Best things to do in Aruba...
 

As a couple in our 20's, we are looking for the best things to do in Aruba. I have checked out many of the websites and would love some personal feedback. We are going in mid-May for 7 days and will be staying at the Wyndham. We love adventure sports, nightlife and beaches. Are there any more private beaches that you could recommend, "must see" scenery, or great day trips? We are willing to rent a Jeep for a day or two if it comes recommended. Any advice for the first-timers to Aruba would be great! Thanks in advance!

Renting a jeep is a lot of fun. Aruba is a small island and you can do the whole island in no time, but take the time to stop at a few spots. Your hotel will recommend some areas to stop in.
It was a few years ago we were there and it was safe day or night to wander around. I hope it is still like that. Besides "catching some rays" and relaxing, go to the casinos and win some money!

We are also a couple in our late 20s and went to Aruba last year. We rented a jeep. If you want to explore, don't be afraid to ask directions. The signs posted all over the roads point you in the opposite direction of the attraction or atleast take you the longest way possible. (You get to a point where you feel like wylie coyote chasing the road runner) People in Aruba are ULTRA FRIENDLY. We were lost at one point and one woman drove 5min out of her way to drive us toward the Alta Vista Chapel. We will never forget that. To answer your question. My favorite thing to do in Aruba , quite honostly is NOTHING, enjoy the beach, :) We stayed at the Radisson at Palm Beach and loved it. Enjoy!

Do see:
1. The natural bridge
2. Kasibari rock formation
3. The rugged beauty of the north coast
Have dinner at the Italian restaurant by the lighthpouse. I think it is called Faro de Blanco. You might also enjoy dinner at the Tango, an Argentine steak house where professional tango dancers perform. You can snorkel at the wreck of a German WW II freighter which is visible from Palm beach. My best advice is to relax, enjoy the beaches and the very friendly Aruban people, shop duty free and just enjoy the ambiance. Get use to hearing "bon dia" it is papiemento, the local dialect, and means good day. Cheers, Larry

FIND the Natural Pool. It's an adventure worth doing. Find it.
Trust me.

~Jolly Pirates snorkel trip (they have a rope swing on the boat which is a lot of fun)

~Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus

~ Rent a jeep and go to Natural pool and Bridge

~Happy Hour at Kokoas on the DePalm Pier newr the Radisson

~Eat at El Gaucho!

Just honeymooned there last September. Rent the Jeep and do the natural pool and explore the island. Baby beach is great. Snorkling is awesome in Aruba. The main thing I want to leave you with is to eat a Madame Jeannette's. BEST restaurant food I've ever had - I cried : ) Just ask at the desk or a local how to get there. You won't see it advertised in any of the tourist brochures.

Thanks for all of the great tips! Much appreciated!

I read on this forum a long time ago that the Kukukunu Party bus was a lot of fun. Just an idea.

Best places to go in a rental car?

IMHO, the best thing about renting a car is that you can go to the places YOU think are cool. Personally, I thought Casibari was a waste of time, the Hooiberg was unimpressive, and Baby Beach wasn't nearly as good as the beaches up north near the hotel zone. That's my 2 cents. On the other hand, natural bridge -- pretty cool, and the north coast is interesting.

With car rentals as cheap as they are in Aruba, no reason NOT to do it.

I have more comments/fotos on my web page:
www.tiogringo.com/aruba.html

Have fun!
Mark

TioGringo,
Your sight is amazing! So much info, especially for the first-timer to Aruba. Thanks for your input!!

We sailed on a racing catamaran that left Orenstadt which was a lot of fun. Went towards Venezuela's coast. Waves were very rough in open ocean. I thought it was a great time. My wife thought otherwise.