Things to do

20 Interesting Things To Do In Aruba

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Aruba, often referred to as the "island of pleasure" is a Caribbean paradise that offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and plenty of exciting activities. From pristine beaches and clear waters like glass to spectacular historical sites and exciting festivals, Aruba is a land of experiences for everyone Offering a diverse collection

Whether you want to relax under the sun, explore underwater wonders, delve into the rich history of the island, or indulge in adventurous adventures, Aruba has it all. So in this article, you will discover 20 interesting things in Aruba that will make your visit memorable for a lifetime.

1. Experience The Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store

The Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store provides a fascinating insight into the island’s aloe vera industry. Here, visitors can tour the factory to see how aloe vera is processed into various skincare and health products and learn about the history and importance of this versatile plant in Aruba.

The museum displays vintage tools and informative exhibits, providing an insight into the aloe production process. After their tour, guests can browse the shop to find a variety of beautiful aloe-inspired products, perfect for souvenirs or themselves. Hence, this experience combines education and business.

2. Enjoy The Attractions Of Renaissance Island

Spanning 40 acres of tropical paradise, Renaissance Island features Aruba’s only private beach and its famous pink flamingos. This exclusive resort is available exclusively to Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort guests from 7 am to 7 pm daily.

The island exists as a truly tropical destination with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. Here people can relax in luxury villas, enjoy water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding, or just soak up the sun on the soft white sand.

3. Relax At Druif Beach

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Druif Beach, a long, curved stretch of ivory sand, is home to low-key resorts in the Eagle Beach area. The rooms and restaurants here are just steps from the relatively calm waters of the Caribbean.

This beach connects directly with other beaches in the Eagle Beach area and together forms a mile of white sand beach. So, it is the perfect place for a full day of beach fun, water sports, and unique beach walks with the most breathtaking sea views. Hence, the calm, crystal-clear water makes this place perfect for swimming, water skiing, or other exercises.

4. Race At Bushiri Karting Speedway

Do you know that Bushiri Karting Speedway is the only outdoor karting track in Aruba? Yes, here you can drive 9 hp 50 mph high-speed performance Karts and experience action-packed kart racing with high-speed passing zones and hairpin turns.

In addition to the thrilling racing action, Bushiri Karting Speedway has restaurants and viewing areas where spectators can cheer on the drivers. If you want a fun family activity or a competitive race with friends, Bushiri Karting Speedway is one of the best places to visit in Aruba.

5. Check Out Jads Dive Center

One of the best things to do in Aruba is to visit Jads Dive Center which offers an amazing underwater adventure. The island has the most extensive snorkeling facilities, including beaches and boating.

It is also known for its professional and friendly staff, who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for divers of all skill levels. There is a dedicated 36-foot dive boat, full scuba equipment rental in excellent condition, digital underwater camera rental, and the Rum Reef Bar and Grill right next door, with air-conditioned rooms and also offers many other amenities by this center.

From introductory diving and open water classes to professional dive certifications, the JADS Dive Center and Dive Shop cater to underwater enthusiasts. Hence, this is the best place to visit in Aruba.

6. Experience The History Of The Bushiribana Ruins

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Antiquities in Aruba are numerous with the Bushiribana Ruins being one of the many things that travelers should not miss. What it offers is a glimpse of the island’s past as a gold mining place in the 19th century.

Just remnants of what used to be an industry of gold mining can be seen today on the north coast which contrasts sharply to Aruba’s beautiful beaches. Dating back to the Aruba Island Gold Company in 1825, the building is a clear indication of the ever-brief Aruba gold rush period.

7. Observe Wildlife At Bubali Bird Sanctuary

The Bubli Bird Sanctuary in Aruba is a peaceful place for nature lovers and bird watchers where you can see more than 80 species of birds flying from the South Tower of Bubli It has a diverse collection of birds including herons, egrets, gulls, coots, and numerous.

Also, you can climb the observation tower for a beautiful view of the shrine and its inhabitants or take an aerial walk through the lush greenery and tranquil ponds. Hence, this is a great place to bring the kids up close with little restraint for a unique and possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

8. Climb The Ayo Rock Formations

The Ayo crater is a monolithic rock formation near the village of Ayo on the Caribbean island of Aruba. This ancient formation is believed to have been a site of early human settlement and features petroglyphs left by the Arawak people that add a layer of historical intrigue. 

Here you will also find original rock paintings from thousands of years ago that are scattered in such a way that they create natural pathways and viewpoints. Aruba’s Ayo rock formations are the best things to do at Aruba if you are interested in history, nature, and cultural heritage.

9. Unwind At Palm Beach

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Known for its pristine white sand, calm turquoise waters, and warm weather, Palm Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Aruba. Stretching for nearly two miles along the island’s west coast, it is lined with luxury resorts, high-end hotels and restaurants, and shops

For this reason, a walk on the beach in the morning or at sunset is perfect for exercise and quiet contemplation during your vacation in the Caribbean. At sunset, the beachfront neighborhood of Palm Beach comes alive as Aruba's bustling bars and casinos offer an exciting nightlife.

10. Adventure Through Arikok National Park

Located in the northeastern province of Aruba, the 7,907-acre Aricoc National Park was officially established in 2000. It covers about 20% of the island’s total land area.

The park boasts unique attractions and cultural heritage, with spectacular caves, early Indian rock paintings, and unique terrain made of volcanic, quartz diorite, and limestone. It is also home to wild rich fauna with exotic birds, deer, and the occasional wild goat.

Meanwhile, cultural and historical sites in the park include ancient cave paintings and indigenous Aruban remains. Therefore, Arikoc National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a deeper connection to Aruba’s natural beauty and heritage.

11. Visit Philip's Animal Garden

Founded by Phillip and his family, the park is a haven for rescued and rehabilitated animals from the island and beyond. Interactive and educational tours are available, where you can experience up close and personal with more than 50 exotic species.

Here, visitors are invited to look, touch, and even feed some of the park’s exotic inhabitants. The sanctuary focuses on education and conservation, raising awareness about animal care and welfare, and promoting wildlife conservation awareness Tours are offered every half hour seven days a week from 9 a.m. to noon 5.

12. Discover The National Bridge Aruba

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National Bridge Aruba is one of the best things to see in Aruba which is naturally made of limestone. Over thousands of years, waves and strong winds slowly eroded the limestone cliffs along Aruba’s northern coast to create these stunning natural bridges.

Before its collapse in 2005, the largest and most photographed of these bridges was the famous natural bridge between the Bushiribana gold mine ruins and Andikuri Beach. While the original bridge no longer stands, its remnants remain a popular tourist attraction, and the nearby, intact Baby Bridge is also worth a visit. In addition, there is a souvenir shop and a snack bar in the replica Kunuku house in the Natural Bridge neighborhood.

13. Enjoy A Day At Andicuri Beach

Located on the tropical northern coast of Aruba, Andikuri Beach offers a unique and scenic escape from the more touristy areas of the island Known for these spectacular beaches and fascinating cliffs, they are just right for them they seek a quiet, natural experience.

The wide bay is surrounded by coral reefs with parts providing some shade. Due to its perfect waves and stronger surf, various local body-boarding competitions are held here. Compared to more famous beaches, locals love to come here in search of peace. This beach is also great for picnics, beach walks, and admiring the raw beauty of Aruba’s rugged terrain.

14. Enjoy The Sights Of Mangel Halto

Mangel Halto is a stunning beach on the southeastern coast of Aruba, known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life. This peaceful place offers visitors the opportunity to explore colorful coral reefs and tropical fish species.

It is frequented by sunbathers who love the quiet beaches and privacy. The public beach huts and shaded areas are perfect for a beach picnic or watching the Aruban sunset. The area has sandy beaches, tree-lined beaches, and access through mangroves for open-water kayaking and SUP boarding.

Additionally, Mangel Halto Beach is also one of the best beach snorkeling spots in Aruba. You can go out to the edge of the reef to see eagle fish, yellow tail snapper, sergeant major, blue tangs deep water gorgonians, sponges, and anemones.

15. Uncover Aruba Active Vacations

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Looking for things to do in Aruba? Then, you can visit Aruba Active Vacations which offers unique water and land activities, including sailing, surfing, and mountain biking.

You can tour the island by bike and explore Aruba’s mountain bike trails through rugged terrain filled with cacti and rocks, or take to the waters and there’s kitesurfing, windsurfing, or SUP boarding. Additionally, this holiday has a beach area at Hadikurari Beach, with freshwater toilets, shaded areas, sunbathing chairs, and cold drinks, available for a fee, and most importantly the quality of study and travel.

16. Discover Boca Catalina Beach

Bocatalina Catalina Beach offers easy access to the ocean and swimming and snorkeling for all ages. Clear, calm waters make this beach the perfect spot for private swimming and snorkeling in Aruba.

Meanwhile, Bocatalina in Aruba is a small, isolated bay in the Malmoc coastal area. Furthermore, it also has a white sand beach area with some makeshift beach huts to protect it from the sun. There is also easy access to crystal clear seas making this beach ideal for families. Boca Catalina is therefore popular with divers and those looking for a more private and peaceful beach experience.

17. Unveil The Secrets Of Spanish Lagoon

Spaans Lagoen, translated as "Spanish Lagoon," is a coastal marine and wetland area off the west coast of Aruba. Designated as a Ramsar site since 1980, it is a narrow inland coastline 2,000 meters long and 500 meters wide. 

This lagoon is the only landlocked One Happy Island, formed some 10,000 years ago when sea levels rose after the last ice age. Similarly, this lagoon is about 70 hectares in size and is part of the Arikok National Park. The Gulf within Aruba is therefore of great importance to waterfowl and is an important habitat for reef fish and shellfish. Spans Lagoon is so unique in the world that it is included in the Ramsar Convention.

18. Experience Dos Playa

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About 1.5 km north of Boca Prince is Dos Playa in Arricoc National Park. This beach has two marinas in pristine nature. The beach is a must for island hoppers, with wide white-sand beaches for sunbathing or relaxing in the shade of sea vines.

Dos Playa is one of the most secluded beaches in Aruba as there are no facilities and it takes a lot of effort to get there. On the other hand, it’s a great base to explore the rugged northeast coast of Aruba. Especially on the weekends, you can see surfers facing the waves and currents daily on this beach. Therefore, it is generally recommended for secluded beaches that you plan your visit well.

19. Soar Through The Skies With Skydive Aruba

At Skydive Aruba, they have been flying through the skies for over a decade, creating unforgettable moments in the clouds. On the other hand, they have a team with years of diving under their belts who are ready to guide you through the exciting world of skydiving 

Located on the golden beaches of Aruba’s Malmoc Coast, Skydive Aruba offers more than just adrenaline-pumping thrills-it’s a slice of paradise waiting to be discovered. It’s not just a skydiving experience; there is a perfect dance between land, sky, and sea which leaves you with memories as beautiful as the land.

20. Visit The Museo Historico Aruba

Museo Historico Aruba is housed within the oldest buildings of Aruba, the Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower. Both are protected monuments since 2011 and are our witnesses of the rich history and prosperity of Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad.

It is the island's older surviving structure which presents a fascinating collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that chronicle Aruba's past from its indigenous roots to modern times. People can also explore various displays that highlight the island's colonial history, maritime heritage, and the impact of the gold and aloe industries. The museum also hosts cultural events and educational programs.