While a Thanksgiving at home can be traditionally fun, those looking to switch things up this holiday will find an endless number of reasons to make their way to Aruba! When sun, sand, and surf fit your travel style, Aruba has everything you’re looking for and more. The following are a few of the many reasons you’ll want to book your stay in Aruba this Thanksgiving.
Savor Time on the Sand
For many travelers heading to Aruba over Thanksgiving, a highlight of the trip is bound to be time spent on the sand! Aruba is an island known and loved for its spectacular collection of stunning shorelines. Thanks to its amazing year-round weather, Thanksgiving travelers can count on having plenty of opportunities to get out and make the most of sun-soaked moments, admiring the turquoise waves from a spot on the sand. One of the best places to settle in and enjoy a beach day during this time of year is Palm Beach. Stretching two miles along the island’s coast, Palm Beach is a popular stop among locals and visitors alike looking for a vibrant spot on the shoreline where they can also easily access bars, cafes, restaurants, and high-end boutiques. From the piers to the deep blue waves that offer up a prime place for everything from snorkeling to swimming, Palm Beach has the best of it all! It’s also an idyllic place to take in a sunrise or sunset if you’re looking for those colorful island moments to add to your holiday experience.
Explore the Amazing Outdoors
Thanksgiving in Aruba is also a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors and savor views that might be harder to access during more tourist-heavy times of the year. Begin by heading over to the California Lighthouse, located on the northwest tip of the island near Arashi Beach. This iconic landmark dates back to 1910 and was named after the S.S. California, which wrecked in the waters off the coast in 1891. A visit to the California Lighthouse is an incredible chance to climb to the observation deck and take in breathtaking views of the western coastline. The landscape here is made up of everything from white beaches and rocky coral to pristine golf courses. Those looking to explore further will enjoy the fact that the lighthouse sits close to the California sand dunes which are sure to inspire!
Another amazing place to get into nature and immerse yourself in exploration while visiting Aruba over Thanksgiving is Arikok National Park. This vast area of protected land stretches over nearly 18% of the island and is not only home to an incredibly diverse array of ecosystems but holds some of the island’s most precious history too. A visit to Arikok National Park provides guests with a chance to get up close to Arawak paintings which tell the story of those who first inhabited the land. This national park also houses a variety of wildlife species, including the Aruban burrowing owl! There are plenty of trails that run through the park, and if you happen to be a nature photographer, this is the place to find endless inspiration.
Take a Tour or Two
A little history can go a long way when you visit Aruba over Thanksgiving. When you’re looking to get a better understanding of the island’s past, head over to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins while you’re in town. Situated between Andicuri Beach and Wairiruri Beach, this abandoned gold mill was a thriving point of economic achievement throughout the 19th century gold rush. Dating back to 1825, this mill was responsible for extracting gold from the Ceru Plat hills and stayed in production for 10 years.
Island adventurers who are looking for a little bit more of a guided experience will find it when they book an excursion with Around Aruba Tours. Based out of Noord, this tour company focuses on Jeep outings with visits planned to some of the island’s most iconic attractions. Guests who book tours through this local company can customize their experiences to focus on trips to the Ayo Rock Formation, the Natural Bridge, the gold ruins, or the Natural Pool. Tours are comprehensive and a great way to gain local insight into spectacular stops along the way.
Try Underwater Fun
For all of the land-based fun available to enjoy over Thanksgiving in Aruba, sometimes it’s the underwater adventures that end up being the highlight of a holiday visit! Aruba Bob Snorkel & Scuba is a one-stop resource for all things snorkeling and scuba tours around the island. This company can customize underwater experiences for guests to include underwater scooters when you’re looking to enjoy even more during an excursion. Snorkeling and scuba tours with this company typically last around an hour and a half and are suitable for guests of all ages. This is a family-friendly experience in Aruba you simply won’t want to miss out on this Thanksgiving!
Book Your Aruba Adventure Today
There’s no reason to wait when you’re ready to make the most of a trip to Aruba for Thanksgiving. Partner with the team at Casiola Aruba and we’ll make sure you’re settled into the luxurious Aruba vacation rental you deserve to top off your Thanksgiving trip in style!
