What can be more fun than an off road safari adventure in Aruba? I don’t think very much! Taking an off road safari adventure is one of many activities to do when visiting Aruba. Weather you’re there on a one day cruise stop, or visiting the island for a week, a safari adventure is a great way to see what the island has to offer.
An Off Road Adventure In Aruba
I was blessed to visit the beautiful Caribbean island of Aruba for a one day stop on a cruise with Princess Cruises. Prior to boarding the ship, I reserved my spot with DePalm Tours for a five-hour off-road safari adventure. Not only was the off road tour with DePalm Tours a lot of fun, it provided the opportunity to see some of the islands tourist spots. Let’s check them out!
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Our tour guide met us at our ship and we were taken to the office location of DePalm Tours. Here we were introduced to our guides, Matthew (with two t’s) and Oko. We were given the rules of the road and briefed on what we would be seeing and what to expect while out on our Aruba adventure. We then boarded our jeep and we were off!
Casibari Rock Formations
Our first stop on our Aruba off-road tour was the Casibari Rock Formation. We were given enough time to climb to the top of the Casibari Rock Formations, which was an easy 140 feet in elevation. Once reaching the top, we were confronted with the most breathtaking view of the entire island.
These unique rock formations offer an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty while enjoying a thrilling adventure.
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Once we had the opportunity to take in this beauty, we boarded the jeep and we continued on our island journey. The bumps along the way to our next stop gave a small taste of what was in store for us. It didn’t take us long to realize that we were in for some kind of great adventure.
Natural Bridge
Our second stop on our off-road adventure was even more breathtaking than the first. We were given the opportunity to explore one of the several natural bridges in Aruba, known as the Baby Bridge. The colour of the ocean and the rock formations were a sight to see.
In this area of the island, you couldn’t help but notice that people had stack rocks upon each other to form a pyramid. It is thought by tourists that by doing this that good luck would be bestowed upon them. This practice disturbs natures natural habitat and the local tourist board is attempting to stop.
At this stop there was also a spot where we could sample the local beer, Balashi (for a small fee), which was a bonus.
After this stop, the real off-road adventure around Aruba began. We continued on along the coast of the Caribbean Sea as we bounced around like rag dolls. What a blast! I recommend grabbing a seat at the rear of the jeep in order to experience as many bumps along the way as possible.
Alto Vista Chapel
Next up was at a small chapel known as the Alto Vista Chapel, meaning “Pilgrims Church”, which is located right on the ocean side.
The original chapel was built in the 1750’s by a Venezuelan missionary, and the church as it currently stands was built in 1952.
California Lighthouse
Next stop on our island adventure was the California lighthouse, which owes its name to the steamship “California,” which tragically sank off the coast of Aruba in 1891. In honor of the ship’s memory, the lighthouse was built and completed in 1914. Its primary purpose was to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters surrounding the island.
For those seeking a bit of adventure, you have the opportunity to climb to the summit of the California Lighthouse. As you ascend the spiral staircase, you’ll feel the thrill building within you. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled view of the island and its surrounding waters. It’s an experience that will leave you in awe of Aruba’s natural splendor.
Arashi Beach
Last, but not least, we stopped at Arashi Beach. Arashi Beach is well known for its world-class swimming and snorkeling. There was a great little bar at this beach where you could sit back and enjoy the island breeze and a cold one…..or maybe two.
Arashi Beach is renowned not only for its undeniable natural beauty but also for its variety of offerings that cater to the diverse interests of visitors. Whether you’re a sunbather, a swimmer, a snorkeler, or a beachcomber, Arashi Beach has something for everyone.
Arashi Beach is also a popular nesting site for sea birds, so keep your camera handy to capture the beauty of these magnificent creatures in flight.
If you’re planning a cruise to Aruba or any of the ABC Islands, you may find these articles helpful:
- Best Cruise Lines For Solo Travellers
- How To Stay Healthy On Your Cruise
- Must Have Carry-On Essentials For The First Time Cruiser
- Cruise Cabin Hacks To Stay Organized
- Cruising Solo Onboard The Loveboat
- 10 Free Activities in Curacao
- 10 Tips For The Solo Cruiser
- Safest Caribbean Islands For Female Solo Travellers
An Off Road Adventure In Aruba: In Conclusion….
As all good things, our Aruban off road safari adventure came to an end. After an fun day of sightseeing and touring the island of Aruba, DePalm Tours returned us to our ship in time for our departure.
If you have the good fortune of visiting Aruba, I highly recommend an off road safari adventure with DePalm Tours, or one of the many other things to see and do that the beautiful island of Aruba offers.
“One Happy Island”
Have you visited the beautiful island of Aruba? I would love to hear what your favourite Aruba adventures are.
SAFE & HAPPY TRAVELS! 🙂
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CAR RENTAL:
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AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:
♥ Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station. Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.
CRUISES:
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TRAVEL INSURANCE:
♥ Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials. It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.
Beautiful post.
Thank you so much
Aruba was amazing, my favorite adventure was the submarine to view the shipwrecks, very cool. The butterfly farm was a gorgeous experience , I recommend it if you return !
I WILL be returning lol. Thanks a million for the recommendations.
You are a visual storyteller. While reading your post I felt, I am also exploring this beautiful island. Loved that natural stone bridge. It is indeed something unique.
Awww thank you so much!!! I absolutely loved this island and I can’t wait to go back one day
The earth forms always mesmerizes me, and such a beautiful place to experience the same. The rugged rocks speaks out to stay strong in every situation.
I love that view of the rocks!
What a creative way to explore Aruba! I have never off-roaded, but I would really like to! Aruba sounds like the perfect place to do so. I also really want to go to Arashi Beach and check out the snorkeling (and the drinks)!
It was so much fun. You have to do it one day. The local beer in Aruba was pretty good too!
Never heard of safari adventure in Aruba. I always thought it’s a beach destination. Thanks for sharing such an insightful and an informative guide
So did I. Apparently it is a desert. It was such a fun destination!
When I thought of Aruba I thought of beaches, it’s nice to see that there’s other fun activities. I’ll certainly keep this in mind for any future visit, it looks like a ton of fun and it’s always great to get recommended tour companies.
Aruba was beautiful. I was surprised to find out that it was actually considered desert. I also thought of beaches when I thought of Aruba.
This looks like such an incredible tour. The rock formations are fascinating and what better way to finish the day than snorkelling and having a beer at Arashi Beach. I find it really interesting how the sea is rough and wild in some of the locations but calm at that stunning beach. Great post
Thank you. I agree with you. I found the rock formations fascinating and I was more obsessed with them than the natural bridge. I found them beautiful.
An off the road safari like this one is on my bucket list. This looks like a great trip!
It was so much fun. Worth every cent.
I’ve never been to Aruba, but it looks like an amazing destination! Thank you for sharing these awesome things you did on your tour. I hope I can go one day. 🙂
It was my 1st time and I loved it. Just got back a week ago
How cool to see a different side of Aruba beyond just the beautiful beaches! It looks like such an adventure!
It was a riot! Aruba is so beautiful. I LOVED it