Family vacation on the island of Aruba
Aruba is a Caribbean island located just north of Venezuela. With its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and warm, tropical weather, it’s no wonder that Aruba is a popular vacation destination for families. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top things to do in Aruba for families, including where to stay, where to eat, and what to see.
Getting to Aruba
Aruba is a relatively small island, measuring just 20 miles long and 6 miles wide. It is located about 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, and is accessible by air or sea. Many airlines offer direct flights to Aruba from major cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The island also has a large cruise ship terminal, making it a popular port of call for many Caribbean cruises.
Where to Stay
Aruba has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Families can choose from all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and more. Some of the most popular family-friendly resorts include the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino, and the Ritz-Carlton Aruba.
For those who prefer a more homey atmosphere, vacation rentals are a great option. Many vacation rentals in Aruba are located near the beach and offer all the amenities of home, including a full kitchen, living room, and private pool.
Where to Eat
Aruba has a rich culinary scene that blends Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin American flavors. There are many family-friendly restaurants in Aruba that offer a variety of cuisines, from traditional Aruban dishes to international fare.
Some of the top family-friendly restaurants in Aruba include Madame Janette, which is known for its seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes, and Zeerover, a casual seafood restaurant that serves fresh catches of the day. Families with picky eaters may also want to check out restaurants like Pizza Bob’s, which serves a variety of pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches.
Things to Do
Aruba has no shortage of fun activities for families. Here are some of the top things to do in Aruba:
- Beaches: Aruba is famous for its beautiful beaches, and there are many to choose from. Some of the most popular beaches include Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach.
- Water Sports: With its clear blue waters, Aruba is the perfect destination for water sports. Families can enjoy activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Arikok National Park: Arikok National Park covers nearly 20% of the island and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Families can explore the park’s hiking trails, visit natural pools and bridges, and learn about Aruba’s cultural heritage at the park’s visitor center.
- Butterfly Farm: The Butterfly Farm is a unique attraction where families can see hundreds of different species of butterflies in a beautiful, enclosed garden.
- Atlantis Submarines: Families can take a submarine tour of Aruba’s coral reefs and underwater shipwrecks with Atlantis Submarines.
- Ostrich Farm: The Aruba Ostrich Farm is a great place to learn about these fascinating birds and even feed them.
Conclusion
Aruba is a great destination for families looking for a tropical vacation with plenty of activities and adventure. With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone in Aruba. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, exploring the island’s natural beauty, or trying out new water sports, Aruba is sure to be a memorable
What can we do on the island of Aruba
Aruba is a beautiful Caribbean island known for its warm weather, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches. It is a popular vacation destination, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the top things to do on the island of Aruba:
- Relax on the Beach: Aruba is known for its stunning beaches, with Eagle Beach and Palm Beach being two of the most popular. These beaches offer crystal-clear water, soft sand, and plenty of space for relaxation and sunbathing.
- Snorkeling and Diving: The waters around Aruba are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities, with many companies offering guided tours and equipment rentals.
- Visit Arikok National Park: Arikok National Park covers 20% of the island and is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails, explore caves and rock formations, and learn about Aruba’s cultural heritage at the park’s visitor center.
- Take a Jeep Tour: Jeep tours are a popular way to explore the island, with many companies offering guided tours that take visitors off-road to some of the island’s most beautiful and remote locations.
- Visit the Butterfly Farm: The Butterfly Farm is a unique attraction where visitors can see hundreds of different species of butterflies in a beautiful enclosed garden.
- Try Water Sports: Aruba is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding all popular options.
- Visit the California Lighthouse: The California Lighthouse is a historic landmark that offers stunning views of the island’s coastline. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Take a Sunset Cruise: Aruba’s sunsets are legendary, and taking a sunset cruise is a great way to experience them. Many companies offer sunset cruises that include drinks, snacks, and entertainment.
- Visit the Ostrich Farm: The Aruba Ostrich Farm is a unique attraction that allows visitors to see and feed these fascinating birds.
- Visit Oranjestad: Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba and a charming town with colorful Dutch colonial architecture, excellent shopping, and a variety of restaurants and bars.
Overall, Aruba offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. From relaxing on the beach to exploring the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, there is something for everyone on this beautiful Caribbean island.
How to get there and what is needed for our vacation on the island of Aruba
Getting to Aruba is relatively easy, with many airlines offering direct flights to the island from major cities in North America, South America, and Europe. The main airport on the island is the Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), located in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba.
Before your vacation, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary travel documents. If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or a European Union country, you do not need a visa to enter Aruba as a tourist for up to 90 days. However, you will need a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Aruba.
In addition to your passport, you will need to complete an online Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED Card) prior to arrival in Aruba. This card asks for basic information such as your name, address, and travel dates.
Aruba uses the US dollar as its official currency, so there is no need to exchange money before your trip. Credit cards are widely accepted on the island, and there are plenty of ATMs available.
When packing for your trip, keep in mind that Aruba’s climate is warm and sunny year-round, with average temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 30 degrees Celsius). Lightweight clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are appropriate for most activities, although you may want to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also essential to protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun.
In terms of accommodations, Aruba offers a wide range of options, from all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and vacation rentals. It’s important to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak travel season from December to April.
Overall, getting to and preparing for your Aruba vacation is relatively easy, with just a few important documents and items to keep in mind before you go.