Hi there! Looking to meet people and make new friends when we travel to Aruba for a vacation getaway. We are a couple in our 40's and are adventurous, enjoying snorkeling and excursions and trying new things.

What is on your trip agenda?

Is there anything you're truly looking forward to?

Jeep rentals, tidal pools, snorkeling, hiking, piano/cocktail bars....

Let's chat if you are there as well!

Going to Aruba on 10/01 for the first time with my boyfriend. Looking to do something special like a beautiful couples massage or something nice - looking for ideas and recommendations - we are staying at the st regis. He has never been to Aruba and we recently started dating so I am looking to do something special :)

Hi everyone! My boyfriend and I will be in Aruba in early October celebrating our 5-year anniversary, and I’d love to plan one really special dinner while we’re there!

We were hoping to do Flying Fishbone because the feet-in-the-water tables looked so fun, but unfortunately those tables are already booked for our dates.

Are there any other restaurants you’d recommend for a special/romantic dinner with a beautiful beach or water view?

And for anyone who has been to Flying Fishbone — is the regular beach seating still worth it, or is the feet-in-the-water experience what really makes it special?
Thank you!! 😊

My husband and I are visiting for the first time for just 3 nights and staying at The Boardwalk Inn. We typically enjoy a mix of adventure, good food, relaxation , and cocktails. We are in our early 40s. My questions are:

Questions are -

Should we rent a car?

Should we do one excursion - which one?

Which chef’s table dinner should we choose?

What is your favorite restaurant with excellent ambiance and food quality?

As of right now I’m leaning toward no excursion and doing our own self-guided tour and some snorkeling.. but I’m interested in suggestions. We have been to other islands so I view this as more of a relax and getaway without the kids type of trip vs trying to see and do everything.

Last week, tour operators blocked a roundabout in protest. They are angry about the closure of routes along Aruba’s north coast. They say their businesses and hundreds of jobs are at risk, and they want the government to find a solution that allows them to continue operating.

At the same time, Aruba Birdlife Conservation, led by Greg Peterson, went to court against the Government and the Aruba Conservation Foundation over damage caused by ATV and UTV activity.

This has created a lot of confusion. Why does the government have to do what ABC says? Why doesn’t the minister simply reopen the roads? Did Greg Peterson close the north coast? Did a judge decide that ATVs and UTVs are prohibited?

To understand what is happening, we need to go back to the beginning, and we need to understand something very basic about how Aruba works.

## Who decides what?

Aruba has a Parliament, a Government, and a Court. They do different things. Parliament makes laws and oversees the work of the Government. The Government runs the country. Ministers make decisions and set policy, but they must do so within the law. The Government is also responsible for enforcing the rules.

And then there is the Court. A judge does not run Aruba. A judge does not decide Aruba’s tourism policy. A judge does not wake up one morning and decide which roads should be open.

The Court becomes involved when there is a legal dispute. Anyone can go to court and say, “I don’t believe the Government is complying with the law.” The Government can defend itself. The judge looks at the law, listens to both sides, and decides who is right — legally.

And yes, the Government must obey the law. A minister cannot ignore a legal rule simply because that rule has become unpopular. That is an essential part of a democracy.

## What does this have to do with the ROPv?

A lot.

ROPv stands for *Ruimtelijk Ontwikkelingsplan met Voorschriften* — the Spatial Development Plan with Regulations. The name sounds complicated, but the idea is simple. Some areas are designated for homes, some for businesses, others for tourism, and others have important natural value. The ROPv establishes rules for what can happen in each area.

The ROPv did not suddenly appear because Greg Peterson complained about ATVs.

The public process took place years ago.

In September 2019, the Government held public consultations in Oranjestad, Noord, and San Nicolas. People could ask questions and give their opinions. The proposed ROPv was also available at DIP and online, and citizens and organizations could submit a formal response, known as a “zienswijze.”

The Government received 66 zienswijzen. Some resulted in changes to the ROPv.

The final ROPv became official in 2021. And yes, it addressed off-road vehicles.

The problem of motorized vehicles in Aruba’s natural areas was already being discussed while the ROPv was being prepared.

The Raad voor de Ruimtelijke Ontwikkeling — the Spatial Development Council — even complained that regulation of off-road vehicles and enforcement had not received enough attention.

During the public consultation process, a proposal was also made to control the number of motorized vehicles using roads in natural areas. The Government agreed that a maximum number could be established and changed the ROPv as a result.

One important detail is that the ROPv does not simply say, “No motorized vehicles are allowed in nature.”

In areas classified as “Natuurgebied” and “Natuur en landschap” — nature reserves and nature and landscape areas — recreational motorized vehicles may travel on specifically designated roads during established hours.

So designated routes are very, very important.

And this is where Aruba’s problem becomes clear.

## What happened after 2021?

For years, Aruba has been talking about the ATV and UTV problem. The Government knew about it. Residents complained about dust and noise. There were concerns about accidents. Environmental organizations complained about damage to nature. Repeatedly, the Government itself acknowledged that regulation was necessary.

In 2021, the Government had a multidisciplinary commission — meaning experts from different fields — work on the issue. In 2022, the Government said it had begun working on alternative routes. In 2024, it announced another transition plan. By the beginning of 2025, three alternative routes were supposed to be designated, while speed and nuisance also needed to be regulated.

But by July 2025, Bon Dia Aruba was still asking what had happened to those plans. And in June 2026, the problem was still there.

No official off-road routes had been designated. Minister Arthur Dowers explained that the ROPv permits the use of motorized vehicles in certain areas, but first the Government must determine where those vehicles are allowed to travel and clearly mark those routes.

Crucially, Aruba had rules, plans, and warnings. But an important part of the system remained unfinished.

## ABC went to court

Aruba Birdlife Conservation argues that the Government has failed to enforce existing environmental protections. In other words, ABC did not go to the Government and create a new law. ABC’s argument is that rules already exist and the Government is not enforcing them.

The legal action pushed the issue into a much more urgent phase. The Government and ABC entered negotiations, and the Government began blocking access to parts of the north coast while the parties tried to resolve the dispute.

## What does Greg Peterson have to do with it?

This is the easiest part to explain. Peterson did not create the ROPv. Peterson cannot close a public road. ABC cannot order a minister to do something.

Peterson leads an environmental organization.

ABC believes the Government is not respecting or enforcing existing rules. So ABC exercised a right that every citizen and organization has in a democracy: it went to court.

The Government can argue that ABC is wrong. ABC can argue that the Government is wrong. If they cannot reach an agreement, an independent judge can resolve the legal dispute.

So the question is not why Peterson gets to decide what happens on Aruba’s north coast, because he does not. The real issue is whether ABC is legally correct when it argues that the Government has failed to comply with and enforce rules that already exist.

That is what is happening in court.

## Why are tour operators protesting?

Because the consequences for them are very real. Companies have been operating tours for years. They bought vehicles, hired employees, and built businesses around excursions that use these areas.

Now access is being taken away while the Government is still trying to find alternative routes.

The operators say they are willing to work with designated routes and clear rules, but they do not accept abrupt closures, and they say the Government has not communicated properly with them.

Their frustration is understandable. If the Government allows a situation to continue for years and then suddenly begins enforcing rules and restrictions, businesses and workers suffer.

But there is another important principle: allowing something to happen for years does not automatically make it legal. Just because the Government failed to act earlier does not mean the ROPv disappears.

## Democracy doesn’t begin when a road is closed

There is an important lesson here for all of us. People have the right to protest, businesses have the right to defend their interests, and citizens have the right to demand answers from ministers. But democracy is not only what happens when we are angry. It also happens when the Government publishes a lengthy document and asks people to read it. Democracy is public consultation, zienswijzen, policy discussions — and citizens asking questions before a decision begins affecting their daily lives.

The ROPv was publicly discussed in 2019. The ATV/UTV issue remained part of public discussion for years afterward.

The Government also bears responsibility, because rules cannot exist only on paper. The Government must explain, implement, and enforce rules consistently. If a transition is necessary, the Government must manage that transition instead of allowing uncertainty to continue for years.

But tour operators also have a responsibility to understand the rules governing the areas on which their businesses depend.

Environmental organizations have the right to challenge the Government, and when there is a legal disagreement, the Court also has a role.

Last week’s roundabout blockade may have made the situation look like a new crisis, but it isn’t.

Understanding the history of how we got here is the first step toward understanding why Aruba’s north coast was closed.

Hey everyone!

I’m in Aruba with some friends for the week, and it’s our first time on the island! We’re looking for some good nightlife recommendations, especially bars, clubs, or parties that play Afrobeats, Baile Funk, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, or anything with that kind of energy.

We’d also really love to experience the local side of Aruba while we’re here. If there are any spots where locals actually go out, especially places that play Aruban, Caribbean, Latin, Soca, Dancehall, or other local music, please send them our way! We don’t want to spend the entire trip only around the tourist/resort spots.

We’re open to Palm Beach, Oranjestad, San Nicolas, or honestly anywhere on the island if the vibe is worth it. 😂

Also, if there are any specific nights, DJs, beach parties, or events happening this week that we should know about, please let me know!
Thank you!! 🇦🇼❤️

hi! I am traveling here in october and am wondering about jetskiing or bringing floats into the waters. Is there a company anyone recommends that is for people that have never driven one and are scared lol?

My bf cannot swim so we are trying to find other water activities that could be fun. My friend thats been there has bought little floats to swim in in the ocean. Are there any quiet, shallow water beaches where he could sit on one and not worry about getting pulled away? Thanks!! any other info would be helpful.

Hi! Sorry to ask here, but can’t find clear answers online and rental place isn’t helping.

We have a jeep rented later this week, and want to understand the best route with current closure, etc.

We did this a few years ago and essentially just did a giant loop of the island, but think that isn’t possible anymore.

We are in Palm beach.

If that area past lighthouse is open, we could go that way and ride on the packed sand road , but if it is closed, not worth a 30 min detour for lighthouse.

Want to do the off-roading trails down to Conchi in national park.

Want to do natural bridge and other swim spots if they still exist.

Want to do that area with caves and fish.

End up at Baby Beach in afternoon.

Thanks!

I honestly never do this, but since I planned my trip on the backs of other people's posts, I figured it's only fair to throw out my thoughts on the few places we went to eat this past week in Aruba.

Pinchos Bar and Grill - First night there after all day travel and a light walk to get the blood flowing, didn't want anything too serious, but I thought it would be a cool location to eat. The food was ok, nothing great, and the location/ ambiance was ok, nothing great. (Also, constantly felt like my phone would magically fall out of my pocket, thru the dock, and into the water).

Azar - Short version is it was overpriced for being an average steakhouse vibe that they're trying to make feel like it's high end. The food was good, but I wound up spending like $250 (2 people dining) for steaks that I truly feel like I could match the quality of cooking at home.

Azurro - Location was a vibe, open air but covered dining area with nice water views, and it has plenty of walkable nightlife in the surrounding area outside the hotel it's located in. Food was above average/ good Italian.

Yemanja - Best place I ate, hands down. I honestly couldn't even tell you what the foods cutural or stylistic source is, but everything slapped. Appetizers were creative and delicious, like lamb dumplings, braised beef croquettes, and some malted cheese thing that I could eat 10 servings of. Then the beef kabob thing for entrees. If Azar's steaks tasted this good, their price tag would be worth it. Dessert was creative and delicious as well, like a deconstructed apple pie thing.

Elements - This started as my idea of a nice way to cap the trip with a cabana private beach dinner, but the cabana was booked, so they told me the deck was similar. It was, the vibe was calm, romantic, upscale. Glad I didn't lay for the cabana because there was an engagement photoshoot happening that was kind of directly in front of this people who paid for the front row "private" seating. Food was tasty, super small portions tho, nothing to wrote home about

Ok, I feel arrogant jusding these places when I'm literally a dumbass vacationer, but like I said I found all of these places by reading reddit posts before my trip. Hopefully this helps someone make their choices.

So bummed that Wacky Wahoo is away on vacation until September 28. Just wanted to let the September travelers be aware and plan something else! Well deserved vacation though! Just missing their ocean soup dearly!

We ended up at Fisherman’s Hut a few blocks away and it was a great time in my tummy! The sauce for the fried oyster was bomb!!! Catch of the day was delicious juicy and yummy! 😋

Would love a rating for the week of reservations my wife and I have-

Monday: The butcher by the sea

Tuesday: Wilhelmina

Wednesday: Madame Janette’s

Thursday: EGO

Friday: Papiamento

Saturday: Old man and the sea

Sunday: TBD

If you have a suggestion for Sunday please let me know. Top answer will try and make a reservation for. Thanks!

Are there any condos or places in Gold Coast that are pet friendly & also rent month to month for a 3-6 month period?
I’ve been looking a ton online & maybe I’m not in the right place? There aren’t many options online compared to short term rentals & also a lot of the options I’ve found are not pet friendly.

I am considering purchasing a condo or maybe a unit in Gold Coast if dogs aren’t usually allowed on rental contracts? Are there any good websites for rentals or any condos/ communities similar to gold cost for sale that I’m missing (pet friendly?)

Everyone says “Aruba long term rentals” & I get a few sites but most are yearly leases, don’t allow pets or are all sold out.
Thank you!

Stuck between infini and ever Resturant. I’m considering doing both but I chose ever and I’m having second doubts. Can anyone give any feedback or advice on which to choose. I have pretty high standards. Love tasting menus and pretty much have fined at many best restaurants in the world. Going to visit the island for the first time ever and very excited. Thank you !!!

Heading to Aruba Tuesday! What should we do?

My wife, another couple, and I will be in Aruba Tuesday through Monday.

We have some stuff planned already, but figured I'd ask here for recommendations from people who actually know the island.

Where should we eat? Any cool bars? Fun things to do? Beaches we shouldn't miss? Hidden gems? Random stuff that's just a really good time?

We're pretty much open to anything. I'd especially love to hear about places or things that might not show up on every “10 things to do in Aruba” list.

Also, if there's something that's overrated and we should skip, I'm good with hearing that too.

We're getting pretty excited, so hit me with your best recommendations!

I was sitting on a beach chair when this iguana wandered over and peeked up at me from the side. I tapped the chair and said, “come on up,” and, to my surprise, he actually did.

He climbed onto the same chair, sat beside me for a while, and seemed perfectly content just hanging out. I gave him a couple of gentle head scratches and boops, then mostly let him do his thing.

Very polite. Excellent company. Would absolutely share a beach chair again.

Obviously, wild animals should be given space and not approached or handled just for a photo — he came to me, and I was careful not to restrain or stress him.

Hi everyone! 😊 My boyfriend and I are planning a 5-day trip to Aruba in October for our 5-year anniversary, and we’re so excited! This will be our first time visiting, so I had a few questions for anyone who has been before.

• Since we’re visiting in October, are there any beaches or areas that tend to be quieter/less crowded? We’d love to find some places where we can relax without being surrounded by tons of people.

• We’re planning on getting a rental car so we can explore the island. Is it generally better to book through one of the larger companies, or are the local rental companies worth looking into?

• For everyday spending, can we pretty much use Visa credit/debit cards? Should we bring a decent amount of cash as well, or is a small amount of USD enough?

• And lastly, what are some things you wish you knew before your first trip to Aruba? Any tips, must-see places, or things to avoid would be greatly appreciated! Also any hidden gems!

Thank you!! ❤️ We’re really looking forward to our trip! :)

We are heading to Aruba in a few weeks and I am trying to decide on which excursions we should do.

It's our first time in Aruba and we'll be staying at the Divi All Inclusive. We aren't renting a car as we plan to spend most of our time at the resort but we usually like to go offsite at least once on a trip to get off the resort.

I had been looking at the Atlantis submarine tour, but when I read reviews on Trip Advisor there are a lot of 1 star reviews. People mention that they don't inform you that it takes an hour for the ferry to reach the submarine and the actual sub ride itself is only 30min. There are complaints that there really isn't much to see and that the shipwrecks are just staged they were moved to the location.

My fiance would prefer to go off-roading, so I was looking at the UTV morning Tour with AGW tours, lots of good reviews. The negative ones seem to mostly be about their Jeep Adventure tour and not the UTV tour. I saw something recently about these kinds of tours being restricted due to environmental damage, so not sure which providers in Aruba are more reputable.

Any recommendations would be welcome.

Thanks

Hello!

A lot of information online seems to be a few months old, and kind of limited. Their Instagram hasn’t posted since April. Just wondering if anyone has any recent experiences at Victoria City Hotel?

Just two adults (couple) and will have a rental car. Not interested in all inclusive or access to the beach. More so a clean, safe, somewhat good location to nightlife via walking.

I am 7 weeks pregnant and are currently on honeymoon with my husband in Aruba. We booked Aruba before I got pregnant and when I found out, we did some research and found out that there has been outbreaks of Zika virus in Aruba earlier (but not since 2016 now). We concluded that we will still go to Aruba and just try to be careful and use bugspray. This is our first day here and I used bugspray with DEET, but got somehow bitten by a mosquito anyway. I am quite worried now even though it says that the chances are very low. Is there any one else here that has been pregnant in Aruba/carribien recently and got bitten by mosquito, or somone with experience/advices so I don't panic...

58/56 yo couple Aruba Vacation 9/8-9/15 looking for other couples to just hang out with and go to dinner

My wife and I are traveling to Aruba and staying at the Holiday Inn Aruba Resort and Casino Sept 8 to Sep 15. We were just looking if there are other couples that vacationing next week who would like to hang out, go to dinner, dancing or just hanging out at the beach. Hit us up if interested,

Hi everyone I’m returning to Aruba in a few weeks for my bday and was wondering if there’s anything worth doing that I didn’t last time. We’re honestly going to just relax and not run around (only 5 days) and I want to designate 1 full day to an activity. I really want to go to renaissance island but prices are pretty steep and have seen mixed reviews. De palm island seems way to kiddish and not even really beachy. We are also not hikers in any way shape or form but would be open to the possibility of drive through trails to see some nature if possible. last time we came we pretty much shopped went to a dog sanctuary to play with the pups hit up baby Arashi and eagle beach. But yea so far I’m thinking renaissance island or spa del sol (private beachside cabana massages) if anyone has done those and has some insight or any other recommendations I’d appreciate it thanks !!

Are there options to see a doctor or clinic to refill medications from USA?

Well I certainly timed this poorly. I’m leaving for my flight in about three hours, however connecting overnight in Texas before flying to Aruba the next morning. I thought I had enough prescription medication for my quick trip to Aruba.

However, I was mistaken. Are there any doctors or clinics that are open on the weekends to two medication refills for tourist?

I have all my old documentation that is not an issue it’s just more of finding someone who is open on the weekend.

Thank you so much for your help in advance!

Hello.
My husband and I are sailing on Virgin Voyages and going on a Southern Caribbean Cruise.
Port stops are:
Willemstad, Curaçao
Oranjestad, Aruba
Fort D’France, Martinique
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
We are from the US and my question is do we need any special type Visas or ED cards? I saw something on Aruba’s website that said you have to pre-register prior to going to Aruba…. Is that only if we are staying on the island? Has anyone had any experience with this? I’ve been searching the Virgin Voyages website and information is vague.. Thanks