Car rental and snorkeling

[Duanerice1]

Was in Aruba last week so I thought I report back since we got some ideas from this forum.

 

We rented a car from Royal for pick up at 11:30 (docking scheduled for 11:00).  The boat docked early so we got off hoping someone would be there.  Well about every car rental agency was at the port trying to rent cars but Royal.  Unfortunately were they not early, but they were 15 minutes late so we ended up waiting almost an hour.  Almost cancelled but I knew I'd get charged.  Also we had a late return ($20) with them and not sure everyone else has that option. Once he got there he was nice as was the person when we dropped it off.  They make you pick a time to drop the car off.  I have no idea how long it will take so picked 8pm.  

 

When we get the car it was a nice Kia but was basically out of gas so the first thing we had to do was find a gas station.  No map or GPS either.  Compare this with our Curacao rental that had a full tank, map with areas highlighted, GPS and a phone to call him when we wanted to return, no set time.  No comparison. 

 

Once we got the car we just left it in the parking lot and spent a couple of hours shopping around town.  We ended up going back on the ship to have lunch before we took off for the day.  I mean we were still right there.  It was about 1:30 or 2:00 by the time we took off but we have until 8 which is plenty of time.

    

We first went down to Baby Beach.  What a pretty place.  The snorkeling was not very good but the beach was beautiful as was the water.  We then made our way up to the other end of the island close to the lighthouse and picked a beach.  Snorkeling was fabulous.  Just like an aquarium!  From what I hear, that's the area where all the good snorkeling is.

 

After we brought the car back we walked around downtown a bit.  Plenty safe.  Didn;t do much just walked around and checked out the casinos.

 

Overall we enjoyed our time.  We love exploring on our own.  Aruba really isn't a pretty island once you get inland.  It's a desert type setting so not lot's of trees or greenery.

 

 

[jean87510]

We are renting a car also and exploring and snorkeling. Did you find roads easy to navigate? We also are stopping to do an 1 1/2 hour horseback ride. 

[Duanerice1]

15 hours ago, jean87510 said:

We are renting a car also and exploring and snorkeling. Did you find roads easy to navigate? We also are stopping to do an 1 1/2 hour horseback ride. 

Yep, real easy.  Grab a map as you are exiting the terminal

[Leavethekidswithmom]

maps.me, download Aruba to your phone before you go.

[Duanerice1]

19 hours ago, Leavethekidswithmom said:

maps.me, download Aruba to your phone before you go.

We usually don't take our phones to shore so having a map and GPS was great.

[LadyDivot]

Duane - I seem to be following you around CC. Do you remember the beach you snorkeled that was like an aquarium?

 

Pam

 

[Duanerice1]

On 11/2/2018 at 9:46 PM, LadyDivot said:

Duane - I seem to be following you around CC. Do you remember the beach you snorkeled that was like an aquarium?

 

Pam

 

Lol - Arashi Beach - up by the lighthouse.  We then stopped at another (forget the name) as we were coming back towards town.  Have fun

[LadyDivot]

Thank you so much! This looks amazing. Wow...Really looking forward to our trip.

 

We live in Nashville but have condo in Ft. Myers. Great place!

 

Pam 

[M&T]

Which side of the road do they drive on?  I think you are on my cruise, Duanerice1.

[Duanerice1]

On 11/26/2018 at 5:28 PM, M&T said:

Which side of the road do they drive on?  I think you are on my cruise, Duanerice1.

They drive on the right side of the road.  Only island we've drive on that was on the left was Barbados - now that was fun!

[Silent Penguin]

Super helpful.  Thank you for sharing your experience.