What to do other than the beach

[fourships]

If we don't want to hit a beach, is there other things you would not want to miss in Aruba? Historical, shopping, landmarks? Just wondering if we could fit in something other than the beach?

[Arubalisa]

Besides the beaches there are

 

Island Tours-

private taxi tour, bus tour, mini bus tour, "yellow school bus" fun tour, jeep tour, atv tour, motorcycle/trikes tour, hiking tour, mountain bike tour, horseback tour

 

Sightseeing

Aruba's Aloe Factory Tour

Alto Vista Chapel

De Palm Island

Fort Zoutman & King Willem III Tower

Arikok National Park

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

Baby natural bridge

Caves

Picturesque beaches, no swimming on the windward side

Natural Pool if time permits

Rock Formations

Bubali Bird Sanctuary

California Dunes & Lighthouse

Lourdes Grotto

St. Anna Church

Balashi Gold Smelter Ruins

 

Museums & Art Galleries-

Archaeological Museum of Aruba, Aruba Numismatic Museum, Aruban Model Trains Museum, Historical Museum of Aruba

 

Activities in Aruba-

Spas & Sports- Tennis, Golf

Watersports- Scuba Diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, jetski, parasailing, sailing, motorized boat tours, banana boats, sunset cruise, stand up paddleboard,

Donkey Sanctuary- kids too

Butterfly Farm- kids too

Ostrich Farm- kids too

Casinos

Sky Diving

Rock Climbing & Caving

Nightlife

Romance

Shopping

 

If you would like a private tour see Questions on Bully Tours in Aruba??

Bullys Taxi Tour (What are the highlights?)

 

For a small group tour see

private tour with SOnny Binns????

Sonny Binns Tour Bus?

 

Also see http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1741320

 

If you are looking for dinner off the ship or just a night out on the town...

 

Restaurants on the beach

 

Aruba Restaurant Recommendation/Advice?

 

Need recommendations for a nice restaurant in Oranjestad (on water prederably)

 

Restaurant recommendations on a Sunday

[we3peas]

ArubaLisa

 

We are in Aruba from 8a-7p on a cruise. We would like to tour on our own if possible do you think these are doable if we rented a car in the time we have? We are not too much into beaches but would like to find someplace along the way to snorkel for an hour or less. I do not like snorkeling but my dh and 16yo dd would like to do a little bit if possible.

 

We are considering from your list-

California lighthouse

Aloe factory tour

Arikok NP

Baby natural bridge

Natural pool

rock formations (ayo and casibari)

 

Thanks

 

Nadine

[Arubalisa]

It is doable, except the fact that you would need a 4 x 4 and a lot of patience

to get to the natural pool. Getting to the natural pool and out will eat up a good 2 hours, not including the time that you spend there.

 

Imo for first time visitors, your time is better spent seeing the rest of the highlights of the island. When you return to Aruba ;) (I just know you will :)), then take a jeep tour, horseback riding tour or ATV's to get there.

 

Kini Kini offers an ATV tour with some of your desired sites listed http://www.kinikinitours.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=18, but will be a lot more $$$ than renting a car or 4 x 4 and no snorkeling included. If you did their private ATV tour you could pick and choose your own itinerary which you could probably add snorkeling to.

 

At least you have some options. :)

[suzyluvs2cruise]

Lisa...thanks for all the suggestions for things to do in Aruba. Is it easy to pick up a tour at the port?

[Arubalisa]

Lisa...thanks for all the suggestions for things to do in Aruba. Is it easy to pick up a tour at the port?

You are welcome!

Can I purchase a tour at the dock?

[suzyluvs2cruise]

You are welcome!

Can I purchase a tour at the dock?

 

Thanks...:)

[we3peas]

Thanks Lisa

 

We might forgo the natural pools this time then. Leaves something for next time, right?

What car rentals places are there near the docks?

 

 

Nadine

Edited September 30, 2013 by we3peas

[Arubalisa]

Sorry I do not recommend any specific car rental agencies. When I recommend anything here on Cruise Critic, whether an excursion, a business, a restaurant or resort, it has to be something I am 100% confident in suggesting. Imo, car rental agencies in Aruba are inconsistent. Those of us from the U.S. expect a lot from "brand name" car rental agencies which we are familiar with here in the states and in Aruba all of them are franchises. Their U.S. parent companies take no responsibility for these franchises.

 

<<Stepping off my soap box>> ;)

 

The agencies with offices at the terminal have changed over the years and I am not even sure who is still there. Many agencies though will come and pick you up (Amigo) and take you back to your office or do the paperwork right there on the spot (Royal).

Edited September 30, 2013 by Arubalisa

[Arubalisa]

The agencies with offices at the terminal have changed over the years and I am not even sure who is still there.

According to

 

http://www.arubaports.com/directory-category/car-rentals/

 

Smart, Royal & Speed

[we3peas]

Thanks Lisa!

[we3peas]

Lisa,

 

I just found out that we will be in Aruba on Easter Sunday. What can I expect as to companies not operating on the holiday? Restarants, grocery stores, tour companies?

 

Thanks

 

Nadine

[Arubalisa]

Most everything should operate normally. The exception is that stores will be closed.

 

Some restaurants will offer special menus and/or brunches.

 

Aruba is a Catholic island and Easter is an important holiday.

[we3peas]

thanks Lisa

 

I guess we will save our shopping for another location.

[cruiseapril]

We really enjoyed our 3 hour ship sponsored bus tour of the island. Went to many of the places mentioned- had a humorous guide. 3 hours was just enough-wouldn't want a longer tour in one day.

[Delawarealan]

I'll be in Aruba (NCL Sun) on Sunday 1/5/14 from 1 pm to 8 pm. I'm not much for just sitting on a beach all day, so I'm open to ideas for the day. Thanks in advance.

 

Delaware Alan

[Arubalisa]

I'll be in Aruba (NCL Sun) on Sunday 1/5/14 from 1 pm to 8 pm. I'm not much for just sitting on a beach all day, so I'm open to ideas for the day. Thanks in advance.

 

Delaware Alan

Is there a specific type of activity which interests you? It may make it easier to make specific recommendations. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=40003695&postcount=2

Besides the beaches there are

 

Island Tours-

private taxi tour, bus tour, mini bus tour, "yellow school bus" fun tour, jeep tour, atv tour, motorcycle/trikes tour, hiking tour, mountain bike tour, horseback tour

 

Sightseeing

Aruba's Aloe Factory Tour

Alto Vista Chapel

De Palm Island

Fort Zoutman & King Willem III Tower

Arikok National Park

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

Baby natural bridge

Caves

Picturesque beaches, no swimming on the windward side

Natural Pool if time permits

Rock Formations

Bubali Bird Sanctuary

California Dunes & Lighthouse

Lourdes Grotto

St. Anna Church

Balashi Gold Smelter Ruins

 

Museums & Art Galleries-

Archaeological Museum of Aruba, Aruba Numismatic Museum, Aruban Model Trains Museum, Historical Museum of Aruba

 

Activities in Aruba-

Spas & Sports- Tennis, Golf

Watersports- Scuba Diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, jetski, parasailing, sailing, motorized boat tours, banana boats, sunset cruise, stand up paddleboard,

Donkey Sanctuary- kids too

Butterfly Farm- kids too

Ostrich Farm- kids too

Casinos

Sky Diving

Rock Climbing & Caving

Nightlife

Romance

Shopping

 

If you would like a private tour see Questions on Bully Tours in Aruba??

Bullys Taxi Tour (What are the highlights?)

 

For a small group tour see

private tour with SOnny Binns????

Sonny Binns Tour Bus?

 

Also see http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1741320

 

If you are looking for dinner off the ship or just a night out on the town...

 

Restaurants on the beach

 

Aruba Restaurant Recommendation/Advice?

 

Need recommendations for a nice restaurant in Oranjestad (on water prederably)

 

Restaurant recommendations on a Sunday

[ElkridgeTerp]

ArubaLisa, you are amazing. Wish there was a resource like you for every island! We're going to be there Thursday (wow, in a week!). Wife, seven year old daughter and myself. We've been to the Caribbean many times, but never to Aruba. We don't mind hanging out at a beach all day (8a-4p), but if there is anything in particular that we absolutely should see/do, please let us know. To give some insight into what we like, the Virgin Gorda in Tortola was spectacular. Love climbing through those caves/rocks and hanging out around the water. Wife and I have enjoyed stingrays, but I think my daughter is still a bit young for it. There's no chance my daughter would enjoy sitting in a bus all day doing a tour (and frankly, not my cup of tea either). Something that involves being in the water is a plus. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!!