Aruba Adventure: Anniversary Antics with Amazing Amigos
It seemed we’d just landed back at Pearson in December when we found ourselves standing at the same gate again in February. This wasn’t some last-minute Travelocity Roaming Gnome situation though. No, this had been planned with military precision since the previous spring – because I married a woman who treats vacation planning like NASA treats moon landings.
Planning a Group Trip to Aruba: The Origin Story
Back in our early days together (when we still had the energy to make long-term plans without needing a nap halfway through), Tina and I had a philosophical discussion about destination selection. Yes, we’re that couple. The kind that discusses travel methodology over morning coffee like normal people discuss the weather.
We’d already determined we’d be scouting retirement destinations. Because apparently, thinking about retirement locations two decades before you can actually retire is what responsible adults do. But we both had bucket list items we wanted to scratch off before settling into some villa where our biggest adventure would be the early-bird special at the local restaurant.
I’d originally suggested starting at the equator and working our way north and south through the tropics. Logical, right? That’s what landed us in Ecuador for the first time a couple years earlier. Turns out Ecuador is excellent for retirement research and terrible for alphabetical planning.
So we decided to pivot to the alphabet instead. Because if you cannot decide between logic and systems, just pick the system that makes you feel organized. Of course, Ecuador meant we’d already skipped A through D, so to start properly at the beginning, Aruba seemed like the obvious choice. Plus, it’s an island. And islands come with beaches. And beaches come with swim-up bars serving cold beer. I am nothing if not consistent in my priorities.
Assembling the A-Team (Minus Mr. T)
April 2019 had us sending out feelers to our circle of friends, asking if anyone might be interested in joining us the following February. You know, a casual “Hey, want to spend 10 days in the Caribbean with us?” Nothing presumptuous.
Wow. We had no idea Aruba was on so many bucket lists. From an initial roster of 15 interested parties, we ended up with a solid crew of 9 bound for Aruba that frosty February morning. Turns out when you offer people an escape from Canadian winter, they suddenly become very available.
If you’re thinking about organizing your own Caribbean getaway, let me tell you – getting 9 people to agree on literally anything is like herding cats. Drunk cats. Drunk cats who all have different opinions about where to eat dinner. But somehow, we managed it.
Arriving in Paradise (With Paperwork)
Not quite five and a half hours later, we were leaving the ice and snow behind for 10 days as we stepped off the plane in Oranjestad, Aruba. The temperature differential between Toronto in February and Aruba year-round is roughly the same as the difference between a walk-in freezer and a sauna. My body didn’t know whether to sweat or just give up entirely.
One rental vehicle was not going to cut it for this gang. We’re talking nine adults with luggage, beach gear, and an optimistic amount of sunscreen. So we rented a passenger van and a sedan. Again, we were opting out of the all-inclusive resort experience for three villas on the beach. Because apparently, we hate being waited on and prefer doing our own dishes on vacation. Actually, scratch that – we just wanted the freedom to drink beer at 9 AM without judgment.
The Chalets: Budget-Friendly Paradise
Aruba Beach Chalets is located in Saveneta, just 10 minutes from the airport. Saveneta is a small fishing village that was once the capital of Aruba, which tells you everything you need to know about how seriously Arubans take the concept of “bustling metropolis.” It had all the quiet charm we were looking for while being only a mile from restaurants, groceries, and other shops. The perfect balance of isolation and civilization – like being a hermit but with access to cold beer.
Also, interestingly, Saveneta is one of the places on Aruba where on a clear day, you can see Venezuela. Being only 24 km away, it peeks over the horizon when the visibilty is good. Cool!
Nine of us unloaded, unpacked, and settled into our separate chalets. After a shower and change of clothes (because airplane smell is real and persistent), we gathered at the larger chalet with the pool to have an after-travel drink and determine what kind of game plans everyone had.
It was an interesting mix of individuals. Besides Dave and Kate and ourselves, we had Tracey (who worked with Kate), Jo (who’d been married to Kate’s brother – past tense, but apparently still on good enough terms to vacation together, which is more mature than I’ll ever be), Jo’s sister Jane, and Cathy and Dave. Yes, two Daves. Because apparently the universe has a sense of humor about name tags.
The chalets were split strategically. Tina and I claimed our own space because it IS our anniversary after all and some traditions are sacred – like not sharing a bathroom with seven other people. Dave, Kate, and Tracey enjoyed the end chalet. Jo, Jane, Cathy, and Dave (the other Dave, keep up) nestled between the two in the third chalet.
Understanding Aruba: Small Island, Big Prices
Now Aruba is not a large island. It’s approximately 32 kilometers long by 10 kilometers wide, which in American means “you cannot get lost even if you try.” It’s a top destination for diving and beaches. There are some interesting tourist sites and opportunities for great excursions by horseback, dune buggy, and by water – including a glass submarine, which is perfect for people like me who enjoy underwater views without the inconvenience of actually getting wet.
We all had different interests and different priorities for scheduling, so we split into two main groups. Dave, Kate, and Tracey would take the car. The rest of us would commandeer the van. Our immediate need, however, was stocking provisions and getting something in our bellies. A few minutes’ drive later, we were all strolling the aisles of a local grocery store, experiencing our first taste of island economics.
The Price of Paradise (Hint: It’s Expensive)
One of the first things we noticed was pricing. Being that Aruba does not have much industry, is an English-speaking tropical island in the southern Caribbean Sea that’s geared primarily towards tourism, and has to import almost everything, we should have expected inflated pricing.
But knowledge and acceptance are two different things. Watching the total climb at checkout was like watching a horror movie in slow motion. You know what’s coming but you’re powerless to stop it.
As one of the countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba also doesn’t have any freshwater, lakes, rivers, or aquifers. All potable water comes from large-scale desalination plants on the island. An expensive treatment in itself, it also contributes to the higher prices of everything. Even the water costs more because making water drinkable requires more water. If that seems circular, welcome to island economics.
Regardless, we all completed our purchases (and quietly wept for our credit cards) and headed out for a place to eat. Just down the street we found a great little restaurant serving fish and shrimp with fries. A good meal and a couple of cold beers later, we were heading back to relax and watch the first of many spectacular sunsets from our respective decks and balconies. The beer tasted especially good after calculating our grocery bill per person. Nothing makes Balashi taste better than financial trauma.
Site Inspections: Not Glamorous, But Necessary
The next morning, after a light breakfast of fruit, yogurt, and bread, Tina and I commandeered the van to do some site inspections. Jo and Jane opted to tag along, which might possibly rank as one of the poorer decisions of their vacation.
See, they discovered exactly how incredibly long and boring it can be to be led through luxury resorts while someone takes notes on room categories, bars, restaurants, pools, and beaches. Getting the lowdown on occupancy capacities, rates, amenity offerings, staff-to-guest ratios, and property history while standing around in the broiling sun is not everyone’s idea of vacation fun. Who knew?
That first beer of the day was going to taste especially good. And by “especially good,” I mean “absolutely necessary for maintaining sanity.”
Oranjestad: Where Your Wallet Goes to Die
Oranjestad is the capital city of Aruba and as you might imagine is a vibrant and bustling beach town. All the huge resort chains have properties there, and the tourist industry is alive and flourishing like algae in a neglected swimming pool. Souvenir shops, excursions, restaurants, and bars are everywhere. High-end fashion stores and jewelry stores abound. Again, prices tend to be on the high side for everything.
Driving through Oranjestad was definitely a worthy visual experience. Like window shopping but from an air-conditioned vehicle where you cannot accidentally buy anything.
After I put my foot down (with Tina’s permission, obviously – I’m married, not suicidal), we ended the grueling site inspections and looked for lunch. Or more accurately, looked for beer. A delightful sandwich and a single brew later, we were heading northbound up the western coast to see the California Lighthouse.
The California Lighthouse: Tall Things Are Cool
The 98-foot lighthouse is the tallest structure on Aruba and was named after the SS California, which sank off the northwest coast in 1891. Yes, they named a lighthouse after a ship that sank. Island humor, I guess.
It’s an imposing structure that was closed to the public the day we were there, naturally. Because why would a tourist attraction be open when tourists want to visit it? That would make too much sense. Still, it provided a ton of photo ops and a great view of the coast for miles around. The ladies took approximately 473 pictures of the same lighthouse from slightly different angles. Apparently each shot captured “completely different light.” I’m still not sure what that means, but I’ve learned not to question the photographic process.
The drive back was uneventful, and we were looking forward to showers and hammock action with refreshments in hand. The rest of the crew had spent the day lounging and taking in the sun, the surf, and the beauty of the surroundings. You know, actually vacationing like normal people.
Beach Access: Rocky Road to Paradise
The sea was literally six steps from the deck, and you could wade the shore if you wanted. But it was not a sandy beach. You would definitely want your water shoes on to traverse the rocks and dried coral out to deeper water for floating or swimming. The water was amazing though, and it was common to see local fishermen with small nets wading the shoreline and casting for their dinner. Nothing says “authentic island experience” like watching someone work while you drink beer and pretend you’re roughing it.
Rather than dinner out, both groups opted to dine in that evening. We each had menus planned for our respective groups. Options ranged from frozen prepared meals (the bachelor approach) to burgers with salad and some local fruit (the “we’re pretending to be healthy” approach).
It was one of those evenings where nobody was really in the mood to go out. Sometimes, it’s just as enjoyable to throw a quick bite together and get back to the serious business of relaxing. With all of Aruba’s offerings, there would be plenty of opportunities to sample the local fare. And by “local fare,” I mean “overpriced tourist restaurants that we’d inevitably visit anyway because we’re on vacation and logic doesn’t apply.”
Day Two: Adventures in Navigation
Bed was just off the balcony on the second floor, overlooking the Caribbean below. The sound of the waves was the perfect way to drift off and end the day’s adventures. Also, it helpfully drowned out any snoring from neighboring chalets. Not that anyone in our group snores. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
After another simple breakfast, the other team decided to take their vehicle and head out to do some exploring. Dave, Kate, and Tracey waved fond farewells as they headed out with Waze and Kate navigating. I mean, it’s an island. How lost could they get?
Famous last words.
The Aloe Tour: Plant-Based Education
The remaining six of us decided to venture out to see the Aloe factory and museum, and then visit one of the best beaches on the planet – Eagle Beach, known for its white sand and calm waters.
The aloe farm was an interesting and educational tour that included more of the history of Aruba. Since being introduced to Aruba by the Dutch in the 1800s, aloe has thrived on the dry island. At one point, Aruba was the leading global supplier of the world’s highest quality aloe, covering two-thirds of the entire island. That’s a lot of sunburn relief.
Aloe remains a leading export, and Aruba aloe finds its way into medicinal and cosmetic products worldwide. The free guided tour (finally, something free!) ended with an instruction on harvesting your own aloe at home and a visit to the onsite store for some unique aloe products. Which, naturally, were not free. Because the universe has a sense of balance.
Eagle Beach: Living Up to the Hype
From there, it was down to Eagle Beach. Tina and I had seen stretches of it during our site inspections, but there’s a great public access point with plenty of parking. The beach itself is amazing, and you’re never too far from a place to get food or beverages when it gets too hot and dry.
The water is nice and warm at about 31°C, and we experienced some light wave action since February can have windy days. Regardless, it’s an amazing beach. Go there. I cannot stress this enough. It’s the kind of beach that makes you understand why people write songs about beaches.
On the way back to the villa, we stopped in Oranjestad and checked out Fort Zoutman. The oldest structures on the island are now a museum displaying the way of life in 1796. There’s a cultural festival there every Tuesday called the Bon Bini Festival. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see it. But I’ve heard it’s worth the visit, which is high praise coming from someone who generally avoids festivals because they involve crowds.
The Other Group’s Adventure: A Cautionary Tale
Back at the villa, we caught up with our neighbors on their day and learned they’d started by visiting multiple beaches along the coast. They’d also taken in a tour of various churches and cathedrals on the island. Because nothing says “tropical vacation” quite like Gothic architecture.
It turns out one of the beaches they visited was on the eastern side of the island, where it faces the Atlantic and the trade winds from the east. Waves on that side can be pretty violent and are NOT safe for swimming or other water sports. But it’s great for photography, ATV tours, or just sitting and watching the powerful waves beating the rugged shore while contemplating your mortality.
Dave got some great pictures, and Tracey managed to get her feet wet while Kate and Dave were both on high alert and ready to drag her to safety if she ventured beyond ankle depth. Because apparently, Tracey has no sense of self-preservation and the ocean has a personal vendetta against tourists.
They’d also taken in Baby Beach, Eagle Beach, and Palm Beach, which were all on the leeward side of the island. Safe, luxurious, and less likely to result in a tragic drowning. A fine day of touring and beaching for everyone, which called for some celebratory drinks and prepping for our anniversary dinner out.
Anniversary Dinner: Flying Fish and Literal Flying Fish
Strolling the beachfront of Oranjestad, we found a cool-looking place called Flying Fish. We checked out the menu and allowed the hostess to lead us inside. “Inside” was actually more of a lobby/take-out pickup point/bar that allowed you to walk through to the dining section outside.
A nicely themed and well-lit covered beach area at the water’s edge with underwater lighting for added effect. It was simple and charming, and the menu was extensive. Sometimes simple is exactly what you need, especially when “simple” includes views of the Caribbean and strategically placed lighting that makes everyone look good in photos.
We all ordered and had drinks while we waited. I was thoroughly enjoying my Balashi beer when the food arrived. Everything was so delicious we were all offering tastes from each other’s plates. Which is either a sign of excellent food or the fact that we’d all become very comfortable with each other’s germs. Probably both.
Upon learning of our anniversary, the waitress brought our dessert with a lit sparkler so everyone could sing Happy Anniversary to us. It was nice. Slightly embarrassing, but nice. The kind of nice where you smile and nod while secretly wishing you could disappear under the table.
The Swimming Incident: Bad Decisions Were Made
It was then that we noticed a few other patrons sitting down at their tables soaking wet. Apparently, it’s quite acceptable (and maybe even a “thing”) to take a swim pre, post, or even mid-meal while either fully dressed or not in the underlit sea.
Being way more adventurous (or inebriated, hard to say which) than the rest of us, Jane and her sister Jo decided to try the experience for themselves. I feel confident they enjoyed the experience, but I’m equally sure it’s not something they’d try again. The seats in the rental eventually dried. Eventually.
Back to our respective villas for nightcaps and another ocean-induced sleep.
The Day of Doing Nothing: A Man’s Ideal Vacation
The following day, I had no desire to venture any further than the hammock with my Kindle and a supply of cold Balashi. I had food and snacks to keep me alive and the Caribbean as my vista. This, friends, is what vacation is supposed to look like. Not running around from attraction to attraction like you’re training for an Olympic event, but genuine relaxation involving minimal movement and maximum beer consumption.
Again, the two groups split up to do their own things. My group paid for a horseback tour along the rugged northeastern coast, which took in a few beaches, a natural pool, and some great rock formations. They had a great time and took loads of pics. I know this because they showed me. All of them. Every single picture.
The other group did a very similar excursion in the same area but used UTVs for transportation. Their tour took in Philip’s Animal Garden, a park for rescued exotic mammals, reptiles, birds, and farm animals, with feeding and petting encounters for the animal lovers. They also encountered wild goats and donkeys during their tour.
They too had a great time and took loads of pics. Again, I know this because they showed me. All of them. Sensing a pattern here?
Group Dynamics: The Art of Shared Meals
Another day of adventure down, and we all gathered at Dave, Kate, and Tracey’s villa for a shared meal at home. It’s nice sometimes to just sit around and share and compare adventure stories while relaxing with good food, good drinks, and good friends, watching the sun set on the sea in front of you.
This beats an all-inclusive any day of the week. Sure, all-inclusives have their place – mostly for people who enjoy standing in buffet lines and eating room-temperature food while someone wearing a parrot costume tries to lead you in a conga line. But give me a villa with friends and a cooler of beer any day.
Must-Do’s and Would-Like-To-Do’s: Time Management 101
With the clock now ticking down on the back side of our vacation (why does time move faster when you’re having fun?), we each had to determine our “must-do’s” and separate them from our “would-like-to-do’s.”
Since our day of site inspections, Tina had learned of Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island and had immediately marked it as a “must-do.” The Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort provides boat access to the island free if you’re staying as a guest, or you can purchase a day pass to get there.
Flamingo Beach: A Grown Woman Loses Her Mind
It’s at this point that I have to remark that I’d spent every day for the past five years with my lovely partner. I’d been witness to every conceivable emotion for a massive variety of circumstances. But I was about to see a completely new thing from my usually stoic companion.
Flamingo Beach gets its fame and popularity from the ability to interact with and feed the flamingos there. Twenty-five cents gets you a handful of pellets that the flamingos will come up and eat right out of your hand. Being so popular, there’s a bit of a lineup for the pellet dispensers.
Here is where I was asking myself who the woman beside me was and what she had done with my wife.
It started with a mile-wide smile pasted permanently on her face. As we shuffled closer to the dispenser, there were actual giggles bubbling uncontrollably out of that smile. The next unbelievable behavior was bouncing up and down like an eight-year-old girl about to get an autograph at an early Britney Spears concert.
I have to say I’d NEVER witnessed this level of excitement from Tina. The only time since then was our excursion in the Bahamas that took us to another beach where we could swim with pigs. Go figure. Apparently, my wife’s spirit animals are flamingos and pigs. I’m still processing this information.
The Feeding Frenzy: Pure Joy in Pellet Form
With a handful of food pellets, we headed over to the area of the beach where the flamingos were wandering around eating out of the hands of other tourists. If I thought she was excited in the lineup for the food, it was nothing compared to her reaction to having a live flamingo come up and take food from her palm.
I truly thought she was going to faint. It was like watching young girls swooning at an Elvis concert while he crooned “Love Me Tender.” If there had been a fainting couch available, she would have used it. Instead, she just stood there in a state of pure bliss that I’ve only seen matched by finding unexpected money in an old jacket pocket.
While the flamingos were the main attraction, the beach itself was lovely. There was a great little beach restaurant where we had a light lunch and some drinks before heading back on the boat. One thing for certain – nobody had to wonder if Tina had enjoyed the day. Her grin was visible from space.
The Glass Submarine: Underwater Views Without the Drowning Risk
The other “must-do” activity that some in the group had put forward was the glass submarine excursion. This was actually a semi-submersible ship that we were all ferried out to on a smaller craft, where we descended to the lower level underwater. Large glass portals provided a near 360-degree view of the underwater world.
For someone like me who doesn’t swim (and by “doesn’t swim,” I mean “sinks like a stone and has made peace with this fact”), this was perfect.
In short order, we were making our way to the Arashi Reef, where the variety of sea life had us all oohing and ahhing and snapping pics every few seconds. A highlight was a large green sea turtle that hung out long enough for everyone onboard to get pictures. That turtle was either very patient or very confused about why a bunch of humans were gawking at it through glass.
Slightly down the coast, we got an underwater tour of the WWII wreck of the German warship Antilla, which is actually the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. It was an incredible experience and one that I wouldn’t soon forget. It wasn’t on a “feeding the flamingos” level (nothing will ever reach that level), but it was the highlight of the trip for me.
De Palm Island: Pampered Paradise
Our last full day on Aruba, we spent a spa day on De Palm Island. Taking a ferry from the pier at Oranjestad, you’re dropped off on the island, which is a great place to swim, snorkel, and bask like a lizard on a sun-warmed rock.
There are private areas that you can book which include a cabana with lounges where you can enjoy some shade when the sun gets too hot. Drinks are provided, and you can have full wait-service with champagne, food, and ice brought to you. You can also purchase a massage if you want the full spa treatment.
It was a great way to close the vacation – just laying around in luxurious surroundings, enjoying the beach and being pampered with food and drink brought right to your lounger. This is the vacation experience that resort commercials promise but rarely deliver. Somehow, De Palm Island actually delivered.
The Final Feast: Dutch Food and Fond Farewells
That same evening was another full gathering of the entire group for our final meal together. We found another great restaurant in Oranjestad serving some authentic European food, specifically some Dutch foods that were a hit with everyone.
Overall, the food was exceptional. The drinks were savored with great conversation and much laughter as we relived the various antics of the previous nine days. We took our time and savored every moment, stretching the time out as much as possible, knowing that once we left, it was back to the villas to pack up for the early morning flight back home.
The inevitable return to reality looming over us like a dark cloud. Or more accurately, like a Canadian winter cloud, which is even worse.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Group Travel
It can be difficult sometimes to find a group of people you can travel with for any length of time. I’m glad we were able to bring together the people we did for this group trip to Aruba. Everyone should try something like this at least once. Just make sure you choose your travel companions wisely. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than incompatible personalities trapped together on an island.
Closing thoughts? Aruba is beautiful, expensive, vibrant, friendly, and a perfect spot for either a romantic getaway or adventure travel. The island offers enough variety to keep everyone happy, from beach bums to adventure seekers to people who just want to feed flamingos and lose their minds with joy.
I would return in a heartbeat. You should go.
Just bring extra money. Seriously. So much money.
