Looking for fun things to do in Aruba? You’ve come to the right place.
Aruba is one of my favorite Caribbean islands. Warm sunny weather, amazing seafood, beautiful white sand beaches, it has it all.
During my trip to Aruba, I spent my time hiking, swimming, and trying out new restaurants. I’ve put together this list of my favorite places and activities in Aruba to help you plan a memorable trip.
From animal sanctuaries to ATV tours, there’s something on this list for everyone!
Here are 25 fun things to do in Aruba to cross off your bucket list.
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1. Explore Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park makes up nearly 20% of Aruba’s land, and is a must visit for anyone visiting. This rocky desert park has caves, natural pools, hidden beaches and hiking trails with beautiful scenic views.
The entry fee to the park is $15, and free for children under 17. You can hike around the park for a few hours, and rent a 4×4 vehicle to reach the natural pools.
For directions on how to get to the Conchi natural pool, read how to get to the Conchi natural pool with a 4×4.
If you’re not a fan of hiking, you can also go on an ATV tour to stop by the natural pool, caves, and other sites within the national park.
San Fuego 70, Santa Cruz, Aruba. Costs $15 to enter the park. Open 8am to 4pm daily.
2. Go Horseback Riding
Besides hiking, going horseback riding is one of the most popular and exciting ways to explore Aruba. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or traveling with kids, this horseback riding tour is an activity you won’t want to miss.
You’ll get to ride horses through Aruba’s breathtaking landscape, and stop by the natural pool for a swim. The tour provides roundtrip hotel transportation, bottled water, and covers the $15 entrance fee to the park.
3. Visit the Butterfly Farm
Stop by the Butterfly Farm to see thousands of butterflies in a garden-like enclosure. This is a great relaxing place to stop by, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
It costs $19 to enter, which includes a $25 minute guided tour. Once you buy tickets, you’ll be able to visit the farm for the rest of your stay.
HW7X+FW4, J.E. Irausquin Blvd, Noord, Aruba. Open 8:30 am to 4:30pm daily. Cost $19 for adults, $10 for children.
4. Climb to the top of the California Lighthouse
Overlooking the waters of Arashi Beach, the California lighthouse is Aruba’s most popular landmark. This charming lighthouse was built in the early 1900s, and it now has a restaurant, and offers guided tours.
You can climb 123 steps to the top, and even book a private dinner reservation within the lighthouse. From the top, you’ll have priceless ocean views so it’s the perfect place to wind down and watch the sunset.
Noord, Aruba. Open Mon-Sat 9am to 5:30pm, Sun 9am to 7pm. Cost $5 per person to enter.
5. Visit De Palm Island
Just a few miles off of mainland Aruba, De Palm Island is a tiny island that you can visit on an excursion. This island has serene white sand beaches with flamingos, an inflatable waterpark, and amazing snorkeling sites.
You can book a half-day excursion to Palm Island to enjoy all-inclusive food, unlimited drinks, and water sports equipment.
From banana boat rides to private cabanas, this is a great place for both families and couples on vacation.
6. Go On A Sunset Catamaran Cruise
With white sand beaches and bright tangerine sunsets, Aruba is the ideal place for sunset cruises. Go on a luxury catamaran cruise to enjoy tropical drinks, music, and unbeatable sunset views over Eagle Beach.
7. Visit The Aloe Factory Museum
Stop by Aruba’s Aloe Factory Museum to tour around an aloe factory, and purchase high-quality aloe products at their store.
You’ll get to learn how aloe’s grown, and manufactured to make skincare products on a brief 15 minute tour.
Pitastraat 115, Aruba. Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 9am to 1pm.
8. Go Offroading On An ATV/UTV Tour
One of the best ways to explore Aruba’s rugged desert landscape is to go on an ATV tour. Aruba is filled with secret beaches and hidden gems, but most require a 4×4 vehicle to visit.
You can go on an ATV tour to see the Conchi natural pool, Bushiribana ruins, Blackstone beach, California lighthouse, and other interesting sites.
Plus, you’ll get to stop by cave pools and hidden beaches to snorkel and go cliff jumping.
9. Snorkel at the Antilla Shipwreck
One of the most unique snorkeling sites in Aruba is the Antilla Shipwreck. This site contains the remnants of the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean from 1939!
Now, it has abundant coral reefs, and you can go on a boat tour to snorkel around the shipwreck. The most popular tour that visits the shipwreck is Arusun’s catamaran sail.
On the Arusun sail, you’ll get to enjoy unlimited drinks and stop to snorkel on a spacious catamaran.
10. Visit Philip’s Animal Garden
Not far from the Alto Vista Chapel, Philip’s Animal Garden is a charming zoo and wildlife sanctuary, with over 50 species of animals.
This animal sanctuary has everything from potbelly pigs to capuchin monkeys, and screaming goats. They have guided tours, and you can get a bag of carrots for $10 to feed the animals, so it’s a great place to take kids.
If you love animals, Aruba has an Ostrich Farm and Donkey Sanctuary as well.
Alto Vista 116, Noord, Aruba. Open 9am to 6pm daily. Cost $10 for adults, $5 for children (2-13).
11. Go Kayaking Through Mangrove Forests
One of Aruba’s most serene beaches, Mangel Halto Beach, is surrounded by beautiful mangrove forests.
You can go kayaking to explore mangrove forests, spot wildlife, and enjoy tropical fruit on this glass bottom kayak tour. With glass bottom kayaks, you’ll get to see tons of tropical fish and marine life in the crystal clear waters.
12. Hike Mt. Hooiberg During Sunrise
Mt. Hooiberg or “Haystack Mountain” is a 165 meter hill, and arguably the best hike on the island. Being located in the heart of Aruba, it has breathtaking panoramic views of Aruba from the top.
The hiking trail is moderately challenging, with over 600 steps, but you’ll be rewarded with priceless views from the top. You’ll want to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best weather.
G294+MJC, Oranjestad, Aruba. Located 2 km northeast of Oranjestad, in the center of Aruba. No fee to enter.
13. Go On A Jeep Tour
Go on a jeep tour to see all of Aruba’s hidden gems, and natural attractions within a day. Some areas within Arikok National Park are only accessible by 4×4, so jeep tours are a great way to visit all of Aruba’s hidden gems.
You can visit the Conchi natural pool, Bushiribana Gold Ruins, Baby Beach, and the California Lighthouse on this jeep safari tour. They also provide a barbecue lunch, and cover the $15 entrance fee to the park.
14. Try Dutch Pancakes From The Dutch Pancake House
Since Aruba’s a part of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Dutch pancake houses are all over the island. If you’ve never tried a Dutch pancake, they’re large fluffy family-style pancakes that can be enjoyed any time of day.
The Dutch Pancake House is tucked in the marina in downtown Oranjestad, just down the street from a Starbucks.
Renaissance Marketplace, Lloyd G. Smith Blvd 9, Oranjestad, Aruba. Open Mon-Sun 8am to 9pm.
15. Stroll Main Street In San Nicolas
San Nicolas is Aruba’s second largest city, and it’s known for its impressive street art. Stroll the main street to admire over 50 different murals, and stop by Charlie’s bar for food and drinks.
San Nicolas is also home to Baby Beach, so it’s great to stop by after a day of snorkeling.
16. Ride The Oranjestad Trolley
Explore downtown Oranjestad by riding the free Oranjestad trolley. This open air trolley runs from the cruise port to downtown Oranjestad, from 10am to 5pm.
You can hop on and off the trolley to stop by restaurants and shopping areas in downtown so it’s an excellent alternative to walking.
17. Go Parasailing
If you love an adrenaline rush, go parasailing over Palm Beach. You’ll get priceless views of the ocean as you soar hundreds of feet in the air, and you can take videos to capture the experience.
The parasails can hold 2 to 3 people side by side, so this is a great activity for both family and couples on vacation.
18. Visit the Alto Vista Chapel
The Alto Vista Chapel is a charming small Catholic chapel from 1952 sitting right by the sea. It’s in a remote area, northeast of Noord, and has a calm tranquil atmosphere.
You can tour inside of the chapel, or hike the surrounding areas for spectacular views of the ocean. For the best weather, you’ll want to visit early in the morning or late afternoon since it’s in the middle of the desert.
HXGQ+9JC, Noord, Aruba. Free parking and free admission. Open from 7am to 6pm daily.
19. Relax On Black Stone Beach
Black Stone Beach is the only black sand beach in Aruba, and one of the most serene natural attractions. Its shores are lined with black volcanic rocks, and it has picturesque natural bridges.
This is a lovely place to stop by for photos or a picnic, and it’s easily accessible by car.
Located east of the Natural Bridge and Andicuri Beach. View directions on how to visit Black Stone Beach by car.
20. Visit the Baby Natural Bridge
Although Aruba’s original natural bridge collapsed in 2005, there is a small bridge remaining that’s now known as the Baby Natural Bridge.
This is a beautiful bridge to take photos, and it has a gift shop on site that sells souvenirs, and food and drinks. Most jeep and ATV tours stop by the natural bridge, but you can visit on your own with a rental car.
21. Enjoy Live Music And Drinks At Bugaloe Bar
Head to Bugaloe beach bar to enjoy live music and tropical drinks. This bar’s located at the end of Palm Beach pier, so it’s the perfect place to wind down and watch the sunset.
They make amazing cocktails, and serve food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 79, Noord, Aruba. Open 8am to 12am.
22. Savor Seafood From Zeerovers
Located in Savaneta, Zeerovers is a must-visit seafood restaurant for anyone visiting Aruba.
They serve fried fish with incredible side dishes, including plantains, fries, cornbread, and pickled onions. You’ll get to see fish swim below the deck, as you enjoy your food over the water.
The outdoor seating has beautiful ocean views as well so it’s a great spot for a sunset dinner.
Savaneta 270, Savaneta, Aruba. Open 11am to 9pm daily.
23. Race Go Karts At The Bushiri Karting Speedway
If you’re up for an adventure, head to the Bushiri Karting Speedway to race high-speed go karts. This outdoor racing track is minutes from Druif Beach, and is a great place to bring the whole family.
Bushiri 25, Oranjestad, Aruba. Open Tues-Sat 3-10pm, Sun 1-9pm, closed Mondays. View pricing here.
24. Try Ice Cream From the Gelatissmo Bus
Located on Palm Beach, the Gelatissmo Bus is a unique ice cream shop made out of a retro bus. They serve food, drinks, and amazing Italian gelato.
From ferrero rocher gelato to Italian pastries, foodies won’t want to miss visiting this place. Plus, they’re open late daily so they’re the perfect after-dinner dessert spot.
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 348, Noord, Aruba. Open 12pm to 12am daily.
25. Explore the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
The Bushiribana gold mill ruins are remnants from gold mines discovered in 1824. This site has breathtaking views of the ocean, and you can explore the ruins for free.
Most ATV tours stop by this site, but you can visit yourself since there’s ample parking on site. There are many good hiking trails around the ruins, and it’s right next to the Aruba ostrich farm.
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Summary
Aruba is a tropical paradise that has everything from hidden beaches to caves, and natural pools.
Whether you want to go offroading on an ATV tour or lounge at a beach bar, Aruba has something for everyone.
For ideas on what to do when the sun goes down, check out our article on 15 fun things to do in Aruba at night!
