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On the hunt for some fun and thrilling activities in Aruba? You’re in the right place!
Aruba is a Caribbean gem that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. Having been to this beautiful island more times than I can count, I’ve come to know its best-kept secrets and must-see spots. From stunning beaches to underwater gems (shipwrecks anyone?), Aruba has something for everyone.
To make sure you’re only putting the best activities on your travel itinerary, I’ve decided to share my top 10 picks below that are guaranteed to make your Aruba vacation unforgettable. Trust me, these experiences will make your time in Aruba truly special!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Aruba was this Land Rover excursion! We visited the famous Baby Beach and Natural Pool, swam, snorkeled, and a BBQ lunch. It was the ultimate Aruba experience!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Aruba
- 1. Take a 4×4 jeep excursion to Natural Pool and Baby Beach
- 2. Go snorkeling on a catamaran cruise
- 3. Learn about Aruba’s history and landmarks on an island tour
- 4. Enjoy a sunset cruise (with happy hour!)
- 5. Have dinner in the California Lighthouse
- 6. Explore underwater in a submarine
- 7. Take a horseback ride in Arikok National Park
- 8. Go parasailing
- 9. Get off the beaten path on an ATV safari adventure
- 10. Rent a private luxury boat
- Where to Stay in Aruba
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Aruba
1. Take a 4×4 jeep excursion to Natural Pool and Baby Beach
- Price: $130 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 9 am
- Highlights: Go off-roading in a 4×4 Land Rover to some of the island’s top attractions, swim at the Natural Pool, snorkel at the beautiful Baby Beach, and enjoy a BBQ lunch
- Inclusions: Certified local guide, water, BBQ lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 6,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Last time we were in Aruba, we did this 4×4 off-road adventure and had the best time! If you’re into exploring stunning beaches and off-the-beaten-path natural landmarks, this tour is for you!
I’ve been on many ATV tours before, but this was my first time on a Land Rover, and let me tell you, they’re built to tackle the island’s rough terrain like a pro. We went places that ATVs would never be able to go!
The first stop is Baby Beach, one of the island’s most popular beaches (for good reason!). It has clear turquoise water, with soft, white sand. I just couldn’t resist jumping into the warm water for a snorkel!
Then, we headed to the famous Conchi Natural Pool. Nestled in Arikok National Park, it’s protected by volcanic rocks, so the waves gently splash in. It’s like swimming in your own little paradise! We also visited some of the island’s other iconic landmarks like the California Lighthouse, which has a cool history tied to a shipwreck from the 1800s, and the Gold Mill Ruins, which are remnants of Aruba’s gold mining days.
The day was perfectly balanced with a ton of sightseeing, but also time to relax and take in the surrounding natural beauty. Plus, the Land Rovers make the entire experience so much fun! This is a tour I would happily do again, and I know I’m not the only one – look at the thousands of 5-star reviews here!
Check availability for this popular tour and book your spot here!
2. Go snorkeling on a catamaran cruise
- Price: $60 USD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Sail around Aruba on a spacious catamaran, stop to snorkel at the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, and enjoy snacks and drinks from the open bar
- Inclusions: Snorkeling equipment, snacks, unlimited alcoholic beverages, soft drinks/water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 2,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Catamaran cruises are one of my favorite tropical island activities. There is nothing better than relaxing on a luxurious boat with a cocktail in hand. So, if you’re like me, then you must go on this catamaran cruise!
We set sail from Palm Beach, and I quickly found myself soaking up the sun in one of the nets at the front of the boat. But it wasn’t long before we were stopping at the iconic Antilla Shipwreck.
Snorkeling around this eerie shipwreck was such an incredible experience and the history behind the wreck is almost equally as fascinating. The ship was deliberately sunk during WWII to keep it from getting captured by the Allies – how crazy is that?
Our next stop was Catalina Bay, which was equally stunning. The water here is crystal clear and so warm to swim in. Plus, the snorkeling is top-notch. I was surrounded by hundreds of tropical fish!
The crew made sure everything was smooth sailing, from keeping us safe in the water to keeping the drinks flowing on deck. We also really appreciated the included snacks!
Whether you’re an avid snorkeler or just want to relax on board, this trip offers something for every type of traveler. Believe me, if you’re in Aruba you don’t want to miss out on this epic experience (just look at all of the 5-star reviews!)
Secure your spot on this sailing adventure here before it sells out!
3. Learn about Aruba’s history and landmarks on an island tour
- Price: $69 USD
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9 am or 10 am
- Highlights: Explore the island’s most popular spots in an air-conditioned vehicle, learn about the island’s history and culture from your guide, and have time for swimming and snorkeling
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking to explore Aruba in comfort, this full-day island tour is perfect! Hop aboard an air-conditioned coach and enjoy a relaxing ride around the island to all the best stops without any hassle. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just stunning views, this tour has it all, and the comfortable ride makes it even better.
The day starts with a visit to the Aruba Aloe Factory, where you’ll learn all about the island’s aloe vera industry (did you know it’s been thriving for over 160 years?). Then, it’s off to the California Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the island (and an optional climb if you’re feeling adventurous!).
One of my favorite stops was the Ayo Rock Formation, where you can climb the boulders for an unbeatable view. The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are also pretty neat and take you back in time to Aruba’s gold-rush era.
After all that exploring, the tour ends at Baby Beach, where you can cool off in the serene waters of the man-made lagoon. There’s also a spot for lunch here, just make sure you bring some extra cash with you!
This tour is ideal if you want to sit back and enjoy the island’s highlights in a relaxed, stress-free way. It’s a great option for travelers who prefer a comfortable, guided experience over the heat and bumps of off-road adventures. It’s one of the island’s highest-rated tours (with over 1,000 5-star reviews!), and only costs $69 USD per person – you can’t beat that!
Reserve your spot here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
4. Enjoy a sunset cruise (with happy hour!)
- Price: $85 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: Watch the Aruban sunset from a trimaran sailboat, enjoy open bar beverages, munch on some tasty appetizers
- Inclusions: Professional guide, captain and crew, unlimited alcoholic beverages, snacks, Octopus souvenir
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
There’s something so magical about an Aruban sunset, and there’s no better way to soak it all in than on this intimate happy hour sunset cruise!
Picture this: a sleek, 40-foot trimaran gliding through the turquoise waters, a cocktail in hand, and the setting sun painting the sky in colorful hues of orange and pink. It’s the ultimate way to wind down your day in paradise!
What makes this cruise extra special is the cozy vibe. It’s just you, 33 fellow passengers, and a crew that makes you feel like part of their family. The cushioned lounge seating ensures comfort no matter where you sit, and with an open bar serving everything from local Aruba Ariba to classic spirits and refreshing non-alcoholic mixers, you’ll never go thirsty.
In fact, every 15 minutes, the crew brought out different appetizers right to our seats – talk about VIP treatment!
Sailing along the northern coast was so relaxing and the views were to die for. Whether you’re snapping Insta-worthy photos, chatting with the friendly crew, or simply basking in the breeze, this experience is all about savoring the moment.
We think it’s the perfect romantic experience for couples or a fun way to end the day with friends. Trust me, this sunset sail is a must-do Aruban experience you won’t forget!
Check availability and reserve your spot on this sunset cruise here!
5. Have dinner in the California Lighthouse
- Price: $295 – $380 USD (per group of 2)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 6 pm or 8 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy a 3-course dinner at the top of the California Lighthouse, sip on some wine while enjoying stunning views of the island, watch the sunset or enjoy your meal under the stars (depending on the option selected)
- Inclusions: 3-course dinner, 1 bottle of wine
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s as unforgettable as Aruba itself, this California Lighthouse dinner is where it’s at. I honestly think it’s one of the best dinners I’ve ever had!
From the moment we ascended to the top of the lighthouse, we were treated to a cool ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing below, and panoramic views across the island. It really set the vibe for a romantic evening!
Once we were all settled in with our bottle of wine, the food started rolling in. We had the crunchy risotto balls to start and they were so delicious. For the main, I had the parmesan-topped sea bass and Dan had the chicken fettuccini. Then to top it all off we enjoyed a dreamy tiramisu for dessert – just thinking about it makes me hungry!
There are two different options you can choose from when booking this dining experience. The first is a sunset dinner that starts at 6 pm and costs $380 USD for 2 people. The 2nd option starts later at 8 pm for dinner under the stars and is a bit more affordable at $295 USD per 2 people.
No matter which option you choose, we know you’ll have an amazing time during this romantic evening. It’s more than just a dinner, it’s an experience you’ll remember for a long time to come!
Book this luxury dining experience in advance here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Explore underwater in a submarine
- Price: $125 USD
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Go on an hour-long submarine ride, get a closer look at shipwrecks and marine life at a depth of up to 130 ft (40 meters), and enjoy professional narration during the journey
- Inclusions: Certified submarine, professional crew, all taxes, official dive certificate
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check out the 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Even though I love snorkeling and scuba diving, I understand it’s not for everyone, which is why this underwater submarine experience is so cool! It brings you deep into the ocean to get a close look at Aruba’s marine life without getting wet!
In fact, this US Coast Guard certified submarine can actually go as deep as 130 feet (40 meters), which is deeper than most scuba divers can go! So even if you’re an avid sea explorer, you’ll still find this experience really neat.
The journey kicks off in Oranjestad with a quick safety briefing before boarding the vessel and taking a seat beside the porthole windows. We passed by the Barcadera Reef, which was teeming with tropical fish, sponges, and colorful coral. We even saw an eel, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled!
But the real highlight was when we passed by two incredible shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor. Each had its own mysterious story which was narrated by the friendly and knowledgeable crew. It felt like we were in an underwater documentary!
At the end of the experience, you get an official dive certificate to commemorate your deep-sea adventure, which makes for a great souvenir. It’s an unforgettable experience for all ages and the perfect way to see Aruba’s underwater world in air-conditioned comfort – I mean, just look at all these amazing reviews!
If you’re ready for an epic underwater journey, reserve your spot here!
7. Take a horseback ride in Arikok National Park
- Price: $140 USD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Go horseback riding in Arikok National Park, get riding instruction from a professional guide, go swimming in the famous “Conchi” natural pool
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, national park fees, bottled water, helmets, professional guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Looking for an unforgettable way to explore the natural side of Aruba? Then you must add this horseback adventure in Arikok National Park to your itinerary!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, this tour is designed for everyone. Your knowledgeable guide will pair you up with a horse suited to your skill level and provide clear instructions before taking off.
The trail winds through Arikok’s dramatic landscapes, from rocky desert paths to breathtaking highland views. Arikok National Park is even home to some unique species such as the burrowing owl – so keep your eyes peeled as you ride!
After riding for a while, you’ll reach Conchi, a natural volcanic rock pool filled with crystal-clear water. It’s only accessible only by horse, 4×4, or foot, making it feel like a secluded piece of paradise. You can choose to go swimming here or simply take in the beauty of the crashing waves against the rocks before heading back on your horse.
We think this tour is perfect for those who want to explore some of Aruba’s natural wonders in a relaxing and unique way. Anyone aged 8 and up can participate, making it a great activity for the entire family.
Read all of the 5-star reviews and book your spot here!
8. Go parasailing
- Price: $70 USD
- Duration: Approx 13 minutes
- Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
- Highlights: Take in incredible views of the island during a thrilling parasailing ride, fly single, tandem, or on triple sets from the boat
- Inclusions: Experienced guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’ve ever wanted to try parasailing, Aruba is the place to do it! On this parasailing adventure, you will get unmatched views of Aruba’s turquoise water and white sand beaches while soaring through the sky!
Even if you’ve parasailed before, I think it’s worth doing it again in Aruba. No matter how many times you go parasailing, it’s still so much fun, plus the views in Aruba are unlike anywhere else – it’s so stunning!
You can also rest assured that you’re in good hands because this company has over 35 years of experience. I could tell they really cared about the safety and comfort of each guest and we received a thorough safety briefing before heading into the skies.
We love that you can fly solo, tandem, or even as a trio (depending on the wind and weight conditions). Sharing these types of experiences with friends or family always makes them more fun and memorable.
I think parasailing is an experience everyone should try at least once, so why not check it off the bucket list while you’re in Aruba? It’s fun, safe, and highly rated with over 300 5-star reviews – so what are you waiting for?
Book this thrilling parasailing adventure in advance here!
9. Get off the beaten path on an ATV safari adventure
- Price: $102 USD
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Explore the island on a jeep, visit many of Aruba’s top attractions, swim in 2 different natural pools, learn about Aruba’s culture and history from your guide
- Inclusions: Guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, jeep transport, light snack
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re short on time but still want to experience Aruba’s top highlights, this fun 5.5-hour Jeep tour is perfect for you! It’s the kind of adventure I always recommend to friends because it’s packed with history, natural beauty, and fun – all in just half a day.
The tour kicks off at the California Lighthouse, where the views blew me away. Seeing the island’s two contrasting coastlines from up there is something you just have to experience yourself.
One of my favorite stops was the Wariruri Natural Bridge. It’s incredible how nature creates these formations out of volcanic limestone rock. We have so many great photos from here!
Some other great stops include the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and the New Natural Pool Cave. You can go for a swim here or even jump off the cliff into the crystal clear water if you’re feeling brave – I did it and it was so much fun!
We love that this tour uses a jeep as its form of transport. It allowed us to experience the thrill of off-roading without the pressure of having to drive. Cruising around the island with the wind in our hair was such a blast!
This really is the perfect tour for anyone who wants to make the most out of their limited time in Aruba. It’s only half a day so it can easily fit into your busy itinerary. Just make sure to book in advance because it tends to sell out!
This tour is likely to sell out – book your spot in advance here!
10. Rent a private luxury boat
- Price: $51 – $2,051 USD
- Duration: 2 to 8 hours (depending on option selected)
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Private boat cruise around the island, customize the itinerary to include beach visits and snorkel stops if you wish, enjoy included soft drinks
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, captain, guide, snorkeling & bottom fishing equipment, soft drinks
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for a private, customizable way to explore Aruba’s turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, this luxury boat tour is the perfect option! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a day of fun with friends, this experience lets you escape the crowds and design your adventure exactly how you want.
The best part? It’s just you, your group (up to 10 people), and the open sea!
You can choose to snorkel around the famous Antilla shipwreck or lounge on the pristine shores of Arashi Beach. You can even try to grab your own catch of the day with the included fishing gear!
I love how this tour offers a balance of relaxation and adventure. You don’t have to share the space with strangers, and the personalized service really sets it apart. The friendly crew provides snorkeling and fishing equipment, soft drinks, and plenty of local insight to make the most of your time.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a bachelorette party, or just soaking up the sun with family, this is one of the most enjoyable and intimate ways to experience Aruba. You can choose from a range of different durations between 2 to 8 hours to suit your preferences, and prices vary depending on the number of people in your group.
Check pricing and availability for this private boat tour here!
Where to Stay in Aruba
Now that you have a list of the top things to do in Aruba, you need the perfect place to stay! If you’re like me, I get a bit obsessive about finding the absolute best hotel – I mean it could make or break your experience! To help you with planning, I’ve put together three excellent hotel options for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay.
Luxury – $$$
For a luxury stay, I recommend the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort. Located right off of Eagle Beach, you can choose between full apartments or suite-style rooms to really relax into your stay. I love the Dutch architecture, and also the pools, restaurants, and spa that are all located onsite. The ambiance at this resort is unmatched, and being steps from one of Aruba’s top beaches doesn’t hurt either!
Prices vary by season and room selection but start around $400 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Aruba Lagunita is my personal favorite hotel option, as it’s located close to both Eagle Beach and Palm Beach! This hotel features apartment-style rooms with a full kitchen and a nice large patio. There’s a hot tub and pool, a game area, and even mini-golf! I like that it has all the amenities of a luxury stay, without breaking the bank or being a massive resort.
Prices average from $150 to $250 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Sandcastle Beach Apartments is a quaint and quirky guest house, and is budget-friendly! It’s located not far from Palm Beach and the guest house offers bicycle and car rental services. They offer standard hotel rooms or apartment-style rooms, and you can use the pool, barbeque facilities, and shared patio area.
The rooms are well priced around $60 to $100 USD per night. Check dates and book this stay on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Aruba is truly the island paradise I was looking for! Between the turquoise water, white sand beaches, rich history, and friendly locals, I had a hard time leaving. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did if you knock out a few of these top activities.
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides! We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. I’ll leave a few related posts below to help you plan your next ultimate getaway.
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Mary
Monday 13th of January 2025
Thanks!