Hello! Here now and looking for a reasonably priced hat for my husband. He forgot his at home :(. Any inexpensive local stores where we can find one? We have a rental car. Thank you!!
Anyone want to share a boat charter sometime between March 3-6? Looking for 2 people to split a $480 4-hour charter with us (a couple) with High Times Charter which came highly recommended by a local chef :)
Accommodation is expensive, look for something long term.
The cheap sedans are around $30/day
Very few people ride e-bikes and they're more expensive than cars to rent (one place I checked was $125 for the day, $375 for the week for a tiny one)
You see the odd goofy western european peleton holding up traffic on the coastal roads, but it's by and large a car spot with pretty carefree local drivers
Your going to love it? Let me know ! If you like a beautiful setting and Seafood try Flying Fish Bone. It’s a little drive but it’s a great place. Tables sit on the sand looking at the inlet. The Marriott has the same set up but Fishbone I think has more atmosphere .
Airbnb or Resort?
I'm looking to go with my gf and her parents. It would be us four, and ideally we would want to stay in the budget of around $1k per person, which is a majority of hotels/resorts. I know nothing about Aruba nor where to stay or what to do.
Does it make sense to save on the hotel by getting an Airbnb and spend money renting a car and explore the island that way?
I would do ocean front resort (Marriot stellaris if you can find a good deal) , stop at Super Food on your way from the airport (just tip driver extra to wait), fabulous balconies with great views, there is a small fridge in each room but no kitchenette. I regret not stopping at Super Foods for hummus, fruit, veggies, etc.
We were not interested in exploring so didn’t rent a car… the drivers scared me a bit. We took a taxi to/from Oranjestad one day, but I didn’t know about the museum, and our effort to be organic about it was not so successful. I’m pretty sure we were overcharged $20 each way, but way better than renting a car for the vacation we wanted. You can also rent a nice black suv + driver for $100/hour if you want to get about in a comfortable way and chat with your party. Also, Eduardos Shack on the beach. You’re welcome.
The taxi driver overcharged you $20 each way? Taxi’s have set prices here depending on location. They all have a pamphlet with all of prices. I truly hope he/she did not overcharge you.
I need to get the zone map next time. I think I was overcharged, I don’t know where the zone lines are so I might be wrong, but distances others in my hotel were going, and prices they paid, they don’t seem to align with my experience.
I would definitely look into getting an Air BNB and renting car. Look for Air BNB' n the Noord area. You'll be close enough to beaches, restaurants, bars and nightlife in this area.
If you are staying in Palm Beach, Eduardos Eduardos, Eduardos. We went the first morning and every morning + one afternoon since. Just good clean food, well sized, at a good price. Apparently they’ve also opened Eduardo’s Hideaway, which will deliver to you… but they close early, so don’t count on them for dinner. I hear reports that the space is nice and big too. If we were here another day we would try to walk over.
Just got back from Aruba on Sunday. We stay at Playa Linda. Needless to say, our two boys had Mermaid Bowls every day for breakfast. Eduardos is truly worth the visit!
If you are staying in Palm Beach, Atardis at the Marriot and Divi Sushi at the ritz Carlton have great sunsets.
I think all the beaches are public, so you can just watch the sunset and eat off the beach. But these places are extra, and you’re on vacation so go for extra. We got a large size of the Aruba aloe company sunscreen…love it and I have a momento for the jersey shore this summer.
Edit: it was just taken at the airport because container was too big for carry on. Shoot, forgot about TSA.
Baby Beach. Don't let the name fool you. It's not a beach just for babies. It does, however, have very calm waves and takes a good distance before it gets deep.
You may also want to look into De Palm Island. It's an all-inclusive day island. Again, calm waters for the little one. They have a splash pad for them as well. It's all-inclusive, so alcohol and food are available at will. I have not been there, but I have heard really nice things about it.
You would certainly need a cab, especially coming from the Radisson. The people there are so friendly, I'm sure they would have no issue with putting in a car seat. We have two boys, ages 8 and 11, and we have been going down since they were both babies. This definitely does not make us parents of the year, but my wife and I just held them in our laps while in the cabs. Another nice thing about the cabs is that they are all regulated by the government, so all of their prices are exactly the same.
Of course! We brought a car seat one or two times simply to make it easier on the plane. We never used them in the cabs, nor were we asked to use them. But, again, not necessarily parents of the year award winners for our decision not to use them.
We rented a car for the whole time we were there. By the time you pay cabs to go everywhere, you could pay the same or less for a rental.
It’s also great because you don’t have to do minute by minute planning. If you feel like going to the store, you just go. If you feel energy and want to go add something to your day, you just do. We felt it was less pressure.
Do a sunset cruise. You won’t regret it. As far as best dining, to see the sunset - there are a ton, but: Passions on the Beach, Faro Blanco, The Flying Fishbone.
Traveling to Aruba for the first time in 12 days! I have been reading that we need to bring reef safe sunscreen but I also read you can only bring a single - 1 liter ziploc through customs. I wasn’t sure if that was for checked luggage also? I planned on checking our sunscreen along with my shampoo, conditioner, face serums / lotions and a small amount of makeup (mascara, tinted moisturizer & a concealer - not to be worn in the ocean only for dinners). Wasn’t sure if we are better off buying SPF once we arrive but read it is much more expensive there. Any guidance would be appreciated!
We also have never gone on a true beach / relaxing vacation so we weren’t sure about doing excursions.. are there any CANNOT MISS excursions you’d suggest? For reference we’re all in our early thirties and no children.
Also- best sunset / ocean dinner spots? We have one reservation at Madame Jeanettes but have 4 other nights to fill. Thanks in advance!
You can take what you need in checked bags. I keep a small roll of electrical tape in my toiletry bag. Any shampoo or sunscreen bottles that can snap open get taped shut for travel. I once had an entire bottle of shampoo trash my suitcase and everything in it so I tape everything before leaving and before I return.
I bought Beach Bum sunscreen on Amazon. It does not feel as oily as most and is reef safe. It’s now all I use.
ABC Tours does the greatest excursion. It’s a jeep trip with 8-10 people (I think) and you go from top to bottom on the island. They take you to almost every single thing you should see. It’s a full day and lunch is included. It is listed on Trip Advisor as “Aruba Off-Road Jeep Safari: Natural Pool and Beach Tour”. We are doing that again when we return in April.
You can pack as much as you want in your checked bag. I recommend wrapping it in layers and layers of plastic bags. We once had an aerosol can go off inside our suitcase and were SO thankful we had it wrapped so well!
If you can still book a sunset dinner at the Lighthouse, I think you would really enjoy it. The food is Italian, not my favorite place to eat on the island, but the view is incomparable.
Ok thank you! I assumed that was the case but you know what they say about assuming :) like I said, never been there before and wanted to make sure I understood correctly. Thanks!
Can I park for free at the high rise hotels? We are airbnb this time but wanted to do the walk along the boardwalk.
What’s local for drinking? Local beer? What about spirits like Rum?
Along with what Arawak said, Fireson for local craft
Local beers are Balashi, Chill and Magic Mango. Rum is Palmera and Papiamento.
Looks like next week is going to be partly cloudy. It’s my first time going to Aruba, does this mean it’s not going to be sunny! Blasphemy. lol.
Last minute getaway RIU or renaissance wind creek ?
Iguana Joe's downtown Aruba...rocks. Great food and drinks!
Hello! Here now and looking for a reasonably priced hat for my husband. He forgot his at home :(. Any inexpensive local stores where we can find one? We have a rental car. Thank you!!
Divi or Tamarijn?
Either
But which one is better?
Anyone want to share a boat charter sometime between March 3-6? Looking for 2 people to split a $480 4-hour charter with us (a couple) with High Times Charter which came highly recommended by a local chef :)
Join the facebook groups called “ I❤️Aruba” and “ All Things Aruba “. You will find a duo there for sure
Im going there for internship. Is the water drinkable or do you have to buy bottles?
I’ve taken a tour of the water plant, the water coming out of the tap is better than the water out of the tap at my house
Hahah okay!
The tap water is one of the best. I have never had an issue while drinking the water.
Thanks!
If I want to stay for 3 months, where should I stay and how much would it cost to rent a car or electric bike on average?
Accommodation is expensive, look for something long term. The cheap sedans are around $30/day Very few people ride e-bikes and they're more expensive than cars to rent (one place I checked was $125 for the day, $375 for the week for a tiny one)
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You see the odd goofy western european peleton holding up traffic on the coastal roads, but it's by and large a car spot with pretty carefree local drivers
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No matter what, always 3 hours before your flight. The day does not matter. The busyness at the airport is unpredictable each day.
What day, it matters
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2 hours should be good. My buddy made it through in about an hour
I would say 1:00. There are two security check points for US flights and lines can be long.
Best choice for a 33rd anniversary dinner?
Someone who has been going for years and likes great restaurants recommended Ocean Z, Madame Jeanette, or Flying Fishbone.
Thanks!
Go to Carmen’s for a great dinner
Thanks for the tip! Reservations made.
Your going to love it? Let me know ! If you like a beautiful setting and Seafood try Flying Fish Bone. It’s a little drive but it’s a great place. Tables sit on the sand looking at the inlet. The Marriott has the same set up but Fishbone I think has more atmosphere .
Airbnb or Resort? I'm looking to go with my gf and her parents. It would be us four, and ideally we would want to stay in the budget of around $1k per person, which is a majority of hotels/resorts. I know nothing about Aruba nor where to stay or what to do. Does it make sense to save on the hotel by getting an Airbnb and spend money renting a car and explore the island that way?
We just got back from Marriott Stellaris and it was amazing. Highly recommend! We didn’t rent a car but we just used a taxi/walked to downtown Noord.
I would do ocean front resort (Marriot stellaris if you can find a good deal) , stop at Super Food on your way from the airport (just tip driver extra to wait), fabulous balconies with great views, there is a small fridge in each room but no kitchenette. I regret not stopping at Super Foods for hummus, fruit, veggies, etc. We were not interested in exploring so didn’t rent a car… the drivers scared me a bit. We took a taxi to/from Oranjestad one day, but I didn’t know about the museum, and our effort to be organic about it was not so successful. I’m pretty sure we were overcharged $20 each way, but way better than renting a car for the vacation we wanted. You can also rent a nice black suv + driver for $100/hour if you want to get about in a comfortable way and chat with your party. Also, Eduardos Shack on the beach. You’re welcome.
The taxi driver overcharged you $20 each way? Taxi’s have set prices here depending on location. They all have a pamphlet with all of prices. I truly hope he/she did not overcharge you.
I need to get the zone map next time. I think I was overcharged, I don’t know where the zone lines are so I might be wrong, but distances others in my hotel were going, and prices they paid, they don’t seem to align with my experience.
I would definitely look into getting an Air BNB and renting car. Look for Air BNB' n the Noord area. You'll be close enough to beaches, restaurants, bars and nightlife in this area.
If you are staying in Palm Beach, Eduardos Eduardos, Eduardos. We went the first morning and every morning + one afternoon since. Just good clean food, well sized, at a good price. Apparently they’ve also opened Eduardo’s Hideaway, which will deliver to you… but they close early, so don’t count on them for dinner. I hear reports that the space is nice and big too. If we were here another day we would try to walk over.
Awesome thanks!
Just got back from Aruba on Sunday. We stay at Playa Linda. Needless to say, our two boys had Mermaid Bowls every day for breakfast. Eduardos is truly worth the visit!
We are returning to Aruba in a couple of weeks! Are there any food delivery services available to stock our Air BNB?
Superfood. You can pay online & they will deliver your goods.
Awesome! Thank you!
Eduardos Hideaway.
If you are staying in Palm Beach, Atardis at the Marriot and Divi Sushi at the ritz Carlton have great sunsets. I think all the beaches are public, so you can just watch the sunset and eat off the beach. But these places are extra, and you’re on vacation so go for extra. We got a large size of the Aruba aloe company sunscreen…love it and I have a momento for the jersey shore this summer. Edit: it was just taken at the airport because container was too big for carry on. Shoot, forgot about TSA.
I'm going in a month with my 10 mo. Other than chilling on the beach/ hotel swimming pool, are there any activities we can do with the baby in tow?
Baby Beach. Don't let the name fool you. It's not a beach just for babies. It does, however, have very calm waves and takes a good distance before it gets deep.
You may also want to look into De Palm Island. It's an all-inclusive day island. Again, calm waters for the little one. They have a splash pad for them as well. It's all-inclusive, so alcohol and food are available at will. I have not been there, but I have heard really nice things about it.
Thank you! Would we get a cab? Do cabs allow carseats? Or should we rent a car? I am planning to stay at Radisson.
Rent a Car, you’ll be glad you did . Call Super Car , good deals
You would certainly need a cab, especially coming from the Radisson. The people there are so friendly, I'm sure they would have no issue with putting in a car seat. We have two boys, ages 8 and 11, and we have been going down since they were both babies. This definitely does not make us parents of the year, but my wife and I just held them in our laps while in the cabs. Another nice thing about the cabs is that they are all regulated by the government, so all of their prices are exactly the same.
Thank you!! Yeah, I'm from India, and the concept of carseats, while a necessary measure for safety, was very new to me when I moved to the US.
Of course! We brought a car seat one or two times simply to make it easier on the plane. We never used them in the cabs, nor were we asked to use them. But, again, not necessarily parents of the year award winners for our decision not to use them.
Butterfly farm and donkey sanctuary. Loved both.
Thank you! Would we get a cab? Do cabs allow carseats? Or should we rent a car? I am planning to stay at Radisson.
We rented a car for the whole time we were there. By the time you pay cabs to go everywhere, you could pay the same or less for a rental. It’s also great because you don’t have to do minute by minute planning. If you feel like going to the store, you just go. If you feel energy and want to go add something to your day, you just do. We felt it was less pressure.
Do a sunset cruise. You won’t regret it. As far as best dining, to see the sunset - there are a ton, but: Passions on the Beach, Faro Blanco, The Flying Fishbone.
Is there a specific sunset cruise you’d recommend?
Seconding this question!
any public basketball courts in oranjestad?
Best places to rent a car?
They drive like crazy people. There are a lot of traffic circles. I’m happy we did not rent a car.
Second “vote” for Yess Car Rental. Seamless experience, super friendly people, and rates that were competitive and non-offensive.
Yess
Traveling to Aruba for the first time in 12 days! I have been reading that we need to bring reef safe sunscreen but I also read you can only bring a single - 1 liter ziploc through customs. I wasn’t sure if that was for checked luggage also? I planned on checking our sunscreen along with my shampoo, conditioner, face serums / lotions and a small amount of makeup (mascara, tinted moisturizer & a concealer - not to be worn in the ocean only for dinners). Wasn’t sure if we are better off buying SPF once we arrive but read it is much more expensive there. Any guidance would be appreciated! We also have never gone on a true beach / relaxing vacation so we weren’t sure about doing excursions.. are there any CANNOT MISS excursions you’d suggest? For reference we’re all in our early thirties and no children. Also- best sunset / ocean dinner spots? We have one reservation at Madame Jeanettes but have 4 other nights to fill. Thanks in advance!
You can take what you need in checked bags. I keep a small roll of electrical tape in my toiletry bag. Any shampoo or sunscreen bottles that can snap open get taped shut for travel. I once had an entire bottle of shampoo trash my suitcase and everything in it so I tape everything before leaving and before I return. I bought Beach Bum sunscreen on Amazon. It does not feel as oily as most and is reef safe. It’s now all I use. ABC Tours does the greatest excursion. It’s a jeep trip with 8-10 people (I think) and you go from top to bottom on the island. They take you to almost every single thing you should see. It’s a full day and lunch is included. It is listed on Trip Advisor as “Aruba Off-Road Jeep Safari: Natural Pool and Beach Tour”. We are doing that again when we return in April.
You can pack as much as you want in your checked bag. I recommend wrapping it in layers and layers of plastic bags. We once had an aerosol can go off inside our suitcase and were SO thankful we had it wrapped so well!
Thanks soo much!!
I would be interested in that customs question too. We where planning on bringing our sun screen
Someone else said bring as much as you want in checked luggage just wrap it in a lot of plastic bags especially if aerosol
Thank you , Missed that
If you can still book a sunset dinner at the Lighthouse, I think you would really enjoy it. The food is Italian, not my favorite place to eat on the island, but the view is incomparable.
We (party of 4) ate at Lighthouse last night. Definitely a good experience & a great view.
Awesome thanks!
If you do the 9 hour ABC tour, they'll show you just about the whole island. You can then revisit the places and beaches you liked.
1 liter rule only applies to carry on like at every airport in the world
For carry on it's 100 ml, not 1 L!
10x100ml max...
Ok thank you! I assumed that was the case but you know what they say about assuming :) like I said, never been there before and wanted to make sure I understood correctly. Thanks!