I turned 30 recently, and I obviously am continuing the tradition of turning 30 in warm weather. This year’s honoree was ARUBA! So here is my itinerary for Aruba!
*Note: Things I researched but didn’t end up doing are denoted with a `` (asterisk)**
General advice
- Visa guidelines:
- COVID guidelines when entering Aruba
- Type of test needed:
- PCR / RT-PCR / ddPCR / Rapid PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- NAA / NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification)
- AMP PRB (Amplified Probe)
- LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification)
- TMA (Transcription-mediated Amplification)
- NOTE: ANTIGEN TESTS AREN’T ACCEPTED
- Date I should take test: 48 hours before arrival
- Form to fill in: Aruba Online ED
- Type of test needed:
Accommodation
My friends and I stayed in an AirBnB and at the Renaissance Wind Creek. I would highly recommend the Renaissance due to it’s proximity to the city center and private access to Renaissance Island!
Activities
- Catch the flamingos at Renaissance Island
- Access is free for guests at Renaissance Wind Creek
- Passes are available for visitors here.
- Kite surfing*
- Windsurfing*
- Jet skis*
- Snorkeling:
- Go on a cruise with Pelican Aruba
- See the Antilla shipwreck
- Snorkel in the Boca Catalina cove
- Scuba diving*
- Parasailing at Delphi Watersports
- Ride ATVs at the California San Dunes*
- Swim/chill at the following beaches
- Baby Beach
- Eagle Beach (I turned 30 on this beach!)
- Any other beach that catches your fancy
- Sight seeing:
- Palm beach
- Mangel Halto Beach – wouldn’t recommend swimming here – instead bring a picnic to hide from the heat!
- Natural pools*
- Natural Bridge*
- Quadirikiri Caves*
- Boca Grandi Beach*
Food
Disclaimer: Aruba like many other Caribbean islands has a seafood heavy diet. The country isn’t very vegetarian friendly. Also the food is above average not great unless listed here!
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Miscellaneous note: Yes we did go to American chains in the Caribbean and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly!
Drinks
- Moomba beach bar* (though we heard the music next door and it sounded great!)