Visiting Aruba

The island of Aruba is often fondly referred to by locals and travelers alike as “One Happy Island.” Here, visitors can count on finding a sun-soaked paradise ready to be enjoyed no matter what their travel interests might be or what their perfect getaway itinerary entails. Year-round, Aruba is a destination where you can make the most of your time on sugary sands watching turquoise waves lap the shoreline. Sunny skies can be expected most of the time on this gem of an island situated on the southern end of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of South America. Aruba enjoys a rich heritage that revolves around Dutch influence and the architecture, language, and historical landmarks emphasize the stories that make this island unique. While the natural beauty of Aruba is always a big draw for travelers, a trip this way can also include time spent exploring savory eateries and sensational shopping options too. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind in island style, or you can’t wait to add adrenaline-pumping activities to your itinerary, visiting Aruba for a 7-day getaway is bound to be unforgettable. The following lineup of activities is a prime starting point when you have a week to relish this mesmerizing island experience.

Day 1: Make Sure to Put the Focus on Beach-Hopping Fun

There’s truly no better way to kick things off on your 7-day Aruba stay than with well-earned time on the sand. The beaches in Aruba are endlessly beautiful and welcoming whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet day on the sand or you’re up for some vibrant beach fun alongside family and friends. When you’re looking for a local beach to enjoy that’s spacious and comes with plenty of options for additional sand and water-based fun, Eagle Beach is the place to begin. Frequently ranked one of the top beaches on the planet, Eagle Beach sits on the west side of Aruba and is loved for its great sand and tranquil waves. When you aren’t working on your island tan while settled into a cozy beach chair, your time at Eagle Beach can most definitely include kiteboarding lessons, stand up paddleboarding, or kayaking at your own leisurely pace.

Baby Beach is your next stop as you head toward the southern end of the island of Aruba. This is a fan-favorite destination for beachgoers who are looking for a quiet place to savor the view far from the crowds. The water here is warm thanks to a protected bay and the gentle waters make it a wonderful option for families as well.

When you’re ready to pick up the pace and enjoy activities like surfing and snorkeling, Arashi Beach is next on the list. This is a fun and exciting beach to enjoy in Aruba where the waters host everything from coral reefs to admire as well as wrecks offshore that are ideal for divers to explore.

You’ll want to end your beach adventure fun at Palm Beach. This is a hub of activity and beach fun no matter when you drop by. Palm Beach has a vibrant energy that’s easy to love and it’s well within reach of great shopping and restaurants too. When the sun goes down, Palm Beach comes to life in style thanks to the many area clubs and bars to check out.

Tonight, be sure to enjoy a meal at Zeerovers which offers spectacular waterfront dining and great menu options to match. It’s a laid-back eatery where you can settle in at a table or order up your preferred selection like fried fish and shrimp and sit out on one of the picnic benches on the pier too.

Day 2: Explore Oranjestad and Take a Submarine Tour

The second day on our Aruba travel guide will have you exploring land and sea alike! Begin with an underwater adventure through Atlantis Submarines Expedition. This company takes guests 130 feet below the waves into the Caribbean Sea in style. The submarine descends from its docking point in Oranjestad and in total, passengers will have 90 minutes to enjoy the stunning underwater scenery. As the submarine makes its way below, passengers have a prime vantage point to observe everything from sea turtles and tropical fish to barracudas too. This tour specifically provides passengers with views of the Antilla, which was a German freighter that sank during World War II and is still the region’s largest shipwreck.

Once you’re back on land, you’ll be in the perfect place to spend the rest of the day exploring and enjoying the island’s capital of Oranjestad. Those with an eye for architecture will love the many colorful creations that line the streets here and the Dutch-influenced designs that dominate the landscape. Oranjestad houses everything from luxury boutiques and jewelry stores to cafes, souvenir shops, and a variety of flavorful destinations to enjoy as well. There are plenty of duty-free stores to browse and if you’re looking for more of a comprehensive area tour, feel free to jump on the tourist trolley that runs from the cruise terminal through the other side of the district.

This evening, be sure to make time to enjoy a meal at Lima Bistro. Here, visitors can savor a taste of Peru right in the heart of Aruba. It’s a great place for family and friends to gather and enjoy dishes served up by Peruvian Chef Teddy. Lima Bistro sits just off the Oranjestad Marina Boardwalk and provides indoor and open-air seating options to enjoy. Whether you go for the duck breast, pork chops, shrimp, Picanha, grilled tuna steak, or chef’s special, your tastebuds will be in for a treat. Don’t leave without trying the chocolate churro.

Day 3: Take a Comprehensive Tour of the Island

The island is only 70 square miles in total, but there’s a lot to see while you’re visiting Aruba! To make the most of the experience and make sure you check all of the top stops off the list, you’ll want to dedicate day three of your journey to a guided island tour. There are options for all-day excursions through Isla Aruba Tours and ABC Tours Aruba alike. Aruba VIP Tours also offers extended island experiences with customized details that make for a luxurious sightseeing experience from start to finish. Some of the highlight stops you’ll likely hit on these sightseeing routes include the Natural Pool and Arikok National Park, Natural Bride, Alto Vista Chapel, the California Lighthouse, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and the Casibari Rocks as well.

After a day of sightseeing fun, head over to Barefoot Aruba for an end-of-the-day meal. This beautiful beachside restaurant is a place where you’re more than welcome to dine in flip-flops. The Caribbean Sea is the backdrop for a savory moment and the menu host options ranging from Caribbean grouper and blackened mahi mahi to tuna pepper steak and shellfish trio dishes too. On top of that, a stop here is a chance to enjoy Barefoot Aruba’s impressive wine list and an extensive menu of handcrafted cocktails.

Day 4: Make it a Day with Flamingos on De Palm Island

For travelers that have a passion for wildlife and are looking for some truly one-of-a-kind sights to enjoy during their 7-day journey to Aruba, a trip to see the flamingos of De Palm Island is a must! This is a family-friendly activity that requires traveling to the nearby De Palm Island, leaving from a dock that’s just 10 minutes from Oranjestad. A quick boat ride gets you to the island where you can see grey and pink Chilean Flamingos gathered along the shoreline. Many visitors who head here to enjoy the sights of the flamingos also choose to enjoy banana boat rides, beach volleyball, and snorkeling in the area. There’s even an opportunity to enjoy SNUBA in this area which involves walking below the waves with the help of an underwater helmet.

When you return to the main island, you’ll want to savor every second of dinner enjoyed at Hostaria Da’ Vittorio. This is the perfect place to refuel with a robust Italian dinner in Aruba where you can pair delicious dishes with a beach view too. The staff is notoriously friendly and there’s a great wine list to top off all of your selections.

Day 5: Spend Quality Time Snorkeling Shipwrecks

Day five of our Aruba travel guide is dedicated to underwater adventures that pair history and fun alike. While the submarine tour gave you a close look at the wreck under the waves, there’s nothing quite like the feeling that you can reach out and touch the past. That’s where Antilla Shipwreck Tours comes in. This company offers up the opportunity to snorkel near the shipwreck for a more immersive experience. Many visitors opt for the half-day tour that includes lunch, breakfast, and unlimited post-tour cocktails too. Small groups make the outing more intimate, and your onboard staff is happy to fill in the gaps when it comes to historical details and points of interest.

This evening, head over to Yami Yami for dinner and enjoy some mouthwatering sushi selections at your leisure. This is a charming stop that sees fewer tourists than other places and sushi here can always be paired with savory salad and tasty prawns upon request.

Day 6: Enjoy Horseback Riding

Travelers that are looking to see and enjoy Aruba’s dynamic landscapes in a thrilling and unique way can do so by booking a horseback riding tour on day six of their stay. There are several tour operators on the island that offer up customized riding experiences that can be tailored to age and skill level alike. Whether you ride for an hour or more, you’ll find that taking in the sights by horseback is an incredible addition to your island itinerary. Rancho La Ponderosa is a wonderful place to enjoy horseback riding adventures during your stay. Here, quality and safety lead the way to fun as Rancho La Ponderosa has served the island of Aruba for more than 30 years. Upon arrival, guests are matched up with a horse that’s ideal for their skill level and before you head off on your trail ride, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of safety standards, how to lead horses, and how the animals are cared for on-site. Small group sizes make this an even more enjoyable experience every step of the way and there are plenty of options to slow things down and savor the sights as you ride alongside your knowledgeable and friendly guide.

Day six is a great opportunity to dine at Garden Fresh. This is the perfect place to fuel up in a healthy style. Guests are invited to create their own customized lunch bowls, fruit salads, and vegetable plates alike. Garden Fresh also serves up paninis, wraps, and smoothies that are refreshing and revitalizing. In addition, a stop here is a chance to pick up an iced coffee if you need a caffeine boost before heading out on more Aruba adventures.

Day 7: Tour the Aruba Aloe Factory

Visitors are often surprised to learn that Aruba produces a large number of Aloe Vera plants that lend themselves to soothing and restorative products of all types. A great way to get better insight into this aspect of the island’s economy and enjoy some samples along the way is to take a tour of the Aruba Aloe Factory on your last day here. There’s no cost to enjoy a tour and it’s a slower-paced experience which is nice after a week of fun in the sun. There are options to learn how Aloe Vera is processed, where products end up, and of course, purchase some souvenirs before you head out too!

On your last night in Aruba, dine at Passions on the Beach. Integrated into Amsterdam Manor, this restaurant offers up a romantic ambiance to enjoy as well as white cloth table service and a menu featuring mouthwatering seafood selections. Dinner here is a chance to savor the moment while listening to the waves crash against the shoreline. When the sun goes down, the dining area is illuminated with soft lights and tiki torches to set an authentic island scene. Don’t miss out on trying something off the extensive wine list that’s perfectly paired with your dinner plate.

Make Visiting Aruba Fun with Accommodations

When you’re heading to Aruba and looking for inviting and luxurious vacation rental options to top off your trip in style, Casiola Aruba is here to help. Take time to browse our many options online and enjoy knowing that when you find your ideal island home away from home, it can be yours at just the touch of a button. We offer many types of rentals and even some in communities like our Divi Village villas. We can’t wait to welcome you to Aruba soon!

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