Unveiling Aruba: An Action-Packed 4-Day Adventure Itinerary
Aruba – a slice of paradise that has effortlessly climbed to the top of our list, making it our favorite island in the Caribbean! With its pristine beaches, radiant sunsets, and the gentle embrace of the trade winds, it's no wonder that this destination captivated our hearts. Thanks to the Aruba Tourism Authority, Colin and I were treated to a meticulously crafted itinerary that showcased the very essence of the island. From exhilarating adventures to serene moments by the sea, every experience was tailored perfectly for a travel couple like us. If you've ever dreamed of a Caribbean adventure escape where every moment feels like a page out of the IG explore page, Aruba awaits!
Cas di Cultura, Vondellaan 2, Oranjestad, Aruba
As soon as we touched down at Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba, we couldn't wait to embark on our island adventure. The first stop on our journey was as delightful as it was convenient. Just around the corner from the airport, we discovered "One Happy Bowl," a vegan and plant-based haven. What struck us immediately was the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of this charming eatery.
After a long flight, we were thrilled to find a menu filled with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, perfect for both health-conscious travelers and those seeking something light and fresh. I ordered the Crunchy Lovers Temphe Bowl, Colin ordered the Watermelon Edamame bowl which was both sweet and savory. The turmeric latte was vibrant and the smoothie was packed with greens and spirulina.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel
Bakval 20, Noord, Aruba
From the moment we set foot at the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel in Aruba, we were enveloped in a world of lush vibrancy and attention to detail that was nothing short of exceptional. It was evident that every aspect of this place had been carefully curated to provide an unforgettable experience.
As we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome that included bubbles in a beautiful cup and a healthy, vibrant elixir made from the goodness of ginger, pineapple, and mango – a delightful taste of the island's tropical flavors. The Dutch history of the island really comes through in this property.
Our accommodation felt like a hidden gem within the lush foliage – more than just a room, it was a casita. Each cottage had its own discreet entrance, giving us a sense of privacy and tranquility. After a quick “jump on the bed” test, I knew i was in for a good night sleep after our red-eye flight. You can see a room tour Here!
Private Sunset Picnic
The highlight of our stay was the Sunset Picnic hosted by the Boardwalk Hotel on Palm Beach. Picture this: a large rattan mat adorned with plush pillows and sand-repellent towels, where we were left to toast and savor the moment while the attentive staff prepared our dinner.
The culinary delight came from Coco Cafe, offering mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine that exceeded all expectations. The food was simply phenomenal, and they had no shortage of vegetarian options once again. Colin enjoyed Mediterranean Steak skewers and fresh Ceviche. I had handmade falafel, hummus, pita, and salad. We both enjoyed a passion fruit salad for dessert.
Afterward, we spotted a little heat lightning in the distance and had fun trying to capture some long exposures on our camera. You can see it here!
Day 2 - Thursday, October 5th
Arikok National Park Adventure
Our second day in Aruba was destined for adventure as we embarked on a thrilling journey into Arikok National Park with Isla Aruba. This national park is a breathtaking outdoor oasis, home to unique geological formations, hidden natural pools, and fascinating caves. We highly recommend this tour for anyone with a love for the outdoors!
Before we set off, we ensured we were dressed appropriately for the adventure. Swimsuits, activewear, and comfortable shoes were essential for the various terrains we would encounter. We also packed sunscreen, towels, and even motion sickness medicine, as the tour could get bumpy.
Our tour guide, Ross, made this adventure truly exceptional. He was not only knowledgeable but also a very chill guy making the day laid back and relaxing. Its hard to beat a private tour! Ross guided us to some of the park's most iconic spots:
Conchi Natural Pools: These natural pools, surrounded by rugged rock formations, were a perfect spot to cool off. The crystal-clear waters were a refreshing escape, and the views were simply stunning. This is the ONLY place on the north shore of Aruba that is safe to swim because of the way the waves wash into the coast. If you want to get this place to yourself you can get a private tour with Isla Aruba. The road to get here is unpassable without a lifted vehicle and too dangerous to rent your own Jeep.
The Quadirikiri Cave. Not only is this cavern adorned with enigmatic Amerindian petroglyphs that hint at Aruba's ancient inhabitants, but around midday, a surreal beam of light pierces through its openings, illuminating its darkened chambers and enhancing its natural beauty—a magical moment that transported us back in time.
Dos Playa Beach: Nestled between dramatic cliffs, Dos Playa Beach was a serene and picturesque spot. It’s preserved beauty and crashing waves created a sense of tranquility. The water was as blue as artic crush gatorade and made for some incredible pictures.
After the tour, we were famished and headed to Eduardo's Hideaway for lunch. Known as Aruba's best smoothie bar, Eduardo's offers more than just smoothies. We indulged in a delightful vegetarian pad Thai, a refreshing smoothie, fresh juice, and chips with guacamole. It was 80 degrees and sunny so we found shade by a nearby beach cabana with built-in tables. You can see my IG Story recap Here!
Other Beaches
In the afternoon, we had free time to explore. We decided to drive to several spots around the island:
Arashi Beach: The sunset was truly incredible
Tres Trapi: Here, we were fortunate to spot sea turtles. You can see an incredible shot with the turtles in this TikTok!
California Lighthouse: Perched on Aruba's windswept coast, the California Lighthouse stands as a beacon of history and offers panoramic views of the surrounding azure waters. While we didn't get the chance to explore it ourselves, many travelers laud its beauty and the breathtaking vistas it provides.
Baby Beach: Nestled on Aruba's southern coast, Baby Beach boasts serene turquoise waters perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape. Its shimmering sands and gentle waves make it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, ensuring an idyllic island experience.
For dinner, we were recommended two excellent options:
Lima Bistro: A delightful choice for Peruvian cuisine with a Caribbean flair.
Yemanja: This restaurant offers a diverse menu with options for vegans, vegetarians, and seafood lovers.
Friday, October 6th
Morning Snorkeling and Diving at Tres Trapi Beach
We started the day with an underwater adventure at Tres Trapi Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant sea turtles. The snorkeling and diving experience here was incredible as we swam alongside countless turtles in the clearest water imaginable. It was a magical encounter with these gentle creatures, and the beauty of the underwater world was mesmerizing.
Parasailing with Delphi Watersports
At the beach in front of the Hyatt Regency towel hut
After our morning aquatic adventure, we were ready for an adrenaline rush. We headed to Delphi Watersports for a parasailing experience. Arriving at least 20 minutes early, we were met with anticipation. A speed boat took us away from the coast and farther into the ocean. We then transferred to a larger boat equipped with the parasail. Once strapped in, we soared high above the clouds. The warm breeze and tranquil silence made the experience unforgettable. From our vantage point, we spotted more sea turtles and boats below, adding to the excitement. We were dipped in the ocean for a refreshing and fun twist at the end of our ride.
Book This Exact Parasailing Experience!
Olivia Mediterranean Restaurant
Wilhelminastraat 74, lokaal 2 Oranjestad, Aruba, Aruba
As the day turned into evening, we had dinner plans at Olivia, a tropical Mediterranean restauran. The authenticity of the flavors and the creativity of the dishes were truly exceptional. It was a standout dining experience, and I declared it my favorite meal in Aruba. I savored the Horiatiki Salata (Greek Salad), Tortellini Calabasa filled with pumpkin, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese, and the Gamberretti pasta with pan-seared shrimp, garlic, and more. Olivia is a culinary gem that's worth returning to Aruba for.
In a region where vegetarian options can be limited, Olivia impressed us with its delightful vegetarian offerings, making it a must-visit for those seeking exceptional Mediterranean cuisine. You can see my IG Story about it Here!
Final Day - Departure from Aruba
Saturday, October 7th
On our final day in Aruba, we made the most of the morning before saying our goodbyes to this beautiful island.
Morning at The CocoCafe
We started our day with a delightful breakfast at Boardwalk's The Coco Cafe at 10:00 AM. I indulged in a satisfying tofu scramble paired with sourdough bread and an oatlilk latte. Colin opted for Avo Toast and enjoyed a hot vanilla latte. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food made it a perfect start to the day.
Departure from Aruba (AUA):
It was time to leave Aruba as we headed to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). If you find yourself with some spare time at the airport, we recommend Wineport as a great spot to hang out. It offers a pleasant atmosphere with outlets and a selection of wine and cheeses to enjoy while waiting for your flight.