Aruba, non beach things to do

We will be in Aruba, mid March 2016. We do not do beaches or snorkeling so what are our other options. We are both seniors but mobility is no issue and we don't mind walking a bit.

Any suggestions as to how to spend a day there?

Cheers

Len

The semi-submarines are better than you might expect. :)

Rent a car and drive around the island. Interesting rock formations, natural bridge, lighthouse, old churches, cool architecture. The island is small so you can't get lost.

I suggest contacting tour guide, Bully, for an amazing island tour. I stay in Aruba every year, and have toured with Bully several times. He is the absolute best! His email is bullytaxi79@hotmail.com. His reply may go to your spam mail, under the name, Amador Lacle. His nickname is Bully. He will take you places that the bus tours can't get to, and is very knowledgeable about his native island. You won't be disappointed. Here is a link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2213964&highlight=bully

There's a Butterfly Farm in Aruba that may be of interest to you.

LuLu

We take a long walk from the terminal area and then on our return stop at the shopping area which is relatively close to the cruise ship pier.

Keith

www.visitaruba.com/tours-and-attractions/

Try this link...lots and lots of info on the official website!!

Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I've had a couple of cases of melanoma so that's why we try and stay out of the sun as much as possible (that's why no beaches). Touring the island sounds like a lot of fun as I am an avid photographer.

Cheers

Len

Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I've had a couple of cases of melanoma so that's why we try and stay out of the sun as much as possible (that's why no beaches). Touring the island sounds like a lot of fun as I am an avid photographer.

 

Cheers

 

Len

If you are an avid photographer, then I STRONGLY recommend booking a tour with Bully. He will be sure to take to the best photo spots, and even show you the best areas to maximize the potential for each photo. He books up quickly. Some people book him a year in advance, so if you are interested, go ahead and contact him asap.

I wholeheartedly agree with Hatteras, and do heed her warning to book ASAP. ;)

Here is some additional info

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

Once again, thank you all for the great info.

I will definitely look into Bully's tours. Sounds like something that would be perfect for us.

Cheers

Len

I love shopping in Aruba. DH and I were there many times including a land resort stay some years ago and if you are a shopper, there's some nice merchandise in Aruba. :) We enjoy finding a good restaurant for a nice lunch.

I love shopping in Aruba. DH and I were there many times including a land resort stay some years ago and if you are a shopper, there's some nice merchandise in Aruba. :) We enjoy finding a good restaurant for a nice lunch.

Ah, now you said the magic word, 'shopping'. My DW has already read it and is very excited. :D:D:D:D:D

Cheers

Len

Is there a place in Aruba to buy purses likening Belize or Nassaua?

Is there a place in Aruba to buy purses likening Belize or Nassaua?

Do you mean cheap knockoffs? I never saw any, but I won't buy them either. There is a lot of high end shopping there, not really like Nassau or Belize at all.

We enjoyed touring around Aruba (by bus). Got to see much of the island in 3 hours.

Try Sonny Binns tours. We did that on our last trip to Aruba and really enjoyed the tour.