Biba Dushi and Sunshine: An Unforgettable Time in Aruba

There is something special about stepping off a plane and finding an idyllic place of tropical breezes, clear turquoise waters and warm island hospitality, especially when you are escaping the cold Canadian winter.

When we started planning this trip, we knew we did not want a typical resort vacation. We wanted the freedom to explore the destination at our own pace, discover different beaches and hidden gems, and try as much local food as possible. That was the perfect script for Aruba, the “One Happy Island”, and this turned out to be one of our favourite destinations yet.

Located in the southern Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a tiny nation (population just over 108,000) that forms the “ABC” Dutch islands alongside Bonaire and Curaçao. The Dutch influence on the island is everywhere you look, from the colourful architecture in the capital to the local language, bakery treats and other typical food options.

If you are thinking about visiting and exploring on your own terms, here is how we planned our trip and everything we learned along the way.

The DIY Way: How We Planned Our Trip

While Aruba has plenty of all-inclusive resorts and hotels, making our own package gave us total flexibility to see the whole island without spending a fortune.

• Accommodation: We booked a studio in the Seroe Blanco neighbourhood of Oranjestad (Aruba’s capital) through Airbnb. It had a private bathroom and a small kitchenette, which was perfect for making quick breakfasts and keeping cold drinks and snacks on hand before heading out each morning.

• Getting Around: We rented a car for our entire stay. The island is small, easy to navigate, and having our own wheels made all the difference, allowing us to hop between beaches and get around to shops, restaurants and attractions whenever we wanted.

• Money Matters: The local currency is the Aruban Florin (Afl/Awg), but US Dollars are accepted everywhere. Prices are almost always listed in both. Stick to smaller US bills ($1, $5, $10, and $20) because many local shops reject $50 and $100 bills due to counterfeit concerns. Credit cards are also widely accepted.

NOTE: The island has public transit (Arubus), but we didn’t use it and can’t say how well it works.

Beach Hopping: 10 Spots You Can’t Miss

By law, all beaches in Aruba are public and free to access. The ocean colours there are so breathtaking that even peek-a-boo views while driving will make you want to pull over to take pictures!

• Arashi Beach – The furthest beach on the West side. Beautiful spot near the California Lighthouse, and many tour groups stop there throughout the day. It can get windy, but there is a parking lot*, a snack bar, washrooms, and straw palapas* for shade.
• Catalina Cove and Boca Catalina Beach – The beach is a small stretch of sand adjacent to a nice shallow cove surrounded by rocks. The water is incredible, a beautiful spot for snorkelling with plenty of sea life. There were a few palapas, but no other amenities. No parking lot, but we found space for parking on the shoulder, off the main road. Many catamaran snorkelling tours stop at the cove. 
• Malmok Beach – Shallow and rocky, another good location for snorkelling. Plenty of parking* and a few palapas. No amenities. Great for watching kitesurfers.
  For those who are into diving and snorkelling, the SS Antilla shipwreck is nearby, in Malmok Bay, and is accessible by boat tours leaving from Palm Beach or Moomba Beach (swimming straight from the shore is not advised due to strong currents and sometimes choppy water)
• Palm Beach – This is where the large (high-rise) hotels are located, plus there are many restaurants/bars/amenities in the area. The hotels are beachfront, and the city road runs behind them. Wide stretch of powdery sand. Beach rentals (chairs/umbrellas) and activities/tour operators right on the beach. There’s a pier with a bar/restaurant (Bugaloe) and other shops. Even though the beach is beautiful and offers great sunset views, it can get quite windy and is usually very busy/more crowded. Parking is available on the road behind the hotels (J.E. Irausquin Blvd) or paid parking near the restaurants. Access to the beach is through one of the public walkways (there’s one between the Riu Palace and the Hilton Aruba that connects directly to the pier). Also accessible by Arubus, with several stops along the beach.
• Eagle Beach – Where the smaller (low-rise) hotels and many condominiums are located. A good number of parking spaces (free*) by the beach, plus trees and straw umbrellas for shade. Rentals were available too. In this area, the road (J.E. Irausquin Blvd) runs along the beach, and the hotels, condominiums and amenities are located across the street. Accessible by Arubus, with several stops along the beach.
• Divi Beach – Stretch in front of the Divi Aruba Resort. A few (free*) parking spots. Straw umbrellas were also free*. Beach loungers could be rented. On the day we went there, we had some higher waves and we noticed the water gets deep really quickly, so it was a bit dangerous to swim. Accessible by Arubus.
• Surfside Beach – Nice and calm beach near the Plaza Turismo and one of the “Aruba” signs. Large (free*) parking lot, bars/restaurants right on the sand (and one – Pinchos Bar – on the pier to the right). There was a floating water park on the left side of the beach, and visitors could see planes taking off and landing at the airport, just next to the beach. Accessible by Arubus.
• Mangel Halto – Clear, shallow water and mangrove vegetation. A unique spot of impressive natural beauty. Great for relaxing or having a picnic. Free* parking, a bar and a floating deck were located near the entrance. About an 800 m (0.5 mile) walk from Arubus stop.
• Baby Beach – Calm enclosed bay with shallow clear water. About a 1-hour drive from central Oranjestad, in the San Nicolas area. Free* parking. Loungers and umbrellas are available for rent. Restaurant/amenities. It seems to be accessible by Arubus, but I’m not sure how frequent the bus schedule is.
• Rodgers Beach – Smaller beach just to the right of Baby Beach. Higher waves and local vibe. Fishing boats and views of some oil refinery chimneys on the right. No amenities besides a couple of sun shelters. Free* parking. Not accessible by Arubus.

(*Free at the time of visit)

If looking for transit-friendly options, most of these are accessible by Arubus from Oranjestad. Some other Aruban beaches are within the Arikok National Park (which we didn’t visit on this trip) and only accessible by 4×4 vehicle, and others were on the “windward” side of the island (Northeast), with higher waves and not suitable for leisurely swimming, so we skipped those as well.

Our favourite beaches were Boca Catalina (very small and feels somewhat secluded, and depending on the wind, good for snorkelling and swimming) and Surfside Beach (beautiful and very calm water, not as windy as some of the other beaches on the West side). Honourable mention to Mangel Halto for its shallow, crystal-clear water and beautiful combination of beach and mangrove. All the beaches we visited have something special about them, and I’m sure you will find more than one to fall in love with!

Another famous attraction in Aruba is the Flamingo Beach, because it offers a rare experience of seeing a resident flock of pink flamingos right on the sand. The beach is located on Renaissance Island, a private island owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in downtown Oranjestad. The island and beach are only accessible by water taxi from the resort and not open to the general public. Only guests staying at the hotel, select Okeanos spa guests or day pass holders have access to the island. These passes are released online once a week in limited quantities.

Now, to the food! For such a small island, Aruba has an impressive number of restaurants and cuisine options for every taste and budget. Here are some of the places we visited and recommend:

• Don Jacinto – a Colombian Restaurant serving hearty dishes with friendly service. Central location and easy parking.
• Linda’s Dutch Pancakes & Pizza and The Dutch Pancakehouse – Dutch pancakes are a must – try both sweet and savoury toppings – and schenkstroop syrup!!
• Kamini’s Kitchen – good Trinidad food/curries
• Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill – awesome views/sunset, on the Palm Beach pier
• MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant – at the northern end of Palm Beach. Busy/lively spot, day or night.
• Salt and Pepper Tapasbar & Restaurant – delicious tapas and relaxed vibe, in the busy Palm Beach area
• Jack’s Cafe – inside the Super Food Plaza (which also has an awesome grocery store near Eagle Beach), this cafeteria-style cafe serves good food/good portions at great prices, and the coffee from the baristas by the entrance is the best we had on the island
• Zeerover – a relaxed “shack” location in the Savaneta area – about 40 min drive from central Oranjestad – serving fresh fish/seafood ordered by weight/piece and seasoned/fried to order. Simple sides like fried plantain, fries, cornbread and pickled onions also available. A MUST visit! Not accessible by Arubus.

DO NOT MISS: the cheese and bakery selection (sweet and savoury) at the Super Food and pastechi (deep-fried crescent-shaped snacks filled with cheese, meat, seafood and/or vegetables, sold at many places around the island, including Jack’s Cafe and even local McDonald’s)!

We are not big vacation shoppers, but noticed a good selection of high-end stores and local shops, especially near the centre of Oranjestad, by the cruise ship port, and around the high-rise hotel area in Palm Beach.

Aruba is a beautiful island, safe, easy to explore, and full of helpful locals who say they are “friends you have not met yet”. English is widely spoken, plus the local mix of Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento. Their saying of “Biba Dushi” or “Live a sweet life” in Papiamento, reflects the country’s attitude perfectly! After a trip that felt all too short, we left Aruba already missing it and hoping to go back sometime soon!

If you are going there, I suggest downloading the “myAruba” app for lots of valuable information and interesting suggestions, maps and directions.

Have any tips, questions or feedback? Connect with us through the comments below.