Amenities

Other

There is a houseware store next to Super S Chow, called Home Fun Super where you may find kitchen, home and houseware items. They may also carry beach floats, snorkeling gear, coolers etc.

The nearest hardware store is Do It Center which is also on the main road just east of the nearby gas station. Both are within 3 minutes’ drive from the house.

Laundry

There is a laundromat called Wu Laundry off the main street in neighboring Pos Chikito, about 4-minute drive from the house. If needed, you may give them your laundry and pick it up clean and folded a few hours later. They are efficient and reasonably priced. There are also do-it-yourself laundromats nearby.

Clothing and Souvenirs

While many clothing and souvenir options can be found at the local grocery stores, there are a few places that will have more options.

Ke Ke Mega Mart is the nearby local option (and has plenty of houseware as well). I am regularly surprised by the size of the store, which seems to go on forever, room after room.

In downtown Oranjestad, The Local Market is a fun open air flea market, and is popular amongst visitors. The Renaissance Mall and The Royal Plaza Mall are nearby, and carry bigger brand name options. The multi-level, pastel-hued buildings are some of the last remnants of original Dutch architecture on the island.

Groceries

There are a few good supermarkets near us: Super S-Chow (closest, walking distance) & New Food Center (more variety). Both are on the main road (Route 1) right as you turn toward the street to the house. The largest and most American/European grocery stores on the island are Super Food and Ling & Sons, both a 20 minute drive away.

For delivery, try https://groceriestogoaruba.com/

Shopping

The local currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG) but U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Many local merchants do not accept American Express but they do usually accept Visa and Mastercard. There are ATM machines all over so there is no need to bring much cash with you. The nearest ATM is by Super S Chow, a 5 min walk from the house.

Digital Connectivity

The WiFi network is “PeachyBeach” and the password is "MiDushiAruba" (which means “My Sweet Aruba” in the local language, Papiamento). It should function well as long as Aruba provides internet service to the house, which is most of the time.

For communications, we suggest downloading an app called “WhatsApp.” It will allow you to communicate with friends and family over wifi, even if you don’t have access to cellular data (ie. you don’t want to use roaming on your home plan and don’t get a local cellular plan/sim card).

Electricity is 110V similar to standard U.S. outlets.

Kayak Adventures

We offer single person kayaks, perfect for adventuring into the blue! Please lift these kayaks with two people when moving them and refrain from dragging them on the floor (concrete, beach, etc) as they may scrape and damage. When done for the day, please rinse off the kayaks from salt water and place them back to dry.

For your safety please understand the following:

By using the kayaks, guests assume all risks and responsibilities associated with its use. The host is not liable for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur while using the kayak. Guests are encouraged to use life jackets and follow all safety guidelines.

Always venture out against the wind and current so that your journey home will be assisted by the elements and therefore safer. This is especially important as it can be difficult to estimate the level of effort required to return home against the elements, and because you will likely be more fatigued on the way home than on the way out.

We recommend you stay within the lagoon and do not pass the outer reef into the open ocean as crossing the reef can be dangerous and conditions can be much more rough outside of the barrier reef, even if they appear calm from the beach.

I love island hopping up the coast, starting at the island directly across the lagoon, and then continuing south east along the islands. tread cautiously as some of the structures are old and may no longer bear weight. Seaglass island is a popular attraction, only about 3 islands away!