Aruba is known as one Happy Island and as soon as you arrive you will see why. The dazzling turquoise waters, colorful towns, and laid-back vibes come together to create the perfect tropical escape. It’s the perfect place to relax and do nothing. However, there’s also a wide variety of things to do in Aruba for the more active and adventurous traveler. So in this Aruba travel guide, we’ll clue you into all the best attractions, restaurants, and shopping that will make your next Caribbean vacation a memorable one.
Now, we spent a month in Aruba as a workation, giving us the time to both work remotely and to uncover Aruba’s hidden gems and iconic experiences alike. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying for an extended stay, here are 40 unforgettable things to do in Aruba!
Check out our full Aruba video guide below!
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How to Get Around Aruba
In order to get around and see the best of Aruba, I do recommend renting a car. Renting a car will give you the most freedom to explore the island on your own schedule and most small economy car rentals start about about $35 USD a day. Considering taking a taxi one-way can cost $28 USD and up, getting a rental car is a much more affordable way to explore.
We had great success renting with both Drive4Cheap and Discover Cars. Check out their websites to see their current prices. I’d recommend renting a small economy car or sedan for the majoritity of your stay, but I also recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle for one day to see the more rugged parts of the island. More on that later!
In addition, Aruba does have a bus system that is good for going from the hotel zone to the capital of Oranjested. You can see quite a lot of sights along the bus route, but to see everything on this list, you will definitely need a rental car.
The Best Things to Do Around Palm Beach, Aruba
First, let’s break down this list of things to do in Aruba by location. The majority of tourists coming to Aruba will stay in the Hotel Zone near Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, or Divi Beach. So, let’s start with the best things to do around Palm Beach.
1. Enjoy Resort Life at Palm Beach
Start your adventure in the heart of Aruba’s tourist scene: Palm Beach! Filled with classy resorts, watersports, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, this area has everything you need for a great trip. That’s why most tourists will choose to book their accommodation on or near Palm Beach. It’s where most of the action is.
We enjoyed lounging in the calm waters here and checking out the shopping and restaurants at the Paseo Herencia Mall. It’s a nice area with great access to many amenities.
2. Catch Happy Hour at Bugaloe Bar & Grill
One of our favorite places to catch the sunset and have happy hour at Palm Beach is Bugaloe Bar & Grill. This beach bar is located on the De Palm Pier directly over the water, so it has great views of the water and gives you front-row seats to a golden sky sunset.
The vibe here is fun, lively, and the food was seriously delicious, so it gets our highest recommendation!
3. Take an Enchanting Boat Ride with Jolly Pirates
A great way to see western coast of Aruba is to book a pirate-themed snorkeling tour with the Jolly Pirates. This tour is like a party with a lively crew, an open bar, and a rope swing for an exhilarating dive into the water, if you dare. In addition, you’ll sail to the Antilla Shipwreck which is a WWII sunken ship that is now teeming with sea life and is an exciting place to snorkel.
This tour also stops by Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach, but these snorkeling stops can be accessed from the shore by bus or car, so it’s not necessary to take a boat tour to see them. You only need the boat tour to experience the shipwreck, the open bar, and the fun rope swing vibes. But with tours starting at only $70 per person, we found the Jolly Pirates to be a fun way to enjoy the water and experience multiple snorkel spots in Aruba quickly and easily. It’s also perfect if you don’t have your own snorkel gear as they provide life vests, snorkels, and masks on board.
4. Enjoy the View from the California Lighthouse
One of our favorite viewpoints in Aruba was the California Lighthouse where you can pay $5 to climb 117 steps and take in 360-degree views of Aruba’s rugged coastline.
You can see nearly half of the island from this vantage point, and it really puts into perspective the beautiful landscapes of Aruba.
5. Snorkel with Turtles at Tres Trapi Beach
Tres Trapi Beach is a small, rocky cove that’s famous for having some of the best snorkeling in Aruba. If you visit early in the morning, there’s a good chance you may spot sea turtles—and we felt incredibly lucky to see one around 9 a.m., along with a colorful variety of tropical fish. While the clear water makes it perfect for snorkeling, the rocky shoreline means it’s not ideal for lounging or sunbathing. This is a quick stop best enjoyed with mask and fins in hand, especially for underwater lovers.
6. Enjoy the View at Boca Catalina
Aruba has so many beautiful beaches and Boca Catalina is one of them. This is a great place to snorkel and chill. The water here is stunning!
7. Chill Out at Arashi Beach
Near Tres Trapi and Boca Coca Catalina, Arashi Beach has epic snorkeling, beautiful views, umbrellas and chairs for rent, a restaurant, and paid bathrooms. This is a great place to chill for the afternoon and have lunch. Plus, it’s easily reached by bus too!
8. Relax on Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach quickly became one of our favorite beaches on the island. Not only is it a beautiful place to visit, but it’s also one of the best areas to stay in Aruba. Compared to the lively atmosphere of Palm Beach, Eagle Beach is much quieter and more laid-back—perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxing island escape. With its wide stretch of soft white sand and fewer crowds, staying near Eagle Beach offers the best of Aruba without the hustle and bustle of Palm Beach.
Things to Do on the Southeast Side of Aruba
Another amazing thing to do in Aruba is to take a road trip to the southeast side of the island to see one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Baby Beach, and to see the colorful murals of San Nicolas. From the main hotel zone ner Palm Beach, it takes about 45 minutes to drive to the southeast side of the island. Here are our top suggestions for things to do once you get there!
9. Swim with Turtles at Baby Beach
With shallow, calm waters, Baby Beach is perfect for snorkeling—even for beginners. Arrive early for the best chance to spot turtles before the crowds roll in. It can get quite crowded here in the afternoon. But you are able to rent beach chairs here, and there are a couple of beachside restaurants as well.
10. Snap a Photo at the Red Anchor
On your way to Baby Beach, stop at the Red Anchor—a bold sculpture symbolizing hope and resilience. It’s a quick but scenic photo stop.
11. Explore the Natural Bridge at Seroe Colorado
From the small lighthouse parking lot, take a scenic walk to Aruba’s Natural Bridge—a peaceful, lesser-known spot with dramatic ocean views.
12. Marvel at the Murals of San Nicolas
Dubbed Aruba’s art capital, San Nicolas is a walking gallery filled with vibrant street art, from lifelike portraits to whimsical animals. It was great to spend an hour here exploring all the incredible murals before getting some local food.
13. Eat Local at O’Niel’s Caribbean Kitchen
While in San Nicolas, grab lunch at O’Niel’s Caribbean Kitchen. Their Caribbean-style stews and fish are local favorites.
Discover the Beauty of Central Aruba
The center of the island is filled with beautiful rock formations, which are a joy to explore.
14. Climb the Casibari Rock Formations
Get panoramic views of the island from these ancient volcanic boulders. It’s a short 5-minute hike up with huge payoffs—and it’s totally free!
15. Discover Ancient Art at Ayo Rock Formations
This sacred site features 1,000-year-old pictographs, massive boulders, and towering cacti—a spiritual and scenic spot all in one.
16. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary
Interact with rescued donkeys at this sanctuary that feeds and cares for animals once abandoned in the wild. Buy a bucket of food for just a few dollars and make a new fuzzy friend! This is a cute stop is great for kids and adults alike.
17. Climb Hooiberg Mountain
If you love hiking and great views, tackle 500+ steps for a rewarding view of Aruba’s countryside. Try to go in the late afternoon or the early morning when the sun isn’t as harsh.
Explore the Rigged Side of Aruba in a 4-Wheel Drive Vehicle
Another thing we recommend is renting a 4×4 vehicle for one day of your stay, so you can explore the rugged northern coast of the island.
18. Bushiribana Gold Mill
A visit to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins offers a glimpse into Aruba’s fascinating gold-mining past. These stone ruins date back to the 19th century when miners once processed thousands of tons of gold ore.
Today, the site is free to visit and rewards travelers with sweeping ocean views, crashing waves, and a striking contrast between history and wild Caribbean landscapes.
19. Jump into Aruba’s Cave Pool
Just a few meters away from the Gold Mill, is the Cave Pool, which is a thrilling stop on your northern coast tour.
Here, you can jump into the deep waters of the pool if you want a thrill, or chill in the cave water if you want to just take it all in.
It’s definitely a must if you plan on going to the northern coast.
20. Walk Across Aruba’s Famous Natural Bridge
A 5-minute drive away from the Cave Pool is this beautiful Natural Bridge. This is another natural wonder, and is very popular because it’s so photogenic—perfect for your next Instagram shot.
This spot also has a small snack shop which is great for trying local snacks and to pick up a souvenir or two.
Explore Arikok National Park
While you still have a 4×4 vehicle, go visit Arikok National Park. This park has several stunning viewpoints, several of which require a 4×4 to access. Entry starts at $22 and with so many cool sights, the park is worth a visit!
21. Visit the Natural Pool – Conchi
The most popular attraction in Arikok National Park is Conchi the Natural Pool. The road to get there though is very bumpy and is a 4×4 only road.
While swimming at the Natural Pool is only allowed on calm sea days, the view at Natural Pool is nice even when the sea is a bit rough.
22. Dos Playas
Dos Playas is a beach viewpoint with views of two beaches. It requires a 4×4 to access, but it’s beautiful to see! Although the water here is beautiful, swimming is not allowed due to strong currents.
23. Boca Prins
Boca Prins is surrounded by towering sand dunes and rugged limestone cliffs. The powerful waves make it unsafe for swimming, but it’s an incredible spot for photography, beach walks, and taking in the raw beauty of the island.
24. Explore the Cave Drawings of Fontein Cave
Fontein Cave is known for its ancient Arawak petroglyphs carved into the limestone walls, offering a rare glimpse into the island’s indigenous past.
Nearby, there’s also a pool where you can get a free fish pedicure if you dare.
25. Find the Heart of Quadirikiri Cave
Quadirikiri Cave is a fun and easy stop featuring two massive limestone chambers and a magical opening in the ceiling that forms a heart shape if you catch it from just the right angle. It can be a little tricky to spot at first, so don’t hesitate to ask one of the park rangers for help. Once you see it, you’ll understand why it’s such a popular photo spot and one of the most charming hidden gems in Aruba.
26. Dine on Fresh Seafood at Zeerover
One of the most affordable places to eat seafood on the island is Zeerover. Here, they sell shrimp by the pound while you dine with excellent ocean views. Just know you’ll need patience for this one. It’s so popular that we waited 45 minutes just to order our lunch, and another 45 minutes to get our food. Service does not move fast here, so allow at least 2-3 hours if you want to experience Zeerover for yourself.
27. Try the Best Seafood at Red Fish
For tastier (and quicker) seafood, Red Fish Restaurant is our top pick! Their blackened fish and shrimp dinner was so good, we went back twice!
28. Alto Vista Chapel
The Alto Vista Chapel is Aruba’s oldest church. It was originally built in 1750 by a Venezuelan missionary and is a pilgrimage site. Worshippers would walk all the way from Oranjestad to Alto Vista Chapel on Good Friday.
Now, it’s charming to see the picturesque chapel and peace garden, especially if you are headed to the winery nextdoor for a wine tasting.
29. Alto Vista Winery
One of our favorite activities in Aruba was visiting the Alto Vista Winery. Here, you can take a tour of their fabulous vineyard and distillery and then taste their delicious wines and cocktails. It was a deliciously educational experience, and gets our highest recommendation!
Visit the Capital of Aruba – Oranjestad
No trip to Aruba is complete without a visit to the capital, Oranjestad. So, here are a few fun things to do once you’re in Oranjestad.
30. Ride the Free Trolley in Oranjestad
Get your bearings in the capital city with this fun, free trolley that loops around the main squares. This trolley offers free rides every day from 10 am to 2 pm, and it’s a fun way to see this colorful city.
31. Visit the National Archaeological Museum
This donation-based museum gives insight into the indigenous cultures of Aruba with reconstructions of ancient villages and homes.
32. Climb the Clock Tower at Fort Zoutman
Home to the Historical Museum, Fort Zoutman also offers views over the city from the clock tower and exhibits about colonial-era Aruba and traditional crafts.
33. Taste Aruba’s National Dish: Keshi Yena
Melted cheese, stewed chicken, and savory spices come together in this iconic dish. Try it at Iguana Joe’s—you won’t regret it.
This was my favorite local dish while in Aruba! So delicious!
34. Learn at the Aloe Factory & Museum
See how Aruba’s aloe is harvested and processed into skincare products at the Aruba Aloe Factory Museum. Here, you can take a free tour of the aloe fields and factory to see how they make their soaps, lotions, and creams. It was an informative tour, and a great place to buy some locally made sunscreen, especially if you’ve had too much sun.
35. Dance the Night Away at Aruba Salsa Dance Company
Aruba has a vibrant salsa dancing scene! At Aruba Salsa Dance Company, they offer salsa dance lessons and weekly dance socials. Some nights, they even feature live bands. Check them out if you love Latin dance as much as we do!
Other Beaches to Try
Aruba has no shortage of beautiful beaches, so if you have any additional time or energy for more beach hopping, then check these beaches out!
36. Snorkel at Mangel Halto
Hidden among the mangroves, Mangel Halto is a peaceful beach with incredible snorkeling. Here, you can swim through mangrove trees and into vibrant coral reefs.
37. Divi Beach
Divi Beach is a beautiful, laid-back stretch of sand located near the Divi & Tamarijn resorts on Aruba’s west coast. Known for its calm turquoise water and soft white sand, it’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying classic Caribbean views. This beach has easy access to beach bars and restaurants nearby. Whether you’re staying at the resort or just stopping by for a beach day, Divi Beach is a lovely place to unwind and soak up Aruba’s sunshine.
38. Manchebo Beach
Located just south of Eagle Beach, this wide stretch of soft white sand is lined with low-rise resorts, giving it a more relaxed and upscale feel. With fewer crowds, plenty of space to spread out, and stunning sunsets, Manchebo Beach is a wonderful spot to slow down and enjoy Aruba at its finest.
39. Malmok Beach
Another good snorkeling beach is Malmok Beach. This rocky beach draws lots of fish to its rocky shores. Although this beach is not for lying out and relaxing, it’s great for snorkeling along the rocks to see what tropical fish you can find.
40. Take a Day Trip to De Palm Island
For a full day of fun in Aruba, take a day trip to De Palm Island, which is a private island complete with a water park, snorkeling, flamingos, and an all-inclusive lunch buffet. If you want to vacation in style, De Palm Island is the way to do it!
Final Thoughts
For a relatively small island, Aruba really does have a lot to do! From snorkeling shipwrecks and hiking desert trails to savoring seafood and salsa dancing under the stars, Aruba has something for everyone. Whether you’re in it for adventure, culture, or pure beach bliss, these 40 amazing activities will help you make the most of your time on this happy little island.
Now that you know what to do in Aruba, check out these other great Caribbean travel tips!
- The Best Areas to Stay in Aruba
- 20 Things to Know Before You Go To Aruba
- 20 Incredible Things to Do in Curaçao
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Hello! The local beaches look like a bounty area! I guess Aruba is one of the top destinations for beach lovers!
What a beautiful part of the world. I’d love to experience the Caribbean soul food – especially the fish grills.
There is so much more to do in Aruba than just the beaches. Jumping in the cave pool and visiting the rock formations, natural bridges sounds like fun!
Aruba really does sound like a paradise for every kind of traveller! From snorkeling around shipwrecks to hiking desert trails, and from savoring fresh seafood to dancing under the stars, it seems like there’s something for everyone. Definitely a destination I’d love to explore one day!
My must do list for Aruba just got a whole lot longer than it was. So many great things to do, museums, beaches, restaurants and natural attractions.