Aruba port adventures

[anricat]

I'm looking at a couple different port adventures for our stop in Aruba in January. Does anyone have experience with either of these?

Natural Wonders of Aruba (AR06)
Best of Aruba and Beach (AR19)

I like some of the things in the first one better, but it doesn't have beach time. Not being able to see what time the excursions are, I'm not sure if we'll have the time (or inclination and energy) after the tour to go to the beach. We aren't planning beach time in any other port (we aren't huge beach people, but we'd like to get one short beach break in, mostly for my DD's sake).

As an aside, does it make the planny planners like me crazy that you can't see what time excursions are offered? I mean, I know we can see them once our check in opens, but I'm planning now!

 

[Chemist]

We were in Aruba last month in 11 night southern Caribbean. Was NOT impressed with Arashi beach. Very rocky, food was nasty and vendors ran out of umbrellas.

Next time I’d go to Palm or Eagle beach.

 

[DCLCrazy64622]

I'm looking at a couple different port adventures for our stop in Aruba in January. Does anyone have experience with either of these?

Natural Wonders of Aruba (AR06)
Best of Aruba and Beach (AR19)

I like some of the things in the first one better, but it doesn't have beach time. Not being able to see what time the excursions are, I'm not sure if we'll have the time (or inclination and energy) after the tour to go to the beach. We aren't planning beach time in any other port (we aren't huge beach people, but we'd like to get one short beach break in, mostly for my DD's sake).

As an aside, does it make the planny planners like me crazy that you can't see what time excursions are offered? I mean, I know we can see them once our check in opens, but I'm planning now!

We did the natural wonders tour. It’s a bus tour that takes you to all kinds of beautiful sites. Plus a quick tour through the city. You stop and get out at the natural bridge for about 30 minutes to take pictures and get a drink. The bathroom is a pay toilet. Then you go to an an area which requires a lot of steps, so if mobility is an issue, I would choose something else. It was neat there though. I think we also went to a butterfly sanctuary too for about an hour. My young daughter liked it. There’s a lot of driving in a bus. Nice bus though. Our excursion was early enough that you could do two if you wanted. Also, you’re in Aruba till probably midnight so you have plenty of time. We walked around the city in the evening. Very touristy and friendly.

 

[anricat]

Also, you’re in Aruba till probably midnight so you have plenty of time. We walked around the city in the evening. Very touristy and friendly.

All ashore is 4:45 PM so I'm not sure if we'll have time for a second excursion. Did you get back before lunch? Just wondering if we could do a couple hours at the beach after lunch or something.

 

[DCLCrazy64622]

All ashore is 4:45 PM so I'm not sure if we'll have time for a second excursion. Did you get back before lunch? Just wondering if we could do a couple hours at the beach after lunch or something.

Oh that’s a bummer! Ours was early. 9am or so. We were done around 12-1 I think and had plenty of time to go back to the ship and have lunch then go back out to walk around.