Why Aruba 2021 Travel? James and I have traveled extensively during 2020 and 2021 started off no differently. It wasn’t long into the new year when Jim looked at me and said where are we going next? There are fewer choices with Covid-19 still being an active and fluid situation. So looking at the few places that top my list to hit we discussed which one could be a viable option. Aruba fit the bill.
Why Aruba?
I had spent a week in Aruba almost thirty five years ago. It was the first island I ever went to so it has a special place in my heart. Also, in 2019 Jim and I were on a cruise that stopped at Aruba. But one day isn’t nearly enough. I wanted to see Aruba again and explore more, as well as show Jim some of the spots that I remembered. So we rented a car and explored everyday. There was plenty to do on this amazing island.
Our Activities – Snorkeling
Snorkeling is something that I love to do. I spent so many years in the water when I was younger and on a swim team, that snorkeling is second nature to me. We visited several places where you can snorkel from the beach. It is a little swim to get to the reef but definitely doable.
The easiest one I would say is at Baby Beach. You can almost stand right before the reef. But please never stand or touch a coral reef. They are living organisms, which means if you step on them you can kill them. Also, some may sting you. Fire coral being one that will hurt you back for sure!
Two other snorkeling spots that we enjoyed were Boca Catalina and Mangel Halto. There are other beaches with reefs for snorkeling we just had other things to explore.
Aruba’s Arikok National Park
We made a day of our visit, but you could do more if you would like to. We also only had a front wheel drive car and some areas require 4 wheel drive. If you take your front wheel drive car on roads not meant for travel you could have a problem with the car rental agency. So if exploring Arikok is on your list make sure to rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Arikok National Park makes up twenty percent of Arubas landscape. It has caves to explore, trails to hike and even beaches to visit. While we were there the beaches were not swimmable. The natural pool is accessible from the park but only for four wheel drive.
Also the natural pool has become a very dangerous place to swim due to the currents. There have been people swept out to sea after being slammed into the rocks by a wave. We really wanted to see it but it was closed on the day were there, as well as we didn’t have the proper vehicle. What you will see is a very rugged terrain with gorgeous vistas of the island. There are historical sites as well as geological sites with a plethora of flora and fauna to enjoy. Aruba is a desert and it will be dusty though.
Hooiberg
Hooiberg??? What is that? Hooiberg is one of the tallest points on the island of Aruba. There are different totals on the number of steps and I lost count! Some say 541, others 587 and still others say 660. I will say it was a lot for me. I was sore for a few days afterward. But I am not in top form at 53 years young.
Jim’s legs were tired the next day as well. Who does that many stairs on a daily basis to be prepared for that? I will say that we did pass a few patrons who were doing the hike as there exercise. WOW!
We did really enjoy the view. There are antennas at the top and it is not large and flat. So you won’t be laying out a picnic blanket and having a picnic at the top. There are a few rocks to rest on as you get ready for the long climb down though. We were both glad that we took the challenge and climbed Hooiberg. Remember to bring water and stay hydrated.
Landmarks to Visit
Aruba has several landmarks that we wanted to visit. Jim loves photography and when we travel to new places this is high on the list for him. So we had a few sunset stops as well as sunrise stops. For sunrise we visited the Alto Vista Chapel as well as the California Light House.
Sunset was mostly from the beach. We were at Eagle beach and Palm Beach area. We also stopped at the Seroe Colorado Anchor, a cool landmark for a picture that is dedicated to all of the Aruba seamen.
We also stopped at the new Natural Pool for a jump off the cliff. It is over by the Old Mine. You will take ladder down one level and climb across the coral to get to the jumping spot. It was fun and exhilarating at the same time. I’ve included my thrilling and exhilarating experience it in our Youtube video. Click below.
We also stopped by the Natural Bridge. It is a natural phenomena that happens as the waves crash against the cliffs. This was a must do stop for our adventure around the island. It is very cool to see.
ED Card Requirements
ED stands for Embarkation/Debarkation. To enter Aruba we needed to be Covid-19 tested within seventy two hours of our flight leaving for Aruba. That means if you have a connecting flight, it would be seventy two hours before the beginning of the last leg.
At first it seemed very overwhelming. Even scary that we may not have our test results back in time to fly. Here’s where social media can help. I joined a few Aruba pages on Facebook and there were lots of helpful people there. There are five steps to complete to get your Green check mark to travel. Aruba has there Official Covid-19 Update and Travel restrictions page. Here you will get up to date information for your travels. You will also review the five steps for completing your ED Card.
Covid-19 and Travel
Travel in 2021 has been a little different than in years past. At the end of January 2021, the United States of America made it mandatory that anyone entering the USA by air needs to have a negative Covid-19 test result. The testing needs to be within three calendar days of arrival to the USA.
This is for ANYONE, whether you are a citizen or not. Without the negative test result you cannot board your airplane. There are a few exceptions to the rule, like if you have had Covid-19 within three months of return travel. For all updated information, please refer to the CDC website.
We have made so many memories over the last year. Our Aruba 2021 travel being one of them. James and I are very happy that we are able to share our travel experience with you.
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Happy Travels!!!
