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One of Aruba’s landmarks, a stone tower, better known as California Lighthouse Aruba, has been completely refurbished.

The watchman for ships is standing tall and proud!

Let’s look how the renewing of the lighthouse took place and what you can expect from the grand opening…

Restoration of California Lighthouse Aruba

The restoration of the California Lighthouse started in 2015 and took one year to complete. The initial idea to restore it was, because of the 100th year anniversary since it was first constructed.

The renovation of the California Lighthouse was realized by Monumentenbureau,National Restauratiefonds Netherlands and Aruba Bank.

The California Lighthouse Aruba is now considered a preserved monument.

Grand Opening of The California Lighthouse Aruba

The California lighthouse Aruba has been closed for decades.

When the doors were closed, you could only wonder as to what inside looked like. And how the view would be from the top…

But those days, are long gone. Because on 26th of August 2016 the lighthouse has been officially opened!

The California Lighthouse doors has been re-opened for the first time by the Minister of Tourism and Aruba’s Governor.

The press (and other special guests) were there to witness the grand opening.




California Lighthouse Aruba Tour

The lighthouse is now open for tours (tickets cost 8$.)

The money goes towards maintaining the lighthouse in tip top condition.

The tour includes a historical description of the California Lighthouse. And the best part of all, a climb up the stairs to the highest lookout point of the lighthouse! 

You’ll have 360 degree views of Aruba’s north coastline and surroundings.

If you’re interested you can book a VIP tour for private viewing.

I experienced the lighthouse before and after its restoration. It’s worth it to see what’s new!

Are you going to make your first inaugural climb at the California Lighthouse?

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The family cruise is planned and the kids are exited about the trip. In a few days you’ll be setting foot for the first time on the island. However, you don’t have a lot of time to explore the island, because the cruise ship is only docking for a couple of hours. You want to experience the island as much as possible, but you have no clue of what to do. So you’re wondering what to do on a cruise stop in Aruba?

Here are some tips to make your cruise stop on Aruba an ever lasting memory.

Explore the picturesque downtown buildings

Take a walk in the downtown area and notice all the colorful buildings that boasts some of the most beautiful dutch colonial architecture. They’re eye catching and a must see for architecture fans. Buildings featuring dutch designs are Royal Plaza, Town Hall, Census Building, Willem III Tower, Plaza Daniel Leo, Archaeological Museum, Ecury House and the Aruban Courthouse.

Shop till you drop

The downtown area of Aruba has a mile long stretch of shops. It’s literally a shoppers paradise. The main-street is filled with local shops, famous boutiques and jewelry stores. You can buy just about anything your heart desires. From souvenirs to bring back home to luxury items only found on the island. Stores open from Monday to Saturday (8:00 AM-6:00 PM).

Look for souvenirs at the flea market

The wharf-side flea market is a great place to get a taste and feel of Aruban culture. Here you can find hand made souvenirs crafted by locals. Whether you’re looking for artworks, t-shirts, slippers, hats or mugs from Aruba – you’ll find it all. Farmers usually bring fresh fruits to sell. And fisherman bring their catch of the day. If the kids are thirsty you can buy a some refreshing coconut water from a nearby shack.

Bring some single dollars, because they only accept cash.

Go fishing

Is your family adventurous? Then rent a charter boat for some fishing fun at the Renaissance Marina. The Renaissance Marina is a walking distance from the cruise port.You can choose between bottom fishing and Mahi-Mahi fishing just to name a few options. You might just hook a big fish.

Visit the I love Aruba sign

Aruba started a movement with the I Love Aruba sign. Now, every other island in the Caribbean has their own sign, but Aruba’s sign is the most popular one in the Caribbean. The sign is about a 10 minute walk from the cruise port (in front of Renaissance Marina).

Get the whole family in front of the sign and take a picture.

Take a dip by surf-side beach

Feeling like taking the kids for a dip in Caribbean waters? You can do so at surf-side beach. It’s a quiet family beach next to the highway between the airport and downtown area. You can walk it from the cruise port. Walking to this beach is also a nice treat, because you can walk next to the sea shore where the waves just keep kissing your feet as they come and go.

It’s a perfect spot to relax under a tree, watch the kids play and take a dip.

Still wondering what to do on a cruise stop in Aruba?

There are many activities around the island. However, visiting these places of interest requires you to rent a car, take a taxi or use public transportation. We always advise a family to rent a car, even if it’s for a few hours. Because it’s less stressful than public transportation. And more handy and cheaper than taking a taxi.

With that said here’s some extra options for what to do on a cruise stop in Aruba. 

Island Excursion

If you’re family wants to see the rugged part of Aruba, than a tour around the island is the best way to do it. In front of the cruise port you will find different tour bus companies that offer island expeditions. Let them guide you around the country side to explore Aruba’s desert like nature and wildlife.

They’ll bring you back to the cruise port after the tour before boarding time.

Beach Hopping

Pack your backpacks with bathing suits, towels, sunblock, snacks and plenty of water. Visit the sun-kissed beaches on the island and find out for yourself why Aruba’s beaches make the top 10 list every year. Visit Eagle Beach and Palm Beach to experience the most popular stretches of beaches on the island. For more secluded beaches visit Malmok, Arashi and Mangel Halto.

This concluded our list of what to do on a cruise stop in Aruba.

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I hope this article was informative and could help you build an itinerary on what to do on a cruise stop in Aruba.

Please leave us a comment to let us know when you’re family will be in Aruba and what you’re looking forward to do with your family on Aruba during your cruise stop. We can always provide additional advice in our comment section. 

Our followers on Instagram tagged us in a bunch of pictures during the month of March 2016. They have shared some beautiful Aruba Instagram pictures with us that we just had to re-post on our account. The month of March came to an end, so we had to make a blog post to round up all the beautiful Instagram pictures we have been tagged in by our followers.

Here are the Aruba Instagram pictures that we liked most and hopefully you will like them also.

Beautiful Aruba Instagram Pictures

picture by @christinejj29

Do you think you can build this sand castle? When on vacation in Aruba build with your kids. They will remember this forever. If this sand castle seems hard to replicate, be creative and try to make your own version. You never know what you and your kids might come up with on the beach.

picture by @anna.m.granberg

Ever wondered what paradise looks like? Well the image above is self explanatory. After you’ve built a sand castle with your kids find some shade under a palapa or palm tree at your resort. If you’re staying at the Divi-Divi all inclusive resort you may enjoy the stunning views from their rooms.

What do you do with the kids while you’re relaxing under a palapa? Leave your kids swim near the sea shore. You can keep an eye on your kids, because the shore is close to the palm trees and palapas at the Divi-Divi resort.

picture by @dbolognese

Enjoying the shade while your kids are playing in the sea? Call them in for a delicious bowl of fresh fruits. A healthy snack is just what they need to stay fresh for the rest of the day.

picture by @tracy_gibb

A day at the beach sounds like fun, but how about strolling in the downtown area with the family? Take the free electric tram that leaves at the cruise port to explore the beautiful colored buildings and their architecture. Walk downtown, explore some shops, buy some cool gifts for the kids and souvenirs to take back home.

picture by @kayjdkay

What better way to explore the island with a jeep tour? Book a jeep tour and surprise your family for a fun time around the out-back and rugged part of the island. There is plenty of options to choose from. You can have a tour guide drive you around, Or you can drive a jeep while the tour guide drives ahead of the fleet of other jeeps or rent your own jeep to discover the island on your own.

Don’t forget to snap some pictures with your phone so you can tag us by using #vacationsbyaruba for some beautiful Aruba Instagram pictures.

picture by @cait1787

Whether you choose a jeep tour or to discover the island on your own, make sure to pass by the baby natural bridge. This natural bridge was formed after the original one collapsed a couple of years ago. There is a shop near the baby natural bridge where you can buy some refreshments, souvenirs, ice cream to cool down. They even have bathrooms you can use for less than 1 dollar.

picture by @flightventures

Why not have a couple of drinks at a beach bar near your resort after you explore the island with your family,? Relax, enjoy the Caribbean breeze and reminisce about all the awesome sights you have seen during the day. Of-course your bartender can make some colored look a like drinks without alcohol for your little ones.

picture by @kirstenmichele 

After you enjoy a couple of cocktails at the beach bar, stroll along the beach to enjoy a perfect beautiful sunset. The sun sets in Aruba around 6:30 – 6:45 PM. Have the kids go with you as they run and splash near the sea shore. Bring your camera or phone with you to take pictures of your sunset, because you will never experience an exact one like it ever again. If you’re not sure how to take sunset pictures we’ve gathered up some tips for you to make good sunset pictures. Try them out and upload them to your feed for some cool Aruba Instagram pictures.

picture by @arukamba

How do you like this gorgeous picture of the Divi Phoenix at night? It’s perfect! While your kids are in the hotel room watching TV or playing bard games, take a walk outside alone to admire the beauty of your resort at night. Many resorts have spectacular lighting that are very eye-catching when viewed from a distance.

picture by @tpfmariah9999

Are you and your family morning people? If so, hop in the rental car and drive to the coast of the island to enjoy a spectacular sunrise at the alto vista chapel. While you’re there enter the chapel to say thanks for being able to take a beautiful vacation. Before you leave pass by the peace labyrinth in the back of the chapel for some peaceful contemplation and to admire Aruba’s beautiful coast.

How did you like these 10 beautiful Aruba Instagram pictures? Hopefully they inspired you with a bunch of things to do with your family during your vacation in Aruba.

Let us know how much you enjoyed these pictures by letting a comment or sharing them on yor favorite social sites.

Want follow us on instagram? Okay, you can do so with @vacationsbyaruba

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Are you looking for more information about Arashi Beach? Well you’ve come to the right place.

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Arashi Beach is considered to be one of Aruba’s hidden gems. Far away from the popular Eagle Beach and Palm Beach there is a lesser known Beach.

Arashi is a beach that those who know about want to keep for their self.

Many visitors choose to stop at this beach on their way to the California Lighthouse, but those who stay to swim or snorkel really get to experience what Arashi Beach is all about.

Arashi Beach Is Perfect For Snorkeling

Snorkeling at Arashi is good for the beginner and expert snorkelers alike.

The beach is ideal to swim in and snorkel due to the calm currents and water clarity.

Most of the tropical fishes will be found by those who dare to explore the deeper waters.

Arashi Beach Is The Ideal Beach To Be Alone

Because Arashi is hidden away from the Hotel area it’s usually very quiet.

It’s an ideal beach for those who seek to be alone, relaxing and enjoying a cocktail under a beach hut near turquoise waters that makes you think your in heaven.

However, you will find a lot of locals hanging out during the weekends.

Being on this stretch of beach with the view of the California Lighthouse makes for perfect holiday pictures that you can show off out once you get home.

Are you looking for more information seeing a sunset in Aruba? We’ll here are a few things you should know about a sunset in Aruba. And the places you should consider going to watch the beautiful sun in Aruba disappear into the horizon.

However, before I show you the most beautiful places to catch a sunset in Aruba. Sign up to the Vacations By Aruba newsletter. I share the best Aruba travel tips and news with my subscribers. It’s all free.

Enjoy a Sunset in Aruba

Late in the evening just as soon as day turn to night. The Caribbean sun starts to descend. Depending on the color of the sky and how much clouds you get a different type of sunset.

One thing I know for sure is every sunset in Aruba is different.

Beautiful Sunset in Aruba At Bushiri Beach

Located right next to an abandoned building which used to be the Bushiri Hotel lies a whole strip of beach sand. Here you can clearly see the sun in an unique angle.

The beach here is very nice and quiet.

Not a lot of people go here. So it’s a perfect place to see the day come to an end.


Standing at Malmok Beach

Head over to the north side of the island. There you will find Malmok Beach. It’s where everyone goes to snorkel.

The palapas there make for a stunning scenery. If you have a camera you can make some awesome compositions.

Take a look of this picture I took standing in front of a couple of days ago.

If you want to learn how to take good sunsets pictures in Aruba click here.

Crowded At Moomba Beach

If you’re into beach bars you should go to Moomba Beach area. This is located at the beach right next to Marriott Hotel.

It’s a beautiful place to watch a sunset in Aruba and drink a few cold ones.

Walk down along the soft sand to the waters edge, listen to the waves, take off your flip-flops and sink your toes deeper into the sand.


Aruba sunsets are truly one of a kind and a must see if you’re on the island.

Your vacation on Aruba wouldn’t be complete without seeing one for yourself.

Where are you planning to see a sunset in Aruba?