Did you know that gold has played an important part in Aruba’s history? Aruba’s name roughly translates to “there was gold”. On the north coast of the island resides the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, a remnant of the island’s Gold Rush.
The Gold Rush of 1824
During the 1700s the Dutch explored the Caribbean in search of gold and treasures hidden by the Spanish. They explored Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao but left disappointed.
Fast Forward to 1824 when a twelve-year-old herder discovered gold ore in the hills of Rooi Fluit. Almost immediately, gold became an important part of Aruba’s history from 1824 until about 1916. Nearly everyone on the island sought out the precious metal. However, what they found had to be sold to the government at a fixed price.
The fever died out in 1830 however, new gold veins were discovered in 1854. Afterward, locals were prohibited from digging for gold. A Dutch Company had exclusive rights for digging on the island before changing hands to American and English companies.
The island produced more than 3 million pounds, in total.
The Bushiribana Gold Mill
The Aruba Island Gold Mining Company built Bushiribana in 1874 to extract gold from the ore that was being mined in the hills nearby. The limestone mill was designed to look like a fort in order to intimidate potential pirates.
Eventually, in 1916 during World War 1, the Aruba Gold Mining Company decided to cease all operations on the island. The digging never resumed.
Visiting the Mill
Although it costs nothing to visit and explore the Bushiribana Ruins, you may want to visit with a tour guide. There are no guides, information pamphlets, or even signs that explain the history of the site. Everything is just kind of left open for you to interpret.
The views from the mill are absolutely remarkable. This is definitely one of Aruba’s most photogenic locations!
Visiting the Mill is a must, especially if you’re already in the area visiting the Aruba Ostrich Farm, the Small Natural Pool, or the Ayo Rock Formations.
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Perched on the northwestern tip of Aruba is a gorgeous stone structure called the California Lighthouse. This majestic lighthouse offers the absolute best 360-degree views of the rugged island of Aruba and the stunning waters that surround it.
California Lighthouse
The History of California Lighthouse
The lighthouse was named after the S.S. California, a wooden British steamship. The ship was sailing from Liverpool to Central America carrying passengers, merchandise, furniture, and provisions. On a dark September evening in 1891, the ship wrecked.
According to local lore, the cargo that the ship was carrying was thrown overboard and later sold in Oranjestad.
Today, the wreckage is covered with coral, sponges, and is home to heaps of reef fish. It is one of the most popular diving sites in Aruba. The area is known for strong currents, hammerheads, and bull sharks and is recommended only for experienced divers.
The lighthouse was designed by a French dude and construction began in 1914. It took two years to complete the project. Since then, the lighthouse has remained active.
The lighthouse received a complete restoration in honor of its 100th anniversary.
California Lighthouse
What’s so cool about it?
Not only is this lighthouse absolutely stunning, but it also offers the best 360-degree view of the island. What’s even cooler is visitors can climb all the way to the top of Aruba’s most iconic building!
The lighthouse is open every day from 9:00 AM until 7 PM. The admission is $5 for one of the best cardio workouts of your life! We strongly suggest visiting during sunset!
Aruba has a couple of other lighthouses, if lighthouses are your jam.
Fort Zoutman Lighthouse
Seroe Colorado “Lighthouse”
In modern times, the lighthouse keeper’s house has been expanded and rebuilt into a top-notch, highly recommended Italian restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco.
Where is California Lighthouse located?
The lighthouse is located in an area known as “Hudishibana” on the northwestern tip of the island.
Our Review
Firstly, we visited the California Lighthouse as part of a tour that showed us all around the island. Since this is one of the most famous buildings on the island, it was added to our itinerary along with the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Ostrich Farm, the Ayo Rock Formations, and a handful of other sites.
Honestly, while the building is beautiful (and photographs well), if you aren’t planning on climbing to the top then it really isn’t worth the trip. The area around the lighthouse is rather rugged and may be difficult to get around for some. I definitely suggest wearing comfortable shoes!
If you’re cramped for time and trying to figure out how to get the most bang for your buck, you could easily skip the lighthouse and not have any regrets. If you are staying at the resorts and hotels near Eagle Beach, the lighthouse is only a 10-minute drive so it may be worth a visit.
Aruba is located just over 850 miles north of the equator which means the sun here is super intense. Even as a Florida girl I managed to get a horrible sunburn while in Aruba. It is extremely important that no matter how tough you think you are, you better lather up with some sunscreen.
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“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Aruba?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.
Aruba Natural Bridge
What is an Excursion?
An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.
Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Aruba?
You could definitely get away without booking an excursion in Aruba. If you’re looking to just hit the beaches, you can easily grab a cab and head for the sand on your own. The beaches here are incredible but there is so much more to Aruba than just white sand beaches and turquoise water.
Aruba has a ton of incredible things to do. There’s a rad ostrich farm (yes… you read that right), a gorgeous lighthouse, some super cool rock formations with prehistoric carvings, a rocky desert, and of course the former “Natural Bridge“. If you stick to just the beaches, you’ll miss out.
Natural Bridge, Aruba
Nearby Beaches
Eagle Beach
This is probably the most iconic tourist beach. It is the widest beach on the island and popular due to its proximity to bars and restaurants. This is also a favorite location for those that are into water sports.
Drulf Beach, Divi Beach, & Manchebo Beach
These beaches are all pretty much next to each other. They all feature wide expansive white sand beaches. Although there are some rocks here, the water here is fantastic. Food and drink options are a little limited.
Surfside Beach
This beach has clear, calm waters, and a fun vibe perfect for families. The beach is home to bars, restaurants, and Splash Park Aruba. Splash Park Aruba is an inflatable waterpark full of slides, obstacle courses, bridges, and other inflatable toys.
Pro-Tip: Beach palapas are on public property meaning anyone can use them free of charge. Palapas are the little grass beach umbrella stands.
Recommended Excursions in Aruba
All Inclusive Sailaway Snorkel by Pirate Ship
Hop aboard a 110-foot schooner and cruise along Aruba’s stunning coastline. You’ll make a pitstop where you can snorkel on one of Aruba’s gorgeous reefs. The next step is the Antilla shipwreck, a WWII German freighter that is the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean.
North Coast Jeef Safari
There is nothing cooler than four-wheeling in the desert. Hold on tight and prepare for the ride of a lifetime! This tour will take you to the Donkey Sanctuary (we can’t make this stuff up), the Ayo Rock Formations, the collapsed Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Chapel of Alto Vista, and the California Lighthouse. This is an awesome way to see the best of Aruba. There are variations of this tour that include snorkeling opportunities.
Bushiribana Ruins, Aruba
4×4 Natural Pool Swim & Snorkel Safari
On this excursion, you’ll hit the dirt trails and go off-roading…after all, it’s the only way to access the Natural Pool in Arikok National Park. Once you reach the Natural Pool, you’ll be able to swim or snorkel in the gorgeous water. The tour also stops by the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Baby Natural Bridge, and visit the California Lighthouse.
Best of Aruba Island Tour
If four-wheeling isn’t your thing, don’t worry. This tour is done in an air-conditioned motor coach (which is wayyyyy more comfortable than an open-air safari vehicle!). This tour visits the Alto Vista Chapel, and the Casibari Rock Formations. You’ll also get to see the Baby Natural Bridge and the California Lighthouse.
Top 10 Best of Aruba
This tour is much more slow-paced. On the way to the Natural Bridge and Baby Bridge, you’ll stop by the Casibari Rock Formation. You’ll also head to the northwestern part of the island to the California Lighthouse and Eagle Beach.
So you’re heading to Aruba, eh? That’s awesome! I’d love to help you with your Aruba packing list. Aruba is an awesome country that is totally different than the rest of the Caribbean. Did you know that much of Aruba is covered in a desert? There are tons of things to do here ranging from the Aruba Ostrich Farm, the Natural Bridge, the Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins, and the Ayo Rock Formations. Oh, and of course there’s also the beach.
View from the Bushiribana Ruins
Let’s Talk About the Weather
The weather in Aruba is tropical, but not extremely hot. The weather here is pretty much a constant 82° F (28° C). However, Aruba is located just over 860 miles north of the equator so the sun is hot and you can easily get sunburned. Be particularly careful of the mid-day sun! Luckily, trade winds cool the island down making the hot sun much more bearable.
Since Aruba is so far south, it is rarely impacted by hurricanes. However, tropical systems tend for form close by and do have effects on ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao).
The rainy season ranges from October to January. The rainfall averages about eighteen inches a year.
Natural Bridge
The Nitty Gritty
Since Aruba is a tourist destination, there are plenty of places to shop and pick up essentials that you may have left at home. Keep in mind you may not be able to find the same brands in Aruba and you should plan on spending a bit more.
To make sure nothing important gets left behind, I’ll be breaking down the ultimate Aruba vacation packing list. I hope this packing list and these travel tips will help you have a great time on your vacation!
Aruba Packing List Essentials
When you’re getting ready for Aruba, there are some things that you absolutely must have with you. All of these items should be in your suitcase, purse, and/or carry-on.
Passport
You absolutely must have your passport to travel to Aruba. Most tourists will not require a visa to visit One Happy Island.
Driver’s License
If you are a terrestrial traveler (aka not arriving by cruise ship), then it is strongly recommended that you rent a car during your stay. You’ll need a US or International Driver’s License to rent a car.
The island is very small, and it’s hard to get lost. The locals will tell you, “If you don’t know where you’re heading to, just keep driving, and eventually you’ll end up there.”
Gas stations work a bit differently in Aruba. Most gas stations will offer an attendant that will pump the gas for you.
Portable and Plug-in Chargers
Obviously, you’re going to be taking a ton of pictures on your trip. You most definitely are going to want to pack a portable power bank for your phone. While you’re thinking about chargers you better grab all of the chargers for your electronics: phone charger, laptop charger, tablet charger, smartwatch charger, and maybe even an electric toothbrush charger!
The Anker PowerPort Cube Power Strip has 3 outlets, 3 USB ports and includes a 5-foot extension cord.
Aruba uses 110 volts, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat types so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. Outlets rarely have 3 holes so if your device has a third prong, bring an adapter.
Camera & SD Card
Sure, you could just bring your phone along for photos but you’ll probably want to bring a legit camera along as well. I suggest a Nikon D5600 for high-quality photos. While you’re grabbing your camera, don’t forget our SD card! I travel with a 64 GB memory SD card. If you’re feeling wild, you can go for a 128 GB SD memory card.
If you’re planning on spending time at the beach or pool, you’ll probably want to have an underwater camera, as well. Those of you who will be using a phone as a camera, make sure you get a waterproof phone case. I take one of these with me on all of my trips to Central America and the Caribbean.
Cash $
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand. I would be careful about carrying around large amounts of money. I would suggest only having $100 (broken into small bills) on your person. You do not have to exchange your money for Aruban florin; Merchants will gladly accept USD.
Credit Cards
Good news, you can use your debit card in Aruba! You can also use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATM’s. Larger hotels, restaurants, and shops will typically be able to accept Visa and MasterCard. I use a travel wallet to keep my passport, cards, and money safe in one place.
Travel Umbrella
Remember, Aruba doesn’t get a ton of rain (only averaging 18 inches annually). However, if you are visiting during the rainy season of October through January you’ll want to pack an umbrella. The good news is the storms tend to be very brief, so don’t cancel your plans just because there’s a little rain in the forecast. I pack an EEZ-Y Windproof Travel Umbrella.
Sun Care
I said it before but I’ll say it again, the sun in Aruba is BRUTAL. Since Aruba is situated so closely the the equator the rays are stronger than most of us are used to. It is especially worse at mid-day. You will most definitely want to apply sunscreen throughout the day.
Even as a Florida girl, I managed to get burned on my trip to Aruba. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting sunburned on a vacation. Plan on using a strong sunscreen to protect your skin. If you are hitting the reef, you’ll want to pack coral reef-safe sunscreen. While you’re at it toss some Chapstick with SPF into your bag. You may also want to consider a hat and a sun shirt, as well. I always pack a bit of aloe with me on vacation- just in case. Better safe than sorry, right?
Medications
You should always pack your necessary prescription medications in your carry-on bag. Make sure they are in their original containers.
What to Wear on the Plane to Aruba
Although you’ll be traveling to a tropical destination, you may want to dress a little more warmly on your flight. Since airplanes are typically cool, you’ll want to dress in layers. Consider wearing a tank top with a light sweater, a light hoodie, or a long sleeve shirt. I also usually don’t wear shorts on a plane because my legs tend to get cold.
Make sure you wear shoes that are easy to slide on and off and consider leaving your belt in your suitcase. If you plan on packing a large floppy sun hat, you may want to bring it on the plane so that it doesn’t get squished in your suitcase.
FUN FACT:
These adorable little cocktail sets are perfect for a drink on the go. Believe it or not, they are TSA compliant! They are great for travel days but also would be great for an impromptu picnic!
Aruba Ostrich Farm
What to Wear During the Day
Keep in mind that the average temperature in Aruba is 82 degrees. It’s also situated really close to the equator so it will feel much hotter. Consider packing clothing that will be comfortable in this climate.
You’ll also want to consider what activities you’ll be doing on your trip. If you’re spending most of your time on the coast you’ll want to focus on coverups, bathing suits, and sandals. If you’re planning on going off-roading (which we totally recommend) or climbing at the Ayo Rock formations, you’ll want to pack activewear. I usually wear breathable yoga pants, a t-shirt, comfortable tennis shoes, sunglasses, and a hat when I’m doing more strenuous activities.
Misc. Electronics
Kindle
If you don’t want to lug a guide book around, you may want to invest in a Kindle. These are a great alternative to packing physical books. They take up way less space! The Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof making it a great option for travel.
AirPods
These headphones are MADE for travel. They are compact, lightweight, and recharge themselves when they are in the case. AirPods are great to have on the plane, train, or when relaxing by the pool or on the beach!
I hope you found this Aruba packing list helpful. Enjoy your stay on “One Happy Island!”
Other Items for Your Aruba Packing List
Scanned Copies of Important Items
It is always smart to carry a scanned copy of the information page of your passport. That way, if you misplace them it’s easier for you to get a replacement. Make sure you pack it in a different place than you keep your physical passport. You can also take a photo of it and store it on your phone.
Packing Cubes
Guys! Packing cubes are LIFE! They are the perfect way to keep your suitcase neat and organized. They have been a total game changer for me!
First Aid Kit
Raise your hand if you’re a klutz like me! Anybody? If you’re anything like me then you totally need to pack a first aid kit. I take one with me when I travel.
Guide Books
If you are a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, you may want to pack along a guide book. I’m a Lonely Planet fan.
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But, as we all know, not all attractions are created equally.
Aruba is an anomaly. When I first started looking into visiting Aruba, I pictured it to be just like all of the other Caribbean islands. Although it does have beautiful beaches, the island is completely different than any other Caribbean island I’ve been to. I was expecting lush green hillsides however, much of the island is actually a desert.
The Small Natural Bridge Near the OLD Natural Bridge
What is the Aruba Natural Bridge?
The Aruba Natural Bridge formed on the eastside of the island. The natural bridge was made from coral and limestone. It spanned approximately 100 feet long and 25 feet high making it one of the largest spans in the world! This natural wonder was the remnants of an ancient cave.
Have you caught on to the fact that I’ve been writing in the past tense? That’s because the natural arch collapsed on September 2, 2005.
The Aruba Natural Bridge, Today
Despite the collapse, tours still visit the site today. Next to the collapsed bridge, there is a second, smaller bridge. While the views here are impeccable, the bridge itself is kind of meh.
I mean…a natural bridge is just limestone and coral that’s been battered and beaten by waves until the point an arch is formed. I suppose if you’re really into geology it’s pretty awesome but if you’re just a normal person, like myself, it’s just a rock with a hole in it.
Waves Crashing at the Natural Bridge
I will say, that we weren’t disappointed with our visit to the natural bridge. While it’s no longer a wonder of nature, the area itself is still drop-dead gorgeous. We took a moment to pause, sit, and just enjoy what mother nature has to offer.
We try to keep things light and positive on 5 Suitcases but honestly, a trip to the bridge isn’t really worth it if you’re crunched for time. But, if you’re in the area visiting the Ayo Rock Formations or the Gold Mill Ruins, you might as well make a pit stop.
Another Natural Bridge
Don’t fret! There’s another natural bridge! Wariruri Beach is home to a smaller, yet still super rad natural bridge. It’s easy to climb for picture sake. Wariruri Beach is located near the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins.
Local tour guides lead Jeep and ATV tours to the natural bridge which makes it busy, at times. Tours are typically on a strict schedule so the crowd most likely won’t last long.
Should I Visit Aruba?
If you ever get the chance to visit Aruba, take it. Don’t hesitate, just go! There is so much to do on the island, you could keep yourself busy for a week! Many of the island’s visitors arrive by cruise ship and have only a day. There is still plenty for you to see and do in just a few hours that will give you an excellent introduction to the island. If you are cruising, be sure to check out our recommendations for what to do with one day in Aruba. Our suggestions will make sure you see all of the best “One Happy Island” has to offer!
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Airbnbs in Aruba: Are you searching for the perfect Airbnb for your trip to Aruba? We’ve gathered up a collection of our favorite vacation homes in Aruba for any budget.
Aruba, along with the rest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao), is truly magical. Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela once the sunsets. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean.
The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Today, the island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch and ex-pats now (as it is a constituent country of the Netherlands).
“One Happy Island” is one of the easiest countries for new travelers to visit. The locals speaks English so communication is a breeze. The island is also really easy to navigate. With its near-perfect weather year round, it’s clear to see why so many people visit Aruba each year!
This recently renovated Caribbean-style home features a swimming pool with a whirlpool and a large solarium. The apartment is bright and spacious and comes well equipped with everything you might need.
The Movida Inn is less than 1/4 mile from Palm Beach and just an 8-minute drive from Eagle Beach. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants.
This gorgeous apartment is located just minutes from the top beaches, dining, shopping, casinos, and golf course. It is located in a safe and quiet neighborhood. The 475 square foot apartment has a private entrance, pool, and a patio with a barbeque.
This stunning villa is the perfect space for your Aruba vacation. It is located in the exclusive Palm Beach area near the best beaches on the island. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants.
Location: Palm Beach, Aruba Guests:2 1 bedroom 1 bathroom
This brand new private villa is the perfect place for a couples retreat. There are a large private pool and outdoor oasis awaiting you. It is also conveniently located near shopping and restaurants. It also located near Palm Beach and about 10 minutes from the popular Eagle Beach.
This spacious villa features a private pool and is close to the beach, supermarkets, and the restaurants of Palm Beach. The villa has a large outdoor patio and deck area and is equipped with a BBQ.
Step back in time with a visit to one of Aruba’s most popular destinations. The Ayo Rock Formations are massive monolithic rock boulders on the island of Aruba. They are located near the Natural Bridge and Aruba Ostrich Farm. These boulders are awe-inspiring. It is easy to see why they were once considered a sacred site by the natives.
Ayo Rock Formations
Aruba in a Nutshell
Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela on a clear evening. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean.
The island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch now however, it was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Since then Aruba has changed hands from the British, Spanish, and the Dutch making it a diverse culture. Aruba became a part of the Netherlands Antilles in 1845 and is home to many ex-pats.
What surprised me most about Aruba was its terrain. I was expecting lush green hillsides, much like the rest of the Caribbean. However, much of the island is actually a desert. Although it does have beautiful beaches, the island is completely different than any other Caribbean I’ve been to.
The History of the Ayo Rock Formations
Aruba is a relatively flat island so the presence of these boulders is truly an enigma. Local legend has it that the Arawak people used to visit the Ayo Rock Formations so they could hear incoming thunderstorms approaching the island of Aruba. The indigenous people left their mark in a series of petroglyphs in between the rocks. The petroglyphs, or carved paintings, were part of a religious ceremony dating back thousands of years.
Petroglyphs left by the Arawak
Who were the Arawak?
The Arawak is a group of indigenous people of South America and the Caribbean. They historically lived in the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean.
These people left their mark on the island through a series of rock drawings and carvings that have withstood the test of time. You can see their craftsmanship at Fontein Cave in Arikok National Park and at the Ayo Rock Formation. Historians believe that the paintings suggest they came to Aruba after fleeing attacks from the Carib Indians.
Exploring the Site
Two of these remarkable geological formations can be climbed and explored: Ayo and Casibari. Walking trails and steps have been set around the formations making them a little easier to navigate. However, the path meanders through several narrow tunnels which can make exploring them a bit challenging. The hike to the top is well worth the views! On a clear day, you can see the coast of Venezuela 15 miles away.
It was really cool to see the petroglyphs that were created thousands of years ago.
Aruba is located just over 850 miles north of the equator which means the sun here is super intense. Even as a Florida girl I managed to get a horrible sunburn while in Aruba. It is extremely important that no matter how tough you think you are, you better lather up with some sunscreen.
While You're in Aruba...
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If you’re near the Natural Bridge, do yourself a favor and pop into the Aruba Ostrich Farm. The ostriches will be super excited to see you and absolutely love the attention! I know what you’re thinking…ostriches? In Africa? You’ve gotta be kidding me! I’m TOTALLY not. There’s an ostrich farm. In Aruba.
The Aruba Ostrich Farm is the perfect place for adults and kids, alike! Here you’ll be able to feed live ostriches, see chicks and baby emus in incubators, and learn all about “The King of Birds”. Despite the fact these massive birds are far from their African homeland, they are thriving in this stunning island nation.
FUN FACT: The ostrich has quite the impressive mating dance. If you’re lucky you’ll get to witness it first hand (we did!).
The farm’s massive open-air lodge is dedicated to the ostrich’s native African homeland. It features an art gallery that carries handicrafts straight from Zimbabwe right alongside local goods. It’s a really cool way to tie in the ostrich’s ancestral homeland with their current home.
The Aruba Ostrich Farm Tour
Tours leave every 30 minutes from 9 AM until 4 PM. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and taught us all about the ostriches and emus natural behaviors and survival tactics. He even gave us the low-down on the ostriches mating rituals. I won’t spoil the story for you!
Did you know ostriches have three stomachs? The highlight of the tour was being able to feed the ostriches. It was super amusing watching them peck into the bowls we held. And by amusing, I mean that I was terrified by how ferociously they were pecking at the bowl…but hey, if I had 3 stomachs, I’d be starving too. The birds were far from shy and seemed to love all of the attention they were getting. And honestly, how many people can say they’ve fed an ostrich? It was a pretty rad experience, if I do say so myself!
The tour finished off with a visit to the incubator and hatchery. We also got to see the pens where they keep the young ostriches and emu.
While we were there we enjoyed lunch at the Savanna Lodge Bar & Restaurant. The eatery features a locally inspired lunch menu and serves smoothies (both kid-friendly and spiked), sodas, and the local beer, Balashi.
Over the years, I have become more and more aware of responsible travel/tourism. Part of that making conscientious decisions about the treatment of animals at “zoos” and “farms”. There are some animal attractions that I look back on and think “Man, I wish I wouldn’t have visited there.” The Aruba Ostrich Farm is not one of those places. The animals are well cared for, have clean habitats and seem to be genuinely happy. The employees were knowledgeable and gave the animals lots of positive attention.
The Details
Tours cost $14 per adult and $7 per child. Tours leave every 30 minutes from 9 AM until 4 PM. The farm is open 7 days a week.
Aruba is located just over 850 miles north of the equator which means the sun here is super intense. Even as a Florida girl I managed to get a horrible sunburn while in Aruba. It is extremely important that no matter how tough you think you are, you better lather up with some sunscreen.
If you’re planning a trip to Aruba, we strongly suggest you check out the Aruba Ostrich Farm. A trip to this charming little farm will be one of the highlights of your trip! The experience of feeding this massive, friendly birds will be something that sticks with you for a lifetime.
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It’s been a while since I’ve featured a new destination on the blog. I’ve blogged a lot about my time in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico but I haven’t really touched on many other countries I have visited. Over the last ten years, I have visited more than 20 countries across Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. One of my favorite countries has been the small 70 square mile island of Aruba.
Aruba in a Nutshell
Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela once the sunsets. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean. This island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch now (as it is a constituent country of the Netherlands), it was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Since then it has changed hands from the British, Spanish, and the Dutch making it a diverse culture. Aruba became a part of the Netherlands Antilles in 1845 and is home to many ex-pats.
What surprised me most about Aruba was its terrain. I was expecting lush green hillsides, much like the rest of the Caribbean. However, much of the island is actually a desert. Although it does have beautiful beaches, the island is completely different than any other Caribbean I’ve been to.
If you ever get the chance to visit Aruba, take it. Don’t hesitate, just go! There is so much to do on the island, you could keep yourself busy for a week! Many of the island’s visitors arrive by cruise ship and have only a day. There is still plenty for you to see and do in just a few hours that will give you an excellent introduction to the island.
What did we do in Aruba?
We booked a tour with ABC Tours Excursions and had the absolute best time ever! From start to finish, it was absolutely incredible! The tour includes a bit of history, sightseeing, and adventure! You are carted around the island in a customized 4×4 Land Rover that will take you off-roading through the desert and skirt along the gorgeous, rocky coastlines. It is seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever done- and I’ve done some awesome things!
Our first stop was the Ayo Rock Formations, once a sacred site for the Arawak Indians. The natives used to visit the rock formations so they could hear incoming thunderstorms. The caves are filled with paintings, or petroglyphs, which you are able to glance at. A walking trail and steps have been set around the rock formation so you are able to explore this natural wonder.
California Lighthouse
One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the California Lighthouse. It is open to the public to climb up to the top for panoramic views of the northern point. The lighthouse was named for the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in 1891.
Aruba Ostrich Farm
One of the coolest things we did while in Aruba was to visit an ostrich farm. Yes, an ostrich farm. In Aruba. If you’re near the Natural Bridge, do yourself a favor and pop in. The ostriches are super excited to greet you and love the attention! You can even feed the ostriches, which was a neat experience.
The farm’s massive open-air lodge is dedicated to the ostrich’s native African homeland. It features an art gallery that carries handicrafts straight from Zimbabwe right alongside local goods.
Natural Bridge
One of the most visited attractions in Aruba is the Natural Bridge. Although it collapsed in 2005, visitors still flock to the area for the incredible views. The arch, which spanned 25 feet, was the remnants of an ancient cave. The pools around it are absolutely stunning and offer stunning views of the turquoise blue waters surrounding the island.
Buhirbana Gold Mill Ruins
One of my favorite stops was the Buhiribana Gold Mill Ruins. This stunning structure is what is left of a Gold Mill built by the British in 1872 during the Gold Rush. Although you probably won’t find any gold here today, you will find absolutely incredible views and one of the most picturesque locations on the island.
Aruba is absolutely stunning and “small-town friendly”. I was so in awe of my surroundings throughout my entire visit. I cannot wait to go back to this incredible little island.
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