u/Acceptable_Travel874

We're doing a rental car for the week and were wondering how parking is there in Aruba if it's free, metered, or have lots that we're able to pay for a certain duration. One day we plan on renting a Jeep to explore Arikok and the car rental place only has two drop off/pickup locations so we'd likely have to leave our week long rental in a parking lot somewhere that hopefully won't get towed or break the bank if parking isn't free. What's your favorite car rental or Jeep rental place or ones to avoid on the island?

We are planning on renting a vehicle for the week while in Aruba is it possible to go see Arikok National park, Conchi, Quadirikiri Cave, Fontein Cave, Ayo Rock Formations etc without booking a tour and just going on our own or is a tour normally recommended? If a tour is required what Jeep/ATV tours do you recommend to see the caves and Conchi? Thank you in advanced for all your help!

From what I gathered on here and social media here's a list I compiled with ones highlighted that I'm considering for my trip in the fall. Mostly looking at recommendations for dinner with a mix of upscale and local favorites in addition to a great atmosphere and views if possible. Any I'm missing, you would add/swap out, or that I should completely get rid of off the list completely? We'll be there for 7 days.

• LG Smiths
• Akira Black
• Lima Bistro
• Caya House
• Eduardo’s Beachshack
• Linda’s Dutch Pancakes/Diana’s Pancakes
• Wilhelmina
• Flying Fishbone
• Yemanja Woodfired Grill
• Zeroovers
• AZIA
• Elements
• Atardi
• Lola’s Taqueria
• Giannis - Italian
• Azar Open Fire Grill
• 2 Fools and a Bull

Thank you in advanced for all your recommendations and experiences! I really appreciate it!

We booked the St. Regis for September, but I'm honestly hesitant and very anxious about our decision after reading so many mixed reviews on here about it. The overall impression here seems much more negative than what I see elsewhere.

From everything I've researched, it looks like arguably the nicest resort on the island. It's brand new and from what I can tell a really nice modern luxurious property. The oceanfront suites appear to have completely unobstructed views of nothing but white sand and turquoise water, and even the "ocean view" rooms seem to have better views than comparable rooms at the Ritz where their premium rooms are outdated and views are obstructed by the green tops of palm trees.

That said, there are a lot of negative comments here, and I'm trying to figure out whether they're legitimate issues or if it's a case of a vocal minority, early-opening growing pains, or even locals unhappy that the resort occupies the last stretch of undeveloped beach in Palm Beach.

For context, I don't really care about butler service or having over-the-top customer service. I also couldn't care less if the pool isn't heated—it's Aruba, and I'm going there for the beach and ocean, not the pool.

For those who have actually stayed there recently, would you book it again? Were the complaints on here accurate, or do you think they're overblown? Is there anything new I should be worried about or actually feel better about?

Thank you in advanced for all your honest opinions and experiences!

I'll be visiting Aruba in a couple months with my significant other, and I've been doing quite a bit of research on the best shore snorkeling locations.

Our biggest priority isn't necessarily coral—it's seeing larger marine life.

We're hoping to maximize our chances of seeing things like:

• Sharks
• Dolphins
• Spotted eagle rays
• Stingrays
• Sea turtles
• Moray eels
• Barracuda
• Anything else that's considered a memorable wildlife encounter.

From what I've gathered:

• Tres Trapi and Boca Catalina seem to be the best places for seeing sea turtles, especially early AM.
• Mangel Halto appears to have the healthiest coral reef and best overall marine biodiversity on the island.
• Other spots on our list include Arashi Beach, Baby Beach/Rodgers Beach, Eagle Beach, and possibly taking a charter to snorkel the Antilla Shipwreck.

For those of you who snorkel Aruba regularly or been there previously.

1. Which beaches or snorkel sites have consistently produced your best encounters with larger marine life?
2. How far out of a snorkel are some of these spots from shore and how bad is the current or how strong of a swimmer should you be for the majority of these spots? I've heard Mangel Halto is pretty far out with pretty deep water and my significant other isn't as confident of a swimmer as I am.
3. Is a boat charter significantly better than shore snorkeling if our goal is larger animals rather than coral? I'd be happy to pay for a private charter to deeper waters and any lesser-known spots around the island that are worth checking out to experience more.

We have snorkel gear, fins and snorkel vests we'll be bringing with us and have snorkeled extensively before all around the carribean.

I'd love to hear your personal experiences! Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I'll be visiting Aruba in a couple months with my significant other, and I've been doing quite a bit of research on the best shore snorkeling locations.

Our biggest priority isn't necessarily coral—it's seeing larger marine life.

We're hoping to maximize our chances of seeing things like:

• Sharks
• Dolphins
• Spotted eagle rays
• Stingrays
• Sea turtles
• Moray eels
• Barracuda
• Anything else that's considered a memorable wildlife encounter.

From what I've gathered:

• Tres Trapi and Boca Catalina seem to be the best places for seeing sea turtles, especially early AM.
• Mangel Halto appears to have the healthiest coral reef and best overall marine biodiversity on the island.
• Other spots on our list include Arashi Beach, Baby Beach/Rodgers Beach, Eagle Beach, and possibly taking a charter to snorkel the Antilla Shipwreck.

For those of you who snorkel Aruba regularly or been there previously.

1. Which beaches or snorkel sites have consistently produced your best encounters with larger marine life?
2. How far out of a snorkel are some of these spots from shore and how bad is the current or how strong of a swimmer should you be for the majority of these spots? I've heard Mangel Halto is pretty far out with pretty deep water and my significant other isn't as confident of a swimmer as I am.
3. Is a boat charter significantly better than shore snorkeling if our goal is larger animals rather than coral? I'd be happy to pay for a private charter to deeper waters and any lesser-known spots around the island that are worth checking out to experience more.

We have snorkel gear, fins and snorkel vests we'll be bringing with us and have snorkeled extensively before all around the carribean.

I'd love to hear your personal experiences! Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!