bus or taxi to Barefoot? Best beach to go to snorkel via bus.

[cruzlovingmom]

Hi..we will be in Aruba in a couple of weeks from 9am-10pm. We plan on taking the public bus to a yet undecided beach for snorkeling and then go back to the ship to clean up and change for a sunset dinner at Barefoot. Does the bus go close to Barefoot or should we take a taxi? 

[Hatteras51]

You will need a taxi to go to Barefoot.  The busses don't stop near there. Make sure that you have a reservation for dinner. They book up quickly. 

[mcmarya]

We like to snorkel at Catalina Cove/Boca Catalina which is on the bus route.  It's before you get to Arashi, but it doesn't have services other than possibly chair rental.  There is a bathroom at Arashi at the snack bar if you want to go there.  From Arashi you can swim to the left to get to Catalina Cove.  The boat tours all go to this area so it's best to go early.

[Hlitner]

We enjoy snorkeling off Arashi, where there are some facilites (rest rooms, snack bar, chair rentals).  The best snorkel area is well off the coast/beach and does require the ability to swim some distance (over 1 /4 mile) from the beach.  Not a big deal for competent snorkelers who have decent fins.  Although you do find sea life and small reef structures closer to the beach, it is the area somewhat distant (looking out at the sea is is about a 60 degree angle to your left) where you will often see snorkel tour boats drop anchor.  In fact, if you do work your way out to the main reef area, you will likely be sharing the sea with at least 1 boat tour.

 

You can get a public bus to Arashi (it is the turn-around point for one of the bus routes) by walking across the street from the port and into the bus station/parking area.  This bus route also passes by both Eagle and Palm beaches, so one can go to Arashi, snorkel for a few hours and alter catch a bus back to Palm or Eagle...if one wants to relax at one of those areas before going back to town.

 

Hank