8 Things to Do in Aruba: A Complete Guide
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Welcome to my blog post on things to do in Aruba. If you are new here, welcome! Travel has been a significant part of my life for over two decades, taking me across nearly 50 countries, 49 U.S. states, and 6 continents. Each and every adventure has shaped who I am, and exploring the world has allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t even imagine. And of course, Aruba is no different.
I can honestly say that I absolutely fell in love with Aruba the first time I set foot on the island. There is something magical about the incredible beaches, the blue/green water, and the people; I truly felt like I was on “one big happy island“. What I love most about Aruba is that not only is Aruba safe for a solo traveler like me, but there are so many things to do in Aruba that meet everyone’s travel style.
Whether you want to relax at one of the many amazing resorts on the island, go snorkeling, ATVing, or lie on the beach, there is something for everyone. In this guide, I have curated a list of all of my favorite things to do in Aruba, so that you can plan your Aruba itinerary without missing a beat.
Introduction: Things to do in Aruba
Aruba is one of the islands in the Caribbean that is a perfect destination year-round. That means that everything in this guide are excursions that you can do in Aruba all year long. One of the best aspects of Aruba is that you can make your visit as busy or as relaxing as you want. From sitting on Palm or Eagle Beach with a good book to taking an ATV tour, or venturing out on the catamaran for some amazing snorkeling, Aruba has it all. There is an activity for every traveler and for every budget. Now, let’s dive in!
1. Best Beaches in Aruba
Baby Beach: When I first visited Baby Beach, it was a more secluded beach and felt more like a hidden gem. But now, that cat’s out of the bag, and it’s for sure much busier now than it used to be (still feels less busy compared to Palm Beach). This beach is located further away from Palm Beach on the southern portion of the islands. This beach is also calm, so great for swimming or snorkeling off of the beach. I love how peaceful and relaxing this beach is, and because it’s further away from the resorts, it makes it a little hard for people to get to. This is another great beach if you want some downtime and to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the water
Eagle Beach: In my opinion, Eagle Beach is probably THE best beach to visit in Aruba. It’s honestly probably the best I’ve ever visited in the world. There is something about the soft powdery sand that feels like it goes on for miles, and the incredible turquoise water, that honestly makes it the perfect spot to grab a lounge chair, your favorite book, and just relax. The waves are very calm here, so great for swimming or beachside snorkeling, and it’s much quieter than Palm Beach, so I tend to find it much more relaxing.
Palm Beach: What I love about Palm Beach is that it’s very energetic. Here you will find all of the fun beach-side bars and restaurants, the resorts are all within walking distance, and endless water sports options to choose from. The water and beach are also amazing, but this area tends to be much busier compared to Eagle Beach or even Baby Beach. Palm Beach does have some amazing sunsets, and it’s a great place to spend the day and enjoy the evening nightlife as well.
2. Arikok National Park
One of my top recommendations for anyone visiting Aruba, especially if you are a first-time visitor, is Arikok National Park. This park actually covers 20% of the entire island, which is great for those who enjoy hiking, rock art, and incredible coastal views. One of the more popular photo opportunities in this park is the Natural Pool, which is a rocky pool formed by volcanic rock. This is a great spot to take a quick dip, especially after hiking and being in the sun.
The best way to reach this national park is via a guided tour will allow you to get additional park highlights and commentary.
3. Water Activities in Aruba: Paddleboarding, Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
Because Aruba’s waters are so clear and calm, they have some of the best watersports in all of the Caribbean. When it comes to windsurfing and kiteboarding, Aruba is an excellent location for this simply due to its steady winds. Never tried either of these. No problem, there are lessons you can take on the beach and rental shops everywhere.
Another one of my favorite water activities is SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). Baby Beach is a great place to do this because the water is very calm and there are a lot fewer people around, in case you fall in a lot, as I do! Again, lots of opportunities for rentals and lessons for paddleboards too.
4. Snorkeling in Aruba
I think one of my favorite things to do every time I go to Aruba is snorkeling. Whether I snorkel off the beach in Baby Beach or Eagle Beach, or I take a catamaran excursion and snorkel in the middle of the ocean, where the visibility is unmatched.
One of the best spots to snorkel is at the Antilla shipwreck, Catalina Bay, and many other reef stops. You can do partial or all-day excursions, and I love doing all day so that I can spend as much time in the water as possible.
These excursions are a great way to see so many colorful fish, reefs, and see turtles, and just enjoy time away from the crowds, beaches, and get a sea-view perspective of the beautiful island of Aruba!
5. Aruba Culture
Because I have a Dutch background, I love the culture in Aruba. It’s like the Amsterdam of the Caribbean. Between the colorful buildings, the cute shops and cafes, and the lively street scene, it makes me feel like I am in Amsterdam (minus the millions of bikes). Aruba has some of the best food in the Caribbean, and I love trying all of the various restaurants anytime that I visit.
Insider Tip: Skip the tourist traps and look for where the locals eat. Ask store owners, resort staff, cab drivers, etc., where their favorite restaurants are and go there.
6. Aruba Adventure Tours: ATVs, Horseback Riding, and Hiking
SO, if you are like me and are more of the adventurous type of traveler, then you absolutely cannot go to Aruba without doing an ATV or UTV ride. There are lots of fun group tours and it gives you such a fun and different perspective of exploring Aruba.
If an ATV ride is a tad too much for you, you can take an amazing hike through Hooiberg or take a fun horseback ride along the shoreline. Both of these are fun to do and super affordable as well.
7. Aruba Dining
I can’t tell my clients this enough: the food in Aruba is amazing and super affordable. Even if you are staying in an all-inclusive resort, please get out and try some of the amazing restaurants that Aruba has to offer. You will not regret it!
There are so many amazing restaurants along the beach for all types of travelers and for all budgets. So, my tip for you is to leave the resort and explore all of the amazing cuisine that Aruba has to offer.
8. Aruba Wildlife
Donkey Sanctuary: If you love animals and want something fun and different to do, especially for the kids, you must visit the Donkey Sanctuary. This sanctuary is free and by donation only, and is where Aruba houses donkeys that they rescue.
Flamingo Beach (Renaissance Island): Another animal encounter you have to experience is the Flamingo Beach, which is a part of the Renaissance Hotel. If you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can book a day pass to spend the day on their private island, lounging on the beach with none other than pink flamingos!
Butterfly Farm: The butterfly fly is a great activity for both kids and adults. I loved stepping inside the lush gardens, being completely surrounded by so many colorful butterflies everywhere. I had several land on my shirt and even one land on my nose. Such a magical and fun experience!
Conclusion: Things to do in Aruba
Aruba is absolutely “one happy island” with lots to see and do. Whether you are a beach bum, like me, or adventurous, also like me, Aruba has something for everyone. Between enjoying some amazing snorkeling, exploring the coast on the ATV, and dining in some amazing restaurants, there is no shortage of things to do in Aruba. I hope this guide has inspired you to get out and explore all of the things that Aruba has to offer.