After three days at sea on the Island Princess, our first port was the island of Aruba in the southern Caribbean. Famous for white sand, blue water and plenty of sunlight, Aruba did not disappoint.
The port is right in town and our time here was pretty short, from 7 am to noon. We opted to skip the paid excursions offered by the cruise line and relax in Aruba. With the early start, we headed Northwest from town on the public bus to Palm Beach – a destination that frequently appears on lists of the world’s best beaches.
Palm Beach on the Caribbean island of Aruba
Naturally, our first stop was for coffee. We went to The Bread Basket as a local recommended it as the best coffee in town.
Hubby and I enjoyed a coffee on Palm Beach, Aruba.
Called Jet Flyer, this is one of many water sport options available at Aruba’s Palm Beach.
Don’t ask what this lizard did next.
Returning to town with an hour to walk the streets and shop, we discovered these:
Aruba is home to the Caribbean’s first streetcar line, designed in San Francisco.
Practical Information:
- Aruba is one of the Netherland Antilles, the southernmost islands in the Caribbean.
- The island is only 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point.
- The average year-round temperature is 28C (82F).
- There are two official languages, Papiamento and Dutch, however, according to our taxi driver most people speak four languages, adding English and Spanish to the mix
- Both the Aruban Florin and the US Dollar are considered official currency.
- You can take either a taxi or city bus to go from town to the best beaches (along the West Coast). Taxis charge about $14 for the trip to Palm Beach, while the bus is $2.60 per person. Bus number L10 or L10B will get you there, but if you want to continue to the California Lighthouse, you will need to be on the L10.
- If you are thinking about cruising, check out the deals at Princess.
From here, we headed to South America, stopping in Cartagena Colombia to explore the city and see some fascinating bird and animal life.
Have you been to Aruba? Do you prefer site seeing or beach going?
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media.
Disclaimer: Although I was treated as a VIP, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Here's the secret to packing light:
Download our free packing light checklist when you sign up for our newsletter.
Terrie says
Rhonda,
Great pictures. My husband and I stayed a week in Aruba 20 yrs ago. We have gone back there as a stop on cruises about 3 times. Looking to just go to the beach this time. We leave June 2016. Do you know anything about Reflections Beach also know as Nikki beach? I hear it is in walking distance.
Rhonda Albom says
Sorry, wish I did. We had way to short of a time in Aruba, and I didn’t keep the city map as I travel with only carry on. Where ever it is on the island, it will be lovely. And the city bus is super cheap, so even if it’s not walking distance from each other, they should be easy to get to.
Lydia C. Lee says
I’ve done jet flyer – fun and terrifying at the same time!!
Rhonda Albom says
Hubby was thinking of trying it but our time was short at the port.
Joyce Lansky says
What a life. Gorgeous pictures!
Pam Margolis says
There is a reason Aruba is called One Happy Island, it’s the best place ever!
Rhonda Albom says
Hubby bought a somewhat plain hat in Aruba and on the back was embroidery with that slogan – One Happy Island.
Mary-the boondocks blog says
What a beautiful island. It reminds me of Greece, the same deep blue sky that is not found in many other places. I love the pink building you photographed. When I go to a new place the last thing I want to do is lie on the beach. I like to take in the local culture and have a look around. I have the beach at home so there is no need for that.Rhonda, I am hosting a new link party, Sweet Inspiration and encourage photo and travel bloggers to join us as well. It runs Friday till Tuesday. Hope you can join us.
Rhonda Albom says
Aruba is beautiful and I think the sky looks even deeper blue in contrast to the white sand.
Paul F. Pietrangelo says
Our next cruise in January, 2017, one of our ports is Aruba. Depending of the time, I’m not sure what We’ll be doing. After Aruba we go to Curacao, the port I’m really looking forward to. When you finished your vacation Rhonda, do you plan on having a blog of your vacation and all the places that you were there? I would love seeing more of where you went. See ya my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks for a great idea Paul. I was just going to write summaries for each of the cities.
L. Diane Wolfe says
I love the signs pointing to all of the cities. Puts Aruba’s placement in perspective.
Rhonda Albom says
I love those signs too, always photo them when I see them in new spots. We are quite close to South America.
Brenda Marie says
I love your pictures they are very nice and relaxing.
Rhonda Albom says
Then I have done my post well. Thanks.
Lexa Cain says
Wow! Some awesome sights, especially the beach and the gorgeous trolley car. I’m so glad you’re having a good time! Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
The beach was so inviting with the white sand and azure waters.
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says
The lizard is cracking me up 🙂 Aruba looks lovely and so relaxing. I had no idea that they had a streetcar. Fascinating.
Rhonda Albom says
I wish we could have stayed longer.
Stefanie says
I see I think the same way your other readers do – cause I just wanted to know what the lizard did next – glad you answered it – and no, I really didn’t want to know after all!
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – I did try to warn you 🙂
Hilary says
Hi Rhonda – lovely photos and descriptions … that lizard is just wonderful – nature is amazing. I’ve never been to the Caribbean … it looks amazingly hot! Cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom says
I love the tropical weather, so I am really happy.
Shere says
Aruba is very popular forthe Dutch tourist. So handy that they speak Dutch
Rhonda Albom says
I’m happy that they spoke several common languages. It makes it feel more multicultural.
Kathy Marris says
I hope you enjoyed Aruba as much as we did. We went on a Caribbean Cruise last year in April and we stopped for a full day in Aruba. We loved the dutch influence and yes the beaches were spectacular. We actually did a tour however which we enjoyed immensely. Love the lizard- he is so brightly coloured.
Rhonda Albom says
We were only there for half a day and we enjoyed it.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Very colorful!
Lizard poop. Just great.
A jet flyer would be cool, but it’s not a cheap sport.
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, that is what it did. I was a bit stunned.
Comedy Plus says
Great shots, but what did that lizard do next?
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom says
Relieved himself. No modesty here.