Planning a dream vacation? Just off the northern coast of South America, Aruba is waiting to be your next dream vacation destination. If you are dreaming of beautiful beaches then you are in for a treat, Aruba is bordered by crystal clear, and turquoise waters.
If you are looking to plan a dream vacation filled with tropical beaches, warm weather, and a bit of fun then you are in for a treat, there are tons of things to do in Aruba.
Aruba is filled with pristine beaches, and picturesque towns that dot the island, the interior has sparse scrubland, wild terrain, and rock formations that make the island a fascinating place to explore.
Aruba has it all! Here are our top things to do in Aruba to make your next trip unforgettable!
Natural Pool
Located in the rugged reaches of Conchi on the west coast and make your way over the craggy headlands and promontories to witness the wonders of the Natural Pool.
The natural pool is surrounded by volcanic rock, and the water is about 17ft deep. It’s often full of other tourists, but that’s just the fun of it. While you’re there, you’ll have to follow all the safety rules put in place.
If you aren’t renting a car in Aruba, you can still swim in the natural pool by joining a tour in Aruba that visits the Natural Pool.
Eagle Beach
The pristine white shoreline meshes with turquoise waves.
Eagle beach is easily accessible, with plenty of free parking options in a lot near the beach and parallel parking throughout surrounding streets. Public transportation is also another way to go. Eagle Beach is unique for a variety of reasons, one of them due to its western direction, making it perfect for sunset. Another draw is the calm water and white sand.
Famous for the Fofoti tree. The Fofoti tree mimics the look of the trademark Divi Divi (Watapana) tree, which grows exclusively in Aruba and always points in the southwestern direction, due to trade winds that blow across the ocean from the northeast. The Fofoti trees on Eagle Beach are some of the most photographed in Aruba and are one of the reasons that the beach is so well known.
Hailed by many an Aruban veteran as the single most handsome stretch of sand on the island, Eagle Beach arches its way around the west coast here just a stone’s throw from the capital at Oranjestad.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach boasts two miles of shimmering, scintillating Caribbean sand that’s so soft it feels like a cushion underfoot.
Hailed by many as one of the prettiest beaches on the planet, this one’s got everything you’d expect of a self-proclaimed tropical paradise: the glowing blue waters; the peppering of coral gardens out at sea; the lanky palm trees.
If you’re looking for a bit of peace, it also tends to be a tad quieter than its near neighbor to the south.
Tour the Ruins of Bushiribana and Balashi
Constructed way back in the 1870s by the British, who discovered gold seams running through the Aruban backcountry. The remnants of Aruba’s humble gold boom in the 19th century can still be seen crumbling and collapsing between the dusty hills south of Oranjestad.
Visitors can wonder at the looming buildings of the old smelting works and see the fortified constructions that were raised to turn away invading pirates coming in from the coast.
Donkey Sanctuary
The Aruba Donkey Sanctuary is responsible for conserving the old animal in these parts.
Opened back in 1997, the facility has worked to protect the population of donkeys on the island of Aruba since a sheer decline in numbers set in over the last 100 years.
Visitors are invited to meet the curious donkeys, participate in feeding sessions and learn all about the one-time work animal of choice for the Caribbean.
Arikok National Park
Located in south-eastern Aruba, the sprawling Arikok National Park is unquestionably one of the most beautiful parts of the island.
It counts for more than 20% of the overall land here and encompasses everything from the deep and dimly-lit caverns of the Quadirikiri Cave to the sweeping viewpoints of the Arikok Hilltop.
Hiking is one of the top draws of the area, with trails weaving through groves of spiny cacti, past ruined farmhouses from centuries gone by, and down to bays of turtle nests and rugged cliffs.
Flamingo Beach
Spend the day on Renaissance Island, the private island, at the Renaissance Hotel, which is also known as Flamingo Beach in Aruba. As you lay on the beach, pretty pink flamingos are roaming the beach and taking a dip in the ocean.
You can only visit Flamingo Beach in Aruba if you are a hotel guest at the Renaissance Hotel OR purchased a day pass. A limited amount of day passes are now sold online for $125. They go on sale every Saturday at 9 am for the upcoming Monday through Sunday.
ALTO VISTA CHAPEL
Standing alone amidst the beautiful Aruban countryside, the current Alto Vista Chapel was erected in 1952. It was built on the site of the first church to be built on the whole island back in 1750.
Its secluded spot makes it a peaceful place to visit. The chapel’s bright yellow walls stand out delightfully against the sparse terrain surrounding it. Right next to the chapel is the ‘peace labyrinth’ that weaves its way to and from.
