What To Do In Aruba: The Ultimate One Week Itinerary
by Tamara Elliott· July 29, 2020
The famous Divi Divi tree on Eagle Beach
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The sun-soaked paradise of Aruba is nicknamed âOne Happy Islandâ, and as soon as you set your sights on the sparkling, turquoise water and endless blonde beaches itâs easy to see why life is so good here.
Found on the southern end of the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of South America, its unique surroundings as part of the ABC islands coupled with its Dutch influence means a dizzying array of backgrounds make the island what it is today. More than 90 nationalities are represented here, which is apparent in things like the languages and cuisine youâll find here.
A popular destination for sun-seekers and those on the cruise ship circuit, there are plenty of fun Aruba day trips including boat rides along the coast, lounging on world-class beaches, submarine rides and ATV tours through the surprisingly arid, cactus-strewn desert.
From feeding flamingos on private islands to kiteboarding through crashing waves, hereâs what to do in Aruba during the ultimate one week itinerary.
Renaissance Private Island in Aruba
Discover Experience Explore And Relax With Pelican Adventures
Join us for the ultimate getaway experience! Were a family business, providing land tours, sailing and snorkeling tours along Arubas gorgeous beaches and shoreline, spectacular sunsets experiences, and more. We offer custom-made packages for groups, adding fun and excitement to your time in Aruba.
Booking Infoisland Experience Booking #: Isexaua
Full Day Adults US $94;Full Day Child;;US $69;Half Day Adults US $89 Half Day Child;;US $59;
With transportation:Full Day Adults US $109 Full Day Child;;US $; 79;Half Day Adults US $101 Half Day Child;;US $;69;
What to bring: wear bathing suit, bring towel, sunblock, hat, camera and comfortable walking shoes
You can upgrade your stay on De Palm Island at an additional cost with any of the following activities: Sea Trek, SNUBA, Power Snorkel or a;Massage.
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Where To Stay In Aruba:
- Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino: There are a couple of Renaissance properties on the island, including this one which gives guests access to the Renaissance Private Island. The rooms are very modern, bright and clean, have a good location in Oranjestad with a great beach near the harbour, and luxe Aveda amenities.
- Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort: This expansive property is across the street from Druif Beach, between Oranjestad and Palm Beach on Arubas west coast. Suites are spread across two separate areas: Golf Villas which is built around a golf course, and Village Golf which is closer to the beach, tennis courts and main entrance. All-inclusive options are available, and those guests have access to activities, 14 dining options, 13 bars and amenities at almost all of the islands other Divi resorts.
- Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort: This beautiful beachfront resort has a great location on Palm Beach. Rooms have jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean Sea from their private balconies, and there are two huge outdoor pools as well as a whirlpool, hot tub, kids pool and swim up bar.
- Holiday Inn Resort Aruba: This budget-friendly option at the end of Palm Beach gets top marks for value. While rooms are slightly dated, its one of the best-priced resorts on the island and also has all-inclusive options. ;
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What You Can Expect
Sail along the scenic Aruba coastline and admire beautiful sunset views aboard a luxurious catamaran ship. Relax and sip a cool drink while the crew entertains you with local music.
Hop aboard the Palm Pleasure, a 70-foot-long, 40-foot-wide catamaran, and then relax on the deck and sip a cool drink or sample some of the many hors d’oeuvres. Gaze out towards Arubas coastline as the sunset streaks the sky with vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple.
The friendly crew entertains you with local music. As you sway to the waves’ relaxing rhythm, absorb the intoxicating hues of the sunset and unique views of the island. An open bar with spiked punch, mixed drinks, cocktails, soda, and juice are included in this romantic tropical outing.
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Admire Art Murals In San Nicolaas
San Nicolaas is the second largest town in Aruba. Its located about 12miles southeast of Oranjestad. This town is the site of art tourism. Experience the aftermath of Aruba Art Fair, which sees talented artists from Aruba and the rest of the world leave their mark on the towns buildings.
There are over 30 painted murals on the exterior of buildings in the town. Some so realistic and well blended you would have to be paying keen attention to notice them. This is a beautiful tour best experienced in the morning before the sun fully comes out.
When you get hungry during your tour head over to Charlies bar for a mouthwatering lunch before heading to Baby Beach for an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling. It takes a 30minute by bus to get to San Nicolaas from Oranjestad.
Enjoying And Becoming One With Nature
Get to discover, explore, experience, and enjoy Arubas beautiful nature landmarks, blending in with nature and leaving all of your worries behind. Come face to face with marine life, sail along Arubas gorgeous beaches and shoreline, enjoy spectacular sunsets, and have fun while gliding over the crystal-clear blue Aruban waters. Get to explore the entire Caribbean island and take in the must-see highlights, beaches, caves, and more.
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Flamingoes Of The Renaissance
Meet six of the most photographed residents of Aruba, the pink flamingos of the Renaissance. They say the birds arrived there 15 years ago, out of the blue, and made the island their home.
The Renaissance Resort found in Oranjestad at the edge of the resort district at Palm Beach owns a private island where the flamingos live.
You need a day pass at the Renaissance to get to the island which also has excellent snorkeling. This, however, is not an easy thing to do. To ensure the private island remains uncrowded and the flamingos unflustered by people. The renaissance only gives first priority to its guests and when the hotel is not booked out, it can hand out a few day-passes to outside guests.
If you want to visit the private island, get to the hotel early and find out whether you can get a day pass. The island features the only private beaches in Aruba and is a paradise that you have to see to believe.
To attract our friends, the flamingos, put some flamingo food on your hand and feed these beautiful birds. You can get flamingo food from the vending machine with a quarter.
Book Yourself A Luxury Picnic In Paradise
Looking for something completely different? A luxury picnic on the beach is the perfect way to celebrate lifes moments with your loved ones on oure Happy Island. Whether its a birthday, anniversary, proposal, girls night, or date night; theres always a reason for a picnic!
Aruba might be small, but its pack more fun and happiness into 70 square miles than any other Caribbean island.;Aruba is known for their perfect weather and legendary beaches, near-endless stretches of alabaster sand kissed by sparkling warm seas, and hugged by the wind-curved trunks of the fofoti trees.
Venture beyond the sand and youll discover so much more. A sea full of life and shipwrecks. Pastel streets lined with shows, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. An authentic, inviting culture. Theres no shortage of fun things to do here in Aruba, its just a matter of finding which ones make you happiest.
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A Dreamy Sunset Sail With Snacks And Open Bar
Sunsets are not only enjoyable on the beach theyre even more spectacular when viewed the Palm Pleasure way, aboard our luxurious catamaran!
- What’s Included
Light clothing and flat shoes highly recommended.
Round-trip transportation from hotel included, except for Playa Linda, Hyatt Resort, The Riu Resorts, Barceló Resort, Hilton Resort, Phoenix, The Mill Resort and Brickell Bay, all of which are a short walking distance from the De Palm Pier.
If using own transportation, check in for the tour about 30 minutes before departure time at Coconuts Retail Store on De Palm Pier .
What People Are Saying About Palm Beach Noord
We booked the dinner cruise online after reading reviews and were so glad we did! The celebration started on the dock with a glass of champagne. The crew was very professional and very attentive. The meal was excellent and the singer was amazing. We cruised to the California Lighthouse and docked while the meal was served. It was absolutely beautiful as the sun set and the lights came on. The cruise back to the dock was gorgeous with the lights along the beach. We had a great time and highly recommend taking the sunset dinner cruise.
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Day : San Nicolas Donkey Sanctuary And Baby Beach
Get a culture kick by heading south to colourful San Nicolas, which is nicknamed the âSunrise Cityâ and best known for its up-and-coming arts scene.
Feeling a world away from glitzy, commercial districts like the high-rise area, San Nicolas is Arubaâs second-largest city and has about five blocksâ worth of large murals blanketing its downtown streets. Budget at least half an hour to see the artwork like two-storey flamingos, seashell angel wings and cacti sculptures, or book a walking tour to learn more about the artists and their pieces. There are also galleries and boutiques selling prints and handcrafted jewellery.
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Street art in San Nicolas
While youâre there, drop into Charlieâs Bar which is an island institution that dates back to the 1940s. Originally a favourite hangout for scuba divers, they started tacking their eclectic underwater findings like Popeye figurines and license plates onto the walls, turning it into somewhat of an unofficial museum. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a pint at the bar, and contribute to the ever-growing collection.
Next up is the nearby Donkey Sanctuary at Bringamosa, where 130 furry, four-legged animals live in the haven which was created in 1997. The herd loves to meander out onto the dusty road, and if youâre driving by chances are youâll be greeted with a âhee hawâ and find a long nose poking through the window in hopes of snagging a treat.
Aruba Tours & Excursions
Experience the best adventures Aruba has to offer when you book a stay at the Holiday Inn! Situated directly on Palm Beach, our property is designed for guests who want to enjoy all the exhilarating water activities and island adventures Aruba has to offer.
We are partnered with two renowned Aruba tour groups, Pelican Adventures and De Palm Tours. Each come highly recommended by our staff and locals, promising you an exciting day out, whether youre looking for a relaxing day spent exploring the island, or an exhilarating scuba diving experience!
Explore more about each tour company, and ask our friendly staff for more information on booking an excursion with either tour group throughout your stay in Aruba!
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Swim At The Natural Pool
At the central point of the northeastern coast of Arikok park is one of the most popular draws to Aruba. The Natural pool or Conchi as locally known, is a naturally occurring pool in a depression amidst huge volcanic rocks found on the rugged coast.
A dip in the cool waters of the pool is a welcomed experience after a hot day of off-roading adventures in Arikok. Swim or cliff jump into the clear emerald pool, which is fed by the tides breaking against the surrounding rocks.
Note, however, that you cant swim in the hole when its too windy or when there is a rough surf. So, check with the tourism desk, whether the pool is open or not. The rocks around the pool are also very slippery, so wear good water shoes and be careful getting in and out of the pool.
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Aruba’s Best Vacation Destination
What a great place to bring your family! We enjoyed our time snorkeling and the underwater Sea Trek adventure. My kids say this was the highlight of our trip! Recommend renting a cabana for private entry into water for snorkeling. Customer service was top-notch. We will definitely return the next time we’re in Aruba!
Amazing day!! We had a cabana with an awesome server, Natalie. All in our group had a great time. We snorkeled, hung out with the flamingos, played in the water park, and took a ride on the banana boat. We had people in our group from kids up to the mid 50s. I highly recommend Palm Island, this was an awesome experience!
We visited De Palm Island as a family of 4. We rented a beach cabana and we fell in love! Concierge service was top notch. The beach cabana was amazing. The flamingos were lovely and the drinks were great. We liked this day so much, we did it again at the end of the week renting the sand dollar cabana. Simply amazing!
Our entire family loved it! There is a ton to do for everyone. We loved the banana boat ride, snorkeling, and the beach. We rented a cabana and it was worth the money. The SeaTrek adventure was amazing. My kids talked about it the entire time after we left. Staff was friendly and amazing. This is the best deal on the island for your money!
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A Fantastic Escape From Day
We add fun and excitement to your time in Aruba by organizing the ultimate getaway experience. Our island tours are led by very knowledgeable Aruban guides that take you to the most interesting landmarks, providing a great overview of Arubas history, flora, and fauna. Bring your camera on the tours for priceless picture opportunities to capture unforgettable moments.
Sunset Sail Provided By De Palm Tours
- Instant confirmation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
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Explore The Guadikiriri Caves
While still at the Arikok national park go explore the caves. The caves are deep crevices found on the rugged windward coast. These crevices extend at least 100 feet deep into the cliff.
The Guadiriki caves are the most popular of the three caves in the park. It features two large dome-shaped spaces. What makes the caves even more fascinating is the light streaming in from the openings on the caves ceiling. It creates such an enchanting aura in the place.
Step back 10,000 years in time and explore how the original inhabitants of Aruba, the Amerindians, and the Arawaks used to live in the caves. Or go explore the nearby Fontein cave which features elaborate Indian drawings from thousands of years ago. There are harmless bats in the dark corners of the cave. Ask for a guide to take you through the caves for a guided tour.
Kite Surfing In Aruba
Take advantage of the windiest island in the Caribbean and go kite surfing. Aruba is a mecca for kite surfers. It even has kite surfing schools such as Armandos Kite Shack. Tick kite surfing off your bucket list and get to see Aruba from another angle while riding the offshore winds.
One of the best places to kitesurf is at Boca Grandi on the southern tip or at the northeastern ends of the island. Try Armando kite surfing school, to learn how to kitesurf. He is the best at kite surfing in the Caribbean and handles his students with utmost care.
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Snorkel At Baby Beach
Baby Beach is a protected shallow beach with clear calm waters. The left part of the beach near the rocks is great for snorkeling. But always ensure you snorkel in the marked area to avoid places with strong currents.
Baby beachs soft white sands are perfect for sunbathing and its a very peaceful beach unlike the crowded beaches of Oranjestad. Enjoy your afternoon tucked away under a palapa with a cold drink in hand.
Take a look at this full faced snorkel mask from Amazon.
The cute bar on site keeps the refreshments coming. ;The beach has a chargeable washroom but getting drinks or food from Big Mamas will save you the $2 charged.
Day : Feed Flamingos On The Renaissance Aruba Private Island And A Sunset Cruise
Spend your final day in paradise at the only other place to see Aruba flamingos: the idyllic Renaissance Aruba Private Island.
Flamingo Beach is one of the best places to go in Aruba to see the fluorescent-feathered friends, and is an exclusive experience reserved for guests of the luxurious Renaissance resort . The palm-fringed island features thatched-roof private cabanas perched over turquoise lagoons, nature trails and pristine sandbars, which makes it the ultimate getaway.
Enjoy the unforgettable experience of getting up close to the half a dozen blush birds who call the island home, who will eat right out of your hand and walk right by you for the ultimate #FlamingoSelfie.
Later in the day if time allows , end your week in Aruba by booking a sunset cruise around the island. During the day, catamaran tours sail to spots like Boca Catalina and Arashi Reef, and stop for snorkeling and lunch on the beach. On an evening cruise like this;you can enjoy a chilled glass of champagne while rose gold and pink hues dance overhead, casting a mesmerizing glow as the sun sets over the water, which is the perfect way to cap off your Aruba itinerary.
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