Aruba Travel Guide
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Fun facts
3. Movies Shot
4. Iconic Photo Spots
5. Places to Stay
6. Personal Blog
Itinerary
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Option 1: Experience an adventure of a lifetime with the ATV in Aruba’s Secret Beach and Cave Pool tour, available on Tripadvisor. Starting at the Rockabeach Tours Headquarters at Bushiri Karting Speedway, the tour has several exciting stops. The first stop is Blackstone Beach, where you’ll experience the unique beauty of black sand, a rare sight in Aruba, which is typically known for its white sand beaches. Then, explore Andicuri Beach, known for its white sand, large waves, and crystal-clear waters. Discover the Natural Bridge, a stunning rock formation made of volcanic limestone, before heading to the Natural Pool, a volcanic rock-enclosed pool with waters 16-18 feet deep. This pool is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, or cliff jumping. Learn about Aruba’s history at the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and enjoy panoramic views at the California Lighthouse and Sasariwichi Dunes, where you can even dine inside the lighthouse. The tour concludes with a relaxing stop at Arashi Beach, known for its pristine white sands and calm waters.
Option 2: The Island Ultimate Jeep Safari in Aruba, available on Viator, will take you to the island’s most unique and stunning spots. Starting at ABC Tours Aruba, the tour includes multiple exciting stops. First, visit Baby Beach, a picturesque white sandy beach with calm, turquoise waters. This spot is perfect for snorkeling and relaxing by the sea. Next, visit the Natural Bridge, a stunning formation shaped by years of erosion that highlights the island’s natural beauty. Continue to the Natural Pool, a volcanic rock-enclosed pool where you can swim, snorkel, or cliff jump into crystal-clear waters. The tour also takes you to the California Lighthouse and Sasariwichi Dunes, where you can enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the island. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to dine inside one of the few lighthouses in the world that offers this unique experience. Visit the bright yellow Alto Vista Chapel, a spiritual and historical landmark where Aruba’s native people first converted to Christianity. Then, explore Fontein Cave, filled with ancient Indian hieroglyphs and natural rock formations. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some bats inside!
Day 2: Beach Hop
- Eagle Beach – Known as a popular wedding destination, Eagle Beach has soft white sand, iconic Fofoti trees, and brilliant Caribbean blue waters. It’s also perfect for snorkeling and jet skiing.
- Palm Beach – A vibrant spot with calm waters and soft white sand, making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The area has restaurants, hotels, casinos, bars, and shops, which gives it a lively atmosphere.
- Baby Beach – Baby Beach, with its shallow and gentle waves, is perfect for families with young children. It’s a safe and relaxing spot, offering great snorkeling with fish like blowfish, angelfish, and parrotfish near the beach’s edge.
- Arashi Beach – A more secluded spot, Arashi Beach is known for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as activities like fishing, swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. It’s a quiet and scenic retreat for water lovers.
- Flamingo Beach – A private beach on Renaissance Island where you can see flamingos up close on the white sand and in the blue waters. There’s a vending machine that sells food to feed them, though they’ll only eat from your hand if they’re hungry— it’s best to arrive early! Keep in mind, that children are allowed for a limited time each morning, so check with the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in advance. Enjoy a drink at the Mangrove Beach Bar while soaking in the view.
- Iguana Beach – A family-friendly private beach where you can spot iguanas lounging by the trees or wandering the shore. Relax and enjoy food and drinks at the Papagayo Bar Grill while taking in the laid-back island atmosphere.
Day 3: Spend the day visiting excursions that are unique to the island.
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Visit The Butterfly Farm Aruba: Begin your day at The Butterfly Farm, where you can marvel at a stunning array of exotic butterflies from regions such as Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia. To increase your chances of having a butterfly land on you, consider wearing bright colors or a citrus-scented cologne or perfume.
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Visit Royal Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory: Next, head to the Royal Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory, where you’ll learn about the island’s aloe cultivation history dating back to the 1800s. Aruba has become one of the world’s top producers of aloe products. You can find a wide range of items with aloe, including soaps, deodorants, lotions, lip balms, shampoos, conditioners, and body sprays.
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Visit the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba: Continue your day by visiting the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, home to sweet donkeys that have roamed the island for hundreds of years. Here, you can interact with these gentle creatures, offer them apples and carrots, and spend time petting and caring for them.
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Visit the Aruba Ostrich Farm: You’ll encounter the largest and heaviest birds in the world. Learn about their fascinating behaviors and the unique aspects of ostrich farming.
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Conclude your day with an unforgettable sunset cruise on a catamaran with an Aruba Sunset Sail tour from Viator, offering appetizers and an open bar. Enjoy refreshing cocktails and delicious bites while taking in breathtaking views of Palm Beach. Dance to lively music as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, creating a perfect ending to your island adventure.
Day 4:
- Visit De Palm Island – This tour, available through Viator, offers a perfect day getaway for couples, families, and honeymooners. The vibrant coral reef surrounding the island is an excellent spot for snorkeling, allowing you to explore the colorful marine life. Kids will love the water park, body drop water slides, and exhilarating banana boat rides. If you’re in the mood for some fun, you can take a salsa lesson and dance the day away. For those seeking relaxation, unwind with a soothing massage or settle into a beach chair to soak up the sun. If you are lucky, you might even spot flamingos wandering along the shore!
Day 5:
- Take a guided tour of Arikok National Park: and embark on a full-day adventure through its captivating caves, impressive rock formations, and stunning landscapes.
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Fun facts
3. Movie Shot
4. Do it for the Gram
5. Places to Stay
6. Personal Blog
7. Puns and Pictures
fun facts
- In Aruba, you’ll encounter people fluent in a variety of languages, including English, Dutch, Spanish, and the native language, Papiamento.
- Aruba has authentic Indonesian food spots, offering a unique taste of the island’s diverse culinary scene.
- Aruba produces its own clean, purified tap water, making it safe and refreshing to drink. You can easily fill your water bottles and enjoy high-quality tap water throughout your stay.
- On a clear day, you can see Venezuela from some of Aruba’s highest points, offering a unique glimpse of the neighboring country.
- Aruba is well-known for its love of baseball, with many locals embracing the sport and some even making it to international leagues.
- From March to November, keep an eye out for sea turtles, as this is the best time to spot them in Aruba’s waters.
- The US dollar is widely accepted throughout Aruba, making it convenient for American visitors to make payments.
- Aruba proudly lives by its motto, “One Happy Island,” reflecting the friendly atmosphere and welcoming spirit of the island.
- As a territory of the Netherlands, Aruba has a rich blend of Dutch influence in its history and culture.
- Aruba is famous for its high-quality Aloe Vera products, which are locally grown and known for their soothing and healing properties.
Movies Shot
- “The Other Woman” (2014) with Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton
- “After the Sunset” (2004) with Salma Hayek
Iconic Photo Spots
- San Nicolas Village – A lively town famous for its impressive street art and vibrant murals that transform its walls into a canvas of color.
- Downtown Oranjestad – The charming alleys and streets of Oranjestad, where colorful houses and picturesque corners capture the island’s lively spirit.
- Royal Plaza Mall – The Royal Plaza Mall, a striking and colorful destination that blends Dutch colonial architecture with modern shopping, offering a glimpse of Aruba’s rich heritage.
- I Love Aruba Signs – These iconic “I Love Aruba” signs can be found in several locations across the island, including Palm Beach Plaza Mall, near the Riu and Hilton hotels, Malmok Beach, and the Renaissance Hotel. They make for great photo opportunities during your visit.
- We Heart Aruba Flag Sign – The “We Heart (Aruba Flag) Aruba” sign is located along the main drive of Palm Beach, near the northern end of J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, a perfect spot to showcase your Aruba love!
Places to Stay
Personal Blog
Aruba has always been at the top of my list of Caribbean destinations, and I couldn’t wait to visit. Flamingos on a beach? How cool is that! We had been searching for the perfect family-friendly vacation spot, and Aruba turned out to be just the perfect place. We were thrilled to book our stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Hotel, allowing us to make a couple of trips to Renaissance Island. Both the adults and kids had a blast playing with the flamingos and iguanas, creating memories they’ll never forget.
We were completely captivated by the island’s stunning white sandy beaches and the mesmerizing aqua-blue waters of the Caribbean. Beach hopping became our favorite daytime activity, while our evenings were spent enjoying Palm Beach’s lively atmosphere. The kids loved the swings and merry-go-round, and we indulged in delicious crepes and ice cream at the local spots.
I also noticed the charming Dutch influence throughout the island, which gave me that nostalgic feeling of being back in Europe. Whether you’re up for an ATV ride, a thrilling jump into a cave pool, or savoring a meal right on the beach, Aruba offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
5-Day Aruba Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Itinerary
Day 1
Option 1: Take the ATV in Aruba’s Secret Beach and Cave Pool tour through Tripadvisor. This tour stops at many of the hidden gems that are unique to Aruba. The tour will start at The Rockabeach Tours Headquarters located at Bushiri Karting Speedway. It will make the following stops:
- Blackstone Beach: Beach with black sand unlike other beaches in Aruba which have white sand.
- Andicuri Beach: A beach with white sand, big waves, and blue waters
- Natural Bridge Aruba: A bridge made of volcanic limestone rocks
- Natural Pool: Pool made out of volcanic rocks that protect waves. Takes about 100 steps to get to the pool and then you can swim, snorkel, and even cliff jump. The pool is about 16-18 feet deep.
- Bushiribana Goldmill Ruins: Learn about Aruba’s history in gold mills and mines.
- California Lighthouse and Sasariwichi Dunes: Hill with views of the north & south sides of the island. It is famous for its 360 panoramic view. It is one of the few lighthouses in the world where you can have dinner inside
- Arashi Beach: White sandy beach with beautiful waters.
Option 2: Take the Island Ultimate Jeep Safari in Aruba tour through Viator. This tour stops at many of the hidden gems that are unique to Aruba. This tour will start at ABC Tours Aruba. It will make the following stops:
- Baby Beach: White sandy beach with turquoise water: Great spot for snorkeling.
- Natural Bridge: The largest natural bridge in Aruba.
- Natural Pool: Pool made out of volcanic rocks that protect waves. Takes about 100 steps to get to the pool and then you can swim, snorkel, and even cliff jump.
- Bushiribana Goldmill Ruins: A historical spot in Aruba
- California Lighthouse and Sasariwichi Dunes: Hill with views of the north & south sides of the island.
- Alto Vista Chapel: A bright yellow chapel in the middle of a desert where Aruba natives converted to Christianity.
- Fontein Cave: A cave with Indian hieroglyphs, natural columns, and if you get lucky you may spot bats.
- Wariruri Beach: Popular beach amongst surfers.
- Anchor in Memory of All Seamen: Anchor placed in memory of marine/sailor history.
Day 2: Beach Hop
- Eagle Beach: Popular spot for weddings, wedding photos, snorkeling, and jetskiing. Enjoy the Fofoti trees, soft white sand, and Caribbean blue waters.
- Palm Beach: It also has calm waters and white sand which makes it a great beach for snorkeling and swimming. It is also surrounded by restaurants, hotels, casinos, bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Baby Beach: Named for its minimal to no waves, shallow & clear waters. Very safe for small children. It has food spots. Great for snorkeling in the area where the beach opens out to the option. You may spot different types of fishes such as blowfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and many others.
- Arashi Beach: A more secluded beach known for its snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, sailing, and windsurfing.
- Flamingo Beach: Private beach on Renaissance Island where you can find the flamingos on the white sand, blue waters, or captured in someone’s picture! There is a vending machine that sells food to feed flamingos. They will only eat from your hand if they are hungry, so the earlier in the morning you come the better! Children are only allowed for a limited time during the morning so make sure to ask the resort beforehand what hours they are allowed. (Guests of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort have guaranteed/free access to the island, Non-guests can still visit the island but at a fee, and entry is not guaranteed) Enjoy a drink at the Mangrove Beach Bar.
- Iguana Beach: Private family-friendly beach. You may spot iguanas by the tree or by the beach! Enjoy food/drinks at the Papagayo Bar Grill.
Day 3: Spend the day visiting excursions that are unique to the island.
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Visit The Butterfly Farm Aruba: Great excursion to spot exotic species of butterflies from Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia. Want the butterfly to land on you? Wear bright colors or a citrus cologne/perfume.
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Visit Royal Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory: In the 1800s the aloe plant was introduced to Aruba, and now it has become one of the world’s most popular spots to harvest and export aloe products. Products made from the aloe plant such as soaps, deodorant, lotions, lip balms, shampoos, conditioners, body sprays, and many more are offered here.
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Visit the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba: These sweet donkeys have been in Aruba for hundreds of years. You can get a chance to feed/pet/care for these donkeys. They love apples and carrots!
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Visit the Aruba Ostrich Farm: These creatures are the largest/heaviest birds in the world.
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Take a sunset cruise on a catamaran with Aruba Sunset Sail with Appetizers and Open Bar through the viator.
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Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and views of Palm Beach. Enjoy sunset views while jamming to music and dancing the night away.
Day 4:
- Visit De Palm Island: This tour is available through Viator, and it is a perfect day getaway for couples, families, and honeymooners. The coral reef off the island is a great spot for snorkeling. There is a water park for kids, body drop water slides, and banana boat rides. If you are in the mood to dance, take a salsa lesson. If you are looking to relax, get a massage and grab a beach chair. You may be able to spot flamingos at the beach.
Day 5:
- Take a guided tour of the Arikok National Park: A park that has caves, rocks, land formations, nature strolls, fauna, and flora all unique to the park.
Fun Facts
- You will come across people who are fluent in at least one or all of these languages: English, Dutch, Spanish, and the local language Papiamento.
- Aruba has authentic Indonesian food spots.
- Aruba has its own production of clean, purified tap water. Fill your water jugs and enjoy the tap water!
- On a clear day you can view Venezuela from some of the highest peaks in the country
- Aruba is popular for baseball.
- Between March and November, you may be able to spot sea turtles in Aruba.
- US dollar is accepted almost everywhere.
- Aruba’s slogan is “One Happy Island”.
- It is a territory of the Netherlands.
- Aruba is popular for its Aloe Vera Products.
Movies Shot
- “The Other Woman” (2014) with Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton
- “After the Sunset” (2004) with Salma Hayek
Do It for the Gram
- San Nicolas Village: Has beautiful street art/murals.
- Downtown Oranjestad: Has colorful alleys and houses
- Royal Plaza Mall: Colorful location with Dutch heritage
- I love Aruba sign: Some locations throughout the island include Palm Beach Plaza Mall, near the Riu/Hilton Hotel, near Malmok Beach, near the Renaissance Hotel.
- We heart (Aruba flag) Aruba sign: On the main drive on Palm Beach near the north end of J.E. Irausquin Blvd.
Places to Stay
Personal Blog
Aruba has been one of the top Caribbean destinations I’ve always wanted to visit. I mean Flamingos on a beach? How cool is that! We had been trying to find the perfect destination for a family trip with kids and this was the perfect country for it. We were able to lock in our stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Hotel and make a couple of trips to Renaissance Island. The kids loved playing with the flamingos and iguanas. We were in awe of the white sandy beaches and aqua-blue Caribbean waters! We enjoyed beach hopping and spent a lot of our evenings in Palm Beach where they had swings, a merry-go-round for kids, food, crepes, and ice cream spots! I was definitely able to spot the Dutch influence in the country and felt happy to feel like we were in Europe again! Whether you want to ride on an ATV, jump in a cave pool, or enjoy a delicious meal on the beach – Aruba has the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Puns and Pictures
Fla-mingling at the beaches of Aruba
