Aruba is that little island in the southern Caribbean where the phrase “One Happy Island” comes to life. The island fulfills all your island bucket list adventures. You can opt for world-renown kite surfing, scuba/snorkeling or a more relaxed day on the pristine white-sand beaches. The guarantee on this Caribbean island is lots of fun and lots of friendly faces!
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Facts about Aruba
- Discovered in 1499 by Spanish explorer, Alonso de Ojeda. He named the island “la isla de los gigantes” or “Island of the Giants” after the tall inhabitants.
- In 1986, Aruba became a separate self-governing part of the Netherlands.
- The current Aruba flag was adopted in 1978.
- The national holiday is on March 18th.
- Biba Dushi is seen throughout One Happy Island and translates to “living a sweet life.”
- Aruba has the most sunny days of any island in the Caribbean.
- Gold was discovered in 1824 and more than 3 million pounds of gold was produced in the mills. (You can visit the Bushiribana Gold Mills.)
We hit the island with tired eyes after an overnight flight from Las Vegas. A glimpse of the familiar and unmistakable Caribbean blue framed by tropical flowers gave us immediate first-day exploration energy.
We met our friends in the lobby of the Riu Palace and hit the ground running because it was Taco Tuesday at a nearby bar! The nightlife of Aruba was quick to get rolling and our first Aruba sunset was proof of Biba Dushi! (Even though our friends said they hoped for a better one.)
The next morning began with breakfast on the pier and traditional Aruba Pastechi (stuffed pastry). We needed the fuel for an off-road tour we planned to see the sites! Our guide arrived and we instantly knew it would be an adventure to remember!
We jumped in the UTV and began to see the island’s wilder side. UTVs on the roads? Not a problem in Aruba! (Or at least a problem that seems to be ignored.) We headed to the northern end of the island to the California Lighthouse. Be sure to watch the ocean to see kite surfers and the Antilla shipwreck off the coast, but look right every now and then to dream shop a coastal home too.
After the lighthouse, our guide said, “It’s about to get dusty. You might want to pull up your buffs.” He was right!
Our first stop was the gold mine. After the discovery of gold in 1842, the mine was built on the beautiful rugged coastline. With the gold mining operations long closed, the area is now a bit of an amusement park gathering of food trucks and UTV breaks. The old mine building ruins are open to roam at your own risk, but provide little insight into their glory years. More than three million pounds of gold were produced in Aruba.
Our next stop seemed to be a cliff over the shoreline. A ladder peeked over the edge. As we approached we saw that it was a ladder into a small opening. Descending the ladder leads to a small ocean pool for the daring.
As we drove through the desert we approached a road. There we had a UTV caravan on along the winding road. I am still wondering if this was legal, but we had a guide so… The next stop was the Alto Vista Chapel. Built in 1952 on the site of the first Catholic church in Aruba. (The original church was built in 1750 by Spanish missionary, Domingo Antonio Silvestre.) Once again you are greeted by several vendors and food trucks in the parking lot.
Situated behind the chapel you will find the peace labyrinth. Built based on the Chartres Labyrinth. Walking the labyrinth is said to enhance prayer, meditation, and personal growth.
Arriving back at the resort exhilarated from a great adventure, we didn’t realize how dirty we were until we noticed a few sideway looks.
Jumping into the ocean to cool off and rinse off, we watched a large school of fish checking out the swimmers. Heading down the beach to grab lunch we stopped at the pier bar for a local Aruba beer, Balashi. The beer was great, but the tiny can left an opening to have a couple.
Eduardo’s Beach Shake is a favorite while visiting One Happy Island. The selection of smoothie bowls and protein balls are amazing, but be prepared for a line! We grabbed food here several times and always joined a crowd while we waited.
Fueled up on the Mermaid Bowl, we decided to explore a bit. On the way into the resort, we noticed a Butterfly Farm across the street. We wandered through the sunbathing iguanas to the farm. We received warnings to watch where we step and ensure we have no hitchhikers before exiting. Then we passed through two screen doors to a tropical butterfly paradise. I don’t know what I expected from a butterfly farm, but I didn’t want to leave. We visited every single afternoon! The peaceful atmosphere was the perfect complement to the beachside adventures we had.
The pier near our resort, Riu Palace, had a convenient bar/restaurant and a sunset cruise tour. The tour is a relaxing way to wind down the day! Cocktails and tapas are served while floating and enjoying the Aruba sunset!
(((Insert sunset cruise photo to mark end of day))) Although Aruba would be a great place to lay on the beach for days, that isn’t us. So we hit the Jeep rental and took off for Arikok National Park. (While hoping we didn’t see the rumored invasive boa constrictors. Spoiler: we did not.) The park comprises 20% of the island (7,907 acres) and is beautiful! It houses some of the most popular Aruba activities. The Natural Pool, natural fish pedicures and caves are all found in the park.
We stopped by the Visitor’s Center for directions to the Natural Pool and the park warnings. We drove a few miles across the rugged terrain. Abandoned off-road vehicles dotted the way as we passed through desert-like hills. Arriving at the breathtaking coastline, we began descending the rock “staircase” to the coastline and Natural Pool. The waves crashing the rocks surrounding the Natural Pool were intense. But people in the Natural Pool relaxed in their pool of calmness.
Elated that we did not see boas along the path, we left the park and headed to clean up for a night out downtown. Wandering through downtown, we found more vendors and fun shops. Our reservation at the steakhouse was waiting though. After enjoying a great meal, we noticed a sticker on the Jeep. Square in front of the passenger seat…
Oops! In our defense, the Jeep rental guy told us to go and we (unlike many others) did not get stuck.
What better way to wake up than with a quick trip to the beach near the California Lighthouse to watch the sunrise before returning the Jeep?
We actually walked the beach for every sunrise while in Aruba. it led to one of my favorite travel moments ever (see below).
Like any responsible 40-something couple, we had been on a strict diet before our Caribbean vacation. However, in Aruba the wheels feel off that diet and turned to cheese.
But it was well worth it for our final meal of the trip!
Getting to Aruba
Many people choose to take a cruise into the island. But there are direct flights out of major US cities to One Happy Island too.
Tips for your trip to Aruba
- Eagle Beach is the “resort corridor” and home to everything you may need during your stay.
- While the resorts are all-inclusive. Make sure you walk across the street to visit nearby restaurants.
- Visit the “wild side” of the island too. There are many tours to choose from or grab a Jeep and go. The experience is completely different than you will find on the white sand beaches.
What will we do when we return to Aruba?
- Submarine tour
- More of Arikok National Park
- Balashi Brewery Tour
- Re-visit Baby Beach (apparently we hit an “off” day before)
- Fort Zoutman Festival (every Tuesday)
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