Thread: Aruba -- tours

Did some comparisons between HAL's prices and a couple of independent tours.

Aruba Screamer Jet Boat -- HAL charges $42 per person which includes the bus transfer out to Pelican Pier at the Holiday Inn where you get the boat. If you book the tour on land at the Atlantis Adventures it costs $44 per person and you have to get yourself out to the Pelican Pier.

The ship tours leaves at 10:30 from the ship.

The shore tour -- you have to be at the pier by 1 PM.

Semi-sub -- hard to judge which is the better deal. HAL charges $62 per person which also includes a visit to the Natural Bridge Ruins, the Casibari Rock formations and the California Lighthouse. HAL's tour does not indicate how long you are on the semi-sub.

If you did this tour through Atlantis Adventures, you, once again, have to get yourself back and forth from Pelican Pier. It is on the Explorer 1 and the cost is $39 per person and leaves at 11:30 from the Pelican Pier.

Atlantis Submarine

HAL charges $99 for 1 1/2 hours total time which includes walking from the ship, to Atlantis Adventures where you get a boat to go to the submarine.

Atlantis Adventures charges $89 for 1 3/4 hours.

So all in all, not a huge difference in price, yes? BTW, we did the Atlantis sub tour in Aruba, we weren't impressed. It was nice to do but wouldn't do it again. JMHO

Interesting KK, I really though there would be a larger price difference!!
We had wicked fun on the Jolly Pirates boat in Aruba! Lots of fun and wonderful snorkelling!! I even "walked the plank!"

hanna

We did the Atlantis sub in Grand Cayman -- wouldn't spend the money to do it again.

Interesting -- but once is enough.

I really expected there would be a big difference in prices but and was suprised as well.

For once it appears that it is better to take some of HAL's tours as they included transportation.

Hi Gang!

Seeing as though you seem to all have experience in Aruba - I need advice. Not too much different from the advice we're seeking in Grand Cayman.

AllieMan and I are seriously contemplating NOT doing a ship's tour on this island and just grabbing a cab to the Hyatt Regency. AllieMan works for the company and we plan on making arrangements with his counter-part from that hotel and then use their spa and beach and rental activities for the day.

On our next three ports we have already purchased intensive excursions (Panama, Costa Rica and Cozumel). I think a great day at the beach is a perfect idea - but is there some place on Aruba that we just shouldn't miss?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by TerilynnS

Hi Gang!

Seeing as though you seem to all have experience in Aruba - I need advice. Not too much different from the advice we're seeking in Grand Cayman.

AllieMan and I are seriously contemplating NOT doing a ship's tour on this island and just grabbing a cab to the Hyatt Regency. AllieMan works for the company and we plan on making arrangements with his counter-part from that hotel and then use their spa and beach and rental activities for the day.

On our next three ports we have already purchased intensive excursions (Panama, Costa Rica and Cozumel). I think a great day at the beach is a perfect idea - but is there some place on Aruba that we just shouldn't miss?

Thanks!

Terrilynn-
Actually the thing not to be missed is right near the resort I believe! Some of the best snorkeling is off of Palm Beach. If the Marriott is on Palm Beach (many of the hotels are) you can swim out to some of the most wonderful snorkeling to be had right there off the beach! It is truly fabulous the amount of different colorful fish and coral...just stunning!!

Originally Posted by localady

Interesting KK, I really though there would be a larger price difference!!
We had wicked fun on the Jolly Pirates boat in Aruba! Lots of fun and wonderful snorkelling!! I even "walked the plank!"

Me too!!! Wasn't that totally FUN!

Please correct me if I'm wrong since it's been several years since I've done this in Aruba. Jolly Pirates isn't a wild & crazy Party Boat. Fun ... but not OutOfHand in any way. Think remember stopping at two spots to snorkle -- one was the WWII sunken ship. A combination of VERY FUN with very good snorkeling ....