We've visited Aruba before on cruises and it definitely is top on our list for the best beaches in the Caribbean. And that is exactly what we like to do when we port in Oranjestad, Aruba...relax on a beach with white sand and warm water....and maybe a flamingo or two!
A cruising friend of ours recommended that we spend our beach day at Renaissance Island instead of our usual Palm or Eagle Beach. She had been there several times and loves it, so we thought we would give it a try on this trip.
Renaissance Island is just offshore on Aruba and is owned by the Marriott Hotel. The hotel was about 650 yards from the port terminal so we just walked there and purchased our day pass at the hotel for the island.
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| The Renaissance Marriott in Oranjestad, Aruba |
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| The boat we took over to the private island |
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| Approaching the island's boat dock. Our cruise ship is in the distance. |
The weather was beautiful with blue skies, white sand, and warm ocean waters.
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| Our 'home' for the day |
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| It also included a passing flamingo now and then. |
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| One of us liked to relax and read. |
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| One of us liked to float the day away. |
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| Lunch time for the resident iquanas. |
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| Our view at lunch in the open air restaurant.
We did manage to squeeze in some snorkeling during our busy afternoon of relaxing. We saw a variety of colorful fish.
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And then it was time to pack up and head back to the ship.
Aruba was once again everything that we wanted. But one of these times we really should take a tour of the island. There's a lot more to see than just the beaches!
Maybe we'll do it on those motorized trikes that you ventured out on, Susan Acton!! I know you are reading this! LOL
Next port: Cartagena, Columbia and you bought what??
HaHa, yes I am reading this. You should definitely do the trikes, it was a lot of fun, but we missed going to the beach. They really are the best in the Caribbean.
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