Attend the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba

People attending a nighttime concert at Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba

Are you looking for lodging near the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba? Look no further than Blue Aruba Rentals and our Harbour House properties in downtown Aruba! Stay close to the action and easily access the music concerts at Harbor Arena, just a five-minute drive down the road. Soak up the sun during SBMF and experience a weekend full of star-studded concerts, comedy shows, and beach parties. Book your Aruba condo rental today and read on to learn more about what to expect at this year’s festival:

Schedule of Events

The Soul Beach Music Festival is held in Aruba annually over Memorial Day weekend. The 2024 festival kicks off on Wednesday, May 22nd, and ends on Monday, May 27th. You can find the schedule of events on the official website of SBMF, but here is a preview of what to expect:

  • Concerts are hosted at the outdoor Harbor Arena off LG Smith Road. The 2024 headliners are Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men!
  • The Comedy Concert will be hosted at Renaissance Wind Creek Festival Plaza, just a five-minute walk from Harbour House. The 2024 headliner is Earthquake!
  • Nightclub Parties are hosted at various venues throughout the island, featuring guest DJs.
  • Beach Parties are hosted at Moomba Beach in the Palm Beach area, except for the Sunday party at Baby Beach. 

Read the FAQ page for more information about getting to the island, ground transportation, and ticket information. Purchase your tickets for the music festival today!

Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival Lodging

Reserve lodging for the Soul Beach Music Festival at Harbour House with Blue Aruba Rentals today! Harbour House condos are located downtown and overlook the beautiful Oranjestad Marina. Our rentals range from studio to three-bedroom condos to accommodate groups of all sizes visiting for the festival. No matter where you stay, you can enjoy access to resort amenities, such as:

  • Infinity pool overlooking the Oranjestad Marina
  • Fitness center featuring the latest gym equipment
  • Exclusive sundeck with hot tub
  • Award-winning restaurants on-site: Lima Bistro & Ever Restaurant
  • 24-hour security service
  • High-speed internet access

Reserve your room at Harbour House today, and we’ll see you during the Soul Beach Music Festival!

5 Aruba Restaurants on the Beach to Try on Vacation

Tables set up at Aruba restaurants on the beach at sunset

Blue Aruba Rentals is proud to offer premium beachfront properties on the beautiful island of Aruba! Book your vacation rental in Eagle Beach with us and enjoy on-site dining at Po-KĂ© Ono and Infini by Urvin Crose. Or stay in Oranjestad and enjoy exceptional dining at Lima Bistro and Ever Restaurant steps from your condo rental. Discover even more dining options at our Aruba restaurants on the beach and enjoy waterfront views, fresh seafood, tasty cocktails, and live entertainment. 

Whether you are looking for a casual eatery where you can watch the sunset or an elevated date night spot for you and your loved one, there is a destination for everyone: 

1. MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant

Enjoy fantastic food, drinks, music, and views at MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant, between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn. Sit in the restaurant’s outdoor seating area and enjoy ocean views as you dine on fresh seafood or pinchos. After your meal, head to the beachfront bar for tasty cocktails and live entertainment!

2. Passions On The Beach

Visit Passions On The Beach for a romantic torchlight dinner on Eagle Beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Indulge in some of the island’s highest-quality meat and seafood, including grouper, mahi mahi, red snapper, and filet mignon. They also offer a beach bar for breakfast, lunch, or late-night cocktails!

3. Barefoot Restaurant

Barefoot Restaurant is located in Oranjestad, approximately 20 minutes from our resort area. They are known for offering “elegant dining in flip flops,” combining fine dining with a relaxed beach setting. They offer delicious fish, meat, and vegetarian entrees to appeal to everyone’s taste buds. Pair your meal with an exquisite cocktail or glass of wine!

4. Atardi

If you are looking for Aruba restaurants on the beach for your date night, we recommend Atardi. Enjoy a private beachfront dining experience complemented by romantic sunset views and carefully prepared culinary delights. Their dinner menu highlights the Chilean Sea Bass, but they offer entrees like creole red snapper and Caribbean lobster tail. Elements is another fantastic date-night restaurant!

5. Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant

If you are looking for a casual beachfront eatery, we recommend Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant. Stop in for their daily happy hour, take in water views, and enjoy tasty seafood like grouper, corvina, octopus, seabass, and more!

Book Your Aruba Beachfront Vacation Rental

Many of these Aruba restaurants on the beach are just a short drive away from our Aruba vacation rentals in Eagle Beach. Browse our collection of Aruba condo rentals near the beach in Blue Residences, Azure Beach Residences, and Oceania Residences. Discover even more condo rentals at Harbour House overlooking the beautiful Oranjestad Marina. Enjoy amenities like beach access, pools, fitness rooms, tennis courts, and on-site dining. Book your Caribbean getaway in Aruba today!

Long-Term Rentals in Aruba for the Ultimate Workcation

Person sitting on the beach and working on their laptop, long term rentals in Aruba for your workcation

Thanks to the flexibility of remote jobs, workcations have become a popular way to combine work and play! Workcations or working vacations offer a fantastic opportunity to break out of your routine and travel to an inspiring location while working remotely. Discover inspiration on the beautiful island of Aruba with Bue Aruba Vacation Rentals. Reserve our workcation special and save up to 30% on select long-term rentals in Aruba. Plan your extended stay and take advantage of our free WiFi, amazing views, and open spaces!

Aruba Workcation Special

Blue Aruba Rentals is offering an exclusive promo for extended stays now through November 30, 2024. Receive up to 30% discount on a stay of more than 28 days on certain units. Please contact us directly at info@bluearuba.com or +1 844 999 2425 for more information about the properties available for extended stays. Let us assist you with planning the perfect workcation!

Benefits of Working Remotely with Blue Aruba Rentals

  • Free high-speed WiFi in our vacation rentals
  • Amazing views to inspire you and provide a scenic backdrop for meetings
  • Access to open spaces, including beaches, gardens, tennis courts, and pools 
  • Use of amenities like fitness center and tennis courts
  • On-site wellness activities, including yoga, tennis clinics, and paddleboard tours.
  • 24/7 security 

Aruba Long-Term Rentals Amenities

Blue Aruba Vacation Rentals represents properties in Harbour House, Oceania, Blue, and Azure Beach Residences. No matter where you stay, you will have access to essential amenities on your property, such as:

  • Kitchen
  • Private Entrance
  • Parking
  • WiFi with speeds of 100mbps
  • Washer and dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Access to swimming pool, spa, and gym

Top Activities in Aruba

After you clock out for the day, check out everything our island paradise has to offer. Read through our Blue Aruba blog posts for vacation inspiration!

  • Spend time unwinding at our picturesque Aruba beaches: Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Arashi Beach.
  • Explore Arikok National Park and hike through the native flora and fauna of the Caribbean.
  • Discover endless water activities like fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

Book Long-Term Rentals in Aruba Today

Start planning your Caribbean workcation today and discover the best long-term rentals in Aruba for your getaway! Blue Aruba is the number one vacation home rental company on the island, offering more than 200 condos to suit your needs. Please contact us directly to confirm availability and request a personalized quote. Your Aruba workcation awaits!

The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Aruba

View of shopping mall in Aruba, featuring colorful architecture

Enjoy a day of shopping in Aruba during your Caribbean vacation with Blue Aruba Rentals! Immerse yourself in the colorful streets of Oranjestad, where Dutch-inspired architecture and colorful buildings set the stage for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. From bustling shopping malls featuring luxury brands to specialty shops selling locally made items, you are sure to find the perfect souvenir! 

Shopping Malls in Aruba

Renaissance Mall

Renaissance Mall is a shopping center in Oranjestad where you can find all of your favorite luxury fashion brands and designers.

Renaissance Marketplace

Renaissance Marketplace is just a 10-minute walk from the Renaissance Mall, offering fantastic boutique shopping. Shop for apparel, eyewear, resort wear, jewelry, beauty products, and souvenirs!

Palm Beach Plaza Mall

Palm Beach Plaza Mall is Aruba’s largest mall, offering 15,000 square feet of shopping in Noord. Shop for jewelry, shoes, apparel, accessories, art, and more here!

Royal Plaza Mall

Royal Plaza Mall offers a fun and colorful shopping experience just across the street from the cruise ship terminal. Shop for luxury brands, exclusive jewelry, souvenirs, and more!

Paseo Herencia Mall

Paseo Herencia Mall is an old-style plaza in the Noord region, selling fashion, beachwear, jewelry, and souvenirs. 

The Local Market

The Local Market is Aruba’s biggest outdoor market, offering a wide selection of Dutch-style market stalls selling locally made products. 

Specialty Shops in Aruba

Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store

Aruba is home to one of the last Aloe companies in the world that grows, harvests, and processes all of its aloe on-site. A visit to the Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store is a must. After your tour, visit the store and find aloe products like lotions, soaps, skin care gels, hair products, lip balms, and more!

Cigar Emporium

Shop Aruba’s largest collection of Cuban cigars at Cigar Emporium. It is located in the Royal Plaza Mall area. 

Coconuts

Shop for locally-made clothing, accessories, and souvenirs at Coconuts! From beachwear to handmade souvenirs, there is something for everyone here!

Book Your Aruba Vacation Rental Today

Find the perfect souvenir for your Caribbean getaway while shopping in Aruba. Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and find the perfect Aruba condo rental in the Eagle Beach area. Browse over 230 condos in Blue, Azure Beach, Oceania Residences, and Harbour House properties. Book your Aruba vacation with us today!

Answering FAQ’s: Aruba Car Rentals, Travel Info, Weather, & More!

Aruba welcome sign

If you have never visited Aruba, you probably have several questions about visiting our island paradise. Luckily, Blue Aruba Rentals is here to answer your questions and give you insight on traveling to Aruba. From entry requirements to the best Aruba car rentals to get around the island, we have it all covered! Read on to discover our frequently asked questions, and book your Caribbean getaway today!

Q1: Where is Aruba?

Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean Sea and is part of the Lesser Antilles islands. The island is approximately 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. 

Q2: How Do You Get to Aruba?

Aruba is accessible by cruise port or flying. Check the Cruiseship schedules from the Port of Aruba to learn more about getting to our island via cruise. You can also fly into the Queen Beatrix International Airport from most major U.S. cities!

Q3: When is the Best Time to Visit Aruba?

Anytime! We offer warm-weather year-round and endless events to plan your vacation around. Generally, the high season is from mid-December until mid-April, and the low season is from mid-April until mid-December. 

Q4: What Language and Currency is Used in Aruba?

The mother tongue of Aruba is Papiamento, but many residents also speak English, Dutch, and Spanish. The currency used is florin. 

Q5: What are the Aruba Entry Requirements?

Read through the Aruba entry requirements to determine everything you need for travel! The basics include a passport, an approved Embarkation and Disembarkation card, and required vaccinations.

Q6: What Should I Pack for Aruba?

Utilize the Aruba packing list when preparing for your trip! Some essential items include sunscreen, bathing suits, beachwear, sandals, and sunglasses.

Q7: What is the Best Way to Get Around Aruba?

If you are flying into the airport, we recommend reserving an Aruba car rental or transfer. If you are looking for alternative transportation, we recommend taking public transportation, the bus, or a taxi.

Q8: What is There to Do in Aruba?

We are famous for our beaches, but there are plenty of other things to do in Aruba! Our Happy Island also offers incredible natural wonders, water activities, tours, golf, nightlife, shopping, dining, and events. Check out our blog for more vacation ideas!

Where Should I Stay in Aruba?

Blue Aruba Rentals is the number one vacation home rental company in Aruba! We offer the perfect lodging for your Aruba getaway with our premium beachfront properties. Discover our vacation rentals in the Blue, Azure Beach, and Oceania Residences complexes. Enjoy the island’s best amenities, including beach access, concierge services, fitness rooms, and on-site restaurants. We also offer Harbour House properties for visitors who want to stay in the heart of downtown. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us before booking your Aruba getaway!

Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals for the Aruba Beach Tennis Championships

Photo of beach tennis equipment in the sand

The Aruba Open Beach Tennis Championships are just around the corner! For over a decade, Aruba has hosted this championship tournament in November at Bushiri Beach, showcasing some of the most talented players in the sport. Join thousands of spectators on our island paradise to witness the most elite beach tennis players compete for prize money. Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals at Harbour House and access the tournament just around the corner from your vacation rental!

Aruba Open Beach Tennis

The Aruba Open will be held November 12-19, 2023 at Bushiri Beach. The Aruba Open is one of the leading beach tennis events, welcoming over 1,200 participants from over 40 countries yearly! Eight tournaments will be played, including singles, mixed doubles, and team cups. Learn more about the rules and regulations for each tournament here. 

2023 Schedule

The Aruba Open will kick off on Sunday, November 12, 2023, with the Pro Doubles Invitational Cup. Each day ends with live music on the stage, and the tournament ends with a fun afterparty with a live DJ! Review the 2023 program schedule to learn more about the time and date of each event. 

Play Beach Tennis in Aruba

Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals and try beach tennis for yourself, steps away from your Aruba condo rental. Our Blue and Azure Residences offer on-site beach tennis courts so you can play without leaving the resort area. Or contact us, and we can help you arrange beach tennis classes with top professionals on the island. Discover even more beach tennis courts in Aruba at:

Plan Your Getaway During the Aruba Open Championships

Plan your Caribbean getaway around the Aruba Open this November with Blue Aruba Rentals! We manage more than 200 condos with easy access to the beach tennis tournament. Our Harbour House properties are just a short walk away from the event. And our Oceania, Blue, and Azure Beach Residences are just a five-minute drive to Bushiri Beach! Discover the convenient amenities of our properties, from concierge services to our very own beach tennis court. 

We can’t wait to host your group for the epic Aruba Open Beach Tennis Championships!

Aruba Animal Activities: Philips Animal Garden, Butterfly Farm, & More!

Aruba animal experiences include Philips Animal Garden and Donkey Sanctuary shown in photo

Aruba isn’t just a paradise for beach lovers; our Caribbean Island is also a paradise for animal lovers! During your island exploration with Blue Aruba Rentals, you will be met with a wealth of local wildlife, from lizards to mountain goats. Aruba is also home to several animal sanctuaries where you get an up-close look at regional and wildlife from all over the world. From rescued exotic animals at Philips Animal Garden to insects from around the world at the Butterfly Farm, there is an animal experience for everyone!

Philip’s Animal Garden

Philip’s Animal Garden is a non-profit organization committed to rescuing and rehabilitating exotic animals around the region. See over 50 exotic animals, including jaguarundi, kangaroos, donkeys, goats, snakes, and many bird species. Join Around Aruba for a fantastic guided tour of the garden. 

Butterfly Farm

Visit the Butterfly Farm and witness hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies from around the world. Imagine walking through a tropical rainforest setting amidst flowers, trees, ponds, and colorful butterflies flying around you. Your admission includes a guided tour of the farms, where you will learn about the life cycle of butterflies.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

Explore the Aruba Ostrich Farm with a knowledgeable tour guide. Get acquainted with over 80 ostriches and emus as you learn about mating, rearing, feeding habits, defense mechanisms, and more. After your tour, we encourage you to pick out a souvenir from the art shop or a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba cares for over 130 abandoned or neglected donkeys, providing a safe haven for these unique animals. Get ready to make new friends at the sanctuary with these friendly donkeys that love pets and snacks (bring carrots and apples!) 

Donate to the Aruban Donkey Program and help support the sanctuary! Your donation includes a 15-30 minute hug and cuddles with the donkeys; who could say no to that?

Bubali Bird Sanctuary 

The Bubali Bird Sanctuary offers a fantastic setting for birdwatching in nature! Climb the observation tower to look for migratory birds like herons, egrets, gulls, skimmers, coots, and ducks.  

An Aruba Getaway for Animal Lovers

After meeting the wildlife at Philip’s Animal Garden, Donkey Sanctuary, and Ostrich Farm, return to your vacation home with Blue Aruba Rentals. We offer 230 condos in Blue, Azure Beach, and Oceania Residences complexes. We also offer Harbour House properties overlooking the beautiful Oranjestad Marina. Discover our specials and email us at info@bluearuba.com for more information!

Spend Memorial Day in Aruba: Soul Beach Music Festival & Hi-Winds

Photo of events, Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival and Hi Winds

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer, and there’s no better place to kick off the season than the World’s Happiest Island! Every Memorial Day weekend, Aruba is the place for fun in the sun with music festivals, beach parties, cookouts, and kitesurfing competitions. Choose Blue Aruba Rentals to host your island getaway and stay within walking distance of the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival!

Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival

The 2023 Soul Beach Music Festival returns May 24th-29th, offering five days of live music, beach parties, comedy shows, and pool parties! Stay with Blue Aruba Rentals in our Harbour House property and walk to the festival down the road. Voted as one of the “Top Five Caribbean Celebrations by USA TODAY,” this event is not to be missed!

Schedule of Events

The Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival kicks off on Wednesday, the 24th, with live music, beach parties, comedy shows, and more!

  • Live Radio Remote Broadcasts
  • Day Parties at Palm Beach
  • Comedy concerts with hilarious comedians like Tiffany Haddish and Deon Cole
  • Main stage concerts with famous musicians like The Roots, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, and Lucky Daye
  • Nightclub Parties
  • Memorial Day “Cool Down” BBQ

Aruba Hi-Winds

Aruba Hi-Winds returns for the 35th year from May 17th through the 22nd for five days of kitesurfing, windsurfing, and biking. This is the largest watersport event of its kind in the Caribbean, attracting surfers from around the world!

Schedule of Events

The Aruba Hi-Winds begins on Wednesday the 24th at Fisherman’s Hut. You can expect all sorts of competitions and activities, such as: 

  • Long-distance races for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoil
  • Kids races
  • Big air kitesurfing 
  • Mountain bike races
  • Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoil slaloms
  • Sailboat races
  • Live entertainment
  • Prize ceremony

Aruba Luxury Vacation Rentals 

Start planning your Memorial Day weekend getaway, and join us for the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival and Hi-Winds! Blue Aruba Rentals offers the perfect lodging overlooking beautiful Eagle Beach or Oranjestad Marina, just a short distance away from these popular events. Our Harbour House properties range from studio to three-bedroom options to host groups of all sizes. If Harbour House doesn’t meet your needs, browse our condos at Blue, Azure Beach, and Oceania Residences. 

Looking Beneath the Ripples: Aruba Snorkeling Guide

View of a person enjoying Aruba snorkeling with a sea turtle

With crystal-clear water and abundant sea life, Aruba snorkeling is sure to be one of your favorite excursions during your time on the island. Bring your snorkeling gear and discover our underwater world on your own time or sign up for a guided tour and let local experts take you to the best snorkeling spots. From shipwrecks to tropical fish and coral reefs, there is no limit to what you can see in our underwater paradise. 

Choose Blue Aruba Rentals to host your Caribbean getaway and access the island’s most beautiful beaches near your rental property!

Where to Go Snorkeling On Your Own in Aruba

Grab your snorkeling gear and visit our Aruba beaches to discover an underwater world of reefs, wrecks, and tropical fish.

  • Malmok Beach: The shallow and clear waters here are the perfect places to begin your snorkeling adventure. Common fish found here include sergeant majors and butterfly fish!
  • Boca Catalina: Although most popularly accessed by boat tours, you can also snorkel here on your own. Catalina Cove is located nearby and is one of the best spots to witness sea turtles while snorkeling.
  • Mangel Halto: This snorkeling beach is recommended for snorkelers with experience since the water can get a bit rough here. Snorkel in the reef to see octopi, morays, stingrays, yellowtail snappers, and barracuda.
  • Arashi Beach: This beach is ideal for beginners due to its shallow water and sandy bottoms. Here you will find a reef abundant with coral and tropical fish.
  • Tres Trapi: Known as one of the most unique snorkeling spots in the Caribbean, Tres Trapi is an excellent spot to witness sea stars!

Aruba Snorkeling Tours

Some of the best snorkeling spots in Aruba, like the Antilla Shipwreck, are best accessed by a local tour guide. Sign up for an Aruba snorkeling tour with one of these outfitters:

De Palm Tours

De Palm Tours has been providing exceptional snorkeling tours for over 60 years! Access three snorkel spots on a spacious catamaran, including Antilla Shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Arashi Reef. The Antilla is the largest shipwreck dive in the Caribbean and is home to abundant coral, tropical fish, tube sponges, and anemones.

Jolly Pirates

If you want a family-friendly adventure, join the Afternoon Snorkeling Tour with Jolly Pirates. Step aboard the pirate schooner and let the crew take you to Catalina Bay and Antilla Shipwreck. Look for reef formations, starfish, sea turtles, tropical fish, coral, and sponges.

Octopus Aruba

Octopus Aruba takes small groups to the best snorkeling on the island with the Catamaran Afternoon Lunch & Snorkeling experience. They also offer power snorkeling using underwater scooters, which allow you to experience the thrill of diving with the simplicity of snorkeling. All you have to do is push the button of your battery-operated scooter and let it propel you through the reef.

Aruba Vacation Rentals on Eagle Beach

After discovering the magic of Aruba snorkeling, return to your property with Blue Aruba Rentals. Enjoy all of our amenities, like beaches, pools, spas, restaurants, and fitness rooms. Discover the properties in our oceanfront condos: Harbour House, Oceania, Blue, and Azure Beach Residences. Book your getaway to our Caribbean paradise today!

Explore the Island: Aruba Horseback Riding Tours

Photo of people horseback riding in Aruba at the beach

There are many ways to explore the magic of Aruba, from fast-pasted ATV adventures to relaxing horseback riding excursions. Horseback riding in Aruba is one of our favorite ways to explore the island. Several ranches offer trips to natural wonders like National Park Arikok, Sand Dunes, and Natural Pools. And the best part? You don’t need any prior experience; our horses are well-trained for beginners who want to see the island from a new perspective.

Blue Aruba Rentals offers the ideal base camp for your travels, with our condos located near beautiful Eagle Beach. Read on to learn more about horseback riding options on the island and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

The Gold Mine Ranch Aruba

The Gold Mine Ranch offers regular and private rides for all ages and experience levels. 

Rancho La Ponderosa

Discover Wariruri Beach with a smaller group with additional instruction for riders. Explore the unspoiled beauty of the North Coast with a two-hour morning or afternoon excursion. Or sign up for one of their private tours for an exclusive experience.

Rancho Loco

Experience horseback riding in Aruba at Rancho Loco in Santa Cruz. They offer public and private Natural Pool Tours that take you to Moro Beach and the Natural Pool. Once you reach the pool, you will stop to enjoy a refreshing swim. They also offer a sunset tour to Arikok Park, where you can witness a picturesque panoramic sunset from the hilltop.  

Rancho Notorious 

Rancho Notorious offers several tour options designed for small groups that take you places other tour operators do not provide. Their countryside tour is excellent for kids, with exciting animal sightings like donkeys and parakeets. They also offer trips where you can visit the famous Alto Vista Chapel, Urirama Cove, and the California Lighthouse

Aruba Vacation Rentals near Eagle Beach

After horseback riding in Aruba, return to your luxury vacation condo with Blue Aruba Rentals. We offer three condo complexes, including Blue Residences, Azure Beach Residences, and Oceania Residences, in addition to Harbour House. Take advantage of amenities like pools, fitness rooms, spas, beach tennis, and award-winning restaurants. Plan your vacation to our beautiful Caribbean island today!