Aruba is truly a desert island, and its small size (something like 9 by 16 miles) allows one to see the entire island well within a day. On its western coast are exquisite and accessible beaches. The eastern third of the island is a desert, with short bushes that look as though they’ve been tortured by a dry wind. Emaciated goats and dogs can usually be seen, as well as small lizards. Paved roads are found mainly on the western, southern and northern portions of the island, with roads on the eastern coastal regions are often no more than dirt trails. Some are so uneven that a four-wheel-drive vehicle with generous ground clearance is required for passage. We rented one of Suzuki’s small, 4wd SUVs, and had a great time touring the island with two friends for most of the day. Some coastal areas have dramatic bays with crashing waves that have sculpted interesting land formations, such as the Natural Bridge. On the island’s southwest side is Baby Beach. It is notable for shallow waters that are safe for children and for those who wade, but don’t swim, as well as for its coral reefs that are densely populated with iridescent fish of diverse sizes, providing ideal snorkeling. Other beaches are better suited for swimming, but all of Aruba’s beaches are open to the general public, including those maintained by individual resort hotels. We returned to the ship in time to do some shopping at stores located near the pier and then boarded for dinner.