ABC Islands

There are enough sightseeing locations on the island to fill up even a three week vacation! Aruba's beaches are a big attraction a couple of these are:

Eagle Beach is a Leatherback sea turtle nesting area (parts of the beach maybe closed March to July) but an amazing beach and plenty of shady places. 

Palm Beach, on the island's west side, offers perfect swimming conditions and powdery sand. Aruba is only 20 miles long, thus easily explored by bike or moped or of course bus or taxi!

There is a private island belonging to Renaissance Hotel where you can feed Flamingos on the beach if you’re staying there. You can book a day pass but they only issue a certain amount a day..... It’s an adult only beach and absolutely BEAUTIFUL.  

                  Fun facts:    

Aruba's sand never gets hot with high temperatures you can walk barefoot! Why? because a mix of shell and coral keeps the sand cool

Balashi is the local beer of Aruba. It is produced on the island 

Aruba is a windy island

Iguana meat is the local delicacy apparently it tastes like chicken! 

Although its great to spend long days just relaxing on the beach and listening to the ocean, there are so many things to see historical and natural attractions, and museums.

Alto Vista Chapel is located on the north shore of Aruba and was built by Domingo Antonio Silvestre. This small Catholic chapel is also known as "Pilgrims Church" Take a look inside  We did this tour through Pelican Adventures as a sail and sightseeing trip which was very informative. (See pic)

Californian Lighthouse The lighthouse was built between 1914 and 1916 according to a French design. It was named after the steamship California which was wrecked nearby in 1891. Standing more than 90 feet high, the lighthouse is an impressive landmark in the barren almost lunar-like landscape surrounding it. Its location allows commanding views of the north coast, the sand dunes area. (part of our Pelican Adventures)

Highly popular in Aruba is Snorkeling we loved this part of the cruise and there is so much life under the sea.

Discover the SS ‘Antilla’ shipwreck, one of the Caribbean's largest wrecks. Most trips take in Boca Catalina Reef with fish of all colours you will not be disappointed.  Trips can be booked through companies like Viator and TripAdvisor or your cruise line if cruising.

NightLife Depending on where you are staying there is a lively nightlife there is a Comedy Club at Eagle Beach which I have been told is very good.  We did a Champagne sunset tour with the Kukoo Kunuku Bus which starts with a champagne drink on the beach and on to a restaurant for a tasty BBQ then back on the fun bus for a tour of the local pubs. This was a really fun trip for all ages www.kukookunuku.com (see pic above)

There are also lots of evening cruise and sail trips which are also fun and a great way to end the day. Whatever you like I am sure you will find something to enjoy.

What a wonderful Island this is. We cruised here to the port of  Kralendijk.

Gateway to popular snorkeling and dive sites and the sheltered cove by 1,000 Steps Beach. The southern coast is studded with salt flats, pink sea and stone slave huts a stark reminder of the slave trade era.  Head to Sorobon beach which is one of the worlds top wind surfing beaches and also a wellness destination. Coco beach is another amazing beach with fantastic snorkelling. Free to access with restaurant, bar and facilities plus sun beds at a charge. Would recommend water shoes it can be very tricky getting into the sea. 

There are lots of tours and excursions available and a great number are snorkelling tours due to the coral reefs and excellent clarity of the sea. 

We took an ATV tour around much of the island and a bit of off-roading fun too. Bonaire cruisers based a short walk from the cruise port run this excursion which was roughly £90 each. They also hire golf carts at around £100. The carts are self driven and you can set off and go exploring on your own.  All the popular beaches and sites are easily accessible including seeing Flamingoes in the wild, Slave huts, salt flats and beaches. They can be found just outside the port in one of the tents but they get booked up quickly so book through Bonaire Cruisers website.

Klein Bonaire is an Island accessible by water taxi. This 20-minute boat ride departs from the Caribe Watersports water taxi pier and sails towards the shores of No Name Beach. Swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun and spend as little or as long as you like on the island before heading back to Bonai

Read more about Water taxi to Klein Bonaire 2019 - Kralendijk - https://m.viator.com/tours/Kralendijk/Water-taxi-to-Klein-Bonaire/d4309-17267P11?mcid=56757

Sail and Snorkel is another popular trip a lovely day on the water on this guided sailing and snorkeling excursion. Board a 44-foot Peterson sailing vessel called “The Compass” and visit snorkeling spots teeming with tropical fish and marine life. Learn about the island’s history and daily life while enjoying spectacular views from the water. Refreshments are included.

Read more about Half Day Sail & Snorkel Cruise 2019 - Bonaire - https://m.viator.com/tours/Bonaire/Half-Day-Sail-and-Snorkel-Cruise/d4308-118235P7?mcid=56757

See pics above

Cruise Port Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, You are within walking distance from the ship to shopping, dining, bar hopping and even snorkeling and diving are within walking distance You will pass through Harborside Mall, a small open-air shopping center, to get from the pier to the street. You will find taxi and tour operator stands for independent exploration too.

Fun Fact: The dive site 1000 steps has only 67 steps! 

The people of Bonaire are so sure it’s a gem underwater diving site that the government has “Divers Paradise” printed on all licence plates 

There are over 50 dive sites accessible by shore

Willemstad is the Port and this Island is known for its beaches and coral reef.  The capital has pretty pastel coloured colonial architecture, sweet little shops and a variety of restaurants.  Within walking distance from the port over the Queen Emma Bridge into town to see the giant DUSHI sign meaning cute or sweet and used frequently on the Island or take a picture with the huge CURACAO sign located in the town.

There are many trips from here. We did a snorkel tour on a catamaran which took in some of the island, a tugboat underwater and coral reefs but there are many tours on Viator you will not be short of things to do. From Tuk Tuk tours, Scooter tours and ATV tours to Island and Cultural tours