Aruba Guide: 11 Tips on What to Do in Aruba
The island of Aruba has rightfully earned the nickname One Happy Island. This small Caribbean paradise, which is a bit different from most tropical destinations, offers a surprising amount. If you’re asking what to do in Aruba and prefer active vacation destinations with lots of tourist activities, a vacation in Aruba will be the right choice for you.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATIONS IN ARUBA <<
Eagle Beach – Aruba
Expect drier, windier, and more stable weather, and surprisingly, a diverse island landscape. In one day, you can lie on a beach with fine sand, snorkel in a calm bay, drive through a desert landscape full of cacti, and end the day with a sunset at the lighthouse.
Island of Aruba
You guessed it, Aruba occupies the letter A in the name ABC islands and is the third island of the so-called Leeward Antilles. Although the Netherlands Antilles, which included a total of six islands, completely dissolved in 2010 and the islands gained their new status, many tourists still remember them this way.
If I had to personally compare Aruba with the other two islands, I would say that it is the opposite of the island of Bonaire, which is practically a natural park in itself. Aruba is more American and touristy, while Curacao is, in my opinion, a middle ground between these two worlds.
You might also be interested in:
- Bonaire excursions: 12 tips on what to do and see
- Trip to Klein Bonaire Island
- Curacao Guide: Information Before You Go + Accommodation
Planning your vacation and wondering what to see and do in Aruba? This guide of mine will definitely come in handy. Plus, I’ve selected 11 of the best trips and places for you, which I think make sense even on a shorter vacation, when visiting Aruba is part of your combined vacation on the other two islands as well. Or, if you visit here as part of a Caribbean cruise ship for 1-2 days.
Accommodation in Aruba
Aruba Boutique Apartments
- Affordable accommodation with a great price-quality ratio
- Expect clean, spacious apartments with an excellent location near Palm Beach
Bubali Luxury Apartments – Adults Only
- Although it has “luxury” in its name, Bubali Luxury Apartments is actually an excellent choice for affordable accommodation for the undemanding – my secret tip!
- Located in a quieter area with good access to beaches and shops, it offers fully equipped apartments for a comfortable stay.
- Ideal if you mainly want to travel and explore the island.
Bubali Luxury Apartments
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
- If you are looking for absolute comfort and high-level services, Ritz-Carlton is one of the best-rated luxury resorts in Aruba. Palm Beach ends here and quieter beaches begin on the other side.
- Spacious American rooms, top-notch service, and a beautiful beach. Gourmet restaurants and luxurious wellness.
- Ideal for a luxurious honeymoon
What to do in Aruba?
1. Eagle Beach – Iconic beach of Aruba
Eagle Beach is one of the best-rated beaches in the world, and once you step here, you’ll understand why. It is wide, long, and never feels crowded. The fine sand is smooth by the water and the sea here has a beautiful turquoise color.
The typical symbol of the beach are the fofoti trees, which lean in one direction under the influence of constant trade winds. Many tourists come here for the most iconic photos of Aruba. Eagle Beach has a calmer, slightly romantic atmosphere and is a popular place for engagements and weddings.
2. Palm Beach
If you are looking for hustle and bustle, quality tourist services and facilities on the beach, head to Palm Beach. The almost three-kilometer-long beach is lined with tall hotels, bars, and restaurants. You will find typical straw palapas umbrellas, water sports, paddleboards, and parasailing.
Palm Beach is ideal for those who want to have everything in one place and enjoy the benefits of ALL Inclusive resorts. If your goal is to spend your vacation on the beach, by the pool, and have restaurants and nightlife at your fingertips, this is the place for you.
3. Boca Catalina & Malmok
On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter destination, north of Palm Beach lies the Malmok area, which is considered the most luxurious part of the island. You will find private villas, peace and quiet, and especially great snorkeling.
The Boca Catalina beach is a small bay with calm water, where boats and catamarans often anchor. All you need is a mask, snorkel, and a few meters from the shore you will find yourself above a coral bottom full of fish. You can also come across sea turtles here.
4. Oranjestad / What to do in Aruba
The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad, where approximately 30,000 people live. Colorful colonial houses, a promenade by the harbor, shops, restaurants, and a free tram make the city a pleasant place for a half-day or full-day trip.
Several giant cruise ships often dock here at the same time. Aruba is one of the most visited Caribbean ports and is often part of the itinerary of Caribbean cruises.
5. Baby Beach – Aruba
In the south of the island lies Baby Beach, a shallow lagoon in the shape of a crescent. The water here is extremely calm, making it one of the best places for young children and snorkeling beginners.
The area is still less built-up, but it is gradually developing. A new resort opened here in 2025 and I expect more tourists here in the coming years.
6. Arikok National Park – the wild face of Aruba
I recommend not missing this place! About 20% of the island is covered by Arikok National Park. You will find rock formations, caves, natural pools, and hiking and off-road trails. If you have visited Bonaire and its Washington-Slagbaai National Park, I recommend going here for comparison as well.
7. Off-road trips: buggies, ATVs, and off-road / What to do in Aruba
Anyone who thinks that Aruba is just about beaches will be surprised. Trips on buggies, ATVs, and side-by-side vehicles are very popular, taking you to the interior and northeast of the island. Look forward to rugged landscapes, cacti, pelicans, wild goats, and donkeys, which are now part of the local color.
8. California Lighthouse – Aruba
On the northwestern tip of Aruba stands the California Lighthouse, built in 1916. The surroundings are windy and very photogenic. Thanks to its elevated position, you will see some of the most beautiful sunsets in Aruba from here. The former lighthouse keeper’s house now functions as a restaurant and you can enjoy a drink here, for example, at sunset.
9. Arashi Beach – a quiet end to the north of Aruba
Arashi Beach is a smaller, relaxed beach in the very north of the island. This place is ideal if you want to escape the hotel resorts. There is good snorkeling, a few beach bars, and beautiful views of the open sea.
10. Trip to Renaissance Island
Probably the most famous reason why many tourists fly to Aruba, is the island Renaissance Island. It is a private island belonging to the Renaissance Hotel in Oranjestad. It became famous mainly thanks to the freely moving flamingos, which have become one of the symbols of Aruba on social networks. Yes, it’s that beach where people take pictures with flamingos.
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
You can get to the island by boat directly from the port, and in addition to the iconic beach, it also offers the quieter Iguana Beach, sunbeds, a restaurant, and a very relaxed atmosphere. Access is free for hotel guests, other visitors can purchase a day ticket (about $125 per person – access is said to be for adults only).
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Personally, I didn’t long for this attraction. We enjoyed the flamingos much more in their natural and wild environment on the island of Bonaire, where they are strictly protected and must not be approached or startled. In any case, the island as such is beautiful and photogenic.
Accommodation in Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
- An iconic all-inclusive stay in Aruba, which combines luxurious services with a location right on the beach and access to private places, including the beach with flamingos.
- It offers wellness, privacy, gourmet restaurants, and sea views, making it an excellent choice for a romantic vacation.
11. De Palm Island – an all-inclusive island
The second and accessible small island off Aruba is De Palm Island. It is located just a few minutes by boat from the mainland and functions as a private all-inclusive island intended exclusively for day visits. Unlike Renaissance Island, it is not iconic for its photos, but rather as a fun and relaxing trip.
De Palm Island
An all-inclusive entrance fee (food, drinks, alcohol) is paid on the island. You can look forward to snorkeling with corals and fish. You will find a water park, slides, and a zipline. Of course, there are sunbeds, palm trees, and beaches. There is also the possibility of “Sea Trek” (walking on the bottom in a helmet).
De Palm Island is an ideal choice for families with children or for those who want to enjoy a day full of attractions, just come, eat, drink, have fun, and swim.
There are really a lot of places to visit in Aruba. I tried to choose the most beautiful ones, from which everyone will surely choose something for their itinerary.
Aruba Weather – When to Fly to Aruba?
What is the weather like on the island and when is it worth flying here for a vacation? All year round, expect temperatures around 27–30 °C. You will be pleased with the minimum of precipitation and practically no longer periods of rain. Aruba, like Curacao and Bonaire, lies outside the hurricane belt. On the other hand, be prepared for constant trade winds, which, however, will rather please you on hot days.
- Best time: December–April (high season)
- Cheaper months: May–November (still great weather)
Renting a car
Renting a car in Aruba is one of the most convenient ways to explore the island. Due to its small size and high-quality road network, you can get practically anywhere by car in a short time. The usual price for renting a smaller car ranges from approximately 40 to 60 USD per day, with larger or newer models requiring a higher amount. Prices may increase slightly during the high season, so I recommend booking a car in advance.
For most trips, 4×4 drive is not a necessity. The main roads, beaches, and cities are very easily accessible by a regular car. An ATV or SUV only makes sense if you are going to Arikok National Park, the more remote northeast of the island, or planning off-road trips off the paved roads. If you stick to the beaches, cities, and classic tourist routes, a classic car will suffice.
Traffic in Aruba is calm, relatively clear, and safe. Driving is on the right and local drivers are used to tourists. A typical element is roundabouts, of which there are surprisingly many on the island, and they significantly slow down and clarify traffic. Traffic peaks are minimal and driving is very relaxed compared to Europe. An international driver’s license and a credit card for a deposit are a matter of course.
Car rentals that I recommend:
- Trac Car Rental Aruba – one of the best-rated car rentals on the island
- Wheels 2 Go Car Rental – another very well-rated rental company with an excellent price-quality ratio
About the island of Aruba
Aruba was discovered by a Spanish sailor in 1499 and claimed for Spain. However, because they did not find enough gold here, they neglected the island. To this day, you can see the remains of mills and so on. In 1636, the Dutch took over the island, and today Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Tourism accounts for approximately 80% of Aruba’s GDP. The island is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean and strives to create a very welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy returning here.
In the past, island was a major producer of aloe vera. Plantations covered up to two-thirds of the island, and in the 1950s, approximately 30% of world production was created here. Aloe is still grown here in small quantities today, and the Aloe Aruba Museum and Factory show the entire process of its processing as an attraction for tourists.
Aloe Vera Aruba Museum
Why is Aruba so popular?
Many tourists have become very fond of Aruba. This is also due to the fact that it is considered a very safe destination, and therefore it is also sought after among families with children. You will find stable weather throughout the year, which many visitors also appreciate. During your vacation, you can combine beaches, nature, and various activities, and one of the main reasons is also the excellent infrastructure and high-level services.
It is no coincidence that people return here again and again. Approximately 110,000 people live on the island and approximately 1.5 million tourists visit it every year.
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