Kris’s guidebook
Unique Tours
Balashi Brewery!"
Complimentary Tour (reservation required) or swing by to enjoy a beer in their beergarden!
Brouwerij Nacional Balashi
62 BalashiBalashi Brewery!"
Complimentary Tour (reservation required) or swing by to enjoy a beer in their beergarden!
Water & Energy Production Plant"
Did you know Aruba has their own desalinization plant and the water you drink comes from the sea and goes thru an amazing filtering process? Aruba's tap water is pure and refreshing, meeting the highest standards of quality of the World Health Organization. The plant is referred to as W.E.B., which is an acronym for the Dutch Water- en Energiebedrijf (Water and Energy Company).
From their website:
“Are you curious about WEB Aruba’s water and energy production process? Join us for a FREE 1-1.5 hour tour of our plant located at Balashi 76. Our friendly tour guides will be happy to guide you through the production processes and to answer all your questions.”
Reservations required. Must be at least 12 yrs old.
Water-En Energiebedrijf Aruba
76 BalashiWater & Energy Production Plant"
Did you know Aruba has their own desalinization plant and the water you drink comes from the sea and goes thru an amazing filtering process? Aruba's tap water is pure and refreshing, meeting the highest standards of quality of the World Health Organization. The plant is referred to as W.E.B., which is an acronym for the Dutch Water- en Energiebedrijf (Water and Energy Company).
From their website:
“Are you curious about WEB Aruba’s water and energy production process? Join us for a FREE 1-1.5 hour tour of our plant located at Balashi 76. Our friendly tour guides will be happy to guide you through the production processes and to answer all your questions.”
Reservations required. Must be at least 12 yrs old.
Beach
Baby Beach is less than a mile away from Villa & is known for it's calm & shallow waters - perfect for families with small children. "
From Aruba.com:
"Take in spectacular ocean views and indulge in shallow, crystal clear water at this magnificent paradise, Baby Beach.
Famous Baby Beach in the southern part of Aruba, close to San Nicolas, is a true Caribbean beach paradise. This gorgeous half-moon sandy expanse in a calm lagoon is ideal for families with small kids.
The shallow waters make it a prime beach destination for swimmers who like to wade out for a long distance and still touch the sea bottom. Where the bay opens out to the ocean, Baby Beach also offers the perfect location for snorkeling; for your safety please stay within the marked snorkel area.
Baby Beach offers a refreshment stand where you can also enjoy a hamburger or hotdog whilst mingling with the locals. Big Mama's Grill offers bbq, as well as seafood platters, in case you have a bigger appetite.
Beach beds, windscreens and snorkel gear are available at a rental fee. Complimentary huts are placed throughout the beach to protect you from the sun. Close-by is a local dive shop offering snorkel and dive gear rentals."
267 recommandé par les habitants
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is less than a mile away from Villa & is known for it's calm & shallow waters - perfect for families with small children. "
From Aruba.com:
"Take in spectacular ocean views and indulge in shallow, crystal clear water at this magnificent paradise, Baby Beach.
Famous Baby Beach in the southern part of Aruba, close to San Nicolas, is a true Caribbean beach paradise. This gorgeous half-moon sandy expanse in a calm lagoon is ideal for families with small kids.
The shallow waters make it a prime beach destination for swimmers who like to wade out for a long distance and still touch the sea bottom. Where the bay opens out to the ocean, Baby Beach also offers the perfect location for snorkeling; for your safety please stay within the marked snorkel area.
Baby Beach offers a refreshment stand where you can also enjoy a hamburger or hotdog whilst mingling with the locals. Big Mama's Grill offers bbq, as well as seafood platters, in case you have a bigger appetite.
Beach beds, windscreens and snorkel gear are available at a rental fee. Complimentary huts are placed throughout the beach to protect you from the sun. Close-by is a local dive shop offering snorkel and dive gear rentals."
From Aruba.com’s website:
"Try the local flavor of a hidden gem amongst the best beaches in Aruba: Rodger’s Beach, offering clear swimming water.
Rodger’s Beach is a narrow powdery white strip close to famous Baby Beach, yet has a more authentic feel to it as fishermen anchor their colorful boats here, protected by the calm waters of the bay.
During the week Rodger’s Beach is very quiet and perfect to read a book or indulge the crystal clear Caribbean; on weekends this Aruba beach is often populated by local families. If you want to stay away from the crowds you'll find on Palm Beach and Baby Beach, this is a great, quieter alternative.
Adjacent to Rodger’s Beach is a local dive shop offering snorkel and dive gear rentals, a shower and a restaurant. If you want to explore the fun, bars and underwater world of Baby Beach you will get there in a minute's drive.
Fun fact: Rodger's Beach was named after the British Captain Rodger, who opened Aruba's first oil refinery in San Nicolas, Aruba Lago Refinery in 1928. With captain Rodger at its helm, the refinery brought prosperity to Aruba. The refinery can be seen from Rodger's Beach."
93 recommandé par les habitants
Rodger's Beach
From Aruba.com’s website:
"Try the local flavor of a hidden gem amongst the best beaches in Aruba: Rodger’s Beach, offering clear swimming water.
Rodger’s Beach is a narrow powdery white strip close to famous Baby Beach, yet has a more authentic feel to it as fishermen anchor their colorful boats here, protected by the calm waters of the bay.
During the week Rodger’s Beach is very quiet and perfect to read a book or indulge the crystal clear Caribbean; on weekends this Aruba beach is often populated by local families. If you want to stay away from the crowds you'll find on Palm Beach and Baby Beach, this is a great, quieter alternative.
Adjacent to Rodger’s Beach is a local dive shop offering snorkel and dive gear rentals, a shower and a restaurant. If you want to explore the fun, bars and underwater world of Baby Beach you will get there in a minute's drive.
Fun fact: Rodger's Beach was named after the British Captain Rodger, who opened Aruba's first oil refinery in San Nicolas, Aruba Lago Refinery in 1928. With captain Rodger at its helm, the refinery brought prosperity to Aruba. The refinery can be seen from Rodger's Beach."
From Aruba.com:
"Take in the spectacular jumps and loops of local kite surfers at Boca Grandi, on a long stretch of white sands.
Steady trade winds and challenging waves make Boca Grandi a Caribbean beach paradise for advanced kite surfers and enthused spectators. The current is strong here; swimming is strongly discouraged.
This beach attracts the most advanced and adventurous kite surfers, locals and visitors alike.Beachcombers have the time of their life here, discovering all kinds of driftwood, corals and curiosa the ocean brings to shore. Recently a quaint beach bar was added to this area, providing chilled drinks.
Boca Grandi Beach in Aruba is a perfect stop on a drive to famous Baby Beach. It’s only a 5 minute drive from downtown San Nicolas, the second largest city in Aruba.
A bright red giant anker marks the entrance to Boca Grandi Beach in Aruba. Don’t forget to take advantage of a picture moment as Boca Grandi Beach makes for a gorgeous backdrop of this unique landmark."
38 recommandé par les habitants
Boca Grandi
From Aruba.com:
"Take in the spectacular jumps and loops of local kite surfers at Boca Grandi, on a long stretch of white sands.
Steady trade winds and challenging waves make Boca Grandi a Caribbean beach paradise for advanced kite surfers and enthused spectators. The current is strong here; swimming is strongly discouraged.
This beach attracts the most advanced and adventurous kite surfers, locals and visitors alike.Beachcombers have the time of their life here, discovering all kinds of driftwood, corals and curiosa the ocean brings to shore. Recently a quaint beach bar was added to this area, providing chilled drinks.
Boca Grandi Beach in Aruba is a perfect stop on a drive to famous Baby Beach. It’s only a 5 minute drive from downtown San Nicolas, the second largest city in Aruba.
A bright red giant anker marks the entrance to Boca Grandi Beach in Aruba. Don’t forget to take advantage of a picture moment as Boca Grandi Beach makes for a gorgeous backdrop of this unique landmark."
From aruba.com’s website
"Go out on adventure and discover Mangel Halto, offering some of Aruba's best snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding.
This secluded beach is a perfect sunning and snorkeling spot in Aruba with calm, shallow waters rich in sea life supported by an intriguing network of mangroves.
Sun bathers that like a quiet beach and their privacy tend to go here. The public beach huts and shaded areas are also perfect for a beach picnic or to watch Aruba's sunset. The area offers a sand beach, a wooden sun deck, and access through the mangroves for open water kayaking and SUP boarding.
Mangel Halto Beach also serves as an excellent shore diving site in Aruba. It is possible to walk out to the edge of the reef to behold such fish as parrot fish, yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors and blue tangs as well as deep water gorgonians, sponges and anemones. The reef plunges to depths of 110’ where octopi, morays and barracuda abound."
https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/mangel-halto
168 recommandé par les habitants
Mangel Halto
From aruba.com’s website
"Go out on adventure and discover Mangel Halto, offering some of Aruba's best snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding.
This secluded beach is a perfect sunning and snorkeling spot in Aruba with calm, shallow waters rich in sea life supported by an intriguing network of mangroves.
Sun bathers that like a quiet beach and their privacy tend to go here. The public beach huts and shaded areas are also perfect for a beach picnic or to watch Aruba's sunset. The area offers a sand beach, a wooden sun deck, and access through the mangroves for open water kayaking and SUP boarding.
Mangel Halto Beach also serves as an excellent shore diving site in Aruba. It is possible to walk out to the edge of the reef to behold such fish as parrot fish, yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors and blue tangs as well as deep water gorgonians, sponges and anemones. The reef plunges to depths of 110’ where octopi, morays and barracuda abound."
https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/mangel-halto
Food scene
These are our personal favorites that we frequent tooooo much! Variety of fast food, Causal, Upscale, Date Night/Special Occasion and “Experience” Dining....
Beach Restaurant - Great for lunch & cocktails!
Downstairs restaurant is family friendly....Upstairs is "adult only" with infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Their frozen drinks are scrumptious!!!!
22 recommandé par les habitants
Rum Reef
Baby BeachBeach Restaurant - Great for lunch & cocktails!
Downstairs restaurant is family friendly....Upstairs is "adult only" with infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Their frozen drinks are scrumptious!!!!
Delicious Trinidadian Restaurant & Bar - Eat in or take away! Excellent Curries!!
22 recommandé par les habitants
Kamini's Kitchen
St.ChristoffelbergwegDelicious Trinidadian Restaurant & Bar - Eat in or take away! Excellent Curries!!
Dine with your feet in the water! Both the food & experience are spectacular! Advanced Reservations are a must....They book out pretty far in advance. Be sure to request 1st row/table in water!!
87 recommandé par les habitants
Flying Fishbone
344 SavanetaDine with your feet in the water! Both the food & experience are spectacular! Advanced Reservations are a must....They book out pretty far in advance. Be sure to request 1st row/table in water!!
Fish so fresh their still floppin! Local Aruban bar where you can drink, eat and enjoy the view.
Note - The kitchen is CLOSED on Mondays. Its sooo popular, cruise ships have excursions to here.
265 recommandé par les habitants
Zeerovers
270 SavanetaFish so fresh their still floppin! Local Aruban bar where you can drink, eat and enjoy the view.
Note - The kitchen is CLOSED on Mondays. Its sooo popular, cruise ships have excursions to here.
Dine with the fish! Sea level deck to enjoy dinner on, fish swimming all around. Found & drinks rival the view!
40 recommandé par les habitants
Marina Pirata
Spaans LagoenwegDine with the fish! Sea level deck to enjoy dinner on, fish swimming all around. Found & drinks rival the view!
Burger King
81 Caya G. F. Betico CroesTypical burger joint
This place doesn’t have a water view but it makes up for it in service and delicious taste. Dine in a beautiful outdoor patio with music and fresh Arabian breezes.
44 recommandé par les habitants
Madame Janette
This place doesn’t have a water view but it makes up for it in service and delicious taste. Dine in a beautiful outdoor patio with music and fresh Arabian breezes.
KFC
4Yup the colonel loves Aruba too
Another fav! Delicious ceviche, seafood soup, rotisserie chicken & yucca. Great prices & incredibly large portions! Yes, this is a chain with locations in the USA, but it was originally opened in Aruba (& IMO - Aruba is much tastier!).
See full menu & both of their Aruba locations:
https://www.lagranjarestaurants.com/en/
From their website:
"Part of a chain offering a quick fix of Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken & other Latin fare"
7 recommandé par les habitants
La Granja
2 SavanetaAnother fav! Delicious ceviche, seafood soup, rotisserie chicken & yucca. Great prices & incredibly large portions! Yes, this is a chain with locations in the USA, but it was originally opened in Aruba (& IMO - Aruba is much tastier!).
See full menu & both of their Aruba locations:
https://www.lagranjarestaurants.com/en/
From their website:
"Part of a chain offering a quick fix of Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken & other Latin fare"
It is actually spelled Amice...
Another Fav! Not only the best coffee on the island (IMO) - food is just as delicious! Must try: dumpling soup & chicken wings with their homemade spicy Amice sauce, great burgers, too!
Amice Lunchroom
John G. Emanstraat 72A, Oranjestad, Aruba
www.facebook.com/AmiceAruba/
Amici
72A John G. EmanstraatIt is actually spelled Amice...
Another Fav! Not only the best coffee on the island (IMO) - food is just as delicious! Must try: dumpling soup & chicken wings with their homemade spicy Amice sauce, great burgers, too!
Amice Lunchroom
John G. Emanstraat 72A, Oranjestad, Aruba
www.facebook.com/AmiceAruba/
Caribbean flavor with European style and creative cocktails....their bartenders will also create you your own, unique concoction!
Read all about their chef & view Menu:
http://www.yemanja-aruba.com/main/about
66 recommandé par les habitants
Yemanja Woodfire Grill
2 WilhelminastraatCaribbean flavor with European style and creative cocktails....their bartenders will also create you your own, unique concoction!
Read all about their chef & view Menu:
http://www.yemanja-aruba.com/main/about
Open air restaurant w/incredible views from the northern end of the island (by the California Light house). Italian fare - "white table cloth" causal dining. Grab a cold beer (or frozen cocktail) & a snack (pizza!!) in the bar area while taking in the breathtaking views looking south over Palm Beach.
58 recommandé par les habitants
Faro Blanco Restaurant
Open air restaurant w/incredible views from the northern end of the island (by the California Light house). Italian fare - "white table cloth" causal dining. Grab a cold beer (or frozen cocktail) & a snack (pizza!!) in the bar area while taking in the breathtaking views looking south over Palm Beach.
Activity/Excursion
Full Service Dive Center & Shop- they have you covered whether you need to rent or buy snorkel equip, dive gear, learn to dive or book a dive!
13 recommandé par les habitants
JADS Dive Center
Baby BeachFull Service Dive Center & Shop- they have you covered whether you need to rent or buy snorkel equip, dive gear, learn to dive or book a dive!
Best ATV & Jeep Safari Tour Operator.....ATV Guided Tours or explore on your own. New equipment with all the bells & whistles - which really makes a difference when you are off roading, Trust me!
Xtreme Island Tour Aruba
382A J.E. Irausquin BlvdBest ATV & Jeep Safari Tour Operator.....ATV Guided Tours or explore on your own. New equipment with all the bells & whistles - which really makes a difference when you are off roading, Trust me!
This is Aruban amusement park, water slide, snorkeling, zip lining. Banana boat rides Or just relax
All inclusive day passes food and drink included
59 recommandé par les habitants
Palm Island
This is Aruban amusement park, water slide, snorkeling, zip lining. Banana boat rides Or just relax
All inclusive day passes food and drink included
Seroe Colorado Community Church
Cute Church with a view
Cool caves, near by creek bed with exfoliating fish pool.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Fontein Cave
7Cool caves, near by creek bed with exfoliating fish pool.
Body boarders heaven!
Read all about it:
https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/andicuri-beach
27 recommandé par les habitants
Andicuri Beach
Body boarders heaven!
Read all about it:
https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/andicuri-beach
Sightseeing
Historical Church in Seroe Colorado
Please double check service times!!!
Seroe Colorado 244 (English non-denomination).
Worship Sundays 8:30 am.
Pr: Rev. Ernst Stutterheim
Phone: 00297 582 1435 ; Cell: +297 660 9870 (Diandra Alders)
Mail address: Jean C. Wade Seroe Colorado 328 San Nicolas, Aruba
6 recommandé par les habitants
Seroe Colorado Community Church
Historical Church in Seroe Colorado
Please double check service times!!!
Seroe Colorado 244 (English non-denomination).
Worship Sundays 8:30 am.
Pr: Rev. Ernst Stutterheim
Phone: 00297 582 1435 ; Cell: +297 660 9870 (Diandra Alders)
Mail address: Jean C. Wade Seroe Colorado 328 San Nicolas, Aruba
Storied attraction in Aruba, the bridge has collapsed several years ago but the scenic drive to get there is worth the trip
102 recommandé par les habitants
Natural Bridge - Rock Garden
Storied attraction in Aruba, the bridge has collapsed several years ago but the scenic drive to get there is worth the trip
Aruba’s National Park that comprises almost 20% of the island
211 recommandé par les habitants
Arikok National Park
70 San FuegoAruba’s National Park that comprises almost 20% of the island
Best Phot Op & it’s on the way to the Villa.
Originally, it was Monument in memory of the seamen who lost their lives when an oil tanker wrecked nearby...now it is in memory of all lost seaman of Aruba
7 recommandé par les habitants
Red Anchor
Best Phot Op & it’s on the way to the Villa.
Originally, it was Monument in memory of the seamen who lost their lives when an oil tanker wrecked nearby...now it is in memory of all lost seaman of Aruba
One of my favorite sites are the wild donkeys & goats....they just wander the streets of Seroe Colorado & San Nicolas and will eat right out of your hand! Please keep some HEALTHY treats on hand. Even though Donkeys will eat anything, it’s best to feed them carrots, blackberries & turnips...NEVER feed them dairy or meat - animal protein can be fatal. Other foods to avoid: Breads, certain grains (such as barley, corn & oats) potatoes, tomatoes & chocolate. Feeding them this can result in serious hoof and digestive problems. We want our donkeys to be healthy and live long lives for future generations to enjoy!
9 recommandé par les habitants
Ceru Colorado
One of my favorite sites are the wild donkeys & goats....they just wander the streets of Seroe Colorado & San Nicolas and will eat right out of your hand! Please keep some HEALTHY treats on hand. Even though Donkeys will eat anything, it’s best to feed them carrots, blackberries & turnips...NEVER feed them dairy or meat - animal protein can be fatal. Other foods to avoid: Breads, certain grains (such as barley, corn & oats) potatoes, tomatoes & chocolate. Feeding them this can result in serious hoof and digestive problems. We want our donkeys to be healthy and live long lives for future generations to enjoy!
Best views at north end of island.,..and now you can climb to the top of lighthouse for panoramic 360 views (ticket must be purchased to climb lighthouse).
While up there, you can grab a coconut water (served in the Coconut) or grab a bite and drink at Faro Blanco (italian restaurant)
249 recommandé par les habitants
California Lighthouse
2 HudishibanaBest views at north end of island.,..and now you can climb to the top of lighthouse for panoramic 360 views (ticket must be purchased to climb lighthouse).
While up there, you can grab a coconut water (served in the Coconut) or grab a bite and drink at Faro Blanco (italian restaurant)
Gas, ATM , Convenient Store
Citgo Santa Cruz
Santa CruzGas station (full & self serve), convenient store with ATM
10-15 mins from the Villa local grocery for a sugar fix, or needing a staple that your missing
10 recommandé par les habitants
Macro Supermarket
19 Dr. Schaepmanstraat10-15 mins from the Villa local grocery for a sugar fix, or needing a staple that your missing
Double Happy Hardware Store
3 Weg KustbatterjClosest No frills Hardware store
My fav grocery store (when i 1st land and need to stock house). They carry brands found in USA & you can sample foods not found in USA! (Fun!)
Tip #1 - Be sure to get their Super Food Bonus loyalty card for specials - avail @ Customer ServiceDesk
Tip #2 - Download the Dutch dictionary in google translate so you can use the app offline and easily translate the dutch cheese!
From their website:
"Super Food Plaza is a shopping center that offers a great shopping experience to its customers and where a wide assortment of products can be found under one roof. You can shop for groceries, quality wines & liquors, beauty & health products, interior decorations, furniture, toys for kids and have a great lunch or coffee break at Jack's Café Aruba. Other shops such as a bank, real estate broker, optician, pharmacy, mobile phone store, beauty salon and more are conveniently hosted under the same roof. Super Food Plaza is located in Bubali, on the highway between Oranjestad and the Palm Beach hotel area.”
407 recommandé par les habitants
Super Food Plaza
141 A BubaliMy fav grocery store (when i 1st land and need to stock house). They carry brands found in USA & you can sample foods not found in USA! (Fun!)
Tip #1 - Be sure to get their Super Food Bonus loyalty card for specials - avail @ Customer ServiceDesk
Tip #2 - Download the Dutch dictionary in google translate so you can use the app offline and easily translate the dutch cheese!
From their website:
"Super Food Plaza is a shopping center that offers a great shopping experience to its customers and where a wide assortment of products can be found under one roof. You can shop for groceries, quality wines & liquors, beauty & health products, interior decorations, furniture, toys for kids and have a great lunch or coffee break at Jack's Café Aruba. Other shops such as a bank, real estate broker, optician, pharmacy, mobile phone store, beauty salon and more are conveniently hosted under the same roof. Super Food Plaza is located in Bubali, on the highway between Oranjestad and the Palm Beach hotel area.”
Great prices, fresh food - and its on the way to Villa from the airport
New Food Center O/B Hopeful Supercenter N.V.
2B BernhardstraatGreat prices, fresh food - and its on the way to Villa from the airport
Medical
Hospital with emergency care facilities
+297-525-8833 non emergency
Centro Medico Dr. Rudy Engelbrecht (IMSAN)
10 Pastoor HendrikstraatHospital with emergency care facilities
+297-525-8833 non emergency
BENU Pharmacy Centro Medico
55 BernhardstraatPharmacy +297-525-2599