Photo courtesy TranquiloAruba.com
http://www.tranquiloaruba.com
The following have expressed strong interest in signing up for the following Sail, Snorkel and Fish in Aruba. PM me if you would like to join us or wish additional information. Val
Valbob89
Tami0220
DisneyCruiser83
ACDSNY
Where can we go for a sailboat ride, lunch, and some snorkeling in the most beautiful coastline this side of Venezuela? Tranquilo, a 43-foot charter sailboat in Aruba. Unfortunately, the
DCL excursion is kind of short a large group and requires you wear snorkel belts, so we found this outfit listed on tripadvisor.com. After reading the reviews and trading a few e-mails with the friendly guys who sail the tours, here’s my pitch (not theirs):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...nquilo_Charter_Cruises-San_Nicolas_Aruba.html
With 12 or more people to join Valerie and me (minimum 14), Tranquilo will sail us an hour south from the Wonder to a snorkeling paradise for two hours of water or dockside playtime, with the option of fishing, too. (Anthony wrote: “We troll a fishing line while under way. Fishing enthusiasts are welcome to reel in any this we may hook up with.”)
The bay, Mike’s Reef is close to the De Palm Island and locals consider this one of Aruba’s best reef dives. Here, huge clusters of gorgonians, brain coral, flower coral, and star coral compose most of the environment, though brightly colored sponges have also grabbed some space. It is especially popular with underwater macro photographers, who specialize in close-up and extreme close-up photos. Interesting coral formations are found from shallow water depths, with little or no current and flat surface conditions.
You may also choose to try a different type of snorkeling, drift snorkeling. The Tranquilo will launch a small boat and accompany “drift snorkeling” passengers as the gentle currents carry us through deeper water, allowing us to relax as we watch for exotic fish and corals in “Aruba’s most virgin reef.” Sometimes enroute, porpoise show up; flying fish are pretty regular guests. It might take a sharp eye to spot sea turtles, we’re told. Local birds include pelicans, brown ****ies, magnificent frigate, sea hawk, terns and laughing seagulls.
Cost: $75 each. We walk about 15 minutes from the Wonder to the marina,(plans are to hire a taxi to bring cruiser with mobility issues and all gear) where we can board for a 9:30-3:30 trip, including narration, soup-and-sandwich lunch, fresh fruit, open bar, and snorkel gear if you don’t bring your own. Snorkel instructions and snorkel belts available if wanted.
The weather should be warm, and the water clear and in the 80s. Rain doesn’t stop a lagoon adventure – sometimes the water visibility is even better under overcast skies. Regardless, be sure to bring sunscreen and the essentials you’d usually want at the beach. Shade, a cabin, and a head (marine toilet) are available.
The family operating Tranquilo has been in the sail-tour business more than 30 years, and operates this tour for others three days a week. Licensed by Netherlands Antilles authorities for 22 passengers plus crew, they can accommodate more than the 14 minimum explorers, if the demand is high. Children are welcome, as are guests with limited mobility (though there’s not much space for stowing wheelchairs aboard, we were advised).
Come join us on an exciting but tranquil day. ValBob89
I'm sooo showing this post to DH. He complained when I packed 5 pairs of shoes last time.
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[/QUOTE]I may want to just stay on.....and on.......
