10+ Things to Do in Aruba You Cannot Miss Out Exploring

What things to do in Aruba is a question that lingers in every tourist’s mind when planning to go to the destination. From asking tour guides for help to exploring on your own, there is a risk of mismanagement and missing out on something that could turn out to be regretful later. Well, if you are a first-time traveler to the island country, this article is for you, outlining what Aruba has in store to make your trip memorable.

Aruba is the powerhouse of activities, attractions, and hidden gems. Once you land, deciding what to pinpoint becomes difficult. From roaming at beaches and visiting culturally rich sites to participating in adrenaline-rushing activities, the options are numerous. 

To cut the story short, here is your ultimate guide to help you explore Aruba at all levels. Whether you are a solo traveller, with family, or friends, this article includes everything to make your trip exciting, joyful, and worth memorable. By the end of this guide, you will have your pre-planned list of the Aruba must see things to do, without missing out on something interesting.

Best Things to Do in Aruba

Despite being part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba enjoys the status of an independent island country. The destination offers something for everyone, whether they are kids or adults, in both the off and on seasons. So, enough of the suspense, it is your time to dive into this article and explore Aruba like other travellers love to do.

1. Explore Aruba Beaches

Since Aruba is an island, it would be unfair to your trip to leave without visiting its beaches. Aruba beaches are one-of-a-kind, offering perfect spots for relaxation and water activities. There is no time for boredom when at the beaches in Aruba. Whether you visit Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, or Palm Beach, the excitement to experience calm waters and water sports is unique. Aruba beaches promise family-friendly picnics and adrenaline rush activities, including snorkeling.

Aruba is a paradise for beach lovers, but if you’re craving a more laid-back vibe surrounded by ancient ruins and lush jungle, check out things to do in Tulum — it’s another dreamy tropical escape worth adding to your list.

2. Indulge in Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a famous water sport in Aruba. Besides being an activity, scuba diving allows you to soak in the underwater world, witnessing shipwrecks and coral reefs. The experience is unique and lets the travellers spend a great time. In addition, you can also explore tropical fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. You can choose from any dive shop across the island and enjoy Aruba’s underwater world.

3. Windsurfing and Kite Surfing

As wind trades ticket-free in the entire Aruba, the destination offers one of the Aruba activities every visitor craves. The popular ones are windsurfing, wind foiling, and kite surfing at Hadicurari Beach and Boca Grandi. Here, you can learn how to trade against the wind and participate in kiteboarding. The thrilling activities are enough to provide you with a fun experience that you will cherish forever.

4. Snorkel Your Heart Out

One of the fun things to do in Aruba is snorkeling, owing to the Caribbean Sea that surrounds the island country. Witnessing aquatic life in its natural habitat is a delightful sight, and Aruba’s snorkeling spots let every visitor experience it. You can dive into crystal-clear water at Tres Trapi or Mangel Halto and witness lagoons, coral reefs, or sea turtles. The adventurous activity lets you explore Aruba with all its natural beauty.

5. Take a Sunset Cruise

There is nothing more exciting than a sunset cruise tour over a crystal-clear Aruba water body. Here, you can enjoy water adventures from the deck of a catamaran. In addition, you can soak in a pretty sunset, and the sky turns into beautiful hues. Not only this, you can have a mouth-watering dinner on an Aruba sunset cruise with ravishing, breathtaking views. In a nutshell, Aruba catamaran tours offer the beautiful sunsets you must witness if visiting the island country.

6. Visit Arikok National Park Aruba

Your trip to Aruba is incomplete without visiting the Arikok National Park. This park covers over 20% island’s area and has everything a traveller requires on a vacation, including natural bridges, wildlife, coastal views, beaches, tide pools, and caves. The best part is that you can enjoy extreme activities, such as ATV/UTV rides, horseback riding, hiking, and more. In short, this park offers beauty with a serene environment and is an essential spot to visit during your trip.

7. Watch the Flamingos

Among the various beaches, Aruba’s Renaissance Beach is home to beautiful pink flamingos that roam freely. You can hop on the boat and set out on the route to the private beach to watch these exotic birds from a closer view. Not only this, you can also feed them and take pictures with them.

8. Aruba ATV off-road Tours

What a trip without an adrenaline rush? If you agree, you must indulge yourself in Aruba’s ATV/UTV road tours. Whether you are at the Arikok National Park, Bushiribana gold mill ruins, the natural bridge, or Conchi natural pool, these off-roading tours are a one-of-a-kind experience. From rough terrains and dramatic coastlines to rugged routes, you can kick up the dirt and satisfy your adventurous soul. These rides offer deep insight into Aruba’s geology, wildlife, and history.

If you’re planning more adventures beyond the Caribbean, why not explore Europe next? Discover best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal — a stunning city full of history, food, and coastal charm.

9. Aruba Butterfly Farm

When in Aruba, you must visit the butterfly farm, a few miles away from Palm Beach. It is an exciting experience, especially when you are with your family or kids. Butterfly farm is a home to hundreds of colorful exotic butterflies in a tropical garden. Here you can learn about their life cycle and watch them emerge from their cocoon. In addition, you can stroll through the area, take pictures, and soak in the serenity the place offers.

10. Aruba Natural Bridge

Are you looking forward to exploring the hidden gems Aruba? If yes, plan your tour to one of the natural rock bridges. Do not underestimate the bridges as ordinary ones; in fact, they are the result of sea erosion over the years. The popular rock bridges are located at Andicuri Bay and Seroe Colorado. From an aerial view, these are the picture frames for the ocean. You can visit the site, hike, witness their formation, and take a picture with the natural wonders.

11. Swim in the Natural Pool

When in Aruba, you must have Aruba cenotes swim on your bucket list. It’s one of the versions, The Natural Pool, the result of volcanic rock and limestone formations that represent the island’s glory and amazing Aruba attractions. The Conchi natural pool allows travelers to dive and swim in the calm water. The interesting thing is that you can reach here only by horseback, on foot, or in a 4×4, and enjoy a memorable time on your Aruba trip.  

12. Aruba Horseback Riding Beach

Aruba is a treasure trove for adventure seekers. Whether it is an ATV ride, hiking, or off-roading, the thrill is real. However, another activity that lets you enjoy the crashing waves of rugged trails is horseback riding. Hopping on the horse and driving through the terrains enables you to dig into Aruba’s wild side or beauty. The best spot where you can enjoy horse riding is Dos Playa, making your Aruba tours memorable and fun-filled.

Love exploring nature beyond the beach? Trade Aruba’s turquoise waves for stunning red rocks and hiking trails — discover the best things to do in Sedona for your next adventure.

Wrapping Up

When planning a trip to enjoy to the fullest, including adrenaline rush adventures, Aruba must be your top priority. The island country is a treasure trove for all fun-loving and thrill-seeking visitors. In case you are confused about what things to do in Aruba, this guide is your ultimate helping hand. Whether it is exploring rock formations, natural pools, ATV riding, or beach soaking, the destination has something for everyone. So, read this article to the end and prepare your list of amazing things to make your trip even more cherished.

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