Things to Do in Aruba

Named in honor of the famous French Catholic landmark, Lourdes Grotto is a beautiful shrine carved into the side of a limestone hill in the San Nicholas area of Oranjestad. Built in 1958 by a local priest and his parishioners, the Lourdes Grotto is now complete with a 1,500-pound statue of the Virgin Mary. This touching homage to the Roman Catholic religion is a must for those interested in visiting Aruba’s holy sites.

One of the nicest beaches in all of Aruba, here you’ll find unspoiled white sand beaches and calm, placid waters. Postcard-worthy scenes and miles of white sand make for pleasant sunbathing, while free access to public parasols means that you have available shade should you want it. Boca Catalina is also one of the best beaches in Aruba for snorkeling. Here you’ll see scores of fish, black coral structures and untold surprises from the warm Caribbean blue.

In the southern Caribbean Sea lies this little gem, one of four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It’s dry, arid climate and reliably warm, sunny weather has made it a popular destination for vacation-goers.

Your ship will dock in one of two major ports, Barcadera or Playa. Downtown Oranjestad is only a ten minute walk from the pier. The bulk of businesses are concentrated around the Caya G. F. Betico Croes, or Main Street. Shops are also located along Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, which is in closer proximity to the docks.  

Come along on the Island Tour Excursion, which includes stops for nature and history lovers. The Natural Bridge is formed of coral limestone and is one of the largest natural bridges in the world. See the old cities of Savaneta and San Nicolas, former capitals of the island. Or, you can marvel at the Ayo Rock formation and Cave, which display some of the oldest Arawak Indian drawings on the island.  For a deeper look into the economy and local products of Arbua, try the Essense of Aruba shore excursion. Participants are educated in the history and process of Aruba’s signature aloe industry, cigar factory, and beer and rum production. 

 Although the official language of Aruba is Dutch, most locals speak English and Spanish as well. The official currency is the Aruban Florin, but US dollars are accepted everywhere and ATM machines are conveniently located around the island. Most cruise ship lines make stops in Oranjestad, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and Holland. 

Arashi Beach, one of Aruba’s northernmost beaches, is a secluded spot popular with diehard divers and serious sunbathers alike. Arashi’s clear water, soft sandy bottom, and generally calm surf make it ideal for swimmers and snorkelers as well.

 

Arashi Beach features a few huts for shade, some picnic tables, and soft white sand as far as the eye can see. Arashi is a destination beach for scuba divers, as it is the final resting spot of the WWII German freighter Antilla. Other popular water sports include windsurfing, which makes for a good show from the shore even if you aren’t participating.

 

Island tours via bus, Segway, or ATV frequently make a quick stop at Arashi, along with other nearby highlights such as the California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and the Casibari rock formation. You can book beach-focused guided tours, which typically stop at the nearby Boca Catalina, Malmok Beach, Baby Beach, and the Natural Bridge. Most Aruba island snorkeling and scuba diving tours via boat make stops off Arashi to check out the SS Antilla shipwreck, along with the Natural Pool.

 

 

Arashi is located in Noord, on the border of the Palm Beach residential area and just north of Malmok Beach. Most travelers stop here on the way to the California Lighthouse, and both destinations can be reached via L.G. Smith Boulevard. The beach has a large parking area, and the Arubus stops there as well.

 

The crowd density on the beach depends on the season (January to March is most crowded), the snorkeling and diving conditions of the day, and the occupancy of the few small hotels nearby. Due to its western location, Arashi is a great place to watch the sunset. 

 

Sunk off the coast of Aruba in 1939, the German SS Antilla ship was intentionally scuttled by its crew when Germany invaded the Netherlands. It is now home to sponges, coral, hawksbill turtles, and lobsters. One of the Caribbean’s largest wrecks, the Antilla lies in about 60 feet (18 meters) of water and is even visible above the surface at times.

Aruba’s Palm Beach hosts many of the Caribbean island’s luxe high-rise hotels, which is no surprise, as these lovely two miles (3.2 kilometers) of sand are prime real estate. The beach hosts sunbathing vacationers, refreshment stands, and water sports booths. Two piers lined with restaurants and shops offer entertainment and some much needed shade.  

 

Northwest of Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, Palm Beach is a hub for activities day and night. The long stretch of sand leaves plenty of room for relaxing, and the blue Caribbean waters are calm enough for snorkeling and swimming just offshore. Parasailing, scuba diving, and horseback riding are other popular daytime activities.

 

Aruba tours that circle the island often include a stop at Palm Beach, as well as other island highlights. There are also guided expeditions via bus, Jeep, ATV, or party bus. Boat tours and Aruba catamaran sails pass Palm Beach for views and photo ops before proceeding to a sunset viewing location, the famous Natural Pool, or the Antilla shipwreck scuttled just off Arashi Beach. A typical Aruba sightseeing tour stops at Palm Beach in combination with other landmarks such as Arikok National Park, Baby Beach, Eagle Beach, the California Lighthouse, or the Natural Bridge. 

 

 

Palm Beach is located about six miles (9.8 kilometers) northwest of Oranjestad and the Queen Beatrix International Airport. As Palm Beach is a busy area, parking is not easy. The Arubus has several stops along Palm Beach on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard.

 

Since Palm Beach is lined with high-rise hotels featuring clubs and restaurants, the nighttime activities are almost as plentiful as those for daytime. Aruba sees great weather almost year-round. Prices are highest in winter for northerners escaping the snow, so April through August is the best time to find a deal. 

 

Palm Beach is a popular starting point for off-road and ATV tours that explore Aruba’s interior. Choose from self-drive or guide-driven off-road adventures that get you off the beaten path for a view of the real, natural Aruba—far from the high-rise hotels.

Located near the northwest tip of Aruba and the popular Arashi Beach, California Lighthouse is a landmark on this small tropical island. Known for impressive views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as the nighttime stars, the lighthouse is one of the most photogenic spots in Aruba.

 

Built between 1914 and 1916 and named after the S.S. California, the lighthouse is open to the public, allowing visitors to climb to its highest lookout point and take in panoramic views. There's also a small Italian restaurant located in the base of the lighthouse that has earned rave reviews. Daily tours of the lighthouse last 25 to 30 minutes, and many sightseeing tours include it on their routes. You can also visit the lighthouse on a variety of island tours, including those via Jeep, ATV, and Segway.

 

 

The California Lighthouse is located at the north end of L.G. Smith Boulevard in Noord, Aruba, in a section known as Hudishibana. From the Aruba Cruise Terminal, it’s roughly a 20-minute drive to the lighthouse; simply follow L. G. Smith Boulevard north. The lighthouse is also accessible via taxi or tour bus.

 

The California Lighthouse is arguably the best place to catch the sunset on Aruba, which also means it can be crowded at that time. The lighthouse is open from 8:30am to 11:30pm daily. It’s also possible to book V.I.P. tours anytime between 5:30pm and 8am for a midnight, sunset, or sunrise viewing.

 

Located about 20 minutes south, on the eastern side of the island, the Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is another photographer’s dream. Built by Spanish missionaries in 1750, the bright yellow chapel hosts services as well as tour groups. Outside the chapel lies the “peace labyrinth,” which is used by pilgrims for prayer and meditation.

The stunning Andicuri Beach stretches some 70 meters along Aruba’s eastern coast and is known for its turquoise blue waters and limestone cliffs that offer sun-kissed travelers a bit of shade.

Although the beach attracts travelers from across the globe in search of a truly tropical experience, strong currents and serious waves make Andicuri less than ideal for swimming and snorkeling. But these conditions do make it the perfect destination for more adventurous travelers who want to try their hand at kitesurfing, body boarding or surfing.

Accessing this secluded beach can be tough, so visitors should be prepared to hike in on foot, or navigate the terrain with a vehicle designed specifically for off-road travel. And while the going may be tough, those who do make it to Andicuri say its beauty is unmatched and its shores are almost always quiet.

The waters of Aruba are lined with shipwrecks, thanks to the treacherous rock outcroppings that the Caribbean has long been notorious for. Luckily, these shipwrecks make for great tourist attractions and amazing dive and snorkeling sites, as they play host to scores of marine life, as well as enticing historical stories of bygone eras.

The Antilla Shipwreck is Aruba’s most popular shipwreck site, named after the SS Antilla – a Hamburg America Line cargo ship. Launched in 1939, the poor Antilla operated for less than a year before running aground. Today, however, it makes for a great snorkeling and diving opportunity, as it acts as a safe-haven for the abundant sea life of the Caribbean, and lobster, sea turtles and manta rays are regularly seen here.

Hidden amongst Aruba’s famous white sand beaches and tropical waters lies the Guadirikiri Cave system of underground tunnels, filled with centuries old rock formations. Stalagmites and stalactites (along with plenty of fruit bats!) sit quietly in the darkness and dampness of the two chambers. Light passes into the cave only through holes in the ceiling, creating a unique effect and feel. There are also Arawak Indian drawings on the cave walls that provide insight into the history and cultural roots of Aruba.

Legend and local folklore has it that the two caves once held a pair of lovers condemned by the girl’s father, an Indian chief, as an unworthy match. It is said that upon their death, their souls vanished to the heavens through the holes in the top of the caves. The main cave chamber stretches nearly 100 feet into the darkness.

Located in Aruba’s desert interior, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are the stone remains of a gold smelter that was established by prospectors in the 19th century. Once considered sacred by the indigenous Arawak people, the site offers a unique look at Aruba’s history and can be explored with a variety of guided tours.

 

During the 19th century, gold was mined on Aruba, leading to the construction of this gold smelter in 1872. Crumbling walls of sandstone and coral are all that’s left of this fortress-like complex, but the views of the Caribbean remain spectacular. Located on the east coast in the area known as Ayo, the Bushiribana ruins are free to visit and explore, and are included in most tours of Aruba, including those by bus, 4WD vehicles, ATVs, and UTVs.

 

 

Located on the east side of Aruba, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are about a 20-minute drive from the cruise ship terminal. Follow Route 6 straight across the island, and they’re about a 17-minute drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad; the drive from the airport takes about the same amount of time via Route 1 north.

 

Aruba isn’t threatened by tropical storms, and the weather is warm year-round with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C), so there is no wrong time to visit. However, Aruba is most crowded during the winter months. If traveling in the summer months when the sun is at its strongest, visit the ruins early in the day when it’s coolest.

 

Located near Palm Beach (about a 20-minute drive from the ruins), this piece of Aruba's Dutch heritage was built in Holland in 1804, disassembled, shipped to Aruba, and reconstructed in 1960. It’s currently home to a restaurant, but the bold red exterior of the landmark against the Caribbean blue sky makes for a fun photo on its own.

If you’re an animal lover, visiting Philips Animal Garden in Noord is a must during your vacation to Aruba. Philips Animal Garden is a non-profit organization that provides a sanctuary for over 52 species of animals. Philips Animal Garden raises money through its tours of the property as well as from donations. The cost of your visit goes toward the upkeep and care of the animals that Philips Animal Garden rescues and rehabilitates. You’ll find an assortment of tropical birds, pigs, leopards, deer, alpaca and many other types of animals at Philips Animal Garden.

While visiting you’ll get to walk around the tropical grounds, which have walking trails next to the enclosures the animals are in. You’ll also get the chance to interact with the animals, including feeding them. Plus, your admission ticket gets you a tour of Philips Animal Garden with a guide who will share information with you about the animals.

The Caribbean is full of wide, sandy beaches that go on uninterrupted for miles, and the Caribbean island of Aruba is no exception. However, if you enjoy beaches that are a bit more rocky and rugged, then you’re also in luck in Aruba thanks to Malmok Beach. 

Malmok Beach has a thin strip of sand that runs alongside and sometimes around jagged limestone and rocks both large and small. Next to the sand and rocks is the Caribbean Sea, still just as teal and clear at Malmok Beach as it is at other beaches on the island. This area of the sea is also home to one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Catamarans often stop at Malmok Beach for a few hours of snorkeling, but you can also drive to the beach and wade into the water with your snorkel gear and easily find sea life a short distance offshore. Scuba divers will also enjoy Malmok Beach thanks to its proximity to reefs and the SS Antilla shipwreck.

The Ayo and Casibari rock formations are popular stops on many Aruba tours, despite the fact that they are basically piles of rocks woven with cacti. These natural structures offer a unique view of the volcanic forces on Aruba. Some intrepid travelers clamber on top of them to score panoramic views of the island.

 

Northeast of Hooiberg, Aruba, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations were purportedly used by the indigenous Arawak people to listen for approaching thunderstorms. The Arawak also carved paintings (known as petroglyphs) into the rocks during religious rituals. The formations are free to visit, and make a good spot to give the family a fun geology lesson. These structures are often included as a stop on island tours.

 

 

The Ayo formations are located near Ayo village, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the Natural Bridge toward Casibari, and about 20 minutes’ drive from the cruise ship terminal. The Casibari Formations are about 2 miles inland, between the Natural Bridge and Oranjestad; they’re on the way to Ayo, about 15 minutes from the terminal.

 

The formations are free to visit anytime, but if you want to avoid crowds and heat, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the evening. In general, Aruba’s weather is warm year-round, with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C), so any time is the right time, but attractions will be more crowded during winter months when tourists want to escape colder climes.

 

A quick 7-minute drive north of the Ayo formations, the Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins are the remains of an ancient gold smelter built by prospectors in the late 1800s. The ruins are free to visit and explore, and offer a different perspective on Aruba, where gold was mined during the 19th century.

While the name of Aruba might connote white sand beaches, sunshine and tropical drinks with those little umbrellas in them, the truth is that Aruba is an amazingly diverse little island nation, and nevermore is that apparent than when visiting the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum. Aloe is native to Aruba, and thanks to its medicinal and restorative properties, it has become one of the leading exports of the nation.

Learn about the history of aloe and Aruba while on a complimentary walking tour offered in English, Dutch, Spanish or in Papiamento – the native language of Aruba – every 15 minutes. You’ll explore the grounds, learn about aloe’s restorative properties and see the processing methods of this amazingly versatile plant.

With the blue Caribbean sky and calm sea as its backdrop, the Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is one of the most photographed attractions on the island of Aruba. This bright yellow chapel, which also hosts weekly religious services, is visited by Christians and non-Christians alike and is a popular stop for small-group tours.

 

Built by Spanish missionaries in 1750, the Alto Vista Chapel is said to be the oldest continuously operating church in the Caribbean. After falling into disrepair after a plague hit the island, it was rebuilt in 1952. A winding path lined with white crosses leads through the desert landscape to the small, unassuming church. The chapel is included in most small-group tours of Aruba and is considered a must-see attraction.

 

 

The Alto Vista Chapel is located in Boca Noord, Aruba, on the eastern side of the northwestern tip of the island, off Alto Vista Road. It is accessible via taxi or car. From the Aruba Cruise Terminal, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the chapel; follow Route 2 to Alto Vista in Noord.

 

To avoid the crush of crowds, visit the chapel early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Mass is held on Tuesdays at 5:30pm, and is conducted in the local language of Papiamento. Also, every year on Good Friday, local Catholics make a pilgrimage on foot from Oranjestad to Alto Vista Chapel.

 

Another striking landmark in Aruba is this stone lighthouse, which was built between 1914 and 1916 and is located at Hudishibana near Arashi Beach. Named after the S.S. California, the lighthouse measures 100 feet tall (35 meters), so it offers expansive views of the coastline and is arguably the best place to catch the sunset on Aruba.

A testament to the power of the elements, Aruba's Natural Bridge was created from the strength of the ocean carving through thick coral limestone over the course of thousands of years until an opening was created, leaving a "natural bridge" 23 feet above the sea. Sadly, in 2005, the bridge collapsed due to the power of nature and erosion.

The iconic Natural Bridge may not be standing anymore, but its rocky remains on the remote coastline are still worth a visit, in addition to the smaller but still-intact Baby Bridge set nearby. Though Baby Bridge doesn’t have the scale the acclaimed Natural Bridge had, it is still a worthy natural arch marvel to behold. Catch excellent views of the ruggedly handsome Andicuri Beach, and also take a peek through the underside of the bridge to view the teal ocean waters on the other side.

Gentle surf and waist-high waters earned Baby Beach its name and reputation as one of the most popular beaches for kids in the Caribbean. Add in soft, sugar-like sand and waters as warm as a bathtub, and it’s no wonder this sheltered man-made lagoon on the southeastern tip of Aruba is popular among locals and visitors alike.

Baby Beach is one of the most sought-after spots in the Caribbean paradise of Aruba. Although it’s easy enough to spend a day relaxing on the sand and snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea with a population of angel fish, blowfish, and eels, taking a guided tour offers the addition of informative commentary and exciting touring options. Travelers can explore Aruba on a Land Rover or Jeep adventure that combines a stop at Baby Beach with attractions such as the Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge, California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and Ayo and Casibari rock formations, with the added benefit of learning about the island’s history and culture from a tour guide. Many tours include lunch, use of snorkeling equipment, and round-trip transportation from Aruba hotels. Those arriving by cruise ship can book a shore excursion to ensure perfectly timed travel to Baby Beach and other must-see Aruba attractions. 

The easiest way to visit Baby Beach is on a guided tour, which takes you to Baby Beach’s remote location on far end of Aruba and then back to a more central point, or even back to your hotel. Those traveling independently can rent a car for the 45-minute drive from Palm Beach or take a bus from Oranjestad to San Nicolas, and then either walk or find a taxi to the beach.

Arrive early in the day for the best chance of scoring a good spot. Aruba is a year-round destination, with January to March being the most popular months. April to August is equally nice but with fewer crowds.

The nearby area of Seroe Colorado was once known as the Lago Colony, a small town of primarily United States citizens living in Aruba. The colony was mainly supported by the Lago Oil and Transport Company, which operated for 60 years before closing in 1985. Some original houses still remain in the area.

Tucked away on the eastern coast of Aruba, in a basin formed by volcanic rock and fed by water from the Caribbean Sea, the Natural Pool is as simple as its name implies—but sometimes simple is simply the best. Unreachable by car, a trip to the Natural Pool in Arikok National Park is all about the adventure through Aruba’s less disturbed countryside, with a dip in pristine waters awaiting those who make the off-the-beaten-track journey.

Because it is impossible to reach the Natural Pool by car, you must be game for adventure to get to this natural paradise. Rugged tours in off-road vehicles like 4x4s, ATVs, and UTVs offer the fastest and easiest rides, and often combine a trip to the Natural Pool with other nearby attractions like the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, California Lighthouse, Baby Beach, Natural Bridge, and Alto Vista Chapel. If you prefer a slower ride, you can travel through Arikok National Park by horseback to reach the Natural Pool, taking more time to enjoy the views of Moro Beach, distinct rock formations, and the Arikok Hills along the way. And if you don't want to rough it, look for a more luxurious Land Rover tour with a driver. Regardless of how you get there, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling upon arrival.

Because you cannot reach the Natural Pool by car, it is best to book a horseback riding tour or ATV tour to get you there safely, and with the added benefit of a tour guide to lead the way.

Thanks to Aruba’s temperate climate, visitors can expect warm weather and sunshine anytime outside of the rainy season, which runs from late October to January (though showers are often only sporadic and at night).

The Natural Pool is also known locally as “Conchi” or “Cura di Tortuga,” because it is said that the pool was once used to hold sea turtles before they were sold. (Tortuga means turtle in Papiamento, the official language of Aruba.)