Aruba Things To Do

Soothe your soul with a stroll along one of Aruba's legendary white sand beaches, and a dip in the island's clear aqua waters. Sail into the sunset on a catamaran cruise, paddle through the turquoise waters, or enjoy the scenic cunucu (countryside) from the back of a Rancho Notorious Happy Horse. Whatever your vantage point, this balmy and beautiful island won't disappoint the senses.

Great for: beaches, casinos and frozen pink iguanas
Location: ABC Islands, part of Leeward Antilles
Population: 90,000 (approx.) - visitors annually 900,000 (approx.)
Size: 70 sq miles
Capital city: Oranjestad
Airport: Queen Beatrix International Airport, Oranjestad, AUA
Language: Dutch, Papiamento (a mix of Spanish, Dutch, English, French and Portuguese), English and Spanish
Currency: Aruban florin (Afl. or AWG) - check exchange rate
Time zone: AST, same as eastern daylight savings time, but continues all year round
Area code: 297

Did you know?
This tiny island off the coast of Venezuela has an exceptionally dry climate that is considered one of the most desirable in the Caribbean. Its desert landscape, with divi-divi trees, cactus, and aloe vera set against the backdrop of azure skies and the blue-green water of the sea provides the perfect setting for a holiday of relaxation and renewal of energy. The beaches are carpeted with silky white sand, the cooling trade winds, low humidity, and an average year round temperature of 82° complete the picture of a tropical paradise.

Most of the beaches are found along Aruba’s Northwest coast. The two main areas are Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The Palm Beach area offers parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, and world-renowned windsurfing and kite-surfing.

If you're looking for a special day trip, a quick ferry ride will take you to De Palm Island, where you'll find a plethora of relaxing options at your fingertips. Beach lovers can soak up the sun or glide through the warm Aruban waters at three different pocket beaches.

Landmarks

Nature & Wildlife

Diving & Snorkeling

Beaches

Aruba's distinctive beauty lies in its countryside, with its rocky deserts and cactus jungles. Arikok National Park, encompassing approximately 18% of the island, was first designated as being of significant national importance in the early 1980s. It is an area of unique scenic beauty, flora and fauna, geological formations and cultural resources.

Aruba Landmarks:

Oranjestad - Aruba's sunny, pastel-colored capital is on the island's southern leeward coast, just southeast of the main resort area. The bustling city has a very Caribbean flavor, with part-Spanish, part-Dutch architecture. Most tourists visit to shop in its boutiques and duty-free shops, but it has three small museums that explore the island's history.

Wilhelmina Park - This park, named after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, is also on the sea side of Oranjestad. It features a tropical garden along the water and a sculpture of the Queen Mother.

California Lighthouse - The closed lighthouse stands at the island's far northern end. It's surrounded by huge boulders and sand dunes tufted with scrub.

Nature & Wildlife in Aruba:

Butterfly Farm - Step into a tropical garden filled with colorful butterflies from around the world. Observe the life cycle from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. Tour guides offer commentary on butterfly habits. Arrive early and watch new butterflies emerging from their chrysalis and taking their first flight. The butterfly farm is a rare opportunity for photography and a delight to visitors of all ages. (Located at Palm Beach across from the Aruba Phoenix and Wyndham Hotels)

Hooiberg - Hooiberg, also known as "The Haystack”, is Aruba's highest landmark. Those with energy to spare can scramble up the steps of this 541-foot-high hill and be rewarded with a view, on a clear day, of Venezuela.

Casibari - Aruba is studded with massive boulders. The most impressive ones are Ayo and Casibari, northeast of Hooiberg. Diorite boulders stack up as high as city office buildings. The rocks weigh several thousand tons and puzzle geologists. Ancient Amerindian drawings appear on the rocks at Ayo. At Casibari, you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the island or a close look at rocks that nature has carved into seats or prehistoric birds and animals.

Arikok National Park - The Park is a desert like ecological preserve. The island's rich crust makes it one of the rare places in the world with geological origins traceable with the naked eye. Hiking trails make it easy to explore the preserve's unusual terrain and diverse flora and fauna. The park contains traces of nearly all the significant forces that have impacted on Aruba's history, including Arawak petroglyphs in the Fontein Cave, the remains of Dutch peasant settlements at Masiduri, plantation houses in the Prins Valley and the ruins of an old gold mining operation at Miralamar. The park is topped by Aruba's second-highest mountain, 577-ft Mt. Arikok, so climbing is also a possibility.

Spaans Lagoen - Along the highway toward the island's southernmost section is Spanish Lagoon, where pirates hid and waited to plunder rich cargo ships in the Caribbean. Today it's an ideal place for snorkeling and for having a picnic at the tables under the mangrove trees.

Diving & Snorkeling in Aruba:

With visibility of up to 90 ft, Aruban waters are excellent for snorkeling and diving. Certified divers can go wall or reef diving or explore wrecks sunk during World War II. The German freighter, Antilla, is popular with both divers and snorkelers.

Aruba Beaches:

Beaches in Aruba are legendary: white sand, turquoise waters, and virtually no litter, everyone takes the No littering ("No tira sushi") signs very seriously. The major beaches, which back up to the hotels along the southwestern strip, are public and crowded. On the island's northeastern side, wind makes the waters too choppy for swimming, but the views are magnificent, and the terrain is wonderful for sunbathing and geological exploration.

Baby Beach - On the island's eastern tip, this semicircular beach borders a bay that's as placid and just about as deep as a wading pool. Swimming Conditions: Excellent and a great spot for snorkeling.

Boca Prins - Near the Fontein Cave and Blue Lagoon, this beach is famous for its backdrop of enormous sand dunes. No swimming. Ideal for a picnic. Bring a beach blanket and sturdy footwear and climb down the rocks that form steps to the water's edge.

Boca Tabla - Swimming Conditions: Better suited for snorkeling and windsurfing than swimming.

Dos Playa - Swimming Conditions: Not recommended for swimming due to huge waves and strong currents, but a beautiful spot for a picnic, or to admire the view. Accessible by 4-wheel drive only.

Eagle Beach - Located on the southwestern coast , and recently designated one of the 10 best beaches in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine.

Fisherman's Hut - This beach is a windsurfer's heaven. Take a picnic lunch (tables are available) and watch the purple, aqua, and orange sails of the catamarans struggle in the wind.

Grapefield Beach - To the northeast of San Nicolas, this area of blinding white sand in the shadow of cliffs and boulders is marked by the statue of an anchor dedicated to all seamen. Swim at your own risk; the waves can be rough.

Malmok Beach - This small beach is located on the northwestern shore. It is also known as Boca Catalina, and borders shallow waters that stretch 300 yards from shore. It is a perfect place to learn to windsurf and is a favorite with divers and snorkelers. A major diving attraction is the wreck of the German ship Antilla, scuttled in 1940.

Manchebo Beach - (Formerly Punta Brabo Beach) Located in front of the Manchebo Beach Resort, this wide stretch of white powder is a favorite spot for top-free sunbathers.

Mangel Halto - Swimming Conditions: Shallow water.

Natural Pool - Not a beach, but this hidden pool on the north coast offers unique scenery and solitude. Accessible by 4-wheel drive or on horseback.

Palm Beach - This beach is behind the Allegro Resort & Casino, Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort and Casino, Aruba Grand Beach Resort & Casino, and Holiday Inn hotels. It is at the center of Aruban tourism, offering the best in swimming, sailing, and other water sports.

Rodger's Beach - Next to Baby Beach on the island's eastern tip, this is a curving stretch of sand, unfortunately providing a view of the oil refinery at the far side of the bay. Swimming Conditions: Excellent.

Santo Largo - Swimming Conditions: Shallow water.

• A passport is required to enter or re-enter the United States.
• Non-U.S. citizens, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine your entry/visa requirements.
• Passport, visa and travel advisory information may be found at the U.S. Department of State's Aruba pages. Although most travel to international destinations is completed without incident, Caribbean-TravelDeals.com urges passengers to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories prior to booking.