Mangroves, pirate tours, snorkeling, and Dutch pancakes. Those are the four things I listed when asked what is there to do in Aruba.
But this Caribbean country offers much more than that curious quadruplet. And its size and accessibility make it a cinch to visit. Read on to find out how to have a fulfilling, responsible and incredibly fun trip to Aruba :)
What is There To Do in Aruba?
Culture
Read our article on basic facts (including the history and culture) of Aruba too.
- Oranjestad: Aruba’s capital is a mix of Dutch, Spanish and Caribbean influences. Check out the food and museums. It’s very walkable due to its size (only 28,000 people).
- San Nicolas: Take a stroll around this hidden gem! Nicknamed “Sunrise City,” San Nicolas is popular for its art displays and specifically its murals.
Outdoor activities
- Arikok: Aruba’s sole national park houses a ton for exploration: 2,500-year-old petroglyphs, an abandoned gold mine, “Aruba’s Stonehenge“, a natural bridge, more excellent beaches, and some beautiful caves. Hike (book here), ride a horse (book here) or rent a jeep or ATV.
- Boat Tours: Jump ropes, snorkeling stops, and unlimited drinks are included in the 3-4 hour tours. Buy tickets early- these sell out weeks ahead of time! My recommended one? The pirate ship!
- Flamingo Beach: I’d avoid this one. It’s a privately owned island with 6 domesticated flamingos (their wings are clipped). And it’s $125 for a day pass. Beside the flamingos, the apparent attractions are the beach and drinks, which are not exactly hard to find in Aruba.
- Kitesurfing: Also windsurfing. Because you only live once.
How and Where to Snorkel
This totally deserves its own section. That’s because you can spend every day swimming with tropical fish and tortoises in the coral reefs!
All of these spots are on the western part of the island (the eastern side is too dangerous for snorkeling). Always consider the conditions (waves, current) before going in, and go with a friend.
- Baby Beach: This beach’s waters are shallow and calm, and are excellent for beginners. Stay inside the seawall.
- Mangel Hato: An additional plus is you walk through mangroves before taking a dip in the bay here.
- Arashi: Another good spot for beginners, Arashi stands out for its coral reefs.
- Catalina Cove: I really like this beach’s name. But it’s also famous for its tropical fish. Win-win!
You can rent equipment when you arrive. Watch this safety video first.
Conclusion
I doubt you need convincing to go to Aruba. But our challenge was to make our trip fun and Earth-friendly. So we found activities that mix real cultural experiences with epic outdoor adventures.
It was surprising easy!
One more thing to note: you don’t have to plan too much in advance (besides a pirate catamaran tour) because everything is so close. You can get from one end of the island to another in literally under an hour by car.
Check out basic information on Aruba, including its history and culture, in our article here.
Stay cool & stay free!