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Transportation

We usually do recommend renting a car to get a freedom of exploring the whole island. There are so many beaches, sightseeing and events which you would love to visit and those sometimes are not easy to be reached by public transport. We put together the list of local rent-a-car companies with links and approximate pricing.

Although the car rental looks like an ideal solution, some people prefer to use taxi service for various reasons. Unfortunately, in Aruba, there are no such things as Uber, Lyft or other services which we all love in US, Canada and Europe. The taxi service and prices are regulated by the government of Aruba. Here you can find the official  Aruba Taxi Price List for 2022 (prices might be slightly different for the current year). Keep in mind that maximum capacity of taxi is five passengers (excluding children under 2).

There are few companies and individuals recommended by the community who provide taxi and transportation services :

There is also public bus transportation provided by Arubus N.V. , owned by the government of Aruba. Information about routes and prices can be found here.

 

Private Chef

Villa Tamar can offer couple of options to choose from .

Andrew 

  • 6-course Dinner @ US$100 per person
  • Kids under 12 years @ US$60 per person

Ruben

He has an extended menu, including breakfast, lunch, BBQ and dinner.

  • For 1 night, he has a chef’s coverage of US$200
  • For 3 nights or more, the coverage is a flat US$250.-
  • Please see his menu options here

Ronald Bossong

Highly recommended by the community. 

Chef Ronald Bossong is a culinary artist with a passion for food. He is a well-known award-winning chef based on the island of Aruba. Chef Ronald has won the 2014 culinary competition in Mexico, out of 35 chefs from Mexico and the Caribbean. Please contact Ronald via web site , phone , email or Facebook to discuss details. Tel: +297 733-2674 ,  Email: biteofheavenaruba@gmail.com

Other chefs recommended by a Community: 

Xavi Jaramillo

Private dinner services www.instagram.com/chefxavijaramillo

WhatsApp: ☎️ +2975921881

Jim’s Kitchen Aruba

Personal chef Jim Rooseman – meal delivery or home dining

☎️+2975970544 jimrooseman@gmail.com 

Chefs Aruba 

Delivery, breakfast , five course chef menu 

☎️+297 562 1031 

Snorkeling/Scuba/SeaBob

You can snorkel by yourself or within organized tour . 

The best snorkeling places if you go by yourself are Tres Trapi (just 1 minute drive from the Villa Tamar), Arashi Beach (3 minutes drive from the Villa Tamar), Baby Beach (on the other end of the island – about 40 minutes drive, but it is worth it!) and Mangel Halto (25 minutes drive, absolutely amazing … if whether permits). At the Tres Trapi – you almost guaranteed to meet sea turtles, especially by morning time. 

There are other good places to snorkel in Aruba – check this page to learn more. 

Here is the list of recommended by the community companies who provide snorkeling and/or scuba tours :

Boat, Sail and Fishing

Here is the list of recommended by the community companies and individuals who provide such activities and more:

Grocery Shopping

The best place in Aruba for your grocery needs is Superfood. It is about 8 to 10 minutes’ drive from the Villa Tamar. Superfood is run by locals. You will find there everything you need – local and imported products from Caribbean neighbours, US, Mexica and Canada , at its best standard. You will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of Dutch cheese and quality of local bakery goods. The organic eggs are produces locally in Aruba. Beer and wine is also available there; Balashi and Chill beer are brewed locally – we do recommend at least to try it!  

Ling & Sons Food Market is an alternative to Superfood for your daily grocery needs. About 10 minutes’ drive from Villa Tamar. We prefer to get veggies and fruits there, as there is a bit more variety vs SuperFood. 

There are number of small convenience stores in walking distance from Villa Tamar , such as Ting Wei Supermarket,  Sunny Supermarket and Noord Supermarket and Butcher Shop – just turn left on Caya Frans Figaroa.

 

Aruba attractions 

Please find here the Interactive Aruba Attraction map

There is a really good article by   27 Bucket List Things to Do in Aruba

There are few other places which are not included into the Interactive map but worth to visit : 

Pay a visit to the Aruba Aloe Museum, Factory, and Store on-site in Hato, Aruba – just minutes away from the hotel area. Museum and Factory complimentary tour is led by a team of local Aruba Aloe tour guides and tours are held in English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento (Aruba’s native language) every 15 minutes.
 

Although not originally native to the small island of Aruba, they have existed here for 500 years having been the primary mode of transportation until cars began to be introduced on the island in increasing numbers. At that point, many Arubans no longer had the need for their formerly beloved donkey, and sadly in the 1970’s, a dangerous and rapidly spreading illness nearly caused their extinction leaving behind a population of only 20 wild donkeys.

Hooiberg is visited by tourists and locals daily who come to enjoy the beautiful view or get a nice workout. You will often see many athletes working out on the stairs.

Imagine walking through a lush tropical rain forest amidst flowers and trees, ponds and a trickling waterfall with butterflies flying overhead and all around you in their own natural paradise. This is a dream come true at The Butterfly Farm in Aruba.

Just watch this video we did for you to explore one of the Aruba’s beauty … this is an instruction how to find the entry point into it (it is not super obvious!)

 

Beaches

There are 40 beaches in Aruba for you to explore. Each is beautiful and unique. Below you can see several famous beaches that we find very beautiful.

Tres Trapi (Three Steps)

Our preferred spot! It’s not exactly a typical beach, but rather a delightful entry point to the ocean, ideal for a refreshing swim! Chances are, you’ll encounter a sea turtle or two, and the abundance of fish schools along this coastline is truly astounding. This is the closest ocean entry to villa – literally 1 minute drive.

 

Palm Beach

Renowned worldwide, Palm Beach boasts pristine white sands and tranquil waters, providing an excellent environment for swimming. While it’s not my personal favorite spot due to the influx of tourists, many guests prefer it because of the variety of restaurants and water attractions available in the area. Just tree minutes drive away from Villa Tamar.

 

Arashi Beach

This tranquil and secluded beach is famed not only for its superb snorkeling but also for offering a range of water activities such as windsurfing, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, swimming, and sailing. It holds the second spot on our list for sunset viewing. Just a couple of minutes drive from Villa Tamar

 

Eagle Beach

Renowned for its iconic Fofoti trees, this pristine beach beckons a trip. There are low-rise hotels and beach resorts lining the shores, but the beach is mostly quiet. Eagle Beach is also a popular wedding photoshoot location—many newlyweds come to snap their wedding photos against the blissful Caribbean waters. Our top choice for sunset viewing is here. Arriving around 5:30 pm provides ample time to stroll back and forth along the shore (approximately 1.5 miles one way) toward Divi Beach before the sun fully sets. The beach is less then 6 minutes drive from Villa Tamar.

 

Mangel Halto (Mangroove) Beach

Mangel Halto is a small beach situated in Pos Chiquito, along the route to San Nicolas. Embraced by mangroves, it’s a beloved spot among locals seeking a serene day by the sea. Recognized for its tranquil and shallow waters, Mangel Halto is an ideal location for snorkeling and shore diving. Visitors can either wade in from the mangroves or use one of the concealed staircases to enter the water. Swimming towards the breaker reveals an impressive reef structure with a diverse array of fish. While it’s a 25-minute drive from Villa Tamar, the journey is well worthwhile!

 

Baby Beach

Experience breathtaking ocean views and immerse yourself in the pristine, crystal-clear waters of the enchanting Baby Beach. Situated in the southern part of Aruba near San Nicolas, this renowned destination epitomizes a true Caribbean beach paradise. With its stunning half-moon sandy stretch within a serene lagoon, Baby Beach is particularly well-suited for families with young children.

The shallow, inviting waters make it an ideal spot for swimmers who enjoy wading out for a considerable distance while still being able to touch the sea bottom. As the bay opens up to the ocean, Baby Beach also provides an excellent location for snorkeling. While you’re there, be sure to visit Rum Reef Cocktail Bar & Grill, known for possibly offering the best cocktails on the entire island!

Given its location on the opposite side of the island, the journey is a lengthy 45-minute drive. However, we highly recommend making the trip at least once during your vacation to fully savor the beauty of this remarkable destination.

Eating places

This list of restaurants, bars and cafes consists of our own (Villa Tamar team) recommendations. 

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Daily Fish ($)

Located at the Superfood Plaza. Here you can buy a sea food literally caught the same morning. You can buy as row to prepare yourself, or ask to grill or fry right there. Very affordable and highest quality.

Update: This place permanently closed as of August 1st, 2025. We will provide updates if/when the business finds a new location.

Cafe080 ($$)

Couple of minutes drive from Villa Tamar, this restaurant offers authentic Dutch cuisine with excellent food quality and refreshing cold beers. The atmosphere is delightful, often personally overseen by the owner. We suggest visiting around dusk or later to enjoy the patio seating comfortably, as daytime may be sunny and exposed.

Zeerover ($)

Located in Savaneta, approximately a 25-minute drive from Villa Tamar, but well worth the journey! This place is my top pick in Aruba! They specialize in freshly fried fish and shrimp, accompanied by sides such as fried plantains, French fries, pan bati (a local cornbread), pickled onions, and tartar sauce. Everything is served in a basket while you enjoy sitting on the dock overlooking the water, where fishermen bring in their catches—possibly your meal if you arrive a few hours later. Open every day except Monday, they take orders until 9pm.

Papiamento restaurant ($$$)

It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The charming Aruban ‘cunucu’ house, over 100 years old, overlooks the pool and is adorned with European antiques, some dating back to the early 1800s. The cuisine is exceptional and abundant. We highly recommend making a reservation at least a day or two in advance to ensure you can dine here.

Papillon Restaurant ($$$)

Classic French dishes have been dusted with daring Caribbean flair and are a culinary journey for your taste buds. The spacious outside terrace is perfect for casual fine dining. Reservation is recommended.  

Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano ($$$)

Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano serves real Italian dishes for the entire family. Inspired by authentic Italian recipes and traditions, their menu includes favorites like Bruschetta Napoli, Bucatini Siciliana and Vitello Parmigiana. Very good food and ambiance.

Azia Restaurant and Lounge ($$$)

You are on Caribbean island but homesick … and crave for sushi… Menu features dim sum, sushi, soups, meat & seafood and favorite house specialties that pair delightfully with specialty cocktails

Surfside Beach bar ($$)

Great snacks, budget-friendly cocktails, all right on Surfside beach. A beloved spot among locals, we especially enjoy the oven-baked pizza and nachos here.

Señor Burrito Aruba ($)

While the setting may not be upscale—a mere unit next to a gas station—it’s where I’ve had the most incredible burritos ever! Don’t forget to order a glass of Margarita; it’s absolutely delightful!

Jack’s Cafe ($)

Situated within Superfood, this canteen-style eatery serves remarkably affordable and high-quality cuisine. They offer a diverse range of dishes, with their pastechi (fried pies or empanadas) standing out in particular. Their mixed grill and daily specials are also exceptional. While their coffee and desserts are delightful, their soups are not to our liking.

Marhaba ($)

Less than a one-minute drive from Villa Tamar, this high-quality Lebanese restaurant offers delicious cuisine. You can dine in or call ahead for takeout.

 

Drinking water

There is no need to buy bottled water in Aruba. ruba’s tap water is pristine and refreshing, meeting the stringent quality standards set by the World Health Organization. Due to the island’s lack of natural fresh water sources, water is purified through a saltwater desalination process and filtered through crushed coral.

Feel free to use the drinking water or ice directly from the refrigerator at Villa Tamar. Don’t forget to bring your own bottles to carry water with you while exploring Aruba.

 

Garbage

Outside the villa, you’ll find two large green bins. Garbage collection occurs once a week, typically on Tuesdays. Unfortunately, in Aruba, there is no separation of garbage into categories like organic or recyclable, so all types of waste can be disposed of together in the same bin.

Contact us for booking VillaTamar!