21 Awesome Things to Do in Aruba You’ll Love

I want to show you some of the many fantastic things to do in Aruba. There are so many Aruba attractions to list, and I’ve pretty much done them all so let me take you through them…

The adventurous Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is one of the best holiday destinations I’ve been to. It has a beautiful climate with dry and sunny weather, and stunning beach scenery with a distinct culture.

If you’re looking for a list of the best Aruba things to do for your next holiday, then let me take you through what to do in Aruba to make sure you have the best holiday ever.

1. Check out Aruba’s Natural Pool

One thing is for certain here: you can’t enjoy Aruba if you don’t have a swimsuit packed. No one visits a Caribbean island without cooling off a little bit. Sure, your resorts or luxury hotels might have great pools, but they’re nothing compared to the legendary Aruba natural pool. 

It felt a little unnerving, but it was fun jumping off the cliffs here. The natural pool is surrounded by volcanic rock, and the water is about 17ft deep.

I’d recommend you join a tour so you can learn more about what you’re seeing when you go to the Natural Pool – a tour will also mean there’s someone to show you where to go and look after you. You never know!

You can join this Natural Pool and Cave Safari.

“Embark on a raw award-winning adventure as you travel by jeep to unexplored parts of Aruba. Follow dirt tracks through the Arikok National Park, and take a dip in an idyllic natural pool. Snorkel, swim, and explore! Led by a professional driver guide.”

– Natural Pool and Cave Safari

2. Go on a catamaran in Aruba

You need to get out on the water in Aruba. I’d strongly recommend you do a half-day catamaran and snorkel experience. The serenity and peace that comes with lying on the expansive sun deck, with a cocktail, under a shaded cabin top is all you need. 

On your adventure you’ll indulge in a delicious meal prepared by the island’s top chefs and enjoy a cool beer from the open bar. You can also get in, and go snorkelling. The best snorkelling spots in Aruba are Boca Catalina, Arashi Reef, and the Antilla Shipwreck.

3. Visit the Arikok National Park in Aruba

Arikok National Park makes up 20% of Aruba, so avoiding it will be rather difficult… but why would you want to anyway?

Arikok National Park has more than 20 miles of walking trails and some impressive indigenous flora and fauna.

You can’t finish experiencing the Park in one day, but you can definitely get a good idea of what it’s about. Check out this hiking tour of the Arikok National Park to enjoy the opportunity to hike with a local and informed guide who’ll show you all the best parts.

Arikok National Park is home to Aruban rattlesnakes, parakeets, iguanas, goats, donkeys, migratory birds, whiptail lizards, iguanas, goats, donkeys, and migratory birds.

You could explore the Arikok National Park by horse, for a truly unique experience. It’s a must see in Aruba.

“Experience the spectacular panoramic scenery of Aruba’s beaches on a horseback riding adventure from Noord. See a wide range of man-made and natural wonders, such as beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and a fantastic ocean view.”

– Arikok National Park by horse

4. Hang out on the beaches in Aruba

When I went to Aruba Eagle Beach was currently riding high as the top beach IN THE WORLD on Trip Advisor, and I was staying just opposite it at the Amsterdam Manor Hotel. It was a beautiful sight to cross over the road and see the white sands and blue hues of the sea laid out in front of me.

READ MORE: 8 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ARUBA

The beaches of Aruba are one of the main reasons why people visit.

This is Mancheba Beach – a private beach for anyone staying at the Mancheba Beach Resort, or attending one of the yoga classes I did there. God, I’d give anything to be back there right now!

My favourite beach in Aruba was actually Baby Beach in the south of the island.

“Take in spectacular ocean views and indulge in shallow, crystal clear water at this magnificent paradise, Baby Beach.

Famous Baby Beach in the southern part of Aruba, close to San Nicolas, is a true Caribbean beach paradise. This gorgeous half-moon sandy expanse in a calm lagoon is ideal for families with small kids.

The shallow waters make it a prime beach destination for swimmers who like to wade out for a long distance and still touch the sea bottom. Where the bay opens out to the ocean, Baby Beach also offers the perfect location for snorkeling; for your safety please stay within the marked snorkel area.”

– ARUBA.COM

You can read more about the best beaches in Aruba in my post here.

5. Explore Aruba on a tour

Whether by jeep or bus, touring the island with someone else at the wheel is a great idea. Enjoy places like Aruba’s longest-standing church, the Natural Pool, the Alto Vista Chapel, and the California Lighthouse too.

6. Go to the Natural Bridges in Aruba

One of the greatest attractions of Aruba is its Natural Bridges. It took thousands of years for wind and water to form these unique bridges, and felt a bit risky to be wandering across them as some people did!

Beside it is the Baby Bridge, which is another one of Aruba’s best sights. Check out the Natural Bridges at Wariruri Beach and Black Stone Beach too. You’ll need to add some hiking boots to your Aruba packing list!

7. Enjoy the Bushiri Karting Speedway in Aruba

Bushiri Karting Speedway is the only karting speedway in Aruba. The speeds are super high, and the turns are precise. Be warned!

8. Eat at the amazing Aruba restaurants

There are loads of great restaurants in Aruba to enjoy. As well as all the great ones on that list, be sure to try out Pinchos Grill and Bar.

Located by the swells of the Caribbean Sea from the downtown stripes of Oranjestad, Pinchos Grill & Bar is considered one of the most romantic places for an evening meal in Aruba. Pinchos revolves around one central cabin that stands upwards above the water on a timber pier, illuminated by twinkling lights and the dimming glow of the sun setting from the west.

Aside from the taste-bud-tingling Caribbean staples found on their menu, including sesame-crusted tuna, grilled shrimps, spicy fish cakes, Pinchos also offers an incredible broadside view of the ocean. 

9. Visit the Aloe Vera Farm in Aruba

For a more unusual thing to do in Aruba, visit the Aruba Aloe Farm and pick up some all natural aloe vera sun cream. I got some after sun and after putting it in the fridge it was a delight to lash upon my slight shoulder sun burn!

At the Aloe Vera Farm you’ll learn loads about the production of aloe vera, and what it means to Aruba. You’ll have the chance to go round the factory and actually see how they make the products, and buy some too.

10. Try kayaking in Aruba

Kayaks are a superb mode of transportation for somewhere as chill as Aruba, and a super fun experience too. Kayaking allows you to navigate the Aruban waters in slow, peaceful motion.

Aruba Outdoor Adventures offers amazing tours around the sea, which include secluded forests.

11. Go skydiving in Aruba

We’ve all once told ourselves we were going to go skydiving when given a chance. Well, guess what? You’re in Aruba, and this IS a chance.

You’ll get access to a first-class skydiving experience at Aruba Skydive.

Aruba Skydive has almost two decades of experience, with an excellent safety record. Just let go and get ready to enjoy the freefall over beautiful scenes like this one.

12. Hang out in San Nicolas in Aruba

Once known as quite a run down part of Aruba, St Nicolas is now thriving thanks to the cool art scene that brings people down there.

“Although San Nicolas, Aruba’s ‘Sunrise City’, is a quiet coastal town of 32.84 km2 located only twelve miles southeast of Oranjestad, it seems a world away. In the heart of Aruba’s second largest city is a quaint promenade on Zeppenfeldstraat, an art murals, some shops, snack shops, restaurants and bars as well as historic buildings of architectural interest.”

– ARUBA.COM

13. Day out in Oranjestad

Ride the trams, go shopping, get an ice cream – just hang out in Oranjestad! This is a great spot for some Aruba souvenirs to remember your trip.

Oranjestad is the capital city of Aruba and it’s a lovely city. I had a walk through and then rode the trams back. Make sure to visit the ice cream shops as you go – it’s medicinal!

Visiting Oranjestad is an absolute must do in Aruba – it’ll give you more of an insight into what life on Aruba is really like. It’s a great place if you want to go sightseeing in Aruba while you’re there.

14. Spend an afternoon at the Ritz Carlton in Aruba

Visit the Ritz Carlton and spend an afternoon at their spa. Trust me, you’ll LOVE it.

I had a massage therapy and it totally chilled me out, even more than I was from relaxing on the beaches. The pool was FAB – look at it! And I had it to myself.

“Aloe, coffee and other indigenous ingredients are showcased in signature treatments and paired with science-driven skincare from ESPA and Eminence for results-oriented facials at the Ritz Carlton. Relaxation lounges include whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms, and an oxygen bar helps reduce stress and boost energy.” 

– RITZ CARLTON

15. Attend music festivals in Aruba

Aruba is known as a place for celebration, and is there any better way to celebrate than with music? And so, throughout the year, music events happen everywhere around the island, featuring diverse genres of music from pop to jazz and reggae.

Some of the best festivals in Aruba include the Aruba Summer Music Festival, Bon Bini Festival, Aruba Piano Festival, Soul Beach Music Festival, Aruba International Film Festival, Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, Dance Festival. All these festivals offer opportunities for the best kind of excitement. 

If you’re wondering what to see in Aruba, a music festival is a great idea. This way you get to see the island at its best and most relaxed, and you get to have fun while you do it, too!

16. Go windsurfing in Aruba

Aruba is a great destination for your first (or 10th) windsurfing experience. There is plenty of wind that’ll give you momentum to carry you around the waters.

Windsurfing is more like sailing; only it requires more skill and agility. You’ll need to know how to steer your vessel and maintain a proper pose. 

Top tips for windsurfing in Aruba: make sure to keep your knees bent and your head pointed wherever you want to go. Once you know the basics, windsurfing will become one of the most exciting things for you to do in Aruba.

17. Go jet skiing in Aruba

Aruba has one of THE best jet skiing experiences in the world. A pretty bold claim, right? That’s because you haven’t tried it yet. When you do, you’ll get it.

There are many places to rent a jet ski on the island, and then you can blast off all around the ocean. Definitely one of the most adventurous things to do in Aruba!

18. Visit the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum

Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, is home to a lot of the nation’s historic buildings. The most historical one of them being the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum. This masterpiece was created in 1796 and originally served as a protection against pirates. 

Today, most of Aruba’s iconic history is captured at this museum, hence the name. Different kinds of precious artefacts and historical documents are kept here. While you’re there, you’ll get a marvellous view of the area from its watchtower, as well as learning more about the history of Aruba.

19. Go snorkelling with Aruba’s Bob

Fancy a simple snorkelling experience run by a charismatic guy called Aruba Bob?

Getting around underwater can be made easier with his special scooters designed for getting around when you’re snorkelling.

Bob does everything to make sure the experience is exciting but also very safe. You’ll be able to see the coral and whichever tropical fish are out and about that day. He can also take professional photos of you in your watery world.

20. Do a yoga class at Island Yoga

Add Island Yoga to your Aruba to do list. This place is headed up by Instagram’s Rachel Brathen, better known as Yoga Girl. She’s inspired millions to explore the benefits of yoga, and now you can enjoy a live class with her at her studio.

The studio also serves smoothies and healthy snacks at the on site Nourish Cafe, and is the perfect spot to relax. Students can do teacher training here, or just enjoy an hour or two of Rachel’s amazing yoga moves.

21. Climb up California Lighthouse

One of the top things to do in Aruba is to climb up California Lighthouse to enjoy the 360 island views from the top. I was lucky in that I had my drone to see bird’s eye views of the island, but I know for many this is the only option to see the beauty from above.

Located near the island’s northwestern tip I drove up here when I rented a car for the day in Aruba, and also went to see it on the jeep tour we did.

The lighthouse was named after the S.S. California – which sunk previous to its construction in 1910. Perched on a high seaside elevation, the lighthouse has become one of Aruba’s scenic trademarks and offers a picture perfect view of the island’s western coastline of beaches and coral shorelines.

– ARUBA TOURISM

Go for sunset at 7pm for the best experience!

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