20 Best Aruba Instagram Spots: Don’t Miss Out On These Epic Photo Ops

20 Best Aruba Instagram Spots

Aruba is so much more than just a tropical island. One half of the island is a rugged desert landscape while the other half is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And with so many incredible things to do in Aruba, you can expect your Instagram pics to be really diverse and unique!

We’ve linked the exact google map coordinates to each spot too, so you won’t have any trouble finding them!

1. The Infinity Pool at Rum Reef

Location: Rum Reef

The infinity pool at Rum Reef is a relatively new spot and is a huge draw for tourists looking for a brag-worthy vacation shot. Rum Reef is a cocktail bar and restaurant that overlooks Baby Beach, and its infinity pool is part of the restaurant and available to any paying customer (even if you’re just there for a drink!).

We think the fact that the restaurant offers a pool to their guests is wild, and it makes us wonder why more establishments don’t do this! It’s just such a unique way to view the beach. This is the only place on the island where you can get a shot like this!

2. The Peace Labyrinth

Location: Peace Labyrinth

The peace labyrinth is a really unique and Insta-worthy spot found behind the Alta Vista Chapel on the north shore of Aruba. It’s a bit of a hidden gem although it’s hidden in plain sight. If you don’t know to look for it, it’s incredibly easy to miss! But now that you know to look behind the chapel, you can be sure to grab the perfect picture!

The Chapel is worth your time too, so don’t skip it. Just be respectful when taking photos. The church is open daily from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and a service is held every Tuesday at 5:30 PM. Recently local vendors have also been setting up outside of the church to sell souvenirs and religious items.

3. Flamingo Beach

Location: Flamingo Beach

We’re sure it’s no surprise that the famous Flamingo Beach is on our list! This beach is actually on a private island owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, which is a popular place to stay in Aruba. You’ll need to be a hotel guest to access the island unless you’re lucky enough to score a Day Pass. Day passes are really hard to get, so we do recommend staying at the hotel for part of your trip if the flamingos are on your wish list.

The boat to the island runs all day long and hotel guests can come and go as they please. Once you’re on the island, you’ll be rewarded with endless photo opportunities with hungry flamingos, dreamy day beds, and flowing cocktails. You’ll find stations of flamingo food set up around the island, where you can grab a cup full and feed them yourself.

4. The New Cave Pool

Location: Cave Pool

Aruba’s Cave Pool was just discovered a couple of years ago, and its picture-worthiness doesn’t disappoint! It can be difficult to find if you don’t know what to look for though, but this only adds to its allure.

The pool is found below a cliff next to the Bushiribana Ruins. You’ll need to climb down a steep ladder (this was recently replaced with a more official staircase) and walk over jagged rocks to get to the pool, but the stunning blue and purple body of water that awaits you is worth the effort. This is also a great place to cliff jump!

5. The Bushiribana Ruins

Location: Bushiribana Ruins

The Bushiribana Ruins is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Aruba! These abandoned remnants are from an old 19th-century gold mill. You can walk through the abandoned structure and climb to the top for sweeping views of the ocean. Taking a picture at one of the windows with the dramatic ocean in the background is almost a right of passage here.

 💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — Tours often stop here so it can get busy, but it clears out quickly! If you arrive at the same time as a group tour and you want to get some solo shots, just hang out for a few minutes until they leave and you should have the place to yourself again.}

6. The Donkey Sanctuary

Location: Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary is the perfect place for some up-close selfies with some of Aruba’s many donkeys. You’ll get to interact with the donkeys by petting and feeding them, and you can even have a 30-minute private hugging session with them! Yes — for real! This is Instagram gold.

You may also see wild donkeys roaming around in other parts of the island, although they won’t be as approachable. You’ll likely encounter chickens, dogs, cats, and iguanas too. We’ve even seen wild goats before!

7. Aruba Aloe Factory

Location: Aloe Factory Farm

Aruba’s Aloe Factory gets overlooked as an Instagram hot spot, which is crazy to us! The factory has a store and offers a self-guided tour, which is actually pretty cool and worth checking out, but the real gem here is the large aloe plant field behind the factory. Most people don’t even realize they can walk right up to it either. This is such a unique thing to see and makes the perfect backdrop for a picture.

8. The San Nicolas Street Murals

Location: San Nicolas Visitor’s Center

Aruba takes its street art scene very seriously in San Nicolas! You’ll find nearly 50 murals in this area, each more photo-worthy than the next. Head to the San Nicolas Visitor’s Center and grab a map for the self-guided mural tour, and start exploring. You’ll find angel wings, building-sized murals, tiled and textured paintings, and everything in between.

9. The Top of Hooiberg

Location: Steps to Hooiberg

You’ll have to work a little for this shot but trust us, it’s worth it! This is at the top of Hooiberg, a 540-foot tall mountain in the center of Aruba. After climbing nearly 600 steps to get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the island. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Venezuela!

The steps start at the Hooiberg Hiking Trail. You can park at the base for free and spend as much time as you want there. There’s a place to rest at the halfway mark, too. You’ll likely encounter locals using the steps for exercise while you’re here.

10. Arikok National Park

Location: Arikok National Park Entrance

Arikok National Park covers nearly 20% of the island, so you’ll find tons of photo opportunities here! Some of the best stops in the park are only accessible with a 4 x 4 vehicle though, so you may consider renting a jeep or joining a jeep tour.

If you want to explore the park on your own, and you don’t have a 4 x 4 vehicle, you can still see some pretty cool things, so it’s still worth checking out. The Fontein Cave, the Quadirikiri Cave, several epic (non-swimming) beaches, and some historical sites, are all accessible with a regular vehicle.

 💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — When you arrive at the park entrance, you’ll park and go inside to pay for your ticket. Then you’ll get back in your car and drive into the park, where you’ll have to decide immediately if you want to go left, towards the Natural Pool, or right, towards the rest of the park. Do not go left unless you have a 4 x 4 vehicle!}

11. The Natural Pool

Location: Natural Pool Parking Area

There aren’t many places on the planet that can rival Aruba’s Natural Pool! The pool was created from volcanic rock formations that form a bowl with tall rock walls that block the harsh ocean waves. The Natural Pool is found in the Arikok National Park and is only accessible by foot or 4×4 vehicle.

Once you arrive at the pool, you’ll walk down a long staircase that’s been built into the rocky ground. Then you’ll need to climb over some rocks to access the pool of water. This area can be dangerous if the ocean is rough, so use your best judgment and only get in if it’s a calm day. If you join an Aruba jeep tour, your guide will help determine if it’s safe to swim.

12. The Natural Bridge

Location: Natural Bridge

Aruba’s original Natural Bridge sadly collapsed in 2005. It was absolutely stunning, and we’re sad we never got to see it in person. But fortunately, Aruba has another natural bridge, although smaller, that is still worth checking out!

The smaller bridge is right next to the remnants of the original Natural Bridge, so it’s still just referred to as the Natural Bridge. When you visit, you will follow signs for the Natural Bridge. The road leading up to the bridge is a bit rough, so take your time, but you can get there with a regular vehicle. You can also walk onto the bridge, although you can’t walk all the way across it.

13. The Red Anchor

Location: Red Anchor

If you’re looking for classic Aruba Instagram spots, the Red Anchor needs to be on your list! This iconic landmark is located right by Boca Grandi, on the way to Baby Beach, and it makes an excellent backdrop for photographs.

One of the island’s locals also has a small stand set up across from the Red Anchor and sells fresh coconuts to people passing by. If sipping coconut water from a real coconut is on your Aruba bucket list, this is also a must-stop.

14. The Famous Fofoti Tree

Location: Fofoti Tree

The Fofoti Tree on Eagle Beach is a must-see Instagram spot in Aruba! Many people confuse it with the iconic Divi Divi tree, but the two are distinct. While both trees naturally lean in a southeast direction due to the trade winds, the Fofoti grows from the sand near the shore, while the Divi Divi grows from dirt. You can find the famous Fofoti Tree on the beach in front of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort.

15. Tres Trapi

Location: Tres Trapi

Tres Trapi was once a hidden gem but sadly the secret is now out. It’s actually so popular now that lately it’s been referred to as Turtle Beach. This sandy cove is found on the northwestern shore and has a set of carved stone steps leading down to the water. Sea turtles do frequent the area. The recent boom in tourists to this beach has caused some concern about driving them away though (so please be respectful when snorkeling with them).

16. Casibari Rock Formations

Location: Casibari Rock Formations

The Casibari Rock Formations is a great spot to get a shot of Hooiberg from afar. A set of stone steps are carved into the rocks leading to the top where you’ll get a great view of the island. The steps are pretty easy to ascend, and at one point you will need to duck through an enclosure of rocks (it’s easy, don’t worry). Then you’ll find yourself on top of a large flat boulder.

There’s another rock formation nearby called Ayo Rock Formations, which we actually prefer over Casibari. But the views just aren’t the same, so Casibari wins as far as Aruba Instagram spots go! Hooiberg really stands out from this viewpoint against Aruba’s flat landscape.

17. The California Lighthouse

Location: California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse is another must-see landmark in Aruba, and it’s a great spot for photo ops! It’s located on the far tip of the island, near one of our favorite beaches in Aruba, Arashi Beach. Many tours stop by the lighthouse, and you’ll also find a colorful bus nearby that sells fresh coconut juice (straight from the coconut).

After you snap some amazing photos of the lighthouse from the ground, you can pay $5 and climb the 117 steps to the top of it! At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the island. Full disclosure though, there is a netting around the top that can obstruct your view.

18. Royal Plaza Mall, Downtown Oranjestad

Location: Royal Plaza Mall

The colorful Dutch architecture of the Royal Plaza Mall makes the perfect backdrop for photos! The area is bright and full of vibrant colors and has a unique look that shouldn’t be missed. The mall is located right across from where the cruise ships dock, in downtown Oranjestad.

The mall is also close to a lot of other cool spots, but keep in mind that this is a really touristy area. In addition to the shops and restaurants found at the Royal Plaza Mall, nearby, you’ll find the Local Market, plenty of souvenir shops, a casino, the popular Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, and the Blue Horses.

19. The Blue Horses

Location: Blue Horses (general area)

Aruba is home to eight majestic blue horse sculptures and they can all be found in downtown Oranjestad. You’ll find some standing solo and some in pairs. The two blue horses in the picture above are located to the right of the entrance of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, but there are several more in the plaza behind the hotel. These unique horses make for an equally unique photo op.

Each horse has its own name, style, and personality — and the best part is that they represent a historical moment in Aruba’s horse trading history when a group of horses jumped from a ship deck into the Caribbean and swam to Aruba’s “Paardenbaii” Bay. You can read more about their meaning on the small plaques found near each one.

20. Phillip’s Animal Garden

Location: Phillip’s Animal Garden

Philip’s Animal Garden is more than just a regular zoo. It’s a remarkable sanctuary for all kinds of rescued animals seeking a safe and cozy home in the Caribbean. Every time we visit Aruba, we always find our way back to this place, and the experience never loses its charm. And the best part is that there are endless opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals, which means tons of great photo ops.

Many of the large birds roam the property uncaged. You’ll also get to feed zebras, goats, donkeys, camels, and even ostriches, for a small $10 admission fee. This is a really special place and a must-see when visiting Aruba.

How Much is a Photographer in Aruba?

Aruba is filled with talented photographers who can capture the beauty of the island and your special moments. The cost for a photographer in Aruba can vary though, depending on the photographer’s experience, reputation, and the type of shoot you’re looking for. But you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $900 for a photo session.

If you’re looking for a really unique photo shoot, we recommend the Clear Kayak Drone Photoshoot with Vince Camargo Photography or the Flying Dress Photoshoot with Flying Dress Aruba. Vince Camargo Photography also offers underwater photos where you can swim with the turtles!

What is the Most Beautiful Part of Aruba?

Aruba is home to some of the best beaches and the most diverse landscapes in the Caribbean, so it’s hard to pinpoint the most beautiful part of the island. The northeastern side of the island is rugged with dramatic cliffs, howling winds, and rough ocean waves. But the western side of Aruba is dotted with powder-white sand beaches that will rival most picture-perfect postcards. This is also where the most popular resorts are located.

A few of our favorite spots for beauty in Aruba are Tres Trapi, Arikok National Park, Eagle Beach, Mangel Halto, and Arashi Beach. But beauty is subjective and we highly encourage you to explore every inch of Aruba before deciding for yourself on the most beautiful part of the island.

How to Get Around Aruba

Aruba is super easy to drive in, unlike some countries. Aside from a couple of large roundabouts, the roads are straightforward to navigate. The signage is clear, and the speed limits are low. Renting a car is one of urr favorite tips for visiting Aruba!

When you rent your car, the rental company will give you a map of the island that includes basic street signs and their meanings. Speed limits are posted in kilometers, but your car’s speedometer will match. Arubans also drive on the right side of the road, just like the in the U.S.

If you really don’t want to drive yourself, Aruba does have plenty of other options. There are several different transportation options to get you from the airport to your hotel, and from there, you can use taxi services or the public bus to get around the island. Most Island Tours also offer hotel pick-up and drop-off.