What to do in Aruba?

[j_spot]

Other than diving and gambling what is there to do in Aruba?

Im a single 27 year old who is looking at a week long trip in May, but Im wary. Yea I can dive and snorkle and enjoy the water bla bla bla. But Im a white-pasty white red head whos idea of a nice day does not involve tanning on the beach.

Part of the reason I love Hawaii is that there is nice diving with lots of things to see that dont involve sitting in the direct sun.

What all is there in Aruba?

Im not looking for nightlife, Im usually in bed by 12. I dont have the budget to blow on the casinos, and im not looking for a hookup or anything like that. I like culture and nature.

I know if I was to go to Cancun, I could go for a jungle hike or head to Chitchen Itza but I dont know ANYTHING about Aruba except what Nancy Grace tells me, and trust me I hate that preaching woman.

Is it or is it not the destination for me?

 

[jackplum]

The culture is there but hard to discern as tourism is the island's product.

Nature abounds everywhere but ... it is all in the sun.

You can rent a jeep and explore the national park however parts of it resemble the surface of Mars and others look like the arid mountains of Mexico, arroyos, scrub brush, and more sun. Bring plenty of water.

There are a few horseback riding operations that will do a private ride which is a bit better than a group.

But, at about 19 x 6 miles, you can see most in two or three days. That said, I am going back in February for my 10th trip in 8 years and always find something new to do. You just have to wander around. Last year I explored sand dunes and this year am looking at venturing in the caves near the park. When not diving, that is.

Enjoy.

 

[j_spot]

So ive pretty much decided on Aruba - What are the differences I would notice between staying in Oranjestad and Palm Beach?

 

[shakeybrainsurgeon]

The nicer resort hotels are on Palm Beach, I think.

Advantages to Aruba: 1) very predictable weather, generally hot and windy every day; 2) wind keeps bug problems to a minimum; 3) very safe water supply, safe or safer than US and Canada; 4) very nice airport with easy customs/immigration; 5) very (if you excuse the expression) "Americanized", feels more like Florida in terms of social ambience ...the real currency is the dollar, and 80% of the people there at any one time are Americans, which may or may not be good depending on your perspective. Aruba is a desert...the landscaping is sort of like Arizona.

There are ATV tours that can be fun (but very, very dusty and hot). There is golf, but it is pricey and you better be able to play in vicious crosswinds. Don't count out the casinos...twenty bucks can get you a few hours of low ante slot action, which can be fun. Who knows, you might make a profit (I never did).

The weather is the chief advantage over dive sites like Florida in the winter...in Aruba, you will not likely ever be rained out or blown out of diving on any given day. Dive sites on the west side are close, although some veterans consider them boring and viz and water temp isn't like the Caymans (more like Florida keys).

 

[jackplum]

Oranjestad is touristy with the cruise ships letting off their "cargo." In all my trips to Aruba, I have only been in the city once and that was to visit the AMEX office.

Palm Beach has the high rise hotels (Westin, Riu, Occidental, Radisson, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Marriott) and Eagle Beach has the low rise for the most part. There are a few 'boutique' lodging places as well near Palm Beach.

There are more things to do, restaurants, etc., in the Palm Beach area but with clean safe public transport, everywhere is accessible.

Take a look at the various Aruba tourist websites. They will give you a good perspective on what there is to do plus one or two have a calendar of events.

 

[bartzunga]

Aruba is an excellent place to windsurf for bother beginners and experienced ones. There is also kite surfing and all other kinds of watersports. But all of these require some time in the sun, something you're looking to keep to a minimum.

There is a fabulous place for birdwatching called The Bubali but I would recommend going with a guide.

You can also do numerous tours.

 

[kvp]

Oranjestad does have the cruise ship people, but the area is usually not too crowded. The advantage of Oranjestad is that there are lots of restaurants and shops in a small area that you can walk to. Also, many of the shops and restaurants are local not the chains. You can get a real good feel of Aruba. That is if you enjoy getting away from the touristy areas and looking at the local culture.

 

[Crowley]

What to do in Aruba? Book a short flight to Curaçao!

(sorry, couldn't resist!)

C.

 

[highlandfarmwv]

Plenty of natural sight seeing in the National park and all along the east side of Aruba. Andicurri is a neat beach with giant waves. there is surfing at a couple of the east coast beaches. Snorkeling is good at Mangel halto (out past the inlet) and Baby Beach (not coral, but lots of fish). Diving is can be very good depending on where you go. The southern reefs rival Bonaire plus wrecks. I was just there in Dec, and Omar didn't hurt things much. Recommend Clive Paula at divearuba.com for small boat diving, and Jads for shore diving.

 

[ScubaBOS]

There are four main areas of Aruba.

Oranjestad - The capitol is where the cruise ships dock and has many stores and restaurants and a few bars/night clubs. The major hotel/resort in O'stad is the Marriott Reniassance which is divided into two section. One section is directly on the main road through town and includes a casino. The second section is across the street on the water. The two sections are connected by a water taxi that also takes you out to their private island near the airport.

San Nicolas - On the Southeastern end of the island is the grittier end of the island. This is where the refinery is located. There are a few bars to visit, most notably Charlie's Bar. The biggest attraction apart from Charlie's is Baby Beach and Rodger's Beach. This is adjacent to the former Lago Colony where the Americans who worked at the refinery lived.

Eagle Beach - Low Rise area. One of two major resort areas Most of the resorts here are under 5 storys, hence the name. There's a mixture of hotels and timeshares. It's the closest area to downtown. The first group of hotels on Eagle sit on the beach. The second half are sperated by a road.

Palm Beach - High Rise section. Just North of Eagle beach. Again a mix of timeshares, hotels and All-Inclusives. The beach is smaller but there's more activity on Palm Beach. Most hotels have a casino and there is an abundance of restaurants within easy walking distance.

Like any vacation, you get out of it what you put into it. If you only want to sit on the beach and read then Aruba is perfect for that. But if you want to do a variety of activities and explore, it's also great for that.

The diving is divided into two areas as well.

The West Coast includes dives off of Palm Beach north to the Lighthouse. Most dives here are 25 to 70 feet. The bottom is mostly flat sand with scattered coral heads. There are also a scattering of wrecks to explore. The most famous wreck is the Antilla. A 400 foot German freighter that was scuttled by her crew in May 1940 when Germany invaded Holland. Viz on these dives tends to be lower considering the shallower depths and sandy bottom.

The South Coast has diver that are deeper, 40 feet to 130 feet. There are more wall dives here with lots of coral and fish. There's at least one wreck, the Jane Sea. Viz tends to be better here and there's often a mild current for drift diving. If you're lucky you may get to dive with the Atlantis submarine. I did it once, but from what I've heard, too many divers with bad manners have put an end to that.