What to do in Aruba

Never been to Aruba, and was wondering what to do without going on a sponsored tour...We are from south florida, so the beach is not a top priority,unless they are spectacular...any suggestions?

Patrick....the hubby and I just went on a cruise down to Aruba and another couple had set up a taxi ride in Aruba through Bullys taxi. He was wonderful and laid back. He usually charges $45 per hour so if you can find another couple to go with that would be great. We went for 3hrs and since we were not into the shopping aspect we went to a park with some caves which was very interesting. The max amount of people the taxi will take is 5....and it does have an excellent air conditioner in case you are wondering. We also went to some other parks and landmarks along the way. It's a great way to get around the island and not have to be herded around like cattle. He is also a very good tour guide. He is a native of the island so just ask him anything. :) I'm sure if you look up on many of the threads or web sites you will find him. If you see him..tell him Beth and Gary from Seattle said HI!

I was there in October and had been there before so I wasn't interested in doing much. Four of us walked off the ship and through the terminal. Taxis and vans line up at the exit. We grabbed the first van. The standard rate is $45/hour whether you set it up beforehand or just walk off the ship like we did.

Our driver took us through the city and over to the other side of Aruba. We stopped at the Casibari rock formation, the Natural Bridge, the Natural Pool, California Lighthouse and then back along the hotel beach area. We arranged for our driver to stop us off at a beachside restaurant and pick us up two hours later. We had a leisurely lunch, checked out the beach and had a great time. The van could hold eight so we were comfortable and everyone was able to take pictures and see everything. We paid for a total of two hours plus tip. Really, really nice day and IMHO, a nice way to see Aruba without being on a bus or crowded catamaran.

On a previous stop there, I'd taken the ship's catamaran snorkel tour. Awful. Crowded. Lousy snorkeling. Not worth the money. They had about 15-20 passengers more than seats. We had to stand for about half an hour with our stuff before they opened the nets at the front of the boat. People went there but left their stuff on or under the seats so while we could finally sit down, there was no room to put our stuff without moving someone else's. when we got to the snorkeling area, there were four packed boats. You couldn't swim anywhere without bumping into someone or being hit. There were so many people you couldn't see or do much.

Thanks for the helpful information! We are going to Aruba in April. I read on tripadvisor that someone took a city bus for $2.30 rode 15 minutes to Eagle Beach. They said it was a wonderful beach. They said it had tiki huts and palm trees for shade. They rented a lounge chair for $10. This sounded nice. Has anyone else been to Eagle Beach?

We always rent a car in Aruba. There is lots to see and by having our own car we do as we please. We have visited the caves, the Church, Eagle Beach, other beaches, hotels, etc. Its worth it to us, just to do as we please.

Another vote for Bully. He is wonderful and we had a great day with him last year.

There is also a city bus that runs from the port up to the lighthouse. Passing grocery

stores and hotels.

The grocery stores have a good wine selection and of course lots of items from

the Netherlands.

Greg

We were just there last week and we did the Princess excursion ( Banana Bus tour and Beach). It was pretty good, our driver took us on a bit of a tour of the island and up to the lighthouse and then we had 2 hours on the beach. I know you were not too interested in the beach, but it was a great way to spend our 5 hrs on the island. Our driver gave us a lot of information about the island along the tour.

Based on reviews we read, we decided we wanted to tour Aruba with Sonny Binns. So we emailed him and he was very prompt with his response, giving us all the information we needed. When our cruise ship arrived at the port, he was very easy to find in the terminal. His mini bus (which he specially ordered from Japan!) was very comfortable. We were told that the tour would last three hours, but it ended up being closer to four hours - a great bargain for the cost of $30 per person! There were 18 people on our tour. At the conclusion, some wanted to go to a beach, some wanted to go shopping, and the rest wanted to return to the cruise ship; Sonny accommodated everyone. As others have said, the tour was extensive and Sonny is both informative and witty. We would highly recommend him.

Is there anything within walking distance of the ship. Shopping, sights, etc? (We're also from a beach town, so sitting on a beach is not a highlight for us.) Our ship leaves at 12:30, so not much time here.

Thank you all for so much input! Lots of choices....Leaning towards Sonny Binns....must you book ahead? what is his email?

We are currently booked on Princess's catamaran snorkeling excursion, but based on Pam's review, I am having second thoughts. We want to snorkel and explore the sunken ship--has anyone used a private catamaran snorkeling service to recommend?

Yes....when you get off the ship, right across the street begins a big area of shops, restaurants, casinos, etc....you can find plenty to do within walking distance!

Yes....when you get off the ship, right across the street begins a big area of shops, restaurants, casinos, etc....you can find plenty to do within walking distance!

Thanks for the info! None of the ship's excursions really jump out at us, so we just plan to walk around and check out the area.

We'll be in Aruba in March - just for an afternoon. Is there a place to rent mopeds or something similar to tour the island on our own?

We dock Sunday 27th January. Are the shops open on a Sunday?

Thanks

We dock Sunday 27th January. Are the shops open on a Sunday?

Thanks

No, for the most part stores are closed.

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

We were just there last week and we did the Princess excursion ( Banana Bus tour and Beach). It was pretty good, our driver took us on a bit of a tour of the island and up to the lighthouse and then we had 2 hours on the beach. I know you were not too interested in the beach, but it was a great way to spend our 5 hrs on the island. Our driver gave us a lot of information about the island along the tour.

What beach? Did you get chairs and find shade?

Patrick....the hubby and I just went on a cruise down to Aruba and another couple had set up a taxi ride in Aruba through Bullys taxi. He was wonderful and laid back. He usually charges $45 per hour so if you can find another couple to go with that would be great. We went for 3hrs and since we were not into the shopping aspect we went to a park with some caves which was very interesting. The max amount of people the taxi will take is 5....and it does have an excellent air conditioner in case you are wondering. We also went to some other parks and landmarks along the way. It's a great way to get around the island and not have to be herded around like cattle. He is also a very good tour guide. He is a native of the island so just ask him anything. :) I'm sure if you look up on many of the threads or web sites you will find him. If you see him..tell him Beth and Gary from Seattle said HI!

We used Bully a week or so ago. In three hours or so he covers the standard sites at a very unhurried pace and with a continuous conversation/narrative. He will tailor the tour completely to your requirements - we actually did 4 hours. He met us at the Terminal with a sign with our name, and dropped us off in town within easy walking distance of the ship. He's limited to 5 passengers + infant (he has a car seat). bullytaxi79@hotmail.com. ken

We have a 6 year old who loves animals.... Do u recommend the donkeys or ostriches?

We have a 6 year old who loves animals.... Do u recommend the donkeys or ostriches?

i cant comment on the ostriches, but we had bully take us to the donkey sanctuary. there were tons of donkeys! they were all friendly. bully had also stopped & bought us carrots so we spent at least 20 minutes feeding them. there was a smaller area with two mother donkeys and their babies. we were able to pet them as well.

We have a 6 year old who loves animals.... Do u recommend the donkeys or ostriches?

The Ostrich Farm is a commercial operation.

I am partial to the Donkey Sanctuary. The sanctuary is non-profit and completely run by volunteers. You can read their history at http://www.arubandonkey.org/

We usually stop by the supermarket and pick up carrots and apples. Carry the bag above your head as you enter and walk up to the covered porch. At the porch, one of the volunteers will be able to supply you with a knife and cutting board.

Thanks for the info!

We are from south florida, so the beach is not a top priority,unless they are spectacular?

I just went back and re-read your question. I have been to South Florida about 6 times in the past 3 months and the beaches in Florida are very nice.

The beaches in Aruba are comparing apples to oranges. If a picture speaks a thousand words...click on thumbnails to enlarge...