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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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!

There are so many amazing adventures waiting to be had. 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.

If you’re a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, you’re going to need a place to stay. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

5 Amazing Airbnbs in Aruba

Movida Inn

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests: 4
2 bedroom
2 bathroom

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.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Tibushi Gardens

Location: Oranjestad-West, Aruba
Guests:2
1 bedroom
1 bathroom

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.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Deluxe Pool View

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests:4
1bedroom
1 bathroom

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.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Casa Carmella- Luxury Private Villa with Pool

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.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Villa Island Time

Location: Noord, Aruba
Guests:6
3 bedrooms
2.5 bathrooms

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.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

More on Aruba

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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 Bonaire?

In all honesty, I would recommend booking an excursion in Bonaire. Bonaire is still developing as a tourist destination- especially when it comes to cruising. Although there are bars, restaurants, and shops located near Cruisehaven (where the ships dock), there isn’t much to do as far as activities are concerned.

The fact of the matter is, Bonaire is still relatively new to the cruising scene. In fact, when we visited there was a huge celebration hosted by the local government and board of tourism. Our visit was the first time Carnival Cruise Line visited the island- which is pretty rad. It was a very cool experience and it made us all feel extremely welcomed.

Honestly, the highlight of Bonaire is the ecotourism. The snorkeling and diving here are top-notch. You could easily get away with not booking an excursion here and simply taking a cab to the beach. If you would prefer to do an organized snorkeling tour, there are plenty of options on the island.

Nearby Beaches

Boka Kokolishi

Most black sand beaches get their color from volcanoes, but not Boka Kokolishi! Believe it or not, this beach is named after the tiny black snails whose crushed shells give the sand its dark color.

Chachacha Beach

If this isn’t the coolest name for the beach, I don’t know what is! Chachacha Beach is within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal. The beach is small but it offers easy access to the water. The water is typically calm making this a popular beach for families. In fact, local children often learn to swim here! Chachacha beach is excellent for snorkeling and diving.

Pink Beach

Grab a cab and head to Pink Beach if you want to escape the crowds. Pink Beach gets its colors for the millions of microscopic vibrant pink sea creatures called foraminifera. Much like the other beaches, this place is perfect for snorkeling and diving (are you noticing a trend here?)

Recommended Excursions in Bonaire

Seacow 2-Stop Snorkel

The snorkeling in Bonaire is pristine! Bonaire is world famous for its marine park, reefs and snorkeling and diving opportunities. This tour takes you to Klein Bonaire, a small island off the coast of the main island. You’ll take a guided tour of the reefs. We highly recommend this tour!

Bonaire Outback and Beach Stop

We love off-road adventures. There’s nothing quite like hitting the dirt in four-wheel-drive! This excursion takes you out to the desert on the eastern coast of the island. You won’t believe how gorgeous the contrast is between the sandy desert and the vibrant blue waters! After you hit the mud trails, you’ll have a chance to see the local flamingos, goats, and donkeys. You’ll also have a chance to spend some time at the gorgeous Sorobon Beach.

Eco Tour at Lac Bay National Park

Bonaire is home to one of the best preserved mangrove forests in the Caribbean. This tour takes you to Lac Bay National Park where you’ll board a skiff where you’ll get a chance to see the island from the sea. The boat passes by a lagoon that is a sanctuary for thousands of flamingos. I you get lucky, you’ll even spot the wild donkeys and horses that inhabit this part of the island.

Best of Bonaire

I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a “Best of…” tour. They are the best way to see all of the highlights of an island/destination. This tour not only takes you out into the desert, but it also visits Salt Lake. This natural salt water lake is the feeding ground for flamingos and is one of the most picturesque parts of the island. You’ll also visit Washington National Park, the salt flats, and 17th century slave huts.

Glass Bottom Boat

Bonaire is just as beautiful underwater as it is above ground. This tour takes you on a 32-foot glass-bottom boat. You’ll head to the Bonaire National Marine Park where you’ll see one of the best-preserved and protected reefs in the world. If you like marine life but snorkeling and diving aren’t you’re thing- this is the perfect choice for you!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

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Bonaire is a tiny island municipality of the Netherlands located just off the coast of Venezuela. A stunning reef and fabulous beaches make it truly one of the most gorgeous places on our planet. Bonaire, along with the rest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao), is truly magical.

There are so many amazing adventures waiting to be had. If you’re a terrestrial traveler, rather than a cruiser, you’re going to need a place to stay. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

5 Amazing Airbnbs in Bonaire

Sea Dream Bonaire- A Spacious Oceanfront Apartment

Location: Kralendijk, Bonaire
Guests: 4
2 bedrooms
2.5 bathrooms

Imagine waking up to the Caribbean sea breeze dancing through your windows. This newly renovated two-bedroom apartment has private access to the ocean. It has a stunning balcony complete with a dining table that overlooks the vibrant blue sea.

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Stunning Sunset Beach Lodge

Location: Kralendijk, Bonaire
Guests: 4
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms

This oceanfront beach lodge has a sister location right next door! The left side, “Salt” and the right side “Pepper” can be rented together as a 4 bedroom lodge! Both lodges have their own private deck complete with lounge chairs. The lodges overlook the ocean, you can literally wake up, throw on your gear, and hit the water to snorkel or dive!

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Exceptional Oceanfront Villa

Location: Kralendijk, Bonaire
Guests: 8
4 bedrooms
4 bathrooms

This oceanfront villa has it all! It is one of the few rental properties on the island where you can dive or snorkel right from your backyard!

After your dive, grab a cold Bonaire Blond beer and enjoy some time out on this remarkable patio!

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Luxury Studio

Location: Kralendijk, Bonaire
Guests:2
1 bedroom
1 bathroom

This stunning brand-new studio is just a two-minute walk from the beach. After spending the day at the beach, you can cool off in your private pool! Don’t worry about cooking dinner, the local bars and restaurants are just a 10-minute walk away!

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

Apartment Directly at the Sea

Location: Kralendijk, Bonaire
Guests:4
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom

This spacious, modern apartment is located right on the water! The apartment complex has a gorgeous infinity pool and a relaxing deck area that has an authentic Caribbean vibe to it! It’s the perfect place to relax with a drink and catch some rays!

Does this Airbnb sound intriguing? Check it out!

While You’re in Bonaire…

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**