Best ways to experience Aruba with families.
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm obsessed with Aruba. It's always nice weather, beautiful, outside the hurricane belt, the US dollar is the main currency, and English is the top language. It's truly a home away from home.
I've sent this list to friends and colleagues for our must-do activities, so I wanted to share it here too. These are the recommendations we do every time. And if you just want me to come be your tour guide? I'm down for that too.
Activities
- Jolly Pirates. We've done this nine times. It's right out front of the Marriott. Snorkel, swim, swing, and stay for lunch — jolly-pirates.com.
- ABC Tours — Natural Pool Explorer. UTV tour through the other side of the island. They'll pick you up — abc-aruba.com.
- Octopus catamaran sunset cruise. Walking distance from the Marriott — octopusaruba.com.
Rent a car for a day
Drive to the other side of the island and hit these three spots in a single day:
- Mangel Halto Beach — a hidden spot almost nobody knows about. aruba.com.
- Baby Beach — gets a little busy, but worth it. visitaruba.com.
- ZeeRovers — where the locals go for seafood. Fresh off the boat, pay per pound. Facebook.
Restaurants
- Dinner Under the Stars at Renaissance Island — Wednesdays only, and you'll have to book ASAP. Boat ride to an exotic island, eat on the beach with flamingos. This location is downtown, so you can go into town earlier and hit the casinos and shops. visitaruba.com.
- Fred. Probably the best meal I've ever had. Awesome experience but sells out fast — book right away. fredaruba.com.
- Eduardo's Beach Shack — our daughter's favorite breakfast spot. eduardosbeachshack.com.
There are a ton of hotel casinos, bars, and restaurants all within walking distance. This is why you don't want an all-inclusive in Aruba — you'd miss all of it. Here's a good overview of Palm Beach: restaurantsaruba.com.
P.S. Cell service there is decent — 3G, so not super fast, but you can still check things. Most places have wifi. We have T-Mobile and it was all free.
If you want the full breakdown with a day-by-day itinerary, read the ultimate guide.
