Hi loves! Today I’m taking you to explore Aruba! It’s finally here: the finale to my summer cruise series. This island is probably my favorite island in the Caribbean and definitely looking to come back to the beautiful, stunning, relaxing Palm Beach, Aruba.
Arriving to Aruba
When we arrived we already had a game plan for the island due to the so, so, SO little time we had. Literally we arrived at 10am and had to be back on the ship by 4pm. Clearly just SIX hours to explore Aruba is just not enough time. However, we were determined to make it work!
We split up into two groups: one that just wanted to relax, lay on beach, do some shopping, walk around and the second group we actually did a four-hour ATV tour of the island ending it with a stop at the beach. Clearly we know the group I went on! (ATV duhh)
ATV Tour
If you’re going to explore Aruba I recommend you book a tour with this company Action Tours Aruba! They’re super nice people, smart and knowledgeable about the area and help you out when you’re just learning to drive an ATV. Must admit, I did almost fall off the mountain because we were driving on rocks and it was super bumpy.
My strength wasn’t where I needed it to be after my surgery. So scary, but I didn’t fall (Thank God) and went on to see some of the best sights Aruba has to offer. I wish I could’ve just recorded it all, but there’s no place for you to put your stuff in an ATV and I didn’t bring a backpack.
Explore Aruba: The Stops
First stop was an old Gold Mine and we got to climb around the rocks and rumble. Unfortunately, didn’t find any gold but still pretty cool site to see. The next stop was called natural bridge, because the land form over the water to create a little bridge. Many people decided to go on top and take a photo, but our group wanted to go underneath. Such a cool view and very cave like!
We then drove to the top of the mountain (not pictured) and got to visit one of the oldest churches in Aruba. Such a cool site and definitely a good drive on the ATV up there. Then we took a water break and made our decent back to Asashi Beach, where we got to jump in and cool off from the hot Aruban sun.
Afterwards
After we finished our ATV tour, we headed back to meet the rest of our group. We of course decided to do some shopping. There was a cute market right in front of our port to buy cute things the locals would make. Things from clothing, keychains, jewelry, etc.
Plus, the drive back to the port is so beautiful because you can see the cute, beach side of the island on one side. Then turn your head and its literally desert with cactus and all on the other side. I have a vision for a video I want to film and keeping going back to Aruba and the landscape as my inspiration.
There’s hotel along the road with pools, casinos, and even all-inclusive ones so trust me there something for everyone here. Plus, they’re all on the beach and offer some type of water activity. If we had more time, we would’ve parasailed or even kayaked. On the main road, there’s a bunch of restaurants, even some popular American restaurants and bars for days.
End of the Summer Cruise Series
My summer cruise with Carnival was amazing to me! Never have I felt more excited to see so many different places in so little time. I truly felt I got a glimpse of culture from every place. I’m still hearing the Dominicans dancing to Bachata on the streets. The people from Curacao listening to Caribbean style music and dancing along to every beat. Feeling the warm Aruban sand beneath my feet and swimming in the beautiful clear blue waters.
The culture from all four countries just hits you so amazingly! It made me feel so cultured, so full of life, and most importantly global. If you missed any of my Summer Cruise series posts here are the links to Grand Turks and Curacao and La Romana, Dominican Republic.
Let me know where you’ve been before on a cruise and what’s your favorite part about cruises?
XOXO
Karen Giuliana
Hello loves, welcome to my blog! My name is Karen Giuliana Bardales and I am currently 31 years old. I was born New Jersey and raised in Florida, graduated from Florida Atlantic University and still residing in sunny South Florida.
The reason for my blog is to write about my experiences from traveling, the beauty industry, fitness and other things I love. I want to help inspire others through my personal experiences and be seen as a role model to young woman everywhere.
Thank you for reading and following along through my journey of life. Your support means everything to me, so thank you!
It’s been a number of years, but your post brought back many memories of our Carnival cruise to Aruba! Hopefully I’ll get back again soon!
Author
Ahh I’m glad it brought them all back! Yes girl, Aruba is beautiful I just know I have to go back sooner than later! 🙂 thanks for reading!!!
That ATV tour looks really fun! I haven’t been to Aruba yet, but a cruise sounds perfect!
Author
Omg yes! The cruise let me just get a small taste of Aruba and now I’m just itching to go back for a good 3 day weekend! 😃
That sounds like such a fun (and jam-packed) day!
Author
We tried to make the most of our time! Thank you for reading! :))
How awesome you went to Aruba, I am dying to go there! I hope you had the best time..that water is so blue-reminds me of Hawaii!
valerie
Author
Valerie, it is stunning I highly recommend it, even if it’s just to sit around the beach. It’s perfect in so many ways and the is literally see through so crystal blue and clear! 🙂
Aruba looks so beautiful! This actually reminds me a lot of when my best friend and I took a girls trip last year and hopped around different islands and Central America. We ended up only having 24 hours in Panama, which was not enough, but still had an amazing time!
Author
Thank you! Omg your girls trip sounds like literally so much fun! I’ve always wanted to go to Panama!!
A quick trip sounds exactly like something that I would love. All these places look like so much fun.
Author
Yes girl, I find even a quick weekend trip just relaxes you so much and you get a chance to clear your head!! 🙂
Just last weekend my husband and I were talking about booking a trip to Aruba with friends! I absolutely love what you’ve shared here about this popular tourist destination. 🙂
Author
Omg I would do it! I’m thinking about going in a couple of weeks! Thanks for reading.
Aruba looks amazing! It’s highly on my Bucketlist! I remember in Viñales Cuba, the ATV tour was our favorite part of the trip!
Author
Ahhh that sounds amazing!! It was so much fun, thanks for reading along! 🙂