fourships Posted September 18, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 18, 2013 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted September 18, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 18, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
we3peas Posted September 29, 2013 #3 Share Posted September 29, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted September 29, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 29, 2013 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. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzyluvs2cruise Posted September 29, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 29, 2013 Lisa...thanks for all the suggestions for things to do in Aruba. Is it easy to pick up a tour at the port? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted September 29, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 29, 2013 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzyluvs2cruise Posted September 29, 2013 #7 Share Posted September 29, 2013 You are welcome!Can I purchase a tour at the dock? Thanks...:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
we3peas Posted September 30, 2013 #8 Share Posted September 30, 2013 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted September 30, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 30, 2013 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted September 30, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 30, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
we3peas Posted October 1, 2013 #11 Share Posted October 1, 2013 Thanks Lisa! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
we3peas Posted October 7, 2013 #12 Share Posted October 7, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted October 8, 2013 #13 Share Posted October 8, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
we3peas Posted October 8, 2013 #14 Share Posted October 8, 2013 thanks Lisa I guess we will save our shopping for another location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseapril Posted October 9, 2013 #15 Share Posted October 9, 2013 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delawarealan Posted October 16, 2013 #16 Share Posted October 16, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arubalisa Posted October 16, 2013 #17 Share Posted October 16, 2013 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElkridgeTerp Posted November 8, 2013 #18 Share Posted November 8, 2013 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!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now