Aruba Island Tour Excursion Reviews

Very nice friendly island. Looks like they are building alot of new buildings in the downtown area. Enjoyed the island tour and would recommend taking one if you are ever there.

Provider: Independent Operator

We did the See and Sea tour, and Maira was our guide. She was wonderful--very interesting and very fun to be around. This tour goes in a semi-submersible so that you can see the fish. That was cool! Then, you go to the lighthouse, which has a beautiful restaurant that overlooks the ocean as well as goats and pretty lizards. Yep! I can't believe I just called a lizard pretty, but they have turquoise coloring, and they are kind of cute. Then, we saw a natural bridge, which was lovely. Then, we climbed the steps to be on top of some rocks that overlook part of the island, which provided a lovely view. There are a lot of cactus, so it was interesting. FYI, we did not see this, but Maira mentioned that boa constrictors are an invasive species on the island.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

The Best of Aruba Tour was pretty much what we expected of it. The drive gave good information in English and Spanish as we hit the major tourist spots on the island. The amount of time spent in each was appropriate although other groups came through the aloe factory at the same time as we did and that made the line at the gift shop take a long time so we did feel rushed there. The bus was comfortable and you could eat and drink on it. There were stands at several of the stops where you could get water, beer, snacks, or raspaos, so it was definitely nice to be able to enjoy those on the bus since the stops were pretty short.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

For $10 a piece, it was pretty good

Provider: Independent Operator

Nice general bus tour with stop at butterfly farm

Provider: Holland America Line

Sonny did a wonderful job of showing us his island. From the rock formations to the Indian carvings, Sonny showed us things I'm not sure we would have otherwise seen. We finished the day at the Lighthouse where Sonny joined in with other locals to help cut up some fresh coconuts and let us sample this surprisingly fleshly fruit. Hats off to Sonny!

Provider: Independent Operator

We were tired and a woman with a tour bus approached us with a deal of $15 pp for an island tour. We visited the lighthouse and the rock formations. Honestly, it was a great deal, simply because we were tired and it was a nice ride. She was knowledgeable about the island, and the economy of the island. I truly enjoyed that-

Provider: Independent Operator

Excellent tour in a clean and comfortable bus with an enjoyable guide.

Provider: Independent Operator

Ship shore excursion:"Sea and See" (Ship shore excursion) Quick review: excellent tour guide named Gwen who spoke very clearly, informatively and was entertaining too; a so-so ride on a semi-submersible boat, very fair, equitable way of off-loading the bus (alternate sides getting off first at stops), and good stops. Naturally the stops could have been longer. Too much time for the boat part. The tour began with a visit to the California lighthouse. We were readily able to fulfill the requirements of the virtual cache there by taking a picture of me with GPS in hand, and the lighthouse in the background. Then came the drive to the Palm Beach resort for the first of two boat rides, one to take us to the semi-submersible boat, and of course the ride on the semi-submersible boat. We were there over an hour. About half that would have been fine, I think. To our surprise, the water was kind of murky, there were not all that many fish. The story about the ship was kind of interesting, it had been brought from Germany with the captain choosing to stay in Aruba rather than go back for the war. Next came the drive to the Casibari Rocks. Here we were able to "find" the Casibari - Hooiberg earth cache. We only had 20 minutes here. People were given the option of climbing the stairs to the top of the rocks, or not. Of course Jerry and I did it. Parts of the trail and steps up were uneven, and at one point involved bending and fitting through a short tunnel. It was pretty neat, actually. On top there are fantastic views all around. The way down was definitely down. Long, steep steps, but again really great. Last stop on the tour was the Natural Bridge. This is where the largest stone arch had collapsed in 2005, and now there is still what they call the Baby Natural Bridge. We found the location and took a picture of me with GPS in hand, and the bridge in the background. At both the California Lighthouse and here there had also been caches with containers, but there definitely was not enough time to search for them while on the bus tour. We got to see in the distance an abandoned gold smelter: the Bushiribana ruins. The tour did not stop there, which was too bad. Back at the ship, Jerry and I had a late lunch, then eventfully did a little shopping in the souvenir shop. We walked int town a little. We agreed it was too late to go look for a cache.

Provider: Holland America Line

We picked up a bus tour off the dock, too many people, not enough time as the locations, very impersonal.

Provider: Independent Operator

One of the members on our roll call arranged a tour of Aruba with Sonny Binns which was outstanding. There were only 8 of us on the tour. We stopped at a gift shop, a natural bridge and various local spots. He also took us all over the island and did a narrative which was very informative and answered any questions we had about the island. At the end Sonny will drop you off at the beach, the shopping area, or take you back to the ship. We opted to do a little shopping. We were very impressed with Sonny and would recommend him to anyone.

Provider: Independent Operator

Did a private 3 hour tour with Bully who had been recommended several times on the Aruba board. Bully was great and took us to all of the key things to see in Aruba. We would recommend him to anyone that wants a more private tour of Aruba

Provider: Independent Operator

For this cruise we took advantage of an opportunity to join a privately organized tour of the "other side of Aruba," with rugged coastline and interesting rock formations that reminded me more of the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland than a deep southern Caribbean island with a dessert climate (except for the cactus). The tour itself was quite interesting and allowed us to see the remains of the Natural Bridge and the Lighthouse, among other sights before we were dropped off in town to do a little shopping before walking back to the ship.

Provider: Independent Operator

Enjoyed the tour. Aruba has a lot more money than most islands so it is cleaner. Beaches are very white and clean. Very commercial island.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Aruba -- we rented 3 wheeled motorcycle liked vehicles from Trikes-Aruba and did a 3 hour tour of the island. It was AWESOME! My husband loved driving and I loved riding and sight seeing. What a way to experience Aruba's coast, historic sights and towns! There are only 3 trikes for rent and the tour leader drives a jeep. Best tour we have ever done in the Caribbean. Strongly recommended-reserve early.

Provider: Independent Operator

3 hour tour around the island - very informative and fun

Provider: Independent Operator

Tour guide took us around Aruba by bus, very funny and informative guy. He took us to see the Aloe Balm Facility (fascinating), Ayo Rock Formations, California Lighthouse, the one and only single cow on the island (!), and Palm and Eagle Beaches. He told us all about Dutch citizenship and education and the island's push to become first to achieve fossil-fuel-free status. Our family were the only English speakers, the guide spoke many languages to accommodate the entire group.

Provider: Independent Operator

Booked right in the terminal area. Went all over the Island in a very flexible and enjoyable pace. Stopped many times to highlight plants and picture opportunities. Beaches were white sand, resorts were nice, California Lighthouse is not functional but Govt of Aruba is going to renovate it. Shopping right outside the port is fantastic. Very safe and secure.

Provider: Independent Operator

We caught their Carnival Wow

Provider: Norwegian Cruise Line

Tour was fun but way overpriced. Aruba's beach is pretty, but overly crowded and not at all peaceful. The rest of Aruba is a cactus filled desert. Not a very pretty island.

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

Bus tour. Average.

Provider: Paul Gauguin Cruises

Fun experience but did not learn anything about the island.

Provider: Independent Operator

I highly recommend Mr Binns. Very reasonably priced and nice mini-bus.

Provider: Independent Operator

Aruba (1/29/2013) Caribbean Princess We have been to about every island of the Caribbean multiple times except Aruba and it was an absolute delight and friendly island. The north side of Aruba is incredibly picturesque and offers many breathtaking view. For our amateur photographers like myself it was "click" heaven. I highly recommend Sonny Binns Tours (This is a private well known tour operator - he is all over cruise critic if you search his name) I was lucky enough to get on this tour courtesy of one of our Cruise Critic friends on this cruise who had room in her group. Here is the supplier's information: "SONNY BINNS TOURS". Cell: 297-592-6535 and 297-568-2028 Tour Cost $30 p/p for a brand new A/C bus that Sonny recently purchased (I believe it holds 24 people) and Sonny earns every bit of the tour price and is the essence of customer service.

Provider: Independent Operator

I took an Island Tour and was very impressed with the island. I sure would have liked to have spent more time here and visited some beaches. Maybe next time.

Provider: Holland America Line

Did not take ships excursion. Took an island tour from a tour person right when we got off the ship. There were 12 in the group, was informative, took us to many beautiful places, stopped for photos. Was 2.5 hrs. for $20.00 US which was a bargin. Dropped you in town or at the beach. Would highly recommend.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Good overall. Gives idea of what is available on Aruba. Intesting town.

Provider: Thomson Cruises

Took a party bus island tour, great people, nice tour, dropped off at eagle beach after two hours to swim, caught the local bus back to the ship. Great day.

Provider: Independent Operator

Very Good Tour but overpriced for the value. $69 each was a bit steep

Provider: Princess Cruises

This was the best excursion on our 10 day cruise but you won't find it mentioned through the cruise line. We looked on line for what other fellow travellers experienced as the best adventure in Aruba and found Tribes Aruba at www.trikes-aruba.com. Boy were they right! We had an absolute blast and would do it again in a flash. There were four of aged from 37 to 71 and we all agreed this was incredibly fun way to tour and see the island. We were up front and personal with the topography, flora and fauna, (amazing and huge cacti); sights (lighthouse etc.)and people of the island and it gave us a real flavour of what the island had to offer. It was very hot on the trikes, but, the wind mitigated the effects of the heat and we were very comfortable -- should wear suntan lotion however! Now to the trike -- which is a motorcycle with two back wheels. Things to consider before booking: know how to drive a standard car and /or motorcycle and you should adapt quickly. The manual transmission is a four speed stick shift with brake and clutch -- similar to a car. However the throttle is on the right handgrip. They provide you with clear instructions and a test drive before leaving on your tour. We toured for 3 l/2 hours, ending up with a ride through the city of Oranjestad that drew a lot of attention. People were taking pictures of us including tourists on tour buses so that was kind of a hoot. Our daughter has and rides a Harley and loved every moment of the experience! We had a blast and you should try it to -- you won't regret it! Thank you for the opportunity and experience!

Provider: Princess Cruises

A huge thank you to Michelangelo and Floris for a wonderful, fun tour of the beautiful island of Aruba on the traffic-stopping trikes! And thank you, again, for being so kind as to wait for our ship's very late arrival! We had a great time. Learning to ride the trikes isn't difficult - though I'll admit to a learning curve with the throttle on the handlebars. I had one little mistake (that I thought had gone unseen), but our guardian, Floris, noticed and was positive about how I corrected it (remember all clutch, no gas)! So -- we were well watched over during the ride. Michelangelo was great about answering questions and sharing his knowledge of the history and culture of Aruba -- and wonderful for taking all the pictures! We recommend this tour highly -- not only for the very considerate operators, not only for the uniqueness of the mode of travel, but also for the total fun of it! We had a blast!

Provider: Independent Operator

We got to see most of the highlights of Aruba. The excursion itself was good, there just isn't a lot to see on the island.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Did a wonderful tour of the island with private guide

Provider: Independent Operator

Took a taxi tour of the island. Not much to write home about.

Provider: Independent Operator

did the See & Sea tour (not listed above???) good tour w/a good guide. guess only comment would be that the semi-sub should NOT be recommended for LARGE people or anyone w/any type of claustrophobia!

Provider: Norwegian Cruise Line

Aruba was beautiful. We went out and took a tour with a guy named Bill. Bill was very informative and overall a pleasant guy. We took a sightseeing tour of the Island. It costs us $20 each. It lasted 3 hours. Don't book with the cruise, it will cost you $55 per person.

Provider: Independent Operator

Our driver's sense of humor made this better than it could have been, but it was nice overall. Aruba is neither incredibly scenic in terms of lush beauty nor historically fascinating, but our driver's explanations of local architecture, customs, and legends make up for the fact that their natural bridge has crumbled and their famous church is about as impressive your average airport chapel. There are enough views of rocky coastline and unusual trees and plants that I'd recommend this tour to someone who wants to see what the arid, "non-lush" Caribbean looks like.

Provider: Princess Cruises

This was our first trip to Aruba, so we wanted to tour the island and get a good look at everything. Based on past Cruise Critic recommendations, I emailed Sonny Binns several months ago and booked his tour. All of our expectations for this trip were completely exceeded! Sonny did an outstanding job and his passion for his home island of Aruba shines through during the tour. We were in an air-conditioned 10-passenger van and were treated warmly from the time we met him in the terminal until we left him. Sonny truly went out of his way to point out items of interest and make everyone feel at home during the excursion. Aruba was not what we expected; in some places it actually looked like the southwestern United States but everywhere was very beautiful. The southern beaches are gorgeous, northern shore is windswept and rocky. We ate dinner at Iguana Joes right across from the ship and the food was excellent. Aruba was fantastic and we will definitely go back. If you want a great tour, book with Sonny and you won't be disappointed.

Provider: Independent Operator

The island of Aruba (http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=2 ) has many tours. We thought about hopping aboard the Kukoo Kunuku party bus, going on the Balashi Brewery Tour, and finishing off by doing some shopping at the duty-frees. "4x4 ing" on the island also looked inviting. But, we settled on the Best of Aruba & Beach shore excursion as it would also leave us a couple of hours of power shopping. We got on the bus to start our Best of Aruba & Beach tour at 12:30pm. Our tour guide, Alex, was also our motor coach driver. We drove past the airport, Balashi brewery, and salinization plant. The plant takes ocean water and makes it drinkable and also produces the islands electricity. As this increased the price of potable water, there was usually a 50 cent charge to use a public washroom. Our first stop was at a rock formation which we climbed and had a view of the island. We purchased bottle water and bought a couple gifts -- nightgown and beach bag. Then bus drove past a cemetery with mausoleums that were brightly painted. Alex said that the last inhabitant were to be put at ease because the color was to match that of their house. Then headed to the arid side of the island (lots of cacti along the way) to see the land bridges, our second stop. Our third stop was the California lighthouse where had a $3 coconut with a straw. As we drove past the public beaches, there were a lot of tents. Apparently the locals come down to the ocean for two weeks as family groups to enjoy getting away from their normal living. The action on the island is at Palm Beach where the resorts are located and our final tour stop. We walked along the beach and found a couple of chairs to enjoy the sun and beach ambience before out hour was up. Many people on the tour including ourselves got off the bus on main street to do some power shopping. We were restricted as some of the shops were not open on Good Friday. First, we went to Effy jewellery. We got our free peridot coupon necklace and purchased the matching earrings for $10. Then, we went to the market and bought another nightgown, bag, souvenirs, and a matching "leopard" purse set. The market seemed to have the best prices. Before boarding the ship, I bought Oriens, a Van Cleef & Arpels parfum and Million, a Paco Rabanne eau de toilette, at Maggies in the cruise terminal because they were not on the cruise ship. Aruba was our favorite stop from the four ports we visited.

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

Great small group tour. Very friendly guide, very knowledgeable and patient. My only issue is that we didn't get to the beach. We specifically asked about the beach through email, and he stated that we would definitely go swimming, but for some reason we never got around to it. We were disappointed about that glaring omission on our tour. Otherwise, very nice.

Provider: Independent Operator

Took lots of Pictures all day

Provider: Independent Operator

Tour of island in a small bus. Tour guide was nice and told us all about his island. Saw natural bridge, lighthouse, nice scenery. Swam at beach that was nice white sand.

Provider: Princess Cruises

toured the island with a local taxi driver who gave us the history and politics of the island

Provider: Independent Operator

Well, it started out very badly, as ABC Tours made a timing mistake on our reservation, telling us 7:50 when the tour didnt start until 1000. After picking us up and delivering us to their store/shop, they admitted their mistake and gave us a private tour. We thought this was a fantabulous bit of customer service on their behalf. We had a fabulous tour that ended at Baby Beach, a relaxing beach great for wading in soft sand. Snorkeling wasn't too bad, but the rough water (reef protected) kicked up the sand, making picture taking a nightmare. Lots of fish to see, just not so clear water. Shopping was limited to the store near the pier.

Provider: Independent Operator

We joined our cruise neighbors for an island tour and lucked into just the right guide. We were in an a beautiful airconditioned SUV, with leather seats for our island tour. We went to the light house, rock formations, and through a gated community where I picked out a beautiful 6 million dollar house as my dream vacation home.

Provider: Independent Operator

Good informative driver, great beach, fun time.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Excellent. Well informed guide. Felt I knew something of this BEAUTIFUL island

Provider: Princess Cruises

The tour was not expensive and we saw quite a lot of the island, including the beautiful North shore where we saw the Alta Vista Chapel. The arid terrain has its own beauty, not unlike Arizona without the Saguaro. We saw the famous California lighthouse (not inside, it was closed) and saw many hotels and casinos. My sense is that Aruba is a great place for beautiful beach vacations with casinos and plenty of restaurants, but there is not much history to see on the island.

Provider: Celebrity Cruises

Grabbed a van..we each paid $25.oo and we saw the entire island and shopped.........very good value for your money!

Provider: Independent Operator

Good overall tour.

Provider: Celebrity Cruises

We didn't quite know what to do, again we don't like beaches and we wanted to see the island. We selected the Natural Wonders tour. We started at a butterfly farm. The people there were great! We've been to other butterfly farms but the staff here were great "storytellers" and kept the group entertained. We went on to an aloe factory. The staff rushed the tour and took us through the factory and into the store -- we were told that there were videos in the downstairs and if there was no production, it probably would have been more interesting to see the videos. Finally we went to the side of an old stone bridge. It was pretty and it was amazing to see how much of a desert island Aruba is. After the excursion we walked around town for a while. We had a bit of a map but the sites were not well labeled. The stores near the port were typical.

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

A beautiful island well worth seeing !

Provider: Independent Operator

Sonny Binns in Aruba - awesome!! Can't say enough good things about him. Good information, on time, very pleasant, nice vehicle, super nice guy!

Provider: Independent Operator

Sonny Binns in Aruba - awesome!! Can't say enough good things about him. Good information, on time, very pleasant, nice vehicle, super nice guy!

Provider: Independent Operator

Loved the entire experience at DePalm Island. Snorkeling was great in spite of slight rough waters, salsa lessons lots of fun and the food and drinks were terrific. Can't wait to do it again!

Provider: Holland America Line

Comfortable bus, many stops and enough time to visit each venue appropriately. The tour included the Aloe Balm facility, the Butterfly Farm, the Natural Bridge and various other points of interest, all well worthwhile.

Provider: Celebrity Cruises

Not a bad excursion. Did an island tour and then the beach. Beaches are lovely.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Tour operator did not include the Natural Bridge area as a stop. Excuse was that the road was too bad. Make sure that all areas are included before you do independent tours.

Provider: Independent Operator

Best of Aruba Tour ($39.75 ea through Celebrity) -- Pretty good, but not as advertised; did not go to gardens or advertised substitute (aloe factory); driver did narrating, which limited ability to respond to questions.

Provider: Celebrity Cruises

If that was the Best of Aruba no one would go there. We went to a local nursery, a fallen natural bridge, a non-functional lighthouse,and a pile of boulders.

Provider: Celebrity Cruises

Small bus which went where big buses couldn't go. Great fun.

Provider: Independent Operator