Leap of Faith: Our Retirement Adventure

Aruba- A One Day Driving Tour of the “Happy Island”

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We were blessed to have family invite us to their timeshare in Aruba. The resort was AMAZING (Renaissance Ocean Suites), but no matter where you stay or if you’re coming in on a cruise ship, here’s how to tour Aruba in just one day.

We rented a full size car from Hertz located conveniently in our resort for just $112 including tax and insurance. There were 5 of us total in the car with one person using a mobility scooter.

We had a general route planned and just put the name of each location into Google Maps as we went. It was only 10-20 minutes in between each location with amazing scenery along the way.

1. From our resort in Oranjestad, we drove 15 minutes to the Donkey Sanctuary first. This was actually my FAVORITE stop! The donkeys roam freely and walk right up to you. They are very friendly. There is also an area where you can buy food to feed them. The food comes in $1 and $3 sizes. It is FREE to get into the sanctuary. They also have a cafe and gift shop (very reasonably priced) which I highly recommend supporting since it helps them to care for the donkeys. The donkeys used to play an important role on the island for carrying people and goods, but once cars arrived, they weren’t needed and were abandoned. The sanctuary has taken them in to care for them. In addition to the donkeys, you’ll see peacocks, kittens, and chickens.

2. From the Donkey Sanctuary, we headed to the town of San Nicolas. It was a 17 minute drive. The town is full of murals and brightly colored buildings. We didn’t do anything here but take pictures and enjoy seeing all the art. It had a very cool Caribbean vibe.

3. Just past the town, on our way to Baby Beach, is the famous Blue Anchor dedicated to all of the seamen who have lost their lives. It weighs just under 50,000 lbs, was built in 1985, and makes a great photo stop. The scenery around the anchor is INCREDIBLE!! We stopped a lot to take pictures and just take in the views. The pictures don’t do it justice. You have to see it in person. We did climb on the anchor, which is quite a challenge!🤣

4. From the anchor, we continued on to Baby Beach. The total driving time from San Nicolas to Baby Beach is 10 minutes, and you pass right by the anchor on your way. Baby Beach has been named as one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world, and it doesn’t disappoint! The pictures just don’t come close to the beautiful colors you see. After walking the beach, we ate at a really fun and delicious restaurant right on the beach called Big Mamas. I HIGHLY recommend trying the local foods for $9 each of Pan Bati (fried sweet bread) and Funchi (fried corn bread). We split a burger basket along with the 2 mentioned and were stuffed.

Note: their restroom isn’t inside the restaurant. You have to walk a good distance which includes over a small bridge. People can use the restroom from the beach for $2.00. If you eat in the restaurant, they give you a ticket to use the restroom for free. We were traveling with my sister-in-law who has to use a mobility scooter, and this was tough for her to use the restroom.

Pan Bati
Funchi

5. From Baby Beach, we went to the Casibari Rock Formation. It was 31 minutes back to this attraction, and it was also FREE! These giant rocks have geologists puzzled. You can climb rocks and explore the park. When you climb to the top of the highest point, it’s VERY windy and there’s not much of a barrier, but the views are worth the shaking legs. There are also restrooms, shops, and cafes just outside of the entrance with a fun island vibe.

6. From the Casibari Rock Formations, we continued with a 10 minute drive to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. These are the remains of a gold mill from the 1800s during the Gold Rush days of Aruba. These are also FREE, fun to climb, and have more amazing views!

7. Right next to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins is the Natural Bridge. This is another BEAUTIFUL scenic picture spot. You can walk around and enjoy the breathtaking views.

8. From the Natural Bridge, we continued for 19 minutes to the Alto Vista Chapel. This is a beautiful stop as it includes a peace garden and the chapel. It’s very quiet and respectful site for prayer and spending time with God.

9. On our way to our final stop, the California Lighthouse, were beautiful large homes. This was a 17 minute drive and takes you to the “end” of the island.

The Lighthouse is the only attraction with an entrance fee on our list. It cost $6 US per person (cash or credit card) to climb to the top of the 110 stairs. It is not an easy climb. The steps are narrow but there’s a rope railing to hold onto and window ledges you can sit on if you need a break or to make room for someone coming down. It feels like an accomplishment to get to the top and the views are incredible. It is VERY windy at the top, and it is enclosed with fencing.

After the lighthouse, we went back to the resort. Just before the resort was a gas station to refuel the rental car. Our whole trip only cost $16 US in gas and took us about 7 hours. There are other places you could add too- like the Butterfly Farm, the Ostrich Farm, and a horse ranch if you want to be gone longer or switch out things on our list.

Additional fun– Our Renaissance Resort has its own private island. They do sell day passes though especially to tourists on cruise ships. This was very cool because you can feed the flamingos that just roam around. Food is just 25 cents a handful, so bring US quarters. They ate out of my hand so gently and even let me pet them.

There are also iguanas everywhere. One wouldn’t leave us alone in the restaurant – Papagayo’s. We enjoyed the Caribbean Jerk Pizza there. If you’re staying at the Renaissance, you can charge the food on the island to your room.

You can also snorkel, swim, lay in hammocks, and rent cabanas ($300-500🤪). The boat ride to the island is fun too! Prepare to get wet!🤪

My favorite restaurant– The Dutch Pancake House – Great prices, great service, great food! Dutch pancakes are a little thicker than crepes, but thinner than traditional pancakes. They can be sweet or savory. They were absolutely delicious! So were the home fries!

Aruba is definitely a beautiful place to visit! Thank you to all the family that made it possible!❤️❤️

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● About Me

I’m Kim and along with my husband, Jim, and our two dogs, Bear and Zelda, we are going to be traveling across the country in retirement.

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