When it comes to discovering the best of Aruba’s Santa Cruz area by bus, there are a variety of options available to you. Whether you are a first-time traveler looking to get to know the island or a local resident wanting to explore the area, hopping aboard a bus tour is an excellent way to tour the area in an efficient and comfortable manner. Taking a ride on an Aruba tour by bus is the perfect way to make sure you don’t miss any of the key sights and attractions in the Santa Cruz area.

What is Available on a Tour Bus Ride in Aruba?

An Aruba tour by bus offers plenty of sights and attractions to take in. Typically, a tour will include visits to notable landmarks, historic sites, monuments, churches, and other points of interest. The bus tours usually offer interesting commentary about each sight along the way, as well. Additionally, the tour might include a stop for a delicious lunch or snacks at one of the restaurants in the area.

What Companies Offer Tour Bus Service in Aruba?

A number of operators offer tour packages throughout Aruba. Some of the more popular ones include Aruba Dolphins, Divi Buses, and Top Tours Aruba. All offer reasonably priced and comprehensive packages that feature multiple destination stops along the way.

What Specific Attractions Can I See on a Tour Bus?

Santa Cruz is home to a wide range of sights and attractions that provide interesting stories and experiences. Some of the must-see destinations in Santa Cruz include:

• The Valley of Natural Pools – A series of rock pools tucked away into a beautiful valley, located near the Frenchmen’s Pass.
• The Alto Vista Chapel – This 17id century chapel still offers Mass services and is a popular destination for tourists interested in religious history.
• The Casibari Rocks – An unusual looking rock formation that sits atop Yamanota Hill, offering amazing views of the surrounding area.
• The 16th Century Ayo Rock Formation – A large collection of boulders carved into mysterious designs a few hundred years ago by the Arawak Indians.
• The Natural Bridge – A natural limestone structure, made famous by its collapse in 2005.
• The California Lighthouse – Situated atop centuries-old coral reefs and built in 1916, this iconic structure is a must-see for visitors and locals alike.
• The Donkey Sanctuary – Located near the Tierra del Sol golf course, this organization rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes donkeys that have been neglected or abandoned.

Which Tour Bus Operators Should I Use?

When choosing a tour bus operator for your Aruba trip, it is important to choose one that has an excellent reputation for safety and service. Fortunately, several tour bus companies have consistently maintained high levels of satisfaction with their customers. We recommend finding one with extensive knowledge of the area and interests of travelers. Popular companies like Aruba Dolphins, Divi Buses, and Top Tours Aruba offer premier customer service paired with experienced guides. They also provide knowledgeable commentary about each stop on the tour so that you don’t miss any facts and interesting points.

How Can I Book My Tour Bus Ride?

Once you have chosen a tour operator and have selected your preferred attractions to visit, you can easily book your tour bus ride online or over the phone. Many operators offer online booking options as well as discounts for early booking. You can also check customer reviews online to make sure you choose an operator with a good track record for reliability and customer service.

How Much Does a Tour Bus Ride Cost?

Costs for tours will vary depending on how long you plan to spend visiting each attraction. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $25-100 per person for a full-day tour. Keep in mind that many operators offer discounts for early bookings or for large groups.

Conclusion

Exploring Santa Cruz via an Aruba tour by bus is one of the best ways to get to know the island’s many attractions. With an abundance of knowledgeable tour operators available, you can rest assured knowing that your bus ride will be enjoyable while offering unbeatable value for money. If you are looking to discover Santa Cruz’s hidden gems while visiting Aruba, be sure to consider taking a bus tour. To book an activity like this conveniently, check out GetYourGuide, offering quality experiences for travelers!

An Insider’s Guide to Aruba: Beyond the Tour Bus Ride

Are you planning to visit Aruba? Congratulations, you are in for a real treat! Aruba is not only a small island nation with breathtaking beaches, but it also has a rich cultural heritage and hidden wonders that are waiting to be explored. Instead of just taking a tour bus ride and seeing the popular tourist spots, this guide will take you on a journey off the beaten path that will help you discover the true beauty of Aruba.

Local Attractions: Discover Hidden Gems

While most tourists flock to the popular beaches, there are many hidden gems in Aruba that even most locals don’t know about. Take a walk in Arikok National Park, where you can explore unique cave systems and see petroglyphs created by the indigenous Arawak people. Another hidden gem is the Alto Vista Chapel, a beautifully preserved Spanish-style church located on a hilltop, which offers stunning views of the island.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, visit Boca Prins, a secluded beach with powerful waves that are perfect for surfing. You can also take a trip to the north of Aruba, where you will find a natural pool that is formed by volcanic rocks and the sea.

Dining Spots: Savor Delicious Local Cuisine

Aruba’s cuisine is a colorful blend of flavors from around the world, with a strong influence from Dutch and Caribbean cultures. When in Aruba, you must try some of the local dishes like Keshi Yena, a cheesy dish filled with meat, olives, and raisins. Another must-try dish is Funchi, a popular side dish made from cornmeal. Don’t miss out on the coconut shrimp and ceviche as well.

Looking for a fantastic dining experience? Head to Wacky Wahoo’s, a local favorite, for mouth-watering seafood. They serve some of the best fresh fish you’ll ever taste. Another great option is Papiamento Restaurant, which is housed in a beautifully restored cunucu house and serves a fusion of local and continental cuisine.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace the Local Traditions

Aruba is known for its warm and welcoming people, and nothing embodies that more than its vibrant cultural traditions. Carnival is a massive celebration in Aruba and is held annually in February. The island comes alive with parades, colorful costumes, music, and dancing. If you’re visiting outside of carnival season, you can still experience an authentic Aruban festival at the weekly Bon Bini Festival, where you can see traditional dancing, music and even learn how to speak Papiamento, Aruba’s native language.

Local History: Discover Fascinating Stories

Aruba has a rich and intriguing history, and it’s full of fascinating stories. Visit the Archaeological Museum to learn more about the island’s native culture, or take a tour of the Bushiribana Ruins, which were once home to a gold mine during the 19th century. Another interesting site to visit is the Willem III Tower, an old guard tower that was built in 1868 to protect the harbor.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Experience Unforgettable Adventures

Want to experience something extraordinary? Take a trip to the popular Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island, where you can mingle with the stunning pink Flamingos that call the beach home. Go on a kayaking tour in the mangroves, where you can see exotic fish and other sea creatures and get an unforgettable view of the island’s coast.

Aruba is a small island with countless wonders waiting to be discovered. Venues such as the Casibari Rock Formations, the Natural Bridge, and the Archeological Museum are just scratching the surface. By venturing out and exploring Aruba’s hidden gems, dining spots, traditions, history, and unique experiences, you uncover a charming and authentic side of Aruba, one that the masses have yet to discover.