Aruba, a land of crystal white beaches, Flintstones cartoon-sized rocks to climb, and a ruby red streetcar to see the town, was our last port of call. The cruise stopped on the edge of the main city of Oranjestad.
What to Know First About Aruba
We began our day here on a tour led by Kim Roy, who provided the most important information first when we settled into our bus seats.
“At the Casibari Rock Formation the bathrooms are free, at the second stop, the Natural Bridge, the restrooms are a $1 and the same price at the fourth and final stop, the California Lighthouse and no restrooms at our third stop, the Alto Vista Chapel. So you might want to do your business at the rock formations.”
You Can See South America
He pointed a high hill that came to a point in the distance.
“Hooiberg is 514 feet high and the fourth-highest point on the island. It is just outside of Oranjestad. It is known as the exercise mountain and you can take the 600 steps to the top for a view of Venezuela on a clear day.”
Rock Climbing Fun
Our first stop was the Casibari Rock Formation. These are huge rock monoliths that can be climbed and explored. Most of all on this stop, the restrooms were free so we all made sure to use them.
I headed for the highest rock that had stairs built on it for views out across the island once I made it to the top. Here I took some photos.
Andrew and David did not head up with me. I didn’t really want the kid up here since you were on a high point without any railings to break a fall. You are at a top of big high rock looking out.
I joined Andrew and David on a smaller rock that still had a second story lookout. Andrew quickly headed down to wander around the rocks. We had to keep an eye on him as he found the huge rocks fun to venture about.
One formation looked like the mouth of a beast and another was sort of like a small cave, this allowed us to really have some fun with the kid.
The area also has different types of cactus around so we needed to take care of walking around so as not to get pricked.
The only drawback was we would have liked to spend more time here. Twenty minutes was not long enough especially in the morning when it is not so hot and you can really wander around here and enjoy scampering about the huge rocks.
On The Road to the Coast
From here we headed to the Natural Bridge on the rocky east side of the island.
On the way we passed by homes he pointed out a tree. “That’s a mango tree.” I quickly snapped a photo, but this was not easy since we passed by it so quickly.
We also went by an ostrich farm I looked hard but didn’t see any of them out.
“Now we are heading out on a dirt and rock road, so a bit rougher here.”
It was dry so the road was actually not too bad and it was scenic. You would come across eroded cliffs with little beaches along the way with huge waves coming in and out. David kept pointing them out as we went along.
Aruba Cliffside
Finally, we came to a little souvenir shop with a small restaurant where across from it was a stony beach with huge rocks collapsed on it.
These huge rocks once formed the Aruba Natural Bridge that had been a popular tourist attraction for the island. It collapsed on Sept. 2, 2005, from extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina. The natural bridge was once 25 feet high and 100 feet long and had been part of an ancient cave.
Here now is a baby natural bridge, which was still impressive. You can walk across this one but at your own risk. Andrew and David didn’t attempt it, but of course, I did.
The shop included some information on the rock formations on the island and how earthquakes pushed up the island. I also liked the chart they had by the entrance on short phrases to use to talk like a native.
When we walked around we saw piles of small rocks built on larger rocks, they are offerings for the gods I think the tourist director had said.
The crashing waves and water spitting out below were worth the stop.
Going by a Crumbling Mine
After 20 minutes we were back on the bus. We went by the Bushiribana Ruins, a former gold smelter. The structure is made up of rocks and stands among towering boulders. We could only see it in the distance, but it was still cool.
Also, we glimpsed some wild goats as we went, the island is known for having these.
Alto Vista Chapel Stop
Going along the east coast then back into the rocky dry interior, we came to a small church. It is bright yellow and up a winding road that has white crosses along the way marking the Stations of the Cross. The current Alto Vista Chapel was built recently in 1952 on the original site of the first Catholic church on Aruba constructed in 1750 by a Spanish missionary Domingo Antonio Silvestre.
In the back of the chapel is a Peace Labyrinth. Our stop here was short and we didn’t have time to walk the rock perimeter of the path of the labyrinth. I had stumbled onto it behind the chapel as I walked around the area.
I headed off into the desert landscape along a trail that went into the cactuses and underbrush. I hadn’t really ever taken a walk in such a cactus forest before. You really have to stay on the path as to not get pricked by needled bushes and trees everywhere. I wish I had had more time to check out more of the desert scene.
Going Up in the Lighthouse
After leaving the chapel, we were onto our next stop, the California Lighthouse.
Roy shared that, “The lighthouse was started in 1914 but was not completed until 1960. Island time.”
It was named after the S.S. California that had wrecked in the rocks nearby.
The lighthouse is 98 feet tall and is stone white. Small windows go around it to the top.
I headed out of the bus fast since again we only had 20 minutes here. I wanted to go to the top for 360-degree views of the island. The cost per person is $5.
The stairwell is narrow, so I had to stop to let others head up or down. The advantage of being small is that I can get through tight spaces like this easier than most.
I came up to the top and walked out to find wire fencing. It was hard to take photos through these. I was disappointed in this, I wasn’t sure if it was really worth going up.
If I had more time I might have been able to set up shots through the wire, although it was very tight wiring. I have managed to do this when I’ve taken photos from high churches in Europe.
I took a few shots but decided to head down before it got busy. Again, the 20 minutes. Thinking back on it, it was probably not worth the effort. If we were staying at a resort here I would have opted for the fourth-highest point just outside of Oranjestad instead that I mentioned earlier.
Down from the lighthouse, you see the lighthouse keeper’s home. It is now home to an Italian restaurant.
Through the Resort Area
Back on the bus, we went by the resort area of the island. This area also has its own bars and restaurants outside of the main city of Oranjestad where the boat was docked. The resorts seem nice and I can see why a lot of people fly here and stay a few nights. I also think their airport has direct flights from the US that also helps.
Touring Oranjestad
Once back at the dock we decided to head into town instead of going back on the ship. We thought it would be hard to get Andrew off the ship if we headed back on it.
Here we passed by the Aruba Flea Market along the main road. Across the street was the very decorated Royal Plaza Mall. The market had a good variety of souvenir and craft stalls. On the way back to the boat we would probably pick up some souvenirs here.
As we went along the bay we came across a mural with a wooden surfboard projected out and was good for a photo for Andrew to look like he was surfing.
Heading for Lunch
I thought Dutch pancakes seemed like a good idea for lunch today. It was a bit of a walk but it was filled with island life.
As we walked near the docks we came across the ship charters. The fishermen were skinning huge fish, Andrew found this fascinating and we stopped to watch for a bit. Also, near the fish were pelicans hoping for a tidbit or two.
Sweet Pancakes
The Dutch Pancakehouse had a short wait.
Once we got on it was nice to sit down for a while after the excursion. I ordered the small Dutch-style pancakes with Nutella, these were yummy, and you can’t go wrong with Nutella.
Andrew got a huge pancake with sprinkles on it. It was supposed to be rainbow, but they must have run out of some of the colors since it was more red and pink than anything else, but it had sprinkles, so that made him happy. David also had a large pancake, I think the mini ones I had were the best.
Park with Iguanas
After breakfast for lunch we walked to Wilhelmina Park, it had statues, including one with Dutch Queen Wilhelmina, but we didn’t come across a play area. Yet, what we did see were lots of iguanas. Andrew enjoyed chasing them around. Here were the most iguanas I’ve ever seen in one place.
Museum Closed for Some Reason
Across the street, we headed to Museo Historico Aruba, a former military Fort Zoutman that was constructed in 1789 with a courtyard and tower and a history museum. The fort was protection from pirates and enemies. The Willem III Tower once served as a lighthouse.
We were unable to check out the museum from the inside. I think the museum guide had been busy with cruise tours that morning.
He said, “I’m having lunch, can you come back in ten to 15 minutes.” He then closed the door.
I am not sure why we really had to wait. I mean it was self-guided I thought and after we paid the fee he could go back to eating, but I guess “island time” maybe.
Anyway, we decided it was not worth waiting and Andrew being four is not the most patient kid. Also, it is not a huge museum. I walked around outside the fort for a bit trying to read the faded panels on pedestals that shared the history of the fort.
From here we headed to the City Hall and Dr. Eloy Arends House, historic homes done in the Caribbean style. These were pretty homes and worth checking out.
Red Trolley Ride
Next, we headed to Plaza Daniel Leo and the electric trolley showed up. I had read about the trolley. It was open to the outside and was painted a bright red. The trolley route heads back towards the cruise ship and around the center of town and is free.
We rode a short while to the Royal Plaza Mall and Andrew enjoyed it. We walked through the mall and back to the stalls. Here I found some souvenirs and a magnet. Andrew found a stuffed iguana, not a live one, but toy animal one. He really liked it.
I headed back with David and Andrew towards the ship. By the stalls, there is a small sand beach, but I didn’t see anyone using it.
A Moment Alone in Aruba
I told David I wanted to do a little more walking around and wanted to check out the tented Local Market.
Along the way I came across the I Love Aruba signs and took a few selfies with them before making my way to the market. It was pretty dead so I got a good deal on a blue tide dyed t-shirt that said Aruba “The Happy Island.” This is the island’s slogan. I headed on back to the boat and Andrew was having his iguana, teddy bear and plush sea turtle watching cartoons with him. Sometimes having a little guy can be cute.
This was our last excursion and the next two days were on the cruise ship.
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