friday!

[bigeyedfish]

I asked back in March about Scuba Diving there, unfortunately I didnt have the time or the money to spend on that. I'm planning on doing a lot of snorkeling though and was wondering where people went for that, which companies were good and how much to expect to pay? also looking for some good eating places, bars, clubs etc. something else to do besides play roulette in the casinos at night
Also, staying at the Costa Linda Resort on Eagle Beach. Any experiences with that?
btw, if i get any decent pics while snorkeling, i'll be sure to post them when i get back.
thanks guys and gals!

 

[phil1964]

I went ther about 5 years ago.
Stay away from the casinos! Especially the food.
What I liked:
1. charlies bar. Small but I got wasted there.
2. Some bar in town. Had a big lizzard out side. I got wasted there.
3. Some other place that had great fish and I ate octopus for the first time because I was wasted.
See the pattern?
That island was so different from others I have been to. It is dutch. Most others are - what are they? British? It was so nice at the coast but inland was scrub. All dry and full of cactus. Never rains there. And windy. We were there for 10 days and got sand blasted every day.
It is a rocky island. Because of this they do not dig and bury pipes underground. Water pipes are running along side the road. In the sun. Flush the toilet and it steams. See if you can tour the desalination plant. I liked it but I like that stuff.
Great place. Except for the bars on the windows in town. Plus there were cops standing around in town like they were waiting for something. No trouble though.
Try the sub.
Bring a lot of cash. I paid $40 for a case of budweiser.
Twice.
Bring me back some cuban cigars !
Oh, ---- beaches.
It was my first.

 

[phil1964]

Forgot.
Use suntan loation.
And the airport suks.
I forgot to say that on our way home the 2 engine plane lost an engine. We had to go back to the island. Thy worked on it for 6 hours to fix it. I did not want to get back on the same plane but I was wasted and my friends talked me into it.
See the pattern?
It was also the first time I snorkled.
I hated it.
Diving is much better.
I have got the wife into it since then.
Enjoy.

 

[attml]

I liked just about everything about Aruba! If you go into it with a good attitude you will have a blast! My wife and I stayed there for 7 days a few years back and it was a lot of fun! The beaches were nice (beautiful water) We did some snorkling and enjoyed it (one spot was on a World War 2 sunken ship). Some of the restaurants we really liked were El Goucho (fantastic), The Mill and the Driftwood. As for the Casino's, we only went to one and it seemed just as nice as Las Vegas or Atlantic City to me and I even won a little money. We also really liked the island tour adventure. They pair you up with another couple and you follow a guide jeep through some pretty heavy off road terrain and they show you most of the island/history. As part of the tour you jump on a boat and they take you out to a little island off shore (i think it was called Depalma Island but not sure) and you get to do some more snorkling (lots of Parrott fish!!). One other thing you should do is head to the far side of the island to Baby Beach. It has some of the most beautiful water you will ever swim in! It is on one side of the island about a half hour from Ornastjad! It is tropical around the coast and almost like Arizona in the ******** but over all a very fun time!

 

[reef fool]

Aruba is awesome!!
Go to the Buccaneer Rest. for sure. It is like you are eating in a pirate ship and the port holes are SW fish tanks! Great food too.
El Gaucho's, as mentioned, is excellent and also, make reservations at Caruso's in the Occidental Allegro resort. By far, the best Italian food I have had anywhere!
I think the lizard place is Iguana Joe's. Kinda TGI Fridays/Ruby Tuesdays type place with great drinks.
I went snorkeling on my own. Down towards the lighthouse next to the rich homes there's a parking lot. Just jump right in! The hotels usually have snorkels and masks to use. There are some good tours also. Acually, a few of them were anchored right where I was snorkeling.
Enjoy! Aruba is not the prettiest caribbean Island, but it has great weather, and tons of things to do. There is always a breeze there, so you won't feel the heat of the sun. Wear sunscreen, it is strong!!!!
Good Luck,
Drink an Iguana for me! (green frozen drink)
Frank
Check out my Aruba pics: http://community.webshots.com/album/52016998TyfJqv

 

[bigeyedfish]

Looks like I'm going to be busy eating and getting drunk At least i'm not wasting my money in the casinos.
thanks for all the input so far

 

[plum70rt]

I agree El Gaucho,Driftwood,Buccaneer, also go on the Tattoo and Midushi, I have a timeshare in La Cabana,

 

[phil1964]

Iguana Joe's! I do remember that name.
Midushi was a boat right?
I think we did that too.
Food and drinks.
I think I remember swinging of some ropes into the water.
Not too smart in my condition.
How much for a liter of gas these days?

 

[bambalamb]

There is a 4 hour sailing cruise on an old restored sailboat called the Mi Dushi. It used to cost $45 and comes with open bar , lunch and 2 stops for snorkeling. The second stop is at a wreck sight. Check it out.