Go Way Beyond the Basics in Aruba

by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
Sponsored by

Go Way Beyond the Basics in Aruba

by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
Sponsored by

Endlessly sunny weather and equally warm and friendly locals have earned Aruba the nickname the “One Happy Island.” But there’s more to this Dutch Southern Caribbean territory than non-stop sunshine. Aruba’s distinctive, multi-ethnic culture and variety make it a one-of-a kind destination for families, honeymooners, and luxury-seekers alike.

Endlessly sunny weather and equally warm and friendly locals have earned Aruba the nickname the “One Happy Island.” But there’s more to this Dutch Southern Caribbean territory than non-stop sunshine. Aruba’s distinctive, multi-ethnic culture and variety make it a one-of-a kind destination for families, honeymooners, and luxury-seekers alike.

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Eagle Beach, Aruba / mikolajn/iStock
Boca Catalina
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Boca Catalina

Secluded and low key, this calm, pearly sand beach is a favorite of local families. Located on the northwestern tip of the island, this beach features a shallow coral reef and a variety of fish, making it perfect for snorkelers.

Secluded and low key, this calm, pearly sand beach is a favorite of local families. Located on the northwestern tip of the island, this beach features a shallow coral reef and a variety of fish, making it perfect for snorkelers.

Arashi Beach
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Arashi Beach

An uncrowded gem dotted with palapas, Arashi supplies gentle waves and crystalline water. A newly added bar and chair rentals makes this the perfect spot for sun bathers and honeymooners.

An uncrowded gem dotted with palapas, Arashi supplies gentle waves and crystalline water. A newly added bar and chair rentals makes this the perfect spot for sun bathers and honeymooners.

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Aruba: Renew Your I Dos

Video provided by our partners CheapCaribbean and Aruba Tourism Authority.

Video provided by our partners CheapCaribbean and Aruba Tourism Authority.

Eagle Beach
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Eagle Beach

Framed by Aruba’s signature fofoti trees and stretching out into the island’s widest expanse of sand, Eagle Beach is noted as one of the best beaches in the region. With aquamarine vistas and an array of water sports, this is also one of the most popular beaches on the island.

Framed by Aruba’s signature fofoti trees and stretching out into the island’s widest expanse of sand, Eagle Beach is noted as one of the best beaches in the region. With aquamarine vistas and an array of water sports, this is also one of the most popular beaches on the island.

Sunrise City
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Sunrise City

Visit the heart of Aruba’s art and culture scene in the vibrant town of San Nicholas, also called Sunrise City. Browse through galleries of local art or visit more than 40 street murals created by artists from all over the world. Don’t miss the San Nicholas Community Museum, which features Aruban history and contemporary art.

Visit the heart of Aruba’s art and culture scene in the vibrant town of San Nicholas, also called Sunrise City. Browse through galleries of local art or visit more than 40 street murals created by artists from all over the world. Don’t miss the San Nicholas Community Museum, which features Aruban history and contemporary art.

Hiking in Arikok National Park
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Arikok National Park

This park of rugged cliffs and caves covers 20% of Aruba. Explore the park’s natural pools and lava formations or climb to the island’s highest point, Arikok Hilltop. The windswept terrain is accented with candelabra cacti – a dramatic contrast to Aruba’s pristine beaches.

This park of rugged cliffs and caves covers 20% of Aruba. Explore the park’s natural pools and lava formations or climb to the island’s highest point, Arikok Hilltop. The windswept terrain is accented with candelabra cacti – a dramatic contrast to Aruba’s pristine beaches.

Palm Beach, Aruba
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Marina Pirata

A beloved local dining spot for generations, this seaside restaurant will prompt visitors to declare dushi ‘om (“delicious” in the local papiamento dialect) after sampling the fresh seafood or steaks. Marina Pirata is famous for spectacular sunset viewing.

A beloved local dining spot for generations, this seaside restaurant will prompt visitors to declare dushi ‘om (“delicious” in the local papiamento dialect) after sampling the fresh seafood or steaks. Marina Pirata is famous for spectacular sunset viewing.

Red Snapper at Zeerover
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Zeerover

An Aruba institution set up on a fisherman’s wharf, Zeerover (dutch for pirate) serves up fresh catches in colorful woven baskets. Fishermen will clean and cook your fish to order. Hang out with locals who will tell you all about their baranca tan stima (beloved rock).

An Aruba institution set up on a fisherman’s wharf, Zeerover (dutch for pirate) serves up fresh catches in colorful woven baskets. Fishermen will clean and cook your fish to order. Hang out with locals who will tell you all about their baranca tan stima (beloved rock).

Seafood
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Driftwood

Dine on Aruban-style seafood like pan-fried fish with creole sauce at this classic restaurant. Driftwood lines the walls and guests are invited to carve their names as part of the relaxed ambiance.

Dine on Aruban-style seafood like pan-fried fish with creole sauce at this classic restaurant. Driftwood lines the walls and guests are invited to carve their names as part of the relaxed ambiance.

Cosecha Aruban Craft Design & Heritage
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Cosecha

This craft shop and creative center highlights artisan goods that reflect Aruban heritage. Quality jewelry, art, and home goods are certified with the national seal of craftsmanship, Seyo Nacional pa Artesania.

This craft shop and creative center highlights artisan goods that reflect Aruban heritage. Quality jewelry, art, and home goods are certified with the national seal of craftsmanship, Seyo Nacional pa Artesania. 

Aruba Aloe Tour
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Aruba Aloe Factory, Museum & Store

Founded in 1890, Aruba Aloe is one of the oldest aloe companies in the world and one of the few that grows, harvests, and processes aloe on site. Learn about Aruba’s aloe production history and watch as workers hand cut and package the aloe leaves.

Founded in 1890, Aruba Aloe is one of the oldest aloe companies in the world and one of the few that grows, harvests, and processes aloe on site. Learn about Aruba’s aloe production history and watch as workers hand cut and package the aloe leaves.

Renaissance Island, Aruba
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Okeanos Spa

Enjoy the ultimate in luxury at the Spa Cove, located on Renaissance Island, Aruba’s only private beach. Revel in signature treatments with Aruban aloe, surrounded by a mangrove and lapping ocean waves.

Enjoy the ultimate in luxury at the Spa Cove, located on Renaissance Island, Aruba’s only private beach. Revel in signature treatments with Aruban aloe, surrounded by a mangrove and lapping ocean waves.

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