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The lighthouse on the Dungeness Spit is really neat, and a great hike. There is also a campgrounds there.

We stayed at the Divi all-inclusive on the beach. It was great! You can hit the buffet for meals, or relax at the pizza bar for a snack, there are bars at both ends with all kinds of drink specials. The desk can hook you up with all kinds of adventures or rent a car for a DIY day. We drove from the lighthouse up North all the way to Arikok National Park to enjoy this bizarre seaside desert with volcanic rock and caves. There are snazzy lizards running around everywhere (but they never bother you or come too close). The beaches are great. We snorkelled at Baby Beach for around 3 hours until we were too beat to see anymore. Did the dives at Malmok Reef, Pedernales Wreck and Antilla Wreck – super cool! We also wandered around various parts of the islands checking out the local sites. Downtown Oranjestad has an Indian restaurant called Taj Mahal that we become rather fond of. Riding the bus was cheap and easy. You will never need a cab here. Twice, people saw us walking and were kind enough to pick us up and let us ride along to our destination. There are also little golf cart-like shuttles that run around to various places. Most expeditions will come pick you up from your hotel for free and return you.

The catamaran cruises looked like fun, full of happy people getting off, but we aren’t boat people.

Baby Beach is a must-do for snorkellers. Kids can swim there in the powder soft sand lined shallow waters.

Arikok National Park is HOT. Bring tons of water, a good hat, sunblock, and rent an A/C car for sure. There is a decent eatery on the coast inside the park where you can pick up more water and a good hot or cold meal.

I love Aruba. I almost cried when we had to leave. I hope to return here someday, maybe for Carnival!

Tip: Even though the prices here rival buying things in the states, the amazing friendly locals working hard to keep you happy there are not being paid exorbitant salaries, so tip well! They deserve it!

Tip2: Drink lots of Belashi, the local beer. It’s good!

Lake Powell is an oasis in the desert. The canyons are amazing and the water is beautiful and warm. Sunsets were the best, where the huge desert sky was lit with vibrant colors that reflected off the canyon walls.

I got engaged on the lake, so this spot will always be a very special one for us and I hope we can return and explore more of the area someday.

If you go there, take a jetski through some of the winding canyons. This place is too beautiful too miss.