Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 7 Part 2

Since I had so much to write about Aruba I did put it into two posts.
The other half of our group went on a private tour of this island. I decided to use this group as guinea pigs and try a new company called :Tours by Locals". I am always a little nervous when using a new vendor I haven't used before but I can now highly recommend this vendor for my clients.
Francis was our guide and she was fabulous! We were actually the first customers to use Aruba's new electric bus. Think about it - one bus for 10 people- we had so much space and because it was a bus getting on and off was so easy.

Our first spot was the Aloe factory where we treated sun burnt knees with soothing freshly cut aloe. These products are amazing and what a great way to support the local economy. Aruba manufactures their own sunscreen and after sun lotion and I can vouch for it being the best I've ever used.

After that it was off to the California Lighthouse

There is so much to see and do on this island We visited Rock formations, saw Indian drawings and learnt so much about this island. I have spent over 2 weeks in Aruba and learnt so much from Francis in one day that I did staying in a hotel and exploring on my own. To be able to be in a small group with a knowledgeable guide who actually lives in the area we were visiting was a great experience and I cannot wait to go back to Aruba and see Francis and also to use Tours by Locals in other countries

Carnival Breeze Vacation Day 7 Part 1

This is one of my favorite of the Caribbean Islands. Its pristine beaches are carefully groomed every morning at dawn. All the beaches are public so there is no issue with what beach you want to go to. Everywhere you go you see parasailing and snorkeler and banana boats.
Out group split into 2 groups today . Some of the group went to JADS dive center, a professional PADI certified operation. Best thing, they actually picked us up at the pier! Eric was their dive master and he was a true professional. For their first dive the group was taken to the Arashi reef. At a depth of 45 feet they were surrounded by crystal clear water and a pure white sandy bottom. Much to their surprise there was a huge number of sea turtles swimming about

For their second dive they headed to the Antilla. The Antilla is a 430 foot German freighter that was sunk in 1940. The deepest dive is 55 feet down and the ship has become an artificial reef teaming with a varied collection of sea life. After exploring the outside of the ship we were permitted to the inner sanctum of the ship. Passing under large steel beams and wire cables gave them a little pause for concern before going thru a passageway through the bowels of the ship. After 40 minutes most of the group were at 1,000 PSI (air left in the tank) and it was time to head back to the boat. I can tell you for my son who has done over 22 dives - not bad for a 15 year old- this was his favourite dive

Stay tuned as I will do part tow for Aruba tomorrow