Category: Aruba

Aruba is your go-to destination for a relaxing beach vacation. The island is 21 miles long and located in the southern part of the Caribbean. Aruba enjoys warm weather and sunny skies year-round, with an average temperature of 82F. Below are 25 things to do in Aruba.

Fun Facts:

• Aruba has the most ethnically diverse population in the world.
• Divi Divi trees are native only to the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. The trees point in a southwest direction only!
• There are over 300 prehistoric pictographs to be discovered.
• 20% of Aruba is a dedicated national park
• Aruba has the most sunshine out of any island in the Caribbean.
• The architecture in Aruba is Dutch Colonial and is super colorful. These buildings are in Oranjestad.

25 Things to Do in Aruba:

Adventurous:

1- Swim at the Natural Pool known as Conchi, Cura di Tortuga or Turtles Cove

The unique natural pool, located at Arikok national park, is surrounded by rugged terrain. The jeep tour will take you to the natural pool and the Indian Caves. Swimming in the natural pool is allowed; however, the waves are too big to go on occasion. If you go swimming, do not forget to bring your snorkel gear because the fish are everywhere.

2- Indian Caves-

The jeep tour I listed above will also take you to the three Indian Caves in Aruba. The Fontein Cave is the most popular, as it has drawings of Arawak Indians on the ceilings. The Quadirikiri Cave is famous for its large bat population. 

3. Dos Playas Beach

Dos Playas beach is one of the most secluded places in Aruba. Swimming is not allowed because the waves are too big; however, it is beautiful. The jeep tour takes you to Dos Playas beach.

4. Aloe Farm

The tour will stop at an Aloe Farm, where they give you a sample and teach you the process of making Aloe. In the photo above, you will see what a Divi Divi tree looks like pointing in the southwest direction.

5- Horseback Riding-

Another fun activity at Arikok national park is going Horseback Riding! Experiencing this activity with the tour guides at Rancho La Ponderosa is one of the best ways to view the beautiful island. The ride will take you through the desert and end up at Wariruri Cove Beach. The ride costs $88.20 and lasts two hours.

Another horseback riding tour I found is slightly more expensive; however, it is worth it because you will ride along the northern coast past secluded beaches to hidden gems you can only reach by horseback.

6- Flamingo Beach-

Feeding flamingos on the beach is a unique experience in Aruba. You can experience this activity at Renaissance Island or Palm Island. I had the time of my life at Palm Island!

1. Renaissance Island- To stay at the Renaissance hotel or to arrive there early at 8 am. This beach is on Renaissance Island. The only way to get there is by a boat taxi service that leaves every 15 minutes. The island is open from 7 am to 7 pm.

2. Palm Island- Another spot to visit Flamingos on a beach is Palm Island. On palm island, you can also go on water slides, snorkeling, on a banana boat, and enjoy unlimited food and drinks.

7- ATV tour-

Book the most thrilling ATV tour in Aruba with tour guides here! The friendly tour guides will direct you around the island to explore the dessert! It is a super fun adrenaline rush activity, and you will feel the wind hitting your face.

Farms:

8- Ostrich Farm-

Did you know you can hand feed ostriches at the Aruba Ostrich Farm? You can visit the incubator and the hatchery! Did I forget to mention? You can hold the largest egg in the world, which happens to be the ostrich egg.

9- Aruba Butterfly Farm-

The Butterfly Farm, established in 1999, is $15.00 to enter. The guided tour takes 15 to 20 minutes. They are super friendly and knowledgeable. You learn how to make your butterfly-friendly garden back at home and more about the life cycle of a butterfly.

Beaches in Aruba:

Who doesn’t want to sink your toes in the soft, white sand and enjoy the aqua blue water on the horizon?

10- Eagle Beach-

Eagle Beach is one of the best beaches in the entire world. The Sandbar is an open-air bar on Eagle Beach. The bar has live music from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Happy hour is from 4 pm to 6 pm. Eagle Beach is the perfect place for the sunset!

11- Palm Beach-

 Palm beach is on a boardwalk with high-rise hotels. Bugaloe Beach Bar is near the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino. This bar serves a rich choice of cocktails on the rocks and frozen cocktails.

12- Boca Catalina–

This white sandy beach is on the northwest coast of Aruba. Boca Catalina is a two-minute walk to Tres Trapi!

13- Tres Trapi–

Tres Trapi is more of a cove and is also known as Aruba’s Turtle Beach because sea turtles are spotted daily. The cove is one of the most photogenic snorkeling spots on the island!

14- Mangel Halto–

Mangel Halto is a secluded beach located on the southeast coast of Aruba, where you’ll find excellent snorkeling areas and even a shipwreck. We booked a sea bob snorkeling tour at Mangel Halto. You can also go on a glass-bottom boat and kayak tour. Mangel Halto Bar and Grill is a great place nearby for food and drinks! 

15- Baby Beach–

This beach is perfect for snorkeling as there are no waves and tons of fish. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear.

16- Andicuri Beach–

This beach has huge waves as well as strong currents. This white sand beach is perfect for kitesurfing!

17- Arashi–

This beach features calm, shallow waters with rich Caribbean underwater life. This beach tends to get a little rocky on the north side.

Water Sports:

18- Snorkeling/ Scuba Diving-

 Aruba is one of the best islands to go snorkeling or scuba diving. Explore the Caribbean Sea, crystal-clear waters, and the diversity and beauty of marine life with certified guides at Aruba Bob Snorkel and Scuba. You can also snorkel at palm island for a day trip adventure! Going on a banana boat, all-inclusive food and drinks, and a few water slides are a part of the palm island adventure. You can also see flamingos on palm island!

19- Glass-Bottom Kayaking-

Enjoy your day by kayaking on a glass bottom kayak with a clear water view!

20- Jet Skiing–

The best place to rent a jet ski is on Eagle Beach.

21- Parasailing-

Experience the feeling of exhilaration and enjoy parasailing at Palm Beach in Aruba.

Shopping:

22- Shopping–

Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba, is one of the best places to go shopping. There are historical buildings to see, restaurants to try, hotels, and stores to shop at along breathtaking beaches in Oranjestad. Go shopping at the Wharfside Flea Market. The Renaissance Mall and market offer everything from fine clothing to fine dining!

23- Aruba Downtown Walking Tour-

This tour is a great way to explore the capital on foot. The expert guide will guide you through Oranjestad history, with more than 30 sites to learn about and explore. Highlights of the tour include Fort Zoutman, the Wilhemina Statue, and “I Love Aruba” sign, the archeological museum, and Huisje Hart. The archeological museum exhibits shells from the early prehistoric age in Aruba.

Food/Drinks:

24- Sunset Dinner Cruise-

Watch the colorful tropical sunset on a cruise while enjoying drinks and appetizers on a 40-food trimaran.

25- Royal Plaza Mall

You can get lunch or dinner on the second floor at the Royal Plaza Mall with an excellent view of Oranjestad and delicious food.

We listed 25 best things to do in Aruba! Have you ever been to Aruba? Please comment down below about your experience.

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