Expert: Andy Mendyk - 7/24/2004

Question
My wife and two teenage children are travelling to a time share in Aruba for a week in August. Having never been there we were wondering about rentals...Should we rent a car? Do you need one or just use taxis/even busses? I am not opposed to renting but don't want to rent and find out that the car sat at our time share the whole week (La Cabana Beach?). What about snorkeling gear? Can you rent there or should we bring with us? Are bicycles rented? Are they a good idea for transport?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks!!

Answer
Hi David! I leave for Aruba in 3 weeks myself!  After 21 trips to the island, I rented a car the first year, and found it was cheaper to Taxi it to wherever I wanted to go. There are busses that go by all the hotels if you want to go to the downtown area..the desk attendant can give you the schedule(s). I would bring my own snorkling gear with me, (as I always do). In the long run, It is less expensive, and you can use it when you need to, and not have to keep going to pay for them as you need the equipment. (Plus I prefer my own equipment, if you know what I mean). La Cabana is a nice facility..( I stay at the Aruba Beach Club). I do not know of anyplace that rents bikes, but at every hotel there is an activities desk that may know if you really want to go that way. Motor scooters are popular there, and there are plenty of rental places.  I find that there are plenty of places to eat and Taxis are always readily available, so that is the way I go. If there is anything else in particular you may need to know, please do not hesitate to call on me again. I leave for the Island on 8/17 if you need to ask me something!