This is a guest post written by Susan Jarvis Moody. Henderson Park Inn Helps Turtles Henderson Park Inn, an exclusive, adults only hotel and restaurant located on the Gulf of Mexico will soon allow 100 tiny turtles to take up temporary residence as they make their way to the water. One third of the word’s [...]

A couple of years ago Suzy and I drove up to Grayton Beach and stayed at the Hibiscus Coffee and Guest House, a really nice old-Florida style bed and breakfast only a block from the beach. Thought I’d share some photos from that trip. I’ve posted them to a photo album on my Facebook Page. [...]

The Bradenton Herald has just published an editorial chastising the state for cuts in beach water quality monitoring. Public health stands to be compromised by the state’s shortsighted decision to slash spending on the testing of water quality at dozens of beaches around Florida…Three of Manatee County’s 10 sampling stations will close–at popular beaches too. [...]

During my three-day stay in Seagrove Beach last weekend, I saw lots of kids and teenagers trying out a somewhat newfangled sport called kite boarding. Or wake boarding? No, skin boarding. I don’t know! They had this little board, and they would throw it down and then rid the wave “spittle” on the beach as the wave completely petered out. Sometimes they would go ten feet, sometimes twenty, and sometimes they would face plant. That’s when I would cover my mouth to stifle my giggle. But, it’s really hard to make fun of someone when 1)You have no idea what the name for what they’re doing is and 2)You would also probably without any doubt in the world faceplant, too. And probably into a shallow herd of jelly fish, because that’s just your luck.

After realizing my ignorance between all the different type of board sports out there, I decided to post a little glossary for you. That way, the next time you’re at the beach and you see a wake boarder, you can say “Dude! That wake boarder is really cutting it up!” instead of “Wow! That um, guy, out there on that board thingy is really, doing whatever that is, really well!”

Wake Boarding

1. Wake Boarding

From what I understand, wake boarding is kind of like snowboarding on water. You’re pulled by boat, but instead of having two skis like you would in water skiing, your feet are both attached to what looks like a small boogie board. Those guys doing the crazy flips and tricks while being pulled behind a boat? Yep, those are most likely wake boarders. Those tricks are a lot harder to do when water skiing because your legs could potentially fly in different directions, which makes landing the trick less than ideal. Oh, and you don’t usually have a ramp in the middle of the water like this guy. That’s cheating.

2. Kite Boarding (AKA Kite Surfing)

Kite Surfing (Or Kite Boarding)

Kite surfing is really hard to get the hang of, I think. You have a kite sail thingy that looks like a parachute that’s attached to this harness you wear. Your feet are attached to a board. You have to let the wind pull you around on the ocean and sometimes, the kite can pull you way, way way up in the air — 30 feet or more. That’s when you hope you know what you’re doing. We watched this poor girl in the photo try to kite surf for well over and hour before we finally left. Oh, and this is completely different from wind surfing.

Some skimboarding action

3. Skim Boarding

This is what I watched all the kids try in Seagrove Beach. It looks really fun, actually. You throw down a small board towards the end of the wave on the shoreline and then jump on it, riding the ripples as far as you can. Some people apparently skim board in the ocean as well, but I’m not sure how that works. I will try this the next time I am at the beach. With knee and elbow pads.

Paddleboarding -doesn't it look fun?

4. Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding got its start in the Hawaiian islands a long time ago, and it’s more recently spread to the mainland. Basically, you balance yourself on a long surfboard while standing up and then paddle away using a long oar. It’s a very good workout for the core muscles. And, you’ll look super cool while doing it. Much easier to get the hang of than surfing.

Wheee! Boogie boarding is easy to learn and is a blast

5. Boogie Boarding (AKA Bodyboarding)

I probably don’t have to define this for most of you, but just in case — boogie boarding is when you use a big body board and ride the waves to shore! It’s totally worth it to invest in a good one (i.e. more expensive one). The cheap ones you get a the drug store won’t work well, but if you spend $40-$50 on one, the bottom will be made of a much better gliding material that makes riding waves a breeze. Trust me on this one – you won’t believe the difference! I used to boogie board all the time in San Diego, especially in Oceanside where the waves were bigger.

Photos: WhatsUpMartha, EronsPics, Jenny Bengen-Albert, GJ Imageworks, ingridtaylar

A view of Seagrove Beach from our condo

It’s mid-afternoon in Seagrove Beach, Florida. I’m enjoying a cool drink under the shade of my umbrella and starting out at the blue-green waters and soft white sands. Bands of light blues and dark greens alternate and draw my eyes toward the horizon, the lighter colors hinting at shallow depths where fat sand dollars are being scooped up by adventurous snorkelers and divers. I close my eyes for a moment and simply listen — I hear the surf, children’s chatter, relaxed laughter and seagulls. And then — “Dolphins!” I open my eyes and there they are, about 500 feet off shore, frolicking with kayakers near one of the sandbars. There are twenty, maybe thirty of them, and as more beach goers scramble to get their sea kayaks out in time, I’m struck by how magical this place is.

Seagrove Beach is one of at least seven little beach towns on the 30A, not including Destin and Panama City Beach, both of which are much bigger and more commercial. As you travel from West to East on the 30A, you start in Destin and then travel through Dune Allen Beach, Blue Mountain Beach,  Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove and finally Rosemary Beach. Like most of the other beaches, Seagrove Beach is backed by beach homes and larger condo structures that prevent access to the beach by the general public, though there are eight public access points as well.

Another lazy day in Seagrove Beach, Florida

If you’re not the beach bum type, fear not — Seagrove Beach offers plenty to see and do. Rent a sea kayak or a stand-up paddle board and explore the sand bars just off the beach. Keep an eye out for the bands of lighter colored water where the depth is between 10-15 feet. You can dive for sand dollars here, lots of fun!The company that rents out the stand-up paddle boards is usually YOLO — You Only Live Once. Love the name! Or, rent a bike – the adorable beach cruisers you see around town are really cheap to rent ($30-$45 for the week) and they’re the absolute best way to get around. The 30A is very congested with cars at times. Night owls can take a walk on the beach with a flashlight and watch for the sand crabs scuttling about. Some are pretty big, so watch out!

Rent a cute beach cruiser to explore Seagrove Beach and the other nearby beach towns!

There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in Seagrove and nearby Seaside, so go out and explore. Be sure to check out the food trucks in Seaside, particularly the grilled cheese truck. Delicious! Seagrove is a lovely place for casual, unplanned wandering and people watching. When it gets too hot, you can always duck inside an ice cream or art store.

If You Go: High season for the 30A beaches starts around Memorial Day weekend and goes through early August; stay just before or just after these times to save a bundle of money on your beach cottage or condo rental. Your best bet is around May 15, just before Memorial Day, when the waters are warm and usually seaweed and algae-free, though waters can be very clear up through Memorial Day. Low season is August-late September or early October, when the weather is very hot and humid. Rent a bicycle! They’re only $30-$45 for a week and the beach cruisers are the best way to navigate around all the cars and pedestrians that crowd the busy sidewalks and streets.

Gorgeous sunset on Seagrove Beach

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

Hanging out at the beach in a bathing cap is not something we really do anymore, but these images — real and painted — sure make it look fun.

This painting is by one of my favorite Washington, DC-based artists, Gregory Ferrand.

She Loves Me Not by Gregory Ferrand. Courtesy Gregory Ferrand.

Vintage Bathers. Courtesy Curious Photos blog.

Fisherman's Huts Beach (Hadikurari) in Aruba

It must be the way the coast curves inwardly between Palm and Malmok Beaches; whatever the cause, Aruba’s Fisherman’s Huts Beach (Hadikurari) is incredibly windy, and it’s the place to be if you want to try out (or just) watch some windsurfing. Especially in the summer months, the warm trade winds whip across this beach’s sands and waters at upwards of 20mph, with some gusts reaching the 30s. It’s a true hold-on-to-your-hat (and your sunglasses, and your beach bags) beach.

Trying to windsurf on Hadicurari Beach in Aruba

Although I did not try windsurfing myself, I can attest to the patience of the instructors on this beach; my husband and I watched one teacher try to get a girl to windsurf for well over an hour. It’s apparently a lot harder than it looks, and getting dragged through the water by a lofty sail did not look like the most fun. Once she finally got going though, I was jealous! It looked so carefree and fun.

The water on this beach is quite shallow at first, and not the best for snorkeling due to all of the wind. But, the water is warm year-round and invites lazy wading.

Human spectators aren’t the only visitors to this beach. Keep your eyes peeled for gorgeous turquoise and green lizards. One of them was so friendly that he/she came right up to us and crawled over our hands. The wind doesn’t seem to bother them much, probably because they’re so close to the ground. They’re completely harmless and their scampering adds a touch of frolicking frivolity to the picturesque scene.

IF YOU GO: Take the Arubus and pack a lunch to eat in the shade. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sand flying around.

Lovely lizard on Aruba's Fisherman's Huts Beach

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

I stumbled across this Jantzen ad from 1963 and it is too good to not share it with you all.

Jantzen men's swim bermudas 1963 Courtesy eBay

Looks like prints and a sung fit were pretty popular back then. Here are some versions for the modern man.

Note that most of these trunks are red… just because 1) it’s a universally flattering color, and 2) it looks great against the backdrop of the blue ocean water.

Original Penguin Volley Short Swimsuit in Poppy Red. Courtesy Original Penguin

Sundek Plaid Trunk. Courtesy Neiman Marcus

Orlebar Brown Graphic Print Swim Shorts. Courtesy Mr Porter

Limoland Multi-Coloured Swim Shorts. Courtesy Mr. Porter

P.S. The Janzten picture is actually a poster that’s for sale on eBay.

Snorkeling Will Never Look the Same Again!

I recently learned about something very, very cool, and something I wish I had known about before traveling to Aruba: prescription goggles! As someone who’s worn glasses and contacts since I was 8 years old and who loves to snorkel, this is very exciting. Prescription goggles and prescription masks enable snorkelers to be able to see perfectly without having to worry about their contacts. I don’t know about you, but I have enough problems to worry about when I snorkel: foggy lenses, staying afloat, fish that want to nibble on my toes. I detest having to wear contacts when I’m at the beach because all it takes is one tiny grain of sand and I have to take out my contact, rinse, and then put it back in my now red and severely aggravated eye. I’ve actually never had a problem of losing my contacts in the water (yet!), but I know that’s always a possibility, and it’s nerve-wracking.

I’m still at the beginning stages of my research, but it looks as though you can get prescription goggle for prescriptions as bad as -10; this is actually better than my vision but it’s close enough! Seeing clearly underwater without worries. This is sounding better and better.

The only hiccup I can think of with this product is this: what do you do if you have to take your goggles off? Or what do you do when you get out of the water? Put on glasses? People like me with really bad eyes are, for all intents and purposes, blind without contacts, and I’m not sure how I feel about bringing a pair of glasses with me to the beach…but it’s got to be a better solution than wearing contacts underwater.

It looks like prescription goggles run around $25-$50, but masks range from $100-$300, so they’re more of an investment. Definitely something to think about as I plan my next snorkel expedition.

Photo: Sarah_Ackerman

Inspired by Sebastien’s Jan & Dean’s Surf City post, as we head into the heat of the summer I’m dedicating a series of blog posts called “Looking Back” to retro swimsuits!

One of the most iconic American images of the bikini is a photograph of Annette Funicello from the 1963 Beach Party movies, a series of summer beach movies with co-star Frankie Avalon. Word on the street is that Annette was instructed to wear bellybutton-covering bikini bottoms by none other than Mr. Walt Disney himself!

Annette Funicello, 1963. Courtesy Everett Collection / InStyle Online

The high-waisted bikini bottom is perfect for those ladies who prefer either a) a little modesty, b) a little retro, c) fashion fun, or d) all of the above!

Here are some modern high-waisted versions you can try on for yourself:

Retro Floral Highwaisted Bikini courtesy Mod Cloth

J.Crew New Glamour Top & Shelley Bottom. Courtesy J.Crew

Marc by Marc Jacobs. Courtesy Bloomingdales

To ignore the classics is a huge mistake. Jan and Dean’s Surf City was the #1 song for two weeks in 1963, was originally titled “Goodie Connie Won’t You Come Back Home” and written by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. Wilson gave it to Jan Berry and Dean Torrence who finished writing and recording the song in the early 1960s. Here is a fun fact, in 1991, Dean Torrence convinced the city of Huntington Beach, CA to adopt the nickname “Surf City” as Huntington’s nickname.

I was lucky enough to find this video on YouTube of a live Jan and Dean performance of Surf City in 1963. Please note that the opening 5-10 seconds sounds really bad because of the crowd cheering so you may want to go ahead and skip over to 0:05.

I am a fan of travel videos which really gets across the feeling of travel, be it introspective or just plain fun. This particular video, Under the Clouds by Vimeo user Gioacchino Petronicce captures the pay off of a seemingly long haul to paradise. The color tones are fantastic and instead of typical sunny beach vacation the journey takes us into Martinique during the rainy season which Gioacchino shoots quite well.

About the video:

These images and these sounds were recorded during a travel from “Toulouse” to “Paris”, and from “Paris” to “Martinique”. We see the North and the South of “Martinique”, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, during the rainy season in July, 2011.

This small video was thought before I arrive on the scene. The images were not priority but it’s the sound which guided the shoot and the edition.
Sounds recorded with a zoom H4N (post sync).
Images shot with a tripod and a 7D.

Music ; snow angel summer – Voyager One

2011

Flat Mask Comparison above and below water. Image by: Jon Kranhouse

Every wonder why we can’t see properly under water? Well, I looked it up. Our eyes are adapted for viewing in a gaseous (air) environment. Light rays bend less through gasses than they would underwater. In water, light rays are refracted much differently. So how does that affect me? Well, if you like to dive or snorkel it affects three key things: Color, Distance and size. We wear goggles to see underwater. The reason why this works is because of the layer of air between the glass making the light refracts “normally” for us. Keep in mind though that with those goggles on, things will look about 33% bigger in freshwater, 34% bigger in saltwater and 25% closer overall. Our color perception underwater changes the deeper you are and the more particles and how muddy/murky it is in the first place. The following is a guide by Luria et al.

A. For murky, turbid water of low visibility (rivers, harbors, etc.)
1. With natural illumination:
a. Fluorescent yellow, orange, and red.
b. Regular yellow, orange, and white.

2. With incandescent illumination:
a. Fluorescent and regular yellow, orange, red and white.

3. With a mercury light source:
a. Fluorescent yellow-green and yellow-orange.
b. Regular yellow and white.

B. For moderately turbid water (sounds, bays, coastal water).
1. With natural illumination or incandescent light source:
a. Any fluorescent in the yellows, oranges, and reds.
b. Regular yellow, orange, and white.

2. With a mercury light source:
a. Fluorescent yellow-green and yellow-orange.
b. Regular yellow and white.

C. For clear water (southern water, deep water off shore, etc.).
1. With any type of illumination fluorescent paints are superior.
a. With long viewing distances, fluorescent green and yellow-green.
b. With short viewing distances, fluorescent orange is excellent.

2. With natural illumination:
a. Fluorescent paints.
b. Regular yellow, orange, and white.

3. With incandescent light source:
a. Fluorescent paints.
b. Regular yellow, orange, and white.

4. With a mercury light source:
a. Fluorescent paints.
b. Regular yellow, white.

The most difficult colors at the limits of visibility with a water
background are dark colors such as gray or black.

One of our favorite Thai restaurants, Banana Leaf is closing their Pasadena Ave location and has opened the Basil Leaf out on St. Pete Beach. We tried Basil Leaf Friday night. I ordered my usual Tom Ka Gai soup and a spider roll. Suzy also ordered a Tom Ka Gai and a dynamite roll. Both [...]

Aruba's Palm Beach

Aruba’s Palm Beach is that beach – the one that almost every tropical island with a tourist center has — the beach with all of the jet ski and float rentals, the bars and restaurants and a ton of people. It’s located smack in the middle of the Hi-Rise area, where all of the island’s largest and nicest hotels sit. However, unlike a lot of touristy beaches I’ve been to in the Bahamas or in Mexico, Palm Beach does not have people walking up to you trying to sell test tubes of liquor or cheesy t-shirts and jewelry. And that was really nice! It wasn’t that surprising though, given the entire island has a very laid back, friendly vibe. My suggestion would be to snag some shade under one of the dozens of palm trees that line the beach, or the many palapas, grab a drink and proceed to people watch. It’s a real sport at this beach.

Aruba's Palm Beach and Pirate Ship

Keep an eye out for pirate ships here! Jolly Pirates has a snorkeling tour that starts at Palm Beach and takes snorkelers and those who simply want to make merry in the sun on a pirate ship to Malmok and Boca Catalina. The beach closer to the pier where you can board the ships is a bit nicer than the beach in the other direction — it’s simply too crowded with people, boats and tour outfitters. Alternatively, head to the very southern part of the beach, which is also more quiet than the central portion.

We visited Palm Beach on a day when we wanted to do some shopping and be near some restaurants and bars and it worked out perfectly. The huge advantage to Palm Beach is that you never have to worry about finding a bathroom or a bite to eat. And these things are important when you’re too busy relaxing to worry about anything.

A view of Aruba's Palm Beach and Hi-Rise hotel area

IF YOU GO: Take the time to wander around the beautiful hotels along the beach — there are some fabulous gardens and fountains to explore! You can sneak into the Marriott’s lazy river if you’re, well — sneaky. Grab a casual bite at the Pelican Pier Bar - the grouper sandwich was one of the best we had on the island!

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

Aruba's Baby Beach

My husband and I enjoyed Baby Beach on a recent trip to Aruba, but to be completely honest, it didn’t live up to some of the hype we had heard about the beach beforehand (You must rent a car and go! It’s unbelievably fabulous and you will want to pitch a tent and live on the beach forever!) Baby Beach is located on Aruba’s very southwestern tip, and it takes a good 40 minutes to get there by car. The beach is so named because the water is remarkably shallow – rarely more than 5 feet deep – and the beach is in the shape of a large half-moon. As such, Baby Beach is very popular with families with small kids, so it’s not the quietest on the island — but watching kids snorkel is very cute and entertaining (“MOMMY! Look at all the BWUE fishes!) But, the water’s shallow depths also mean that for adults, at least, the snoekleing here isn’t fantastic — I found that too much sand gets kicked up from the bottom on due to the windy summer days and the visibility was nowhere near as good as it was at Arashi or at Boca Catalina. Snorkelers used to be able to easily swim around the reefs that surround Baby Beach, but a recent storm damaged the reefs, and the waves outside of the protected lagoon area are a bit rough and choppy. Not necessarily dangerous, just not the best place to be if you’re an inexperienced snorkeler or swimmer.

With all that said — I would definitely go back to Baby Beach because it is a wonderful swimming beach. The reefs create a large, safe area to swim around in and there are often very little waves to speak of close to shore. The drive to Baby Beach is about 40 minutes from Oranjestad, and it’s a pretty drive. If you’re hungry when you get there, be sure to stop by the Rum Reef Bar & Grill for some tasty fish sandwiches! There are a few palapas to relax under, but I preferred to take a nap under the sea grape trees.

Secluded Baby Beach in Aruba

Baby Beach has a somewhat isolated feel to it, partly due to the fact that it takes a good 40 minutes to get there Oranjestad — Baby Beach is at the very southern tip of the island. It reminded me a bit of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, for some reason. If you’re looking for a more private place to swim near Baby Beach, drive over to Rodger’s Beach –though be forewarned that the setting is a bit strange and spooky. The backdrop is an oil refinery, and the towers are continuously putting out plumes of black and gray smoke. You can’t really smell it and the water looks fine, but it’s just a bit odd. Both Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach are where to go if you want to hang out with locals, simply because getting there is a bit harder than the island’s other beaches.

IF YOU GO: It’s best to rent a car to get to Baby Beach, because the Arubus doesn’t go here — it stops in San Nicolas, but that’s still a ways from Baby Beach. You could also take a taxi for about $40 each way, but car rentals are about $40 per day, so it’s your best bet. Do stop for lunch at the Rum Reef Bar & Grill, the food’s great! You can also rent snorkeling and suba equipment at the JADA shop there next to Rum Reef.

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

Eagle Beach in Aruba

My husband and I just returned from Aruba, and Eagle Beach was directly across from the timeshare we stayed in called La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club. But, I can guarantee you that it was more than sheer laziness which prompted us to hang out on this beach every single day of our stay! Eagle Beach is pristine, beautiful and calm, and you can view some truly spectacular sunsets there as well. It’s located in Aruba’s Low-Rise area (as opposed to the High-Rise area with all of the big glitzy hotels).

Calm, warm waters on Aruba's Eagle Beach

The first thing we noted was that Eagle Beach has a plethora of palapas. However, snagging one of these delightfully shady, shaggy umbrellas requires getting to the beach by 7:30 in the morning, even in low season — by 9:00 in the morning, every single one was always sadly reserved. No matter, though — we decided to do sightseeing during the day and hang out at the island’s other beaches and come back to Eagle Beach around 6:30 to watch the sunsets. And what sunsets! By that time the palapas were all free and we happily slurped on tropical beverages while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Stunning Sunsets on Aruba's Eagle Beach

We found Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba to be the perfect beach for all-around relaxing. There were small stands offering float and kayak rentals, and there weren’t any of the loud motorboats that crowd Palm Beach. There’s a bar serving up delicious drinks near the La Cabana beach entrance and plenty of lounge chairs to relax on. Eagle Beach isn’t where you want to be for the best snorkeling — for that, you should go to Boca Catalina or Baby Beach. But, if you’re looking for a large, chill beach with plenty of room to spread out, Eagle Beach is where it’s at.

Chillin' on Boca Catalina Beach in Aruba

Starting from Aruba’s northwestern side, Boca Catalina is a very short bus ride just south of gorgeous Arashi Beach. Boca means “mouth” in Spanish, and the beach here does somewhat form a gentle yawn around the warm, shallow waters. My husband and I found Boca Catalina to have the best snorkeling on Aruba, though we didn’t spend as much time at Malmok Beach as we would have liked.

A school of colorful fish at Boca Catalina in Aruba

Boca Catalina has a lovely reef that’s popular with the island’s catamarans, sail boats and even pirate ship tours. It’s still very quiet and relaxed though, especially since there are generally very few speed boats. Closer to shore, you’ll find yourself in shallow water that’s not much more than 6-7 feet deep. There are plenty of fish here to keep you occupied (huge schools of fish will surround you!) But, when it’s particularly windy, the water can be choppy and the sand is kicked up quite a bit on the bottom, making the visibility in the more shallow areas a bit murky at times.

Swim out a good 200 feet though and you’ll be in 15-20 feet of water — this is where you should be for the best snorkeling.  The water here is very clear, the currents are not strong, and if you hover over the “dark spots” (where the reefs are), you’ll be able to admire more fish than you’ll know what to do with. If you don’t have an underwater camera, think about getting one before you go — it’s totally worth it. We saw starfish, barracudas, flounders and all sorts of tropical looking fish. Some of them can be a little mouthy at times, so watch the fingers! When you’re done with snorkeling for the day, don’t leave the beach without scouring the shoreline for shells – your efforts will be rewarded here.

IF YOU GO: Like most of Aruba’s beaches that are outside of the hotel areas, Boca Catalina doesn’t have restrooms, but the restaurants and hotels of the High Rise area and Palm Beach are a five minute bus ride away.  Hop on the Arubus for $1.30 one way or $2.60 round-trip. Take advantage of the shady palapas – have a beer and fall asleep to the sounds of gently rolling waves. Paradise.

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

Gorgeous Arashi Beach

I’ve just returned from a one-week vacation in Aruba, and I now understand why every tourist we met there was on their 9th or 10th visit to the island. Gusty , persistent trade winds keep the island cool and dry in the summer months (and the pests at bay), the island is outside of the hurricane belt and there are gorgeous beaches at every turn.

If you drive up Aruba’s western coast to the very tip, you’ll come across a lovely patch of sand that fronts and even more lovely patch of water called Arashi Beach. You know you’ve arrived when you see the California Lighthouse; it’s a short walk away from the beach via a trail. Soft, white sand is not hard to find in Aruba, and you’ll find it here, too. For me, though, Arashi’s real draw was the water. It was clear – crystal clear. It felt like we were swimming in a giant bowl of water with sand at the bottom. And, despite the constant trade winds continually whipping across the sands, the waves were small and not remotely bothersome, and the sandy bottom was not stirred up. Just dazzling. Check out this picture:

Truly crystal-clear water at Aruba's Arashi Beach

I swear that was the seawater and not the hotel pool! Like many of Aruba’s beaches, Arashi is quite shallow for a ways out – no more 6-7 feet deep when you’re more than 200 feet from shore. Despite the ridiculous amounts of sunscreen I slathered on while at Arashi Beach, I still managed to get burned. Why? The water’s clarity transfixed me, and I was content to simply float around in the gentle waves like a dopey pelican. It took me some time to get over the fact that when looking through the water to the bottom, I could, in fact, tell which of my toes needed a touch-up from the pedicure I had gotten two weeks prior.

When I was finally able to tear myself from the water, I headed for some shade under the adorable palapas that line the beach. Palapa. I love that word. My husband and I want to build one in our backyard now — who cares if the only body of water we have is a $25 plastic pool from Target; it’s about the ambiance, right?

Palapas at Arashi Beach in Aruba. Can anything sum up "tropical" better?

The California Lighthouse at Arashi Beach in Aruba

Neither my husband nor myself were feeling particularly ambitious, but if we had been, we would have taken the short stroll up to the California Lighthouse, which can be reached via a trail from the beach.

The snorkeling at Arashi is ok, but nowhere near as good as it is a little south of there at beach called Boca de Catalina (Catalina Bay). (See my next post). Arashi is a quiet swimming hole – very few if any boats and no kite surfers or jet skis.

IF YOU GO: Don’t bother renting a car! Just hop on the Arubus, which is $1.30 one way or $2.60 round-trip. Arashi Beach is actually the end of the line for the bus, which does a U-turn in the parking lot. The bus hits all of the beaches on the island’s Western side and they come and go about every twenty minutes. May-December is low season in Aruba, so the beaches aren’t generally crowded. But, if you have your heart set on taking naps under a palapa, try to get to the beach by about 11:30.

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert

Most any stretch of beach in Florida with sea turtle egg-laying activity has volunteer caretakers who carefully monitor the nesting and keep careful records. The Coastal Wildlife Club in the Englewood, Florida area keeps track of the nests on the beaches in Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties, including Manasota Key, Palm Island, Little Gasparilla Island [...]