What's the best thing you've done in Aruba

Never been to Aruba and looking for something to do or not to do. We prefer not to book tours through the ship and don't necessarily need an organized tour. Probably for sure be looking for a beach a some point. :cool: Trikes look interesting. Thanks in advance.

The best thing? Having vacationed on the island a few weeks that is tough. But on a cruise day our "best thing" is to simply take the bus (leaves about 27 past the hour) from town all the way out to Arashi Beach (no facilities on that beach). On Arashi there are usually a few locals (always friendly) and few to no cruisers. We have our own snorkel gear and from Arashi we can swim all the way out to the same reef used by many boat/snorkel tours. It is a long swim (not a problem if you have fins) but worth it since the water is clear and there are usually lots of interesting fish.

Later in the morning (or early afternoon) we catch another bus back towards town and usually hop off at Eagle Beach where we relax, take advantage of the beach bar's afternoon happy hour (2-4) and do some swimming in the gentle waters off Eagle. Then back to town on either a bus or one of the roving van/taxis.

Hank

I don't see any need to book tours in Aruba for a one day stay.

Beaches are great so that is a nice option.

If you would like you can also just walk from the ship over to the nearby area where there is lots of shopping, restaurants and even casinos and often we walk along the side where the cruise ship pier is located for a nice walk

Keith

the island doesn't interest me.

the island doesn't interest me.

Why? :)

Never been to Aruba and looking for something to do or not to do. We prefer not to book tours through the ship and don't necessarily need an organized tour. Probably for sure be looking for a beach a some point. :cool: Trikes look interesting. Thanks in advance.

Just did the Trikes last month....so much fun! I'm not a big beach person so this was definitely an awesome way to see the island. If you've got any questions about the Trikes...let me know!! :D

Trikes!

Took a $20 tour and saw a pile of rocks you could walk up, a little church near the water and lighthouse. Really not much except for great looking beaches.

Why? :)

We are booked for the Trikes and very excited about it.

Looks like fun!

Looks great. We enjoy Aruba.

Keith

 

We are booked for the Trikes and very excited about it.

 

Looks like fun!

Us Too!!!!

The best thing is to take a land based vacation to Aruba at which as soon as we came back we booked it again for next year!

Drove down to the Natural Pool.

We have been to Aruba five times now, three times on cruises and twice on land vacations. We just came back from a nine day land vacation last week. Aruba is by far our favorite Caribbean island.

If you want some beach time, take the local "Arubus". The bus terminal is just across from the cruise ship terminal. The buses run frequently and cost $2.30 (U.S.) each trip. Take the #10 bus to Eagle Beach. Chairs are available for rental and there are facilities and a great bar across the street at Tulip's.

If you are on the island until later in the evening, consider a sunset catamaran sail. There are several from which to choose. We have taken the DePalm Tours sail three times now. A bus will pick you up downtown or at your hotel and have you returned by 8:30 at the latest. The sail itself is from 5:30 to 7:30 and includes an open bar, snacks, and music. It is awesome!:D

DW and I have been to many islands in the Caribbean and have only chosen Aruba, St Maarten, and St Barts as places we will vacation. One great advantage of Aruba is that it tends to have favorable weather (although they also have their bad days) and is out of the Hurricane zone...making it a good choice for vacations during hurricane season. The island also has some good beaches, excellent snorkeling, good (not great) restaurants, OK nightlife, low crime, etc. As they say on Aruba, "One Happy Island."

Hank

Aruba di dushi....pampimento baby!

DW and I have been to many islands in the Caribbean and have only chosen Aruba, St Maarten, and St Barts as places we will vacation. One great advantage of Aruba is that it tends to have favorable weather (although they also have their bad days) and is out of the Hurricane zone...making it a good choice for vacations during hurricane season. The island also has some good beaches, excellent snorkeling, good (not great) restaurants, OK nightlife, low crime, etc. As they say on Aruba, "One Happy Island."

 

Hank

Hank, What restaurants have you tried? I vacation there every year (this year for three weeks). I can recommend some really great ones.

After a few times in this port, we now do the following each visit....

Walk to the Renaissance Hotel, book a day pass on their private island for ~ $100 pp (I know, not cheap. Their boat literally picks you up in the lobby. It makes one stop at their time share and then whisks you off to their private island.

There are two beaches on the island:

1) A family beach near the restaurant

2) beach where children are not allowed

The adult beach has flamingos roaming the beach. Beautiful and tranquil. Lunch is included in your price and one drink.

Hank, What restaurants have you tried? I vacation there every year (this year for three weeks). I can recommend some really great ones.

Egads, hard to remember. But two that quickly come to mind were the Flying Fishbone and Madame Janette. Also really enjoyed Gasparito. But it has been about 3 years since our last vacation visit so one would certainly want to check on the current restaurant reviews since things do change. We also love going to Soprano's Piano Bar (after dinner)..especially when Barry from Boston is in town. But he is now working almost exclusively on HAL.

Hank

Just did the Trikes last month....so much fun! I'm not a big beach person so this was definitely an awesome way to see the island. If you've got any questions about the Trikes...let me know!! :D

Tell me about the trikes. Where to rent, how much, where to go?

Thanks, Diane

Egads, hard to remember. But two that quickly come to mind were the Flying Fishbone and Madame Janette. Also really enjoyed Gasparito. But it has been about 3 years since our last vacation visit so one would certainly want to check on the current restaurant reviews since things do change. We also love going to Soprano's Piano Bar (after dinner)..especially when Barry from Boston is in town. But he is now working almost exclusively on HAL.

 

Hank

Some new restaurants have popped up since you were there that are really good. If you go again, let us know and I'll give you some new recommendations.

If you're looking for a 1 day tour that will give an overview of the island, I can highly recommend the Sonny Binns tour.

If you're looking for a 1 day tour that will give an overview of the island, I can highly recommend the Sonny Binns tour.

do you have any contact info? We'll be there in March

Tell me about the trikes. Where to rent, how much, where to go?

Thanks, Diane

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjzxt-S_4HKAhUBJiYKHYBGD2cQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trikes-aruba.com%2F&usg=AFQjCNFHaheiAtv1AiolBB3I8bM9o9EHiQ

We did the Trike Tour last month. It was a great way to explore Aruba & a lot of fun.

It was $190 for a 31/2 hour tour for two people on one Trike. You have the option of doing the morning or afternoon tour. The rates include gasoline, insurance and free pictures.

They picked us up at the pier & we went to the office to fill out paperwork & they gave us brief training on how to drive the Trikes.

This is from their website...'During a 3.5 hour guided tour you will see the most breathtaking beaches, historic sights and local restaurants. The tour covers approximately 70% of our unique Island with 3 or 4 stops at some of Aruba’s highlights.

The highlights are:The California Lighthouse, Casi Bari Rock Formation, Alto Vista Chapel, Local fish market “De Zeerover”, and when there is enough time we will stop for a quick photo at Mangel Halto beach. During these stops, refreshments and toilet facilities are available.'

The guides did a great job & we had them drop us off at Palm Beach afterwards instead of going back to the ship.

Tell me about the trikes. Where to rent, how much, where to go?

Thanks, Diane

Hi Diane,

There are a couple of threads on the port of call (arunba) message boards which explain everything regarding price, tour, etc. I would start there!! not sure what the rules are regarding posting links...but if you google trikes aruba, their website will come up as well. I highly recommend it. if you have any other questions...please ask!! :)