Exploring the Best of Aruba with De Palm Tours

Our 2024 babymoon in Aruba was a dream come true, filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights. While we stayed at an all-inclusive resort with the intentions of sitting beach and poolside, y’all should know I’m just not that kind of person, pregnant or not. I love exploring new places, taking in the history and culture of the natives. Sitting in the sand for a week just doesn’t do it for me! And so, we decided to venture off-property for one day and I will say this: I was pleasantly surprised by the island’s desert oasis.

One highlight of the trip was our Best of Aruba Island Access Tour with De Palm Tours, a journey that took us on a captivating adventure across the island’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Our day began bright and early as we boarded the tour bus at 8AM, filled with anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. With the sun shining overhead and the promise of discovery in the air, we set off on our exploration of Aruba’s beauty.

California Lighthouse & Faro Blanco Restaurant

Our first stop was the majestic California Lighthouse, a towering beacon perched atop the northernmost tip of the island. It holds the distinction of being the tallest structure in Aruba. Named after the British steamship S.S. California, which met its fate on the treacherous rocks below in 1981, the lighthouse was specifically erected in 1910 to prevent similar tragedies.

The California Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and azure waters. If you want to climb the 123 winding steps to the top, it will cost you $5. Being 25 weeks pregnant, hot, and bothered as it was, we opted not to go up, but I hear you’ll get breathtaking pictures of Aruba’s scenic coastline if you do!

A few steps away from the lighthouse there’s an Aruban-style house that used to be the lighthouse keeper’s residence. It now serves as the Faro Blanco Restaurant, along with a terrace offering stunning sunset views. Faro Blanco is open daily from 9.00 AM until 11 PM serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also stop in for a quick drink during the day. Again, we opted out, but we did take cute pictures with their newlywed cutouts!

Alta Vista Chapel

Next up on our itinerary was the serene Alto Vista Chapel, a hidden gem nestled amidst the rugged landscape of Aruba. Built in 1952, this quaint Catholic chapel was where the conversion of Aruban Indians to Christianity started. The church has easy access from the city of Noord, though the roads are not paved and hence dusty. Alto Vista village sits atop a winding road and has a string of crosses all along its route. Each station of the cross has a line from the Apostle’s Creed and Hail Mary.

The village established by the missionaries was called Alto Vista, Spanish for “high view.” It overlooks the sea, providing a complete view of the island. Today, Alto Vista offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by cacti and wildflowers, we took a moment to pause and reflect, grateful for the opportunity to soak in the tranquility of this sacred space.

Ayo Rock Formation

As our journey continued, we found ourselves at the Ayo Rock Formation. (Side note: there are real bathrooms here, but whether they will be open during your visit is a gamble. They were locked during our Sunday morning stop.)

For a relatively flat island, the presence of the unusual hills and huge monolithic boulders are truly an enigma. Ayo Rock Formation is a mystical site steeped in ancient folklore and natural beauty. Towering boulders, some adorned with ancient Arawak petroglyphs, rise from the earth like sentinels guarding the secrets of the past.

There are paved paths between the boulders that allow visitors to walk through the rocks which are in close formation. We wandered the grounds for a bit, tracing the intricate carvings and imagining the stories they held. Matt apparently speaks Aruban cat (who knew?!) and made fast friends with a feral feline. It was quite amusing!

Locations to Pass By

Our next two locations were seen from the tour bus windows. On our way to lunch, we passed through Arikok National Park and saw a rugged expanse of metamorphic terrain. (Fear not, dear friends. Despite the presence of volcanic activity in the past, there are currently no active or dormant volcanoes on Aruba.) I’ve seen black metamorphic rock and black sand beaches before up close and personal while vacationing in Hawaii. If you’ve never seen cooled lava before, it’s definitely a neat sight to see!

We also drove by Seroe Colorado Red Anchor, one of Aruba’s most photographed historical landmarks. It overlooks the sea, watching over the shipping lanes. The big red anchor stands in memory and in honor of all seamen who have lost their life at sea. We saw people posing for their perfect pictures. I snapped a quick pic from my air-conditioned bus seat and kept it moving!

Natural Bridge

Before lunch, we had roughly 20 minutes to explore Brug Natural Bridge. There are many natural bridges in Aruba, but this one is very tourist-friendly. There’s an air-conditioned building with food and beverages for purchase, clean restrooms ($1 fee to use), and a souvenir shop. It’s a nice pit stop with a beautiful mural on its side:

The day we visited Natural Bridge, the waves were very high and rough. You could see the swells rise and crash against the steep cliff drop off. The bridge is generally safe; there are clearly marked cautionary danger signs posted indicating no pass zones. We were quickly reminded of the raw power and natural forces that shaped this island over millions of years. The rocks at Natural Bridge are not slippery, but definitely sharp and uneven. Wear close-toed shoes and tread slowly!

Lunch at Murano Art Studio

We made our way to Murano Art Studio for lunch and a fascinating glimpse into the world of glassblowing. Watching skilled artisans transform molten glass into works of art is truly mesmerizing! There is an adjacent gift shop where you can purchase a few souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Our tour price included bottled water and lunch. We had the option of chicken skewers, cheeseburger and fries, Caesar salad, and similar light fare. (The studio does have many more food and drink options available for purchase.) Restrooms are available here without charge. Much of the tour group used this spot to change into swimsuits. Matt and I came ready. After satisfying our appetites, we boarded the bus for our last stop before home: Baby Beach!

Snorkel at Baby Beach

Our journey continued with a visit to the awe-inspiring Natural Bridge, a natural limestone formation that once spanned 100 feet across the sea. Though the original bridge collapsed in 2005, the beauty of this geological wonder still captivates visitors from around the world. We stood in awe of its grandeur, marveling at the power of nature to create such breathtaking beauty.

Our final stop of the day was Baby Beach, a tranquil oasis nestled along the southern coast of Aruba. Named for its shallow, calm waters, this idyllic beach is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. We waded into the crystal-clear waters, feeling the cares of the world melt away as we reveled in the simple joy of being together.

As the sun began to set and our day with De Palm Tours came to a close, we reflected on the incredible journey we had shared. From the rugged beauty of the California Lighthouse to the serene tranquility of Baby Beach, each stop on our tour left an indelible mark on our hearts. With memories to last a lifetime, we returned to our resort filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the best of Aruba in all its glory.