Perfect Travel Guide to Aruba
- woztechindustriesl
- May 21, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Apr 19, 2024
All you need to know...
Hey Guys! Welcome back to our blog! We appreciate you all so much! Here below is a short itinerary if you don't have much vacation time but still want to see so much. As you know we are affiliated and get commission with Get Your Guide and Amazon so if you'd like to click our links we would appreciate it. We love you all and just hope our free blogs and content help you travel more.
Languages:
In Aruba they speak Dutch and Papiamento but everyone speaks English on the Island
Is Aruba Safe?
Yes, it is very safe. You can stay on the resort or at an Airbnb but be smart and use common sense like you would anywhere in the world.
Things to know:
You do need a passport but not a visa.
The drinking water (tap) is safe to drink and you don't need to buy bottle of water. Save your money. Instead bring a water bottle on the plane (empty of course) and fill up when you get to Aruba. https://a.co/d/eZHvMnp
Best Time of Year to Visit:
All year is beautiful and it is outside the hurricane belt so no worries there. April to August is the cheapest time to go. We went end of July to beginning of August and it was perfect. It is hot but the wind helps cool things down.
Car Rental:
Renting a car is the BEST way to see the Island. You can rent from Alamo or Wheels to go.
We got a better price from Wheels to go ($225.00 for the week) and they pick you up and bring you to the car rental and then drop you off at the airport when you return. https://www.wheels2goaruba.com/
Alamo Car Rental was a little more money ($349.00) for the week but it is directly in front of the airport when you leave. So up to you for convenience or price.
We got 2 vehicles because we were a party of 7 and if you get a big van your stuck doing the same thing as everyone else. Getting 2 cars was around the same price as their big vans but you can go off and do different activities/see different sites if you wanted.
Where to stay?
We stayed at Royal Palm Villa on Airbnb. It had a private pool and 4 separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Definitely perfect for family vacations. If you are going for Airbnb just make sure to ask if they have central A/C throughout the house and not just the bedrooms since they rely on the windows a lot there. Here is the link: https://abnb.me/UVtonzev3vb
If you are having trouble finding an Airbnb or good resort deal just contact me on my website and I'll be happy to find you a few options within your budget and send them to you.
Beaches to Visit and Parking:
If you're staying at an Airbnb you can park for FREE at any resort or hotel because the beaches are public.
You can rent a cabana and chairs on the beach for the day at any resort, Eagle Beach is cheaper then Palm Beach and it is FREE at Baby Beach.
Tres Trapi Beach- Is one of the best for snorkeling, but you have a better chance at seeing Turtles if you go in the morning. We were fortunate to see 1 turtle in the afternoon. The water is clear and you can spot many fish. It has many geckos here so don't be startled. There are only a few steps to go down but there is no rail, the water is crashing towards it and they are slippery so where water shoes.
Baby Beach- There are so many mix conceptions about this beach. IT IS TOTALLY SAFE. Don't leave anything valuable in the car where it can be seen, that is why people say it isn't safe because people are getting robbed but are doing this. Again just use common sense. It is a little bit of a drive, about 30min from the main resorts but the water was the prettiest out of all the beaches. You will see donkeys along the road on your way to the beach as well and they are friendly. You can pet and feed them.
Eagle Beach- Our 2nd favorite beach. There is free parking and bathrooms plus Passions on the Beach Bar had the BEST drinks. My friend and I did parasailing here and it was amazing (see below for the company). The famous Fofoti Tree or as the locals call it Divi Divi is located here. Don't touch it or lean against it, there are signs, it is to preserve it.
Palm Beach- It is beautiful and glad we went once but Eagle and Baby Beach were better. It is a little overrated. They have the resorts there so you have access to their restaurants, coffee and bathrooms but it was very crowded and the water wasn't as clear as the other beaches.
Arashi Beach- If your going to Faro Blanco to eat stop here for a sunset pic but not super clean. Wouldn't come and spend the day.
Hadicurari Beach- Best place to go wind or kite surfing (see below for company information).
Places to eat:
Faro Blanco- make a reservation for sunset in advance. Everything from the food to the ambiance to the server was FANTASTIC. We would definitely go back.
Chicken & Lobster- Stopped here for breakfast. Eggs benedict was delicious, we had the Alaska but their breakfast specials are a great deal with everything it comes with.
Smokey Joes Island Grill- Had dinner here our first night and the food and drinks were on point. A little story here.... my family recognized a waiter serving there. He used to serve in NJ at a restaurant we went to and moved to Aruba a few years ago. What a small world!
Gelatissimo Bug- AMAZING Gelato and they even have vegan options. We went here almost every night. You can sit right out front or inside the bug and here live music.
Lola Tequeria- We went here for $1 taco on Tuesday. They have drink specials as well. Definitely a must go to but be prepared to wait if you go around prime time dinner.
Giannis Restaurant Aruba- It is very touristy and a little overrated. The food is just okay, as an Italian I liked Faro Blanco better overall. My dad took a bite of his meal and he pulled plastic out of his mouth and the waiter didn't do anything about it which was a little unsettling. BUT the Spaghetti Al Formaggio is the BEST and most UNIQUE dish and is a must get. It is for 2 people to share. You can't order it by yourself. Check out my IG for the video here: Aruba Cheese Wheel Pasta
The Old Cunucu House Aruba- This is a local spot and we talked to the owner and her son. They were super nice and made sure we had everything for our take out order. Wish we ate here as they had a live band playing. The food was very good and they had iguana soup, which we had to try. It was a little salty but not bad.
Passions on the beach- This is a bar on eagle beach bar and these were the best drinks we had.
Organic Bodega Cafe- Our absolute FAVORITE spot and we went at least three times. They are inside a store on the 2nd floor overlooking the shop. They have gluten free and vegan options and their coffee is delicious. It was an AMAZING and I recommend this place 100% plus the clothes were super cute, fashionable, and they had good sales. If you shop on your birthday they give you a discount.
Glimpse of Heaven- Another LOCAL spot that is amazing. Their coffee, frappe, and berry infused water was delicious and the décor inside/outside was beautiful. Definitely a must stop by before or after the Hooiberg trail, it is close by and so is Bright Bakery.
Bright Bakery- AMAZING!!!! This cute local shop had the best breads and pastries and local sweets. I wish we discovered it earlier in the trip because I would have went everyday and it was super CHEAP. I took some bread home with me on the plane. They do have someone that speaks English but mostly everyone including the customers are speaking Dutch or Papiamento.
Zeerover- MUST EAT AT! The guy at the car rental place and our host from Airbnb recommended this place. It is near baby beach so kill two birds with one stone as it is far from the resorts. It is cash only. They have the best plantains ever and fresh fish daily. No one wanted fish so we got takeout food somewhere else but we did get the plantains but wish we stayed or went back another day because everything looked so good.
Rum Reef- Best bar and restaurant at baby beach.
Ricardos Restaurant & Bar- The food was good and it is at a hotel and your on the beach but probably wouldn't recommend going. There are just better places on the Island to eat.
The Dutch Pancake House--- I would overall definitely recommend but on some conditions on what to know before you go. We had 2 experiences. 1st experience- my husband and I went and got take out in the early afternoon after our flight landed because we were STARVING and the food was fantastic, there was no line, and the server was super helpful. Then when our family arrived we raved about this place and took them to breakfast, however, it was prime time breakfast time so there was a wait which is normal and it is island time so the waiters aren't as quick to give you your check. Finally we sat down and then 2 more families behind us in line were sitting and had their drinks and orders being placed yet my family hadn't even gotten our drink ordered. We went to find someone and they came to get our drink order but never got our drinks. Some time passed and we finally got our drinks from another server but no one took our food order still. We got up again to ask for our server and he came by to take our order. By the time we got our food the two families after us got their food, eaten and were paying the check. Soooooo... two different experiences yes but the food is good just RECOMMEND don't go prime time.
MooMba Beach Bar and Resort- On Palm Beach next to the Marriott's Aruba Surf Club. Great drinks and food.
Dushi Bagels & Burgers- We got their coffee, ginger booster shot and smoothies which were really good. Didn't try the food but I'm sure it is good and we would go back again to try other things.
Activities to do including tours:
Vela Windsurf and Kitesurf: This is a company you definitely want to go with. Their instructors are fantastic and patient. They are great teachers and make sure you are safe but having a blast. After our lesson he let us go out and enjoy and even though we had a time limit he never came back to tell us to leave. We stayed a little longer then our time and would have stayed longer but had to leave because we were meeting the family for lunch.
Hooiberg Hiking Trail- It is a non active volcano. It is all steps about 900 to climb up. It has spots for you to stop and railings in a few areas. The view is amazing and on a clear day you can see Venezuela.
Parasailing- We went to Julio Watersports Eagle Beach but they have other companies at Palm beach as well. They accept cash and card here.
ABC Tours for UTV- We did this tour and got a 5 seater which was $446.00 but if you want a 2 seater it is only $197.00. You have the option to get picked up at a hotel they have listed or you can just drive to their location. It is your preference. It included black stone beach, Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Ruins, and cliff jumping and other hidden treasures on their itinerary. You could rent a UTV for a few hours and do your own tour and it is cheaper. You just need to know where to go. For convenience the tour was easier. Or you can book through this link: Get your Guide for a cheaper price
Snorkeling- Best spot is Tres Trapi and Baby Beach. Eagle and Palm beach were too foggy and crowded to see much. Make sure you have a Go Pro and waterproof stick- this one floats and has a tripod which is nice Waterproof Stick and Tripod or underwater case for your camera- here is a universal one Universal Waterproof Phone Case
Or you can book a tour for Snorkeling & an open bar here: Get your Guide
See Flamingos on De Palm Island- At De Palm Island you can see Flamingos! De Palm Island Price (with Bus Transportation) for ages 10-adult is $119.00, children ages 3-9 are $109.00 and ages 0-2 are free. De Palm Island Price (walk-in) for ages 10-adult are $114.00, ages 3-9 are $104.00 and ages 0-2 are free. This price includes:
1. Food and Beverages (including alcohol)
2. Snorkel Gear 3. Free snorkeling tour
4. Unlimited banana boat rides
5. New kids water park
6. Exciting body drop slides
7. See elegant flamingos (upgrade your experience to mingle with the flamingos:
Premium Seating or Beach Cabana)
Or you can book a tour through this link: Get your Guide
Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition- You get 60 minutes in the submarine and it brings you 130ft down in the ocean and has air condition. You can buy your tickets here: Get your Guide
The Happy Hour Sunset Cruise: Book this if you want a romantic couples night for you and your significant other click here: Get your guide
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