Best Things to Do in Aruba

The little Caribbean island of Aruba is mainly known for its beautiful beaches and tropical weather, but there are also plenty of fun activities for couples, families, and other travelers.

Even though it’s a small island, Aruba boasts the Arikok National Park, which offers hiking, horseback riding, and ATV off-roading. The island also features caves, natural rock bridges, a lighthouse, and stunning scenic photo opportunities.

Discovering wildlife activities in Aruba can be enjoyable too, with attractions like the Butterfly Farm and the renowned Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island, where visitors can feed and photograph the friendly pink flamingos roaming the island.

Our recent trip to Aruba was a blast! It’s safe, easily accessible from the U.S., and quite budget-friendly. Most importantly, the island is adorned with dozens of immaculate white sand beaches in Aruba with pristine blue waters, making it a perfect winter getaway.

This is your travel guide for the best things to do in Aruba!

Where To Stay In Aruba

Best Things To Do In Aruba

1. Enjoy The Beaches

Aruba is famous for its stunning white sand beaches, with picturesque spots in every corner of the island! Relaxing on the beach while soaking up the sun is undoubtedly one of the highlights of visiting Aruba.

The most visited spot on the island is Palm Beach, home to high-rise resorts, numerous bars and dining options, shopping outlets, and exciting watersports activities.

Moreover, some of our favorite beaches include Arashi Beach, Baby Beach, and Eagle Beach, which offer excellent swimming areas and free palapas (thatch umbrellas). While these locations can get busy, they retain a certain charm due to their lack of extensive development.

If you’re seeking more secluded spots, consider the pristine northern and eastern coasts of Aruba, where you’ll find untouched beaches at Arikok National Park. Although some areas may not be ideal for swimming due to strong currents, they provide incredible opportunities for relaxation and photo ops, including unique black stone beaches!

Read More: Best Aruba Beaches

2. See The Flamingos At Renaissance Island

Speaking of beaches, visiting the famous Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island is a must. Here, about a dozen photogenic flamingos roam freely, offering a delightful experience for both kids and adults. Visitors can feed the flamingos or capture memorable photos with these iconic birds.

This charming, semi-private island is part of the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort. Access is complimentary for hotel guests; otherwise, day passes are available for purchase, albeit at a premium price for this unique experience.

In addition to the flamingos, there’s Iguana Beach on Renaissance Island, where friendly iguanas can often be seen wandering about. Both beaches are pristine with great swimming facilities, dining options, and scenic views.

3. Explore Arikok National Park

Covering nearly 20% of the island, Arikok National Park showcases stunning rocky coastal views, wildlife, caves, tide pools, natural bridges, and sprawling cactus-covered hills.

While Arikok may not quite match U.S. national parks in grandeur, it’s still worth exploring during your visit to Aruba. Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water, as some of the park’s more isolated areas can be quite remote.

You can venture into the park with your vehicle, hike along the coast, relax, or even book horseback riding or sign up for an ATV or UTV tour for exhilarating fun!

4. Join An ATV / UTV Off-Roading Tour

If you’re looking for excitement, consider joining one of the many ATV and UTV tours that explore Arikok National Park and beyond, including natural landmarks like the natural bridge and natural pool.

UTVs are more family-friendly while ATVs provide a thrilling ride through the countryside. Off-roading tours from providers like GetYourGuide often include free hotel transportation and an extended trip filled with adventure.

Tour stops may include sites such as the Bushiribana gold mill ruins, the natural bridge, Conchi natural pool, and the Alto Vista Chapel. This activity stands out as one of the best things to do in Aruba!

5. Go Horseback Riding On The Beach

Another popular activity in Aruba is horseback riding on scenic beaches like Dos Playas, Wariruri, and in Arikok National Park.

Guided tours typically include pickup from your accommodation and transportation to a ranch for a couple of hours of beach riding. Novices and children can participate with assistance from guides, while experienced riders can enjoy a faster pace.

Moreover, the backdrop offers beautiful photo opportunities, and guides are often happy to capture photos during the ride.

6. See The Natural Bridges

Aruba is home to several natural rock bridges formed by years of sea erosion. The most well-known is located at Andicuri Bay, frequented by many day tours. Although one of the two bridges is partially collapsed, it remains a striking location.

The best-kept secret is the Seroe Colorado natural bridge, harder to find and not widely visited. Situated on Aruba’s southern coast, it’s stunning and resembles a picture frame for the ocean. You can access it by driving to San Nicolas and taking a short, albeit rocky, hike down.

While the route is unmarked and somewhat challenging, the reward is well worth it for adventurous travelers!

Read More: Best Hikes In Aruba

7. Visit The California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse is one of Aruba’s most recognizable landmarks, located at the island’s northern tip, named after a shipwreck nearby in 1891.

Visitors can admire the lighthouse and take photos for free or pay a small fee to climb to the top for 360-degree views of Aruba. It’s open daily without the need for reservations, making sunset visits particularly picturesque.

This lighthouse, originally constructed in 1916, underwent restoration in 2016 for its 100th anniversary and is conveniently positioned near Arashi Beach, allowing for a combined visit.

8. Eat Fruit Bowls At Eduardo’s Beach Shack

If you’re in Palm Beach, a visit to Eduardo’s Beach Shack is essential for refreshing fruit smoothie bowls and Hawaiian poké with vegetables.

You can select from fresh ingredients like banana, kiwi, mango, and pineapple, topped with ice cream. While it’s not as inexpensive as in other vacation destinations, it’s still a delightful treat for a hot day at the beach.

Conveniently located near Palm Beach’s palapas, queues can form quickly, but they tend to move fast!

9. Visit The Butterfly Farm

One of the top attractions in Aruba for families and nature lovers alike is the Butterfly Farm near Palm Beach. This enchanting park features exotic butterfly species from around the globe, all thriving in a tropical garden environment.

Guests typically spend about half an hour strolling through this vibrant garden, although those with a passion for photography may want to linger longer.

Your admission ticket allows multiple returns during your stay, and a free guided tour is available, although participation is optional.

10. Take A Scenic Boat Cruise

A scenic boat cruise along Aruba’s coastline offers a refreshing perspective of the island, often paired with an open bar and snorkeling activities.

GetYourGuide provides options for boat trips that include snorkeling at various sites, such as the Antilla shipwreck and ideal spots near Boca Catalina beach, with complimentary hotel transportation.

There are also premium dinner cruises available, perfect for couples seeking a romantic atmosphere.

11. See The Giant Red Anchor

A fun stopping point in the San Nicolas area is the giant red anchor, symbolizing the seamen who’ve lost their lives at sea over the years.

Standing 15.5 feet tall (4.7 meters) and weighing nearly 48,000 pounds (21,700 kilos), this anchor offers picturesque views of Aruba’s coastline. It’s an easy stop if you have a rental car, especially en route to Baby Beach or Boca Grandi.

12. Watch The Sunset

Aruba’s stunning sunsets are not to be missed, providing a lovely conclusion to any day whether viewed from the beach or a boat!

West-facing beaches such as Arashi Beach, Eagle Beach, and Hadicurari Beach are excellent for sunset watching, with boats sailing by in the golden hour.

Additionally, consider booking a sunset catamaran cruise for up-close views of the breathtaking scenery!

13. Swim In The Natural Pool

The Conchi natural pool, located within Arikok National Park, is a coveted spot known for its turquoise waters, protected from the waves by surrounding rocks.

Several routes lead to this hidden gem. You can rent a car and drive, keeping in mind that the road is only suitable for high clearance vehicles. Alternatively, hikers can trek from Daimari Bay, but be prepared with hats and plenty of water as the route can be quite rugged.

Off-roading Jeep tours provide a fun and convenient way to visit the natural pool, offering all-day adventures.

14. Climb The Casibari Rocks

Located in central Aruba, the Casibari rock formation is a great free spot that invites visitors to climb for stunning island views.

A stairway to the top makes it accessible for all ages, allowing you to reach the platform in just a few minutes. Though small and safe, supervision of young children is advised due to the height of the rocks providing impressive vistas!

Read More: Best Hikes In Aruba

15. Visit An Animal Sanctuary

For animal lovers, Aruba has several sanctuaries, including an ostrich farm, a donkey sanctuary, and Philip’s Animal Garden, home to over 50 rescued species.

GetYourGuide even offers a ‘meet the animals’ tour covering all three sanctuaries, where proceeds contribute to the parks’ maintenance and animal care.

This tour includes free pickup from hotels and cruise ships, easing transportation across the island.

16. Visit The Aloe Factory

The Royal Aruba Aloe company has been harvesting and processing aloe since 1890, with some of the finest products globally.

At one point, in 1920, aloe fields covered two-thirds of the island! Nowadays, tours of the factory and museum are free, showcasing the aloe-making process and featuring a shop for their skin care products.

It’s a delightful option to relieve the sunburn that may result from your time in the sun while enjoying the benefits of aloe vera!

17. Climb The Hooiberg Hill

The Hooiberg hill, at an elevation of 165 meters (541 feet), is the second tallest point in Aruba.

Despite its intimidating appearance, it’s a moderate climb, and fit hikers can reach the top in as little as 20 minutes via paved staircases. Although it is a workout, an early morning or later evening climb when temperatures are cooler is recommended. Don’t forget to take along water!

The top offers splendid views over the island and, on a clear day, even as far as Venezuela. It’s also an exceptional spot to catch sunrises or sunsets!

Read More: Best Hikes In Aruba

18. Find The Aruba Sign

For a fun photo opportunity, check out the colorful welcome signs around the island, particularly at Plaza Turismo near the airport (map here) and the ‘I Love Aruba’ sign by the cruise terminal.

19. Climb The Ayo Rocks

The Ayo rock formation is another family-friendly adventure in central Aruba, featuring large boulders and native petroglyphs from the island’s first settlers.

The caves and passageways among the rocks create an engaging exploration experience. This impressive site is open for your enjoyment 24/7, without any entry fee!

Read More: Best Hikes In Aruba

20. Shop For Souvenirs

It’s impossible to leave Aruba without picking up souvenirs!

Top shopping spots for souvenirs in Oranjestad include the I Love Aruba store, local malls, and the Aruba flea market, along with smaller souvenir stalls near the cruise port.

You’ll find typical souvenirs like T-shirts, mugs, and magnets, along with unique local crafts—such as aloe vera products, blue Dutch ceramics, Dutch cheeses, and gourmet chocolates.

21. Enjoy Aruban Food

Aruban cuisine showcases a delightful blend of Dutch and colonial influences with hints from Africa, Indonesia, Suriname, and more.

Fresh seafood and a variety of western dishes are also popular. Here are some must-visit restaurants in Aruba:

• Breakfast — The Dutch Pancakehouse, Linda’s Dutch Pancakes, Scott’s Brats, Garden Fresh Cafe, Diana’s Pancakes Place, and Salt And Pepper Tapas Bar & Restaurant
• Dinner — Barefoot Restaurant, Flying Fishbone, Yemanja Woodfired Grill, 2 Fools And A Bull, Opus Ocean & Grill, and Papiamento Restaurant
• Ethnic — Nusa Aruba (Indonesian), Cafe Restaurant Yanti (Indonesian & Surinamese), Indo Restaurant (Indonesian & Surinamese), Asi Es Mi Peru (Peruvian), Gostoso (Portuguese), Lola Taqueria (Mexican), Kowloon Restaurant (Chinese), Blossoms (Japanese), Tandoor Grill House (Indian), and Bistro De Suikertuin (Aruban/Dutch)
• Dessert — Gelatissimo Bus, Bright Bakery, Joyful Ice Cream, and Ai Coffee

22. Stay In A Luxury Hotel

If you’re interested in a luxurious experience, Aruba has numerous high-end hotels offering stunning views and full amenities.

Some excellent luxury hotel options include:

• The Ritz-Carlton Aruba — 5-star accommodation in Noord with onsite restaurants, outdoor pools, spa, and ocean views.
• The Cove – Condo Hotel — Luxurious 5-star apartments with sea views and located directly on Palm Beach Strip.
• Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino — A beachfront 4-star hotel with balconies, spa, dining options, and more.
• Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino — A 4-star resort overlooking Palm Beach, providing multiple dining options plus a pool and hot tub.

23. Skydive In Paradise

Skydiving is a thrilling activity that should be on everyone’s bucket list, and Aruba offers breathtaking views for this adventure!

The only operator providing skydiving in Aruba is Skydive Aruba, with over 25 years of experience and adherence to safety guidelines set by the U.S. Parachute Association.

With stunning scenery that includes views of Curacao and Venezuela, they provide free transport and also offer photo and video services of your jump!

How To Get Around Aruba Island

Despite its small size, renting a car is ideal for exploring more of the island during an extended stay. We enjoyed a great experience using DiscoverCars.

Most attractions can be reached in any standard vehicle, and while 4x4s may not be essential for everyone, they can be useful for more adventurous explorations.

For shorter visits, day tours are a convenient option, though alternatives such as walking, taxis, or buses lack the flexibility of a rental car unless you have a concise itinerary.

Driving in Aruba is straightforward, especially for American visitors since Arubans drive on the right, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) isn’t necessary if you have a valid driver’s license from your home country.

Aruba On A Budget — Is It Possible?

Traveling on a budget in Aruba is achievable! On our last trip, we found a BNB for just $60 USD per night and enjoyed a roundtrip flight deal for $300 from Orlando.

Cooking most of our meals was easy with the convenient kitchen in our accommodations, where we even packed rice and supplies from the U.S.!

While we indulged in a visit to see the flamingoes at Renaissance Island, I would still say that Aruba is quite budget-friendly. Don’t fear to visit if you’re planning to travel economically!

More Fun Things To Do In Aruba

Thank you for reading! I hope this guide on the best things to do in Aruba has been informative and exciting.

Be sure to explore more of our Aruba blog posts before planning your trip!

For additional resources, check out:

• Best Beaches In Aruba Island
• Best Hikes In Aruba Island