A Day in Aruba: Snorkeling, Donkeys & Jeep Adventures from the Oasis of the Seas
Why going off the beaten path gave us our favorite memories
During our 8-day cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, Aruba was one of the stops we were most excited for—and it did not disappoint. While we could’ve booked a typical cruise excursion, we decided to take the day into our own hands and explore independently with another family we were traveling with.
The result? A day full of incredible snorkeling, scenic drives, a hilarious visit to the donkey sanctuary, and plenty of lessons learned for next time.
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Jeep Rental Adventures (and a Little Waiting)
We rented two Jeeps from a local rental company for about $300 per vehicle, picking them up across from the port at a nearby gas station. Heads up—this process was a bit clunky. The rental staff took a while to arrive, and with kids in tow, the waiting felt longer than it probably was.
That said, once we hit the road, the freedom of driving ourselves was worth it.
Don’t forget to get a photo in front of the I Love Aruba sign!
Baby Beach: Calm Waters & Stunning Snorkeling
Our first destination was Baby Beach, and it was stunning. The water was crystal clear, calm, and shallow—perfect for kids, and ideal for beginner snorkelers. We brought our own gear and water shoes, which made it even easier to jump right in and explore.
There aren’t a ton of beach amenities here, but we did find shade under one of the public straw umbrellas. You can rent a beach tent for around $40, but we passed. This beach felt peaceful, laid-back, and exactly what we wanted out of Aruba.
We saw so many fish at Baby Beach!
Photo of me with my snorkel buddies - this was their first time snorkeling, and they loved it!
Lunch at Big Mama Grill
We chose Big Mama Grill for lunch since it’s right off Baby Beach. Unfortunately, this was the low point of the day for us. The food wasn’t memorable and it cost our family about $100 for three entrees. For that price, we expected better.
There are other small restaurants nearby—we’d definitely try a different spot next time or even drive a bit further for better options.
Don’t forget your Ocean Friendly Sunscreen!
What a beautiful, clean beach! Make sure you don’t leave behind a trace! Pick up all your trash & be kind to the wildlife.
The Donkey Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem
After lunch, we headed inland to the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary—and this was hands-down the kids’ favorite stop of the day.
Our boys named every donkey they saw - pretty sure this was Frank, and Frank 2.
Here’s what makes this spot so special:
Home to over 140 rescued donkeys
Free entry (donations appreciated)
On-site bathrooms (huge bonus!)
You can feed and interact with donkeys, cats, chickens, and even peacocks
Fun Fact: Donkeys were first brought to Aruba by the Spanish over 500 years ago and were once the primary form of transportation on the island. As modern vehicles took over, many were left to roam until the sanctuary stepped in to protect them.
We stayed here much longer than expected—the kids couldn’t get enough. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the entire experience felt relaxed, kind-hearted, and unexpectedly joyful.
They really connected with the 3 legged donkey, they are very well taken care of here at the sanctuary.
Returning the Jeep
After our visit, we headed back to the gas station to return the Jeeps—but again, we waited about an hour for staff to arrive and check us back in. If we were to do it again, we’d definitely look into a different rental company or opt for a more reputable one with better logistics.
Final Thoughts & Tips
Despite a few bumps in the road (literally and figuratively), this DIY Aruba day was full of value. We explored at our own pace, skipped the whistles and group schedules, and made memories we’ll talk about for years.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. But here’s what we’d do differently:
Bring travel life jackets for the kids
Choose a different lunch spot
Use a more reliable rental car company
Allow extra buffer time for vehicle pickup/return
Aruba was one of our favorite stops—and the combination of stunning beaches, interactive wildlife, and flexibility made it feel like a dream day (with just enough reality to learn from).
Want help planning your next Caribbean cruise with personalized stops like this one? I’m here for it.
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