Top Places I Visited in Aruba
Aruba is a little slice of paradise in the Caribbean just under 20 miles north of Venezuela. Unlike most of the other Caribbean islands, Aruba has a dry climate and desert-like landscape, providing tourists with reliably warm and sunny weather all year around.
Ostrich Farm in Aruba
Looking for some family friendly fun? The Ostrich Farm is located on the north eastern part of the island and is mainly a sanctuary for the majestic birds of Ostriches and Emus. I had never been in the presence of such large and powerful birds - it was quite magical! I also learned a ton of cool facts through their guided tour, like Ostrich’s can run up to 70 km/hour! They also have other birds and lizards to appreciate while you are there.
Tour Fees: $14 per adult, $7 per child. Tours Schedule: Every 30 mins from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Open 7 days a week.
Check them out: Arubaostrichfarm.com
Holding an Ostrich egg!
California Lighthouse
The California Lighthouse is located on the Northern most part of the island known as known as "Hudishibana". This iconic spot will give you some of the most spectacular 360 views found on the island. The lighthouse was named after the S.S. California - which sunk nearby in 1910.
While a tour costs $5, it costs nothing to take pictures outside and around the structure. There is also a restaurant nearby for meals while visiting this part of the island. Heads up, this part of the island is very rocky and the waters are much choppier than swimming waters located elsewhere, so don’t expect to play in the water too much! The lighthouse is open everyday from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm, $5 admission fee with no reservations required. For more information contact them at info@arubawalkingtours.com or visit their Facebook.
The expansive views surrounding the lighthouse were beautiful!
Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is located in Arikok National Park, which makes up almost 20% of the whole island! When I was a kid the original Natural Bridge was still standing, but it collapsed on September 2, 2005 because of tragic damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. The original arch was about 25 feet high, 100 feet long and was the remnant of an ancient cave! There is no cost to view the site itself, but there is a small fee to enter the national park. Unfortunately, you are no longer allowed to go onto the bridge due to safety concerns.
Open Monday – Sunday from 08:00 am till 4:00 pm (ticket sales closes 3:30 pm). Price: US$11,- per person. Year pass: US$28 Learn more about the park and other attractions it offers here: www.arubanationalpark.org
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is a human-made lagoon located on the southern most point of the island passed San Nicholas. Baby Beach is the crystal clear water and sandy beach you dream of when you think of the Caribbean - being there truly felt like paradise.
It is named Baby Beach because the water is so calm and shallow that it is safe for, well, babies! When I was there, people were going so far out that they were hard to see, but the water was only coming up to their waist. It is also a great spot for snorkelers. As far as food and drinks, Baby Beach has a refreshment stand where you can mingle with locals and eat hamburgers and hotdogs. For those with a bigger appetite after a long day of basking in the sun, there is also a restaurant, Big Mama Grill, which has everything from BBQ to seafood platters. You know you’re getting close to Baby Beach when you pass the big red anchor and what used to be an abandoned Valero factory (the factory has been reopened as a Citgo factory). There is no cost for Baby Beach but beach beds, windscreens and snorkel gear are available for a rental fee.
댓글