37 Awesome Things To Do in Aruba

37 Awesome Things To Do in Aruba

1. Visit Philip’s Animal Garden

Philip’s Animal Garden is one of the largest exotic animal collections in the Caribbean. This is no ordinary zoo, but rather a sanctuary for all types of rescued animals who need a safe and comfortable home. The park is filled with exotic animals, farm animals, birds, and reptiles.

We go back to this park every time we’re in Aruba, and it never gets old. The animal encounters are endless and wild birds openly roam the walkways. Don’t forget to grab a bag of carrots on your way in and feed the zebras, goats, donkeys, camels, and even ostriches. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child.

2. Climb to the Top of Hooiberg

Hooiberg is a cone-shaped mountain in the center of Aruba. Standing 540 feet tall, hikers will need to climb roughly 600 steps to get to the top! This hike will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. This is no easy feat — the entire trail up is made of stairs.

Once you’re at the top, you’re rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the island. You can even see as far as Venezuela on a clear day! If you GPS to the Hooiberg Hiking Trail, you’ll arrive at the parking area at the base of the steps.

3. Explore the Island on ATVs

Aruba is rugged and a large part of the island is only accessible by off-road vehicles. This makes Aruba the perfect place for ATV tours! We rent ATVs every time we visit the island and spend a day exploring all the areas we can’t get to by car.

Our favorite ATV company to rent from is Around Aruba Tours, which is conveniently located at Philip’s Animal Garden. You can rent your own ride for the day or join an organized tour. Just know that you can no longer enter Arikok National Park in an ATV! ATVs and UTVs are now banned in Arikok National Park, even with a guide.

4. Eat at Zeerovers

Zeerovers serves some of the freshest seafood on the island, with a simple menu that reads just “fish, shrimps, fries, plantains, and cornbread” in the local language. When you approach the outdoor counter to order, you’ll tell the cashier how many pieces of fish and shrimp you want, and you’ll be charged by the weight. Don’t forget to ask for their homemade tartar sauce and marinated onions.

You’ll be given a table number and you can go grab a seat by the water and watch the chef fry up your order in the outdoor kitchen. A server will stop by your table with paper plates and utensils. All baskets are served fried with limes and a sprinkle of magic dust.

5. Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Tres Trapi

Tres Trapi is our favorite snorkeling spot in Aruba! We almost always see schools of fish and sea turtles here. Not technically a beach, Tres Trapi is a sandy cove found on the rocky northwestern shore of the island. Tres Trapi means “three steps” which represent the steps carved in stone leading down to the water.

This place was once a hidden gem, but in recent years it has become more crowded. And recently it’s been added to many of Aruba’s adventure tours, so the secret is definitely out. It’s still one of our favorite spots though! It’s a bit difficult to find, so don’t rely on GPS. It’s just south of Boca Catalina Beach.

6. Do a Walking Tour of the San Nicolas Street Murals

The street art in San Nicolas is very cool! In 2016, the first Aruba Arts Fair was held, and artists from all over the world, including local talents, came to the island to bring new life to San Nicolas. These artists left behind dozens of stunning murals and started a growing art scene that still continues today.

Start at the San Nicolas Visitor’s Center and grab a map for the self-guided mural tour. Today, there are nearly 50 murals, and more are added each year. The murals are absolutely gorgeous and well worth your time.

7. Take an EZ Raider Tour

The EZ Raider Tour is one of the newest things to do in Aruba and we finally got to try it on our most recent trip! We got to cruise around the island on our own 4-wheeled electronic scooters and it was an incredibly fun way to explore! And we were pleasantly surprised to learn that’ll of their tours are private!

The EZ Raiders are pretty simple to use, and they’re very sturdy, so don’t worry about tipping over or losing your balance. There were some bumpy spots, but you’re in control of your own speed, so you can set your own pace. There are several tours to choose from and hotel transportation is included if you need it.

This was really a one-of-a-kind experience that exceeded our expectations. Not only were the EZ Raiders really fun to ride around on, but our guide took great photos of us at every stop (with our own phone), so we felt like we got a private photography session as well. EZ Raiders is located at The Gold Mine Ranch which also offers Horseback Riding Tours.

14. Check Out the Natural (Baby) Bridge

If you’ve done any research on Aruba, you may have seen that the Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005. Sadly, this is true. The original Natural Bridge was absolutely stunning, and we’re sad we never got to see it with our own eyes. The good news is there’s still a smaller rock bridge in this area that’s worth checking out!

This smaller bridge is sometimes called Baby Bridge, but most people just refer to it as the Natural Bridge, which does cause some confusion. Next to Baby Bridge is the remnants of the original Natural Bridge, as well as a souvenir shop and snack bar. The road leading up to the bridge is a bit rough, so take your time, but it is not considered “off-road” so you can take a regular vehicle here.

15. Swim in the Natural Pool

Swimming in Aruba’s Natural Pool is one of the most adventurous things you can do on the island! The pool is created from a unique rock formation that forms a bowl, surrounded by tall rock walls that protect it from the dramatic ocean waves that form on the north side of the island. The pool is located in the Arikok National Park, but it’s only accessible on foot or by 4×4 vehicle, so you’ll need to hike, join a jeep tour, or rent your own jeep to get there.

You can expect the journey to be rocky and intense — you’ll be driving over some serious boulders and lava rock! Once you arrive, follow the signs to the pool, which is hidden behind a large rock wall. You’ll need to climb along the side of the rock wall to access the water, so bring your water shoes for this one! The pool can be dangerous at times, depending on the tide and weather conditions, so use your best judgment before jumping in.

16. Explore Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is a must-see when visiting Aruba. The park takes up nearly 20% of the island and features rugged landscapes, sandy dunes, rocky shorelines, and cacti scattered throughout the area. Some of the best stops in the park are only accessible by a 4×4 vehicle (like the Natural Pool).

Arikok National Park is worth visiting with or without an off-road vehicle though. You can easily navigate your own way to the Fontein Cave, the Quadirikiri Cave, several epic (non-swimming) beaches, like Dos Playa and Boca Prins, and some historical sites. But you’ll need to rent a jeep or join one of Aruba’s jeep tours to get to the Natural Pool. Unfortunately, ATVs and UTVs are now banned in the park, even with a guide.

17. Tour the Aruba Aloe Factory

Aruba’s warm and dry desert climate is perfect for the aloe vera plant to thrive, making aloe their top export. Aruba Aloe is one of the oldest aloe companies in the world and remains an active site in Aruba for growing, sorting, and processing aloe — and you can stop by for a visit!

The Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store is a unique experience that’s authentic to Aruba. Visitors can tour the museum and see the actual factory through large viewing windows from the museum halls. The factory offers free guided tours every 15 minutes, or you can explore on your own. Don’t forget to check out the aloe fields next to the building too!

18. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba is a refuge for injured or abused wild donkeys. Visitors can feed and pet the donkeys, and even get close enough for a hug (seriously, you can ask for a private 30-minute hugging session with their friendliest donkeys!).

Donkeys have been part of the island’s culture for more than 500 years, and they’re surprisingly affectionate animals. This sanctuary is free to visit, but donations are welcomed. They also have a donkey-themed souvenir shop. The sanctuary closes at 4:00 PM daily.

19. Try an Ostrich Egg at the Aruba Ostrich Farm

The Aruba Ostrich Farm is a fun stop to make, and they have an outdoor restaurant that serves actual ostrich eggs for breakfast! Each egg serves several people and can be prepared as an omelet, over easy, or hard-boiled. These eggs are offered seasonally and they do take 30 – 40 minutes to prepare, so plan ahead.

After breakfast, you can join a guided tour of the farm for $14 per adult and $7 per child, where you’ll learn interesting facts about the ostriches, and you can even hand-feed them. Guided tours run every 30 minutes. The restaurant closes at 2:30 PM each day, and the farm closes at 3:00 PM.

20. Search for Gold at the Bushiribana Ruins

The Bushiribana Ruins are the remnants of an abandoned 19th-century gold mill on Aruba’s north coast. Gold was first discovered in Aruba in the early 1800s and the island produced roughly 3 million pounds of gold before the gold rush ended about 100 years later.

Today, the stone remains of the Bushiribana Gold Mill rise dramatically from the desert landscape. Visitors are free to walk through the abandoned structure and even climb to the top for sweeping views of the ocean. Many ATV tours offered on the island include a stop at these ruins because they’re right next to the Cave Pool.

21. Order Wings from The Local Store

The Local Store is one of our favorite restaurants in Aruba! Everything on their menu is amazing, but their wings in particular are some of the best we’ve ever had! Ordering the Judo Chop wings has become a tradition of ours on every visit to the island.

Our favorite thing about the Local Store is that they deliver. Just download Whatsapp and message them at +297 586 1414 with your order. They’ll bring it right to your door! You can also place a pickup order by messaging them in advance.

22. Cliff Jump Into the Cave Pool

Aruba’s Cave Pool (previously called the New Natural Pool) was just discovered a couple of years ago, and it’s definitely one of the wilder things to do in Aruba! It’s located right by the Bushiribana Ruins, but you won’t see it if you’re not looking for it.

When you arrive at the Bushiribana Ruins, you’ll look out towards the ocean for two wooden poles sticking up from the cliff’s edge. These are the two spokes of a sturdy ladder that leads down to a shorter cliff. You’ll climb down the ladder and walk across the rocky lower cliff until you get to a gorgeous pool of calm and clear water.

This experience deserves a bit of a disclosure — it’s not for the faint of heart. The rock is sharp, there is no even path to follow, and you can only enter the water by jumping from the cliff, or climbing down a series of very slippery rocks. You’ll need to climb the slippery rocks to exit the water too, so don’t forget your water shoes.

Be sure to use your best judgment and take your time getting to the water. If you’re uncomfortable going here on your own here, we suggest joining an ATV tour that includes a stop at the Cave Pool. This 4-Hour ATV Adventure Tour is a great pick.

23. Rent Jet Skis at Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is our favorite beach to swim at in Aruba, but it’s also a hub for jet skiing! You’ll find several jet ski companies set up along the beach that rent out chairs, umbrellas, and watersport activities.

We don’t recommend trying to book anything in advance. Instead, look for the jet skis near the shore along the beach and walk to the tent set up closest to them. You can rent the jet skis on the spot, by the hour, with cash or card.

24. Climb the Ayo Rock Formation

The Ayo Rock Formation is a natural rock formation known for its scenic pathways and views. Ayo Rock Formation is one of two rock formations on the island — the other is the Casibari Rock Formation.

Although we prefer Ayo, we recommend exploring both. You’ll find plenty of parking and a clear pathway to follow at each. Both formations are located about 5 minutes from each other, near the Ostrich Farm (#19 on this list). This would also be a good stop if you’re heading to the Natural Bridge (#14 on this list).

25. Party at MooMba Beach

MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant is one of Aruba’s best beachfront restaurants! It’s located on Palm Beach between the Marriott and the Holiday Inn. This open-air restaurant has two bars and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, right on the beach. Both bars are everything you want from an island beach bar too — palapa-style roofs, tables in the sand, live music, and tropical drinks.

MooMba Beach Bar is also a great place to experience nightlife in Aruba. CNN even named it one of the best beach bars in the world a few years ago! They’re open until 1:00 AM on weekdays and 2:00 AM on weekends.

26. Rent a Donut Boat

In the middle of Palm Beach, right next to Pelican Pier, you’ll find Octopus Aruba, where you can rent a Donut Boat by the hour. Donut Boats are easy to operate (sort of), so you won’t need a captain, and it’s a great way to get out on the water for your own private boat tour!

This is also a great option if you want to do some snorkeling further from the shore, without joining a group tour. We timed our rental to watch the sunset from the boat, too!

27. Ride a Trike Around the Island

Trikes Aruba offers guided tours around the island on a trike. A Trike is a three-wheeled motorcycle-like vehicle, with two wheels in the back and one in the front. They’re stable and easy to drive. And the best part is that anyone with a valid driver’s license can drive them! No motorcycle license is needed. Trikes are classified as cars in Aruba, so helmets are not required either.

The Trikes Aruba website is a bit old school, so you’ll start by filling out the online booking form with your preferred tour dates. Then you’ll wait for an email confirmation from the company. Once this is received you’ll be asked to make a small down payment of $30 to the owner by Zelle. This felt like a red flag to us at first, but we sent the money as requested, and everything turned out fine for us. When we arrived on site we paid the balance in cash.

28. Watch the Kite Surfers at Boca Grandi Beach

Boca Grandi is a beach located on the southwestern end of the island. Aruba is a kitesurfer’s paradise, so here you’ll find the most skilled kitesurfers on the island honing their craft. You’ll actually pass Boca Grandi if you’re driving to Baby Beach — it’s to the left of the giant red anchor (you’ll know when you see it).

This beach is usually too rough for a leisurely swim, but it’s still worth the stop. We love sitting on this beach and just watching the kitesurfers soar into the air and show off their incredible skills. If you’re brave enough to give kitesurfing a try, we recommend taking lessons at Hadicurari Beach, where the water’s a bit calmer.

29. Catch Your Own Dinner on a Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Aruba is a great place for deep-sea fishing, but better yet, they have several restaurants that will cook your catch for you! We highly recommend Driftwood Fishing Charters. Driftwood has an amazing restaurant (you should eat here even if you don’t do a fishing trip!), and they’ll cook your catch for your dinner for only $17, which includes two sides.

After you book your fishing charter, just reply to your email confirmation to let them know you plan on eating your catch, so they can reserve a table for you. Driftwood is located in downtown Oranjestad, near the cruise terminal.

30. Experience Aruba’s Grand Carnival Parade

Carnival Season in Aruba is something that everyone should experience! Carnival brings nearly two months of events and celebrations, colorfully decorated floats, costumed parades, street parties, new local music, and so much more. The entire island feels more alive than ever, and the local enthusiasm is contagious.

The season begins in January and ends with the Grand Carnival Parade, which always takes place on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. After the parade is the burning of King Momo, which marks the end of the Carnival season. The following day is a day of rest, and nearly the whole island shuts down.

31. Try the Pizza at the Urataka Center

We’re sure we’re not the only ones who don’t think of pizza as one of the top dishes when visiting an island in the Caribbean. That said, the pizza at the Urataka Center is something we get each and every time we visit Aruba! They have the most unique flavor combinations, and you can mix and match the flavors on a single pie, to try a bit of everything!

The Uratake Center is located near the Arikok National Park, making it a great stop after a day of exploring and adventure. We do suggest calling ahead if possible, otherwise, you may need to wait a while for your order.

32. Souvenir Shopping at The Local Market

The Local Market in Aruba is an outdoor market located directly across from the cruise terminal. It’s a great place for souvenir shopping and a perfect way to bring back a piece of Aruba. Local artists sell their handmade jewelry, trinkets, and decor.

You can also find Aruba-branded clothing and bags here. Shopping here is a refreshing change from the other high-end shops in Oranjestad.

33. Find the Fofoti Tree

The Fofoti Tree on Eagle Beach has become an iconic symbol of Aruba. This tree is often confused with the Divi Divi tree though, which is also iconic to the island. The Fofoti tree grows on the beach, while the Divi Divi tree grows from dirt.

Both types of trees are native to Aruba and naturally point in a southeast direction, because of the way the trade winds blow. The famous tree is one of Aruba’s most Instagrammable spots and a must-see when visiting the island. The tree can be found on the beach in front of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, which is a popular place to stay in Aruba.

34. Get a Garra Rufa Fish Pedicure

There’s a magical place found just down the hill from Fontein Cave, next to the historic Plantage Fontein, where you’ll find a stream of Garra rufa fish. These are the fish used for “fish pedicures” in spas around the world, and they’re known for eating the dead skin off of feet and hands.

You can take a seat on the wooden footbridge that crosses the stream and dip your feet in the water. Before you know it, you’ll have dozens of fish sucking on your feet! The fish don’t have teeth, so it doesn’t hurt at all. It does feel slightly ticklish. Be sure to check out the dilapidated plantation before you leave — we’ve seen wild goats here before!

35. Watch the Sunset From the Water

Some of Aruba’s best beaches are found on the western side of the island, so the sunset views over the ocean are unreal. Aruba’s sunsets are pure magic. The sun burns bright on the horizon and keeps the sky and ocean lit until the very last ounce of daylight disappears.

This makes Aruba the perfect place to watch the sunset right from the water! While other beachgoers around the world are packing up before it gets dark, people in Aruba are flocking to the water as the sun goes down.

36. Climb to the Top of the California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse can be found at the far north end of the island and it’s one of Aruba’s most famous landmarks. Driving to the lighthouse alone is worth it for the gorgeous scenery, but once you arrive, you can climb the 117 steps to the top for even better views.

It’s $5 per person to climb to the top, but even if you choose not to, the trip here is still worth it. Next to the lighthouse, you’ll also find a man selling fresh coconut juice (straight from the coconut!), a snack truck, and an Italian restaurant called Faro Blanco. You can even reserve an exclusive private dining experience at the top of the lighthouse!

37. Have a Drink at Charlie’s Bar

Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant has been around since 1941 and is Aruba’s most famous and historical bar. The bar is located in San Nicolas, so this would be a great place to stop if you’re doing the San Nicolas Street Murals tour (#6 on this list).

You can grab a quick drink, or explore their surprisingly sophisticated menu — you won’t find ordinary bar food here! The bar is decorated with memorabilia from all over the world that hangs from floor to ceiling. You can even leave a small personal item behind to add to the collection.

Other Things To Do in Aruba

We’ve just shared all of our favorite things to do in Aruba, but this beautiful island has so much more to offer. There are countless other activities and hidden gems that we didn’t even touch on! Here are some additional experiences that you might want to explore during your visit to Aruba.

Other Aruba Tours

• Full-Day Island Jeep Safari Tour
• 4-Course Dinner Cruise
• Atlantis Submarine Expedition
• Barhopping Party Bus
• De Palm Island Day Trip
• Snorkeling and Catamaran Cruise
• Antilla Shipwreck Seabob Tour
• Diving Course for Non-Certified Divers

Other Aruba Experiences

• California Lighthouse 3-Course Dinner
• Clear Kayak Drone Photoshoot
• Flying Dress Photoshoot
• Floating Massage Session
• Picnic on the Beach
• Charcuterie Box on the Beach
• Dine With Your Feet in the Water

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Best Time to Visit Aruba

Aruba is unique to the Caribbean because it sits outside of the hurricane belt and stays at a comfortable 80-something degrees year-round! Aruba is also known for its prevalent trade winds, making the weather feel even more pleasant. This makes it the perfect place to visit any time of the year.

There is no rainy season in Aruba, although rain chances do increase from late October to early January. The rain showers are typically hard downpours that end quickly. More often than not they happen overnight.

Aruba’s high season is from December to April when many visitors are trying to escape from the cold. Hotel prices are typically higher during these months. You’re more likely to find lower rates during the low season from May to November, especially at Aruba’s beachfront resorts. But if you stay inland like we do, you’ll find prices are pretty consistent year-round.

Where to Stay in Aruba

There are so many great places to stay in Aruba! It really comes down to what type of traveler you are. Aruba has a great selection of beachfront properties and all-inclusive resorts, but they also have a ton of boutique and budget-friendly options.

Most hotels in Aruba are found on the northwest side of the island, on Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Eagle Beach is known as the “low-rise” area and Palm Beach is known as the “high-rise” area. Palm Beach resorts tend to be more lively and crowded, while Eagle Beach has more of a low-key vibe. Palm Beach also has more shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Aruba’s airport and the cruise port are located further south in the downtown Oranjestad area, but we only recommend staying there if you’re staying at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Downtown Oranjestad is a great place for shopping and exploring, but Aruba’s best beaches are not in this area.

We’ve stayed all over the island — in the high-rise area, the low-rise area, inland, and even in the small fishing town of Savaneta, which is about 30 minutes from the main tourist areas. There are so many beaches and so many things to do in Aruba, that you really can’t go wrong no matter where you stay!

Here are a few of the best places to stay in Aruba:

• Best Eagle Beach Option — Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa
• Best Palm Beach Option — Playa Linda Beach Resort
• Best Luxury Option — JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
• Best All-Inclusive Option — Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort
• Best Boutique Option — Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
• Best Off the Beaten Path Option — Serene by the Sea
• Best Budget Option — Aruba Lagunita
• Best Kid-Friendly Option — Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club

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How to Get Around Aruba

One of our top tips for Aruba is to rent a car! Some countries are intimidating to drive in, but fortunately, Aruba is not one of them! Besides a couple of large roundabouts, the roads are really easy to drive and navigate. The signage is easy to understand and the speed limits are low.

If you do rent a car, your car rental company will provide you with a map of the island, which shows the basic street signs and what each one means. The speed limit will be posted in kilometers, but your car’s speedometer will also be in kilometers, so just match the posted speed. Arubans also drive on the right side of the road, like in the U.S.

If you really don’t want to rent a car, Aruba does have several different transportation options to get you to your hotel and around the island. You can pre-book a private transfer, hop in a taxi, take the Arubus, or use your hotel’s shuttle. Most companies that provide Island Tours also offer hotel pick-up and drop-off!

Aruba Resources

• Need a place to stay? Head here!
• Ready for an island experience? Find one here!
• Interested in fast-tracking the airport? Look here!
• Considering a car rental? Click here!
• Want to book an airport transfer? Book it here!
• Looking for Aruba’s entry requirements? Here you go!
• Visiting from another country? Stay Connected!

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Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!