by You’ll enjoy walking in the sands of time in Aruba with its world-class beaches and always-perfect weather making this a top destination for tourist. Aruba is constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located in the mid-south of the Caribbean Sea. Combined with the warm and inviting culture makes it all the more irresistible. One thing you may find hard to believe is that Aruba is one of the safest vacation spots in the Caribbean which is definitely top priority. There are four languages spoken here on the island, Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish. You won’t have any trouble getting around! 🙂
Bon Bini! (Welcome!)
Nothing beats walking in the sands of time and creating memories. The people of Aruba truly make it all that it is. The warm culture meets the warmth of the bluest sea that surrounds you. Falling in love with the island was simple and has filled my heart with so much joy ever since.
Sitting about 29 kilometres north of the Venezuela peninsula of Paraguaná and 80 kilometres northwest of Curaçao is Aruba the happy island.
1. Best time to Walk the Sands of Time in Aruba
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ARUBA
Although Aruba has amazing weather all year round, the best time to visit is between April and August the island’s high prices take a holiday and rainfall is at its lowest. January to March features very pleasant weather. Keep in mind anytime of the year is a perfect time to visit the island. Most of the rain falls from late October through early January.
Where to stay
Fly into Oranjestad, Aruba (Queen Beatrix International airport) which is the capital city of Aruba. There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from and most are even located on private beachfronts! Below I’ve listed a few favorites.
- Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino –
- 4.5-star luxury resort
- Located on the beach.
- About 17-minute drive to AUA airport
- 4-minute walk to Palm Beach
- Barceló Aruba –
- All-inclusive property (meaning all meals/beverages are included in the price)
- Beachfront property
- Bubali Bird Sanctuary – 10-minute walk
- Paseo Herencia Shopping Mall and Palm Beach Plaza
- About 17-minute drive to AUA airport
- Renaissance Aruba Resort – My personal favorite!
- All-inclusive option available
- Sea view property
- Access to the private island with flamingos
- Within walking distance to restaurants, gift shops and more!
SUNSET VIEW FROM MY BALCONY❤
HOW TO GET TO ARUBA
Like many islands, many travel by air if so, you’ll land at Queen Beatrix International Airport located in Oranjestad, Aruba. However, if you’re looking for a short stay then a cruise may be more your speed.
Things to Do in Aruba
Despite Aruba being a small island, there are plenty of activities to do here and must-see sightseeing tours too. Let’s get into it! 😉 Below are some amazing activities and tours you wouldn’t want to miss!
- Some of my personal favorites:
- Fort Zoutman Historical Museum – a military fortification at Oranjestad, Aruba that was originally built in 1798 by African slaves. You can learn a lot about the history here on the island and definitely worth it!
- Bushiribana Ruins– Historic Gold Mines a 19th century gold mill
- Aruba Aloe Factory Museum – Aruba was once the largest exporter of aloe vera.
- Balashi Brewery & Beer Garden – Balashi is Aruba’s local island brew.
- Aruba Mural Tours – Take a grand tour through San Nicolaas to see amazing murals throughout the city.
- Renaissance Private Island – Nothing beats the flamingos! Here are a few things I wish I knew the day pass is $125 per person and this price includes one meal and one drink. If you book your stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, you will have access to this private island at no additional cost! Be sure to carry quarters with you to buy food for the flamingos. A quarter will get you a large handful! This way you’ll attract them for photos and videos!
- Snorkeling – You can never go wrong with this great experience in turquoise blue water 🙂
1. VISIT THE NATURAL BRIDGE
Located in the Arikok National Park is this natural formation made out of coral limestone and remnant of an ancient cave. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 2005 and this is what remains. The natural arch measures approximately 25 feet high and 100 feet long, So you guessed right! I definitely did not walk on it. however, I still very much enjoyed my tour here! 🙂 This tour is about $56USD pp and with so many stops around the island, it’ll definitely be worth it!
The Natural Bridge is one of Aruba’s tourist sights, bringing in hundreds of visitors every single year!
2. Bushiribana Ruins
The Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins was once a gold production facility built in 1872 by the Aruba island Gold Mining Company. It was founded to mine the gold that was discovered in the Seroe Plat region of Aruba.
This is a remnant of the 19th century that now has been quite the tourist sightseeing spot. This former gold mill is a historic fragment of the island of Aruba when there was a gold rush. This gold smelting era is reflected in Aruba’s historical name which when roughly translated means: “There was Gold“.
There isn’t much to do here other than admire what’s left of this historical site, take photos and learn about it’s history. It’s fascinating how the windswept stone ruins stand in the middle of the untouched land even after all this time. You’ll get a chance to see so much more on this trip around Oranjestad, for a total of $47! You won’t regret it!!
3. THE ALOE FACTORY MUSEUM
The Royal Aruba Aloe is a company in Aruba that cultivates and produces aloe-derived products. This was one of my favorite tours here because I gained so much knowledge of the history of aloe vera on this island. This company was founded by Cornelis Eman in 1890.
This Aloe is considered one of the finest in the world. Aruba was one of the world’s largest exporters of aloe vera for quite some time. With Aruba’s hot, arid climate, the aloe vera plant thrived, and continues to this very day! In fact, it thrived so well here that two-thirds of the island was covered in aloe vera fields.
Today, the Aloe Factory Museum and store are flourishing as it still grows and processes the aloe plant. With that being said, here you will gain insight on the history of aloe vera and how it became a prominent part of the island and its riches, the production and processing of the plant and even get a chance to purchase some natural goods made from the product here onsite! 🙂
4. THE RENAISSANCE PRIVATE ISLAND
This island of 40-acre tropical paradise, is home to Aruba’s one and only private beach, which just so happens to be covered with gorgeous pink flamingos! 🙂
This exclusive retreat is available to guests of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba from sunrise to sunset free of charge. I took a 10 minute scenic boat ride that picked me up directly from my resort at the Renaissance. Such a convenient means of transportation that departs every 15 minutes. And when you’re ready to come back to the resort, you just make your way to the dock and wait for the next boat to arrive.
If you’re not staying at the Renaissance, don’t worry, you can purchase a day pass for $125USD. This price typically gives one-time access to the private island and includes a lunch as well. Not that bad if you ask me! Anyway, I was fortunate to have been staying at this resort and this private island was a huge factor as to why I did.
The flamingos are so beautiful and definitely worth seeing. Be sure to bring plenty of quarters to purchase foods from a dispenser, this allows you to take great shot with the flamingos as it will attract them. Once you have the food in the palms of your hands, a flamingo or two will slowly make their way to you.
Although they’re cute and gentle-looking, they tend to snap at you as well. However, they don’t have teeth and their beaks don’t hurt, but it can be startling!
WHAT DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL AROUND ARUBA
Firstly, round trip flights can cost between $250-$400 depending on the time of year. I love to shop around for the best deals. Lastly, hotel/resorts cost were about $1,200USD. I stayed at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Undoubtedly, the best decision. The cost of $1,200 included 5 nights/6 days stay with a gorgeous sea front view and free access and boat ride to the Renaissance Private Island! Additionally, I booked an hour and a half full body massage in a private cabana at the Renaissance Private Island. Experience the pinnacle of pampering at Okeanos Spa where they offer facials, full-body wraps, massages and so much more. In conclusion, this is the place for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.
Aruba, it truly is the happy island! ❤