Things to do in Aruba

25 things to do in Aruba

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Relax on Eagle Beach

  Sink your toes into powdery white sand and float in calm, impossibly turquoise water at one of the world's widest and most beautiful beaches, lined with iconic fofoti trees.

  Oranjestad-West

• Snorkel at Boca Catalina

  Enter the clear, shallow water directly from the sandy shore to swim among abundant reef fish and graceful sea turtles in a protected bay.

  Noord

• Explore Arikok National Park

  Hike through rugged desert terrain dotted with giant cacti, volcanic hills, and secluded coves, covering nearly 20% of the island and sheltering endemic wildlife.

  Santa Cruz

• Discover the Natural Pool (Conchi)

  Climb down rocky steps to a hidden, wave-sheltered pool formed by volcanic rock, perfect for a refreshing swim in wild coastal scenery.

  Arikok National Park

• Go wreck diving at the SS Antilla

  Descend to the massive, coral-encrusted wreck of a World War II German freighter, one of the Caribbean's largest and most accessible shipwrecks teeming with marine life.

  Malmok Beach area

• Stroll through Oranjestad's colorful streets

  Admire pastel Dutch colonial facades, browse duty-free boutiques, and feel the lively rhythm of the island capital along palm-fringed boulevards.

  Oranjestad

• Visit the California Lighthouse

  Climb this iconic stone lighthouse on the island's northwest tip for sweeping 360-degree views over sand dunes, ocean, and the stark northern coastline.

  Hudishibana

• Kitesurf at Boca Grandi

  Harness consistent trade winds on Aruba's windy east coast in a wide, uncrowded bay that’s a mecca for kitesurfers of all levels.

  Pos Chiquito

• Take a sunset sail from Palm Beach

  Board a catamaran on calm Caribbean waters, sip a tropical cocktail, and watch the sky blaze orange and pink as the sun melts into the sea.

  Palm Beach

• Sample pastechi at a local snack bar

  Bite into a flaky, deep-fried pastry stuffed with cheese, spiced meat, or fish—the quintessential Aruban street snack best enjoyed hot and fresh.

  Oranjestad

• See the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

  Wander through the crumbling stone walls of a 19th-century gold smelter perched on the rugged windward coast, once the center of a short-lived gold rush.

  Bushiribana

• Walk through the Fontein Cave in Arikok

  Examine ancient Arawak petroglyphs etched into the limestone walls of this candle-lit cave, alongside hanging stalactites and bat colonies.

  Arikok National Park

• Enjoy a beachside dinner at Zeerover

  Feast on freshly caught fish, shrimp, and plantains served in a basket at a no-frills wooden dock right over the water in charming Savaneta.

  Savaneta

• Watch flamingos on Renaissance Island

  Relax on a private beach where friendly pink flamingos roam freely, creating a surreal tropical photo opportunity in a secluded lagoon.

  Renaissance Island (Oranjestad)

• Horseback ride along the North Coast with Rancho Daimari

  Saddle up for a guided ride through cactus-studded trails leading to a wild beach, offering a unique perspective on Aruba's desert-meets-ocean landscape.

  Santa Cruz

• Visit the Alto Vista Chapel

  See the island's first Catholic church, a tiny, cheerful yellow chapel on a serene hilltop with panoramic views, often called 'the Pilgrims' Church.'

  Noord

• Snorkel the Malmok Reef

  Wade in from the rocky shore to discover a shallow, vibrant coral garden just steps off the road, home to angelfish, parrotfish, and occasional rays.

  Malmok

• Explore the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

  Feed and pet rescued donkeys at this volunteer-run sanctuary, which provides a safe haven for Aruba's gentle, once-wild inhabitants.

  Bringamosa

• Join a pub crawl in Oranjestad

  Hop between lively bars and lounges in the capital after dark, tasting tropical cocktails, local Balashi beer, and dancing to Caribbean beats.

  Oranjestad

• Discover indigenous history at the National Archaeological Museum

  Trace Aruba's story from its earliest Amerindian inhabitants through colonial times in this modern, interactive museum housed in restored heritage buildings.

  Oranjestad

• Try Balashi beer at the brewery

  Tour the island's award-winning brewery to see how Balashi beer is made with desalinated seawater, then sample the crisp lager and its craft variations.

  Balashi

• Explore Quadiriki Cave in Arikok

  Descend into a dramatic sinkhole cave lit by natural openings, where a ladder leads to an eerie underground chamber and ancient Arawak legends linger.

  Arikok National Park

• Watch the sunset from Mangel Halto beach

  Sit on a wooden pier over crystal-clear, shallow water at this mangrove-fringed bay, where the setting sun paints the sky and calm sea in fiery hues.

  Pos Chiquito

• Shop for crafts at the Renaissance Mall

  Browse luxury boutiques and open-air market stalls for locally made souvenirs, from hand-painted delftware to Aruban aloe products, right in the heart of Oranjestad.

  Oranjestad

• Swim at Baby Beach

  Wade into a waist-deep, half-moon lagoon on the southeastern tip, safe as a swimming pool and surrounded by sugary sand, ideal for families.

  San Nicolas