Favorite Aruba excursions

[GregT]

Good morning TUGgers,

Jonell, Jack and I just returned from a wonderful week in Aruba -- really liked Aruba Ocean Club (again), the beach, the restaurants, the scuba diving and the long walk to the lighthouse. It was windy, which we loved because it moderated the warmth beautifully. It was a great trip.

I am trying to think what TUGgers like to do off-property at Aruba? Jonell and I are hikers too, and there was limited hiking options (that we are aware of). One afternoon we did a jeep trip up to Arikok National Park and saw many of the sites that are along the north coast, but while we enjoyed it, we don't expect to repeat it. Jack and I scuba dive so that's great for us, but I'm trying to find other off-site favorite things to do. In Hawaii, this would be hiking and/or other beaches. In St. Thomas, this would be a boat charter through the BVI and/or other beaches. Clearly there are other beaches in Aruba, but what other activities would you recommend for our next trip? I think (hope?) we will get into an EOY cadence going to the Caribbean and split between St. Thomas and Aruba.

Please advise and thanks!

Best,

Greg

 

[rboesl]

We have been going to Aruba for years and have always enjoyed ourselves. De Palm Tours is a major excursion vendor on the island and we enjoyed every tour we took with them. Anything from going to De Palm Island to a Sunset Dinner Cruise to ATV Tours to a "Hidden" natural pool. A full day can be spent in downtown Oranjestad between the shopping, port area, submarine trip, and excellent restaurants. For you a catamaran cruise with multiple stops for snorkeling might be fun. You can also check out the very popular Baby Beach at the other end of the island. And, you can also cap off a day with a party bus tour that hops from local bar to local bar for a fun evening.

 

[fdough1]

Depalm UTV tour (different thanATV) was a fun muddy mess. Saw the other side of the island which was great.


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[elked12]

The Donkey Sanctuary was pretty cool. And the drive to Baby Beach was interesting too.

 

[Wally3433]

Consider getting a spa treatment on Renaissance Island. This gives you a day pass to the private island - go early, have breakfast, enjoy the beaches, snorkel, have lunch, spa, etc.

One Fool and a Boat is a great way to see the island from the water. You can customize your boat trip, or just let the Fool take care of you.

Consider the Surf Club for a change of pace, with the Lazy River - an excursion right at home.

 

[hangloose]

Our last trip to Aruba, we enjoyed the following:

• 4x4 Jeep tour (visit North of island, gold mine ruins, etc)
• Horseback riding on the beach and into Arikok Park desert
• Kite-surfing on Palm Beach
• Baby beach visit
• Aruba Aloe Factory tour
• California Lighthouse visit & sunset dinner
• Natural bridge (no longer)
• Natural pool visit (warm hot water)
• Oranjestad food & shopping

 

[Hobee]

If you chose to snorkel vs. scuba then the Black Pearl boat and snorkeling excursion. The dock is a very short walk from Marriott. Hike Hooiberg Hill which is a volcanic haystack though avoid this in the heat of the day.

 

[Marathoner]

Aruba has consistent, very strong wind. As a result, windsurfing lessons are a hit with my kids. Kitesurfing is also popular but it seems slightly extreme for my taste.