Aruba Luxury Rentals Archives - Blue Aruba Rentals

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025

Aruba Scuba Diving Guide

Person scuba diving at the wrecks in Aruba

Aruba is a world-class scuba diving destination, offering the ideal combination of warm, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Whether you are an expert diver or are looking to try something new on vacation, our diving sites offer the perfect conditions for all skill levels and interests. Get your scuba diving certification on the island or sign up for a Discover Scuba Course and experience diving without completing a full certification. Reserve your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and read on to learn more about scuba diving in the Caribbean:

What Do I Need for Scuba Diving in Aruba?

To go scuba diving in Aruba, you must complete a certification or sign up for a discovery dive with a local dive shop.

Discovery Dives

Discovery dives are the perfect option for beginners, allowing you to learn the basics of scuba diving without needing a full certification. These courses are led by certified diving instructors and cover important items like diving theory, how to use the equipment, how to move underwater, and safety rules. Once you have learned the basics, you will head into a pool or shallow water to practice your skills before diving into the open water:

Diving Certification

If you want to get your PADI Open Water Course certification, Aruba is a great place to do it! Once you complete the certification, you will be able to dive on your own at sites around the world:

Where to Dive in Aruba

Aruba is home to 17 incredible dive sites, including reefs, shipwrecks, and drift dives. Aruba is famous for its shipwreck dives like the Antilla Wreck, which is the largest in the Caribbean, or The Pedernales, where you can see sections of wreck between coral reef formations. Here are a few additional dive sites to check out:

Visit Aruba and Explore Our Underwater World

Scuba diving in Aruba is a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing you to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks while seeing incredible marine life. If you want to experience our underwater world without all the gear and certifications, consider snorkeling instead. However you want to spend your time, Blue Aruba Rentals offers the perfect basecamp for your adventures. Browse our Aruba vacation rentals and book your Caribbean vacation with us today!

December 31, 2024January 13, 2025

Aruban Food: Signature Dishes and Food to Try in Aruba

Pastechi, a popular Aruban food in Aruba for snacking

One of the best parts of traveling to Aruba is the cuisine. Our island offers a diverse selection of food influenced by our national history, geographic location, and natural resources. This blend of cultures converges at our local restaurants, where you can find a wide variety of fresh and delicious Aruban food inspired by our Indigenous, Dutch, and African roots. To get you acquainted with the local food scene, Blue Aruba Rentals has put together a list of popular traditional foods. From the national dish, Keshi Yena, to the popular snack Pastechi, here are five Aruban specialties you won’t want to miss:

Keshi Yena

No getaway to Aruba is complete without sampling our national dish–Keshi Yena, a stuffed ball of cheese filled with chicken, tomatoes, green olives, and spices.

Where to Get Keshi Yena: Taste my Aruba , The Old Cuncu House Aruba, West Deck, Gasparito Traditional Aruban Restaurant.

Patacon

Originating in Latin America, Patacon is a delicious sandwich made with two slices of fried green plantains and filled with shredded meat, cheese, and salsa.

Where to Get Patacon: Tia Rosa Snack, Don Jacinto

Dutch Pancakes

Dutch pancakes are from—well, you guessed it–the Netherlands. These thin pancakes resemble crepes and can be made sweet or savory.

Where to Get Dutch Pancakes: The Dutch Pancakehouse, Linda’s Dutch Pancakes, Diana’s Pancakes Place.

Pastechi

Pastechi is a popular Aruban snack made from deep-fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, vegetables, and seafood.

Where to Get Pastechi: The Pastechi House, Huchada Bakery, Bright Bakery

Stobas

Stobas is a traditional Aruban stew made by marinating chunks of beef, goat, or fish in a tomato-based sauce with veggies and spices. Pair your stew with some fresh Pan Bati– an Aruban flatbread made with corn and wheat flour.

Where to Get Stobas: Papiamento, The West Deck, Cocoplum

Discover More Aruba Dining Options Near Your Vacation Rental

Discover even more Aruban food during your getaway with Blue Aruba Rentals at the restaurants near our rental properties. Stay at our Harbour House properties and enjoy a meal of Peruvian cuisine at Lima Bistro, Indonesian cuisine at NUSA Restaurant, fresh seafood at SharQys, and fine dining at Ever Restaurant.

Stay at Blue Residences and experience fine dining at the award-winning Infini Restaurant. Or choose our Oceania Residences and easily access dozens of restaurants along Eagle Beach. No matter what you are craving, dozens of restaurants are available at your fingertips!

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Join the Celebration: Aruba Carnival Season

People dancing during a parade during Aruba Carnival season

Escape to the Caribbean this winter with Blue Aruba Rentals and celebrate Aruba’s rich culture during Carnival Season. What began as a small street festival has evolved into a two-month celebration of Aruban culture full of parades, costumes, music, and dance. Plan your trip during January and February and join the festivities of our island’s most anticipated events. From the Jouvert Morning Pajama Party in San Nicolas to the Grand Parade in downtown Oranjestad, there are endless Carnival events to complement your winter vacation in Aruba!

Brief History of Carnival

Carnival is not a Caribbean invention; similar festivals have been celebrated throughout history, dating back to ancient Rome. Over time, Carnival evolved into a major cultural event celebrated throughout the world. Since the 1950s, Aruba has adopted this traditional festival, incorporating African and Indigenous influences. Learn more a bout the history of Carnival in Aruba before your visit!

Signature Events

With two months of Carnival celebrations, there are dozens of events to add to your vacation itinerary. Check out the full 2025 schedule and read on to discover a few of the island’s top events:

Lighting Parade: Held in downtown Oranjestad, this is one of the most popular parades of the season, featuring thousands of tiny lights on costumes, road pieces, and floats.
Children’s Parade: The largest children’s parade of Carnival, held in downtown Oranjestad.
Jouvert Morning Pajama Party: Late-night revelers abound in San Nicolas for the annual street party that continues through sunrise!
Grand Carnival Parade: The carnival season ends with a Grand Parade, starting in San Nicolas and continuing into Oranjestad.
Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad: The biggest celebration of the season, featuring music, floats, costumes, and decorations.

Lodging for Aruba Carnival Season

Join the celebration and book your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals during the Aruba Carnival season. We offer luxury condo rentals at some of the best complexes on the island, near the Carnival celebrations in Oranjestad and Noord. From our Harbour House properties in downtown Aruba to our beachfront properties in Oceania, Blue, and Azure Beach Residences, we have lodging for everyone’s needs. Book with us today and experience the excitement of Carnival!

October 23, 2024October 23, 2024

Aruba Holiday Shopping Guide

Gift bags on the beach with a starfish: Aruba shopping

The holiday season is the perfect time to experience Aruba’s warm white sandy beaches, tropical charm, and festive events. It’s also the perfect opportunity to find gifts from your holiday shopping list. Attend one of our holiday markets in December and embrace the festive cheer while shopping from dozens of local vendors. Or head to one of our boutiques and support our community by purchasing locally made candles, art, jewelry, and souvenirs. Book your stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and find unique gifts for your loved ones in the Caribbean:

Holiday Markets

December is the most festive time of the year in Aruba. Visit one of our holiday markets and get in the Christmas spirit while shopping for unique gifts:

Shop for organic gifts in an open-air setting at the Cadushi Festival
Head to Aruba Made for the exclusive Christmas Shopping Nights in December, featuring arts, crafts, food, and drinks all made in Aruba!
Visit Hilton Caribbean Resort and find handmade gifts, souvenirs, arts, and crafts at their annual Christmas market.

Local Art Shopping

Purchase a piece of locally made Aruba art this holiday season from these shops:

Head to The Atelier for authentic Aruban paintings, jewelry, pottery, and candles from nine local artists.
Visit My Gallery Aruba at the Renaissance Marketplace and shop for handmade art from 13 local artists.
Visit The Mask, discover the ancient practices of Mopa Mopa art, and purchase a one-of-a-kind mask.

Souvenirs and Specialty Stores

Bring back a piece of Aruba for your loved ones at one of these souvenir shops:

Shop for locally grown and freshly processed aloe products at Royal Aruba Aloe Store.
Head to Coconuts and purchase clothing from Biba Dushi, a local brand sold exclusively at Coconuts, selling t-shirts, flip-flops, and caps.
Find exquisite jewelry during your stay and purchase sea glass jewelry inspired by the shores of Aruba at Gloria Filiciana.
If you are staying at Harbour House, we recommend checking out the shops on the boardwalk. Visit Bula Surfshop for beach and surfing gear and Tangerine Aruba for handcrafted canvas bags and accessories.
Find clothing from your favorite fashion brands and designers at Renaissance Mall in Oranjestad.

Book an Aruba Holiday Getaway Today

Book with Blue Aruba Rentals and stay near the island’s best shopping areas this holiday season. Find unique gifts and embrace the season’s splendor with Christmas festivals, lights, food, and live music. Find the perfect lodging for your stay with our collection of over 200 vacation rentals, ranging from studio condos to five-bedroom luxury villas. Enjoy all the comforts of home and take advantage of resort amenities like pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, and beach access. Book your Aruba holiday getaway today!