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Top Things to Do in Aruba

For an island that is less than 20 miles long, there sure is a lot to do in Aruba! We spent 2 weeks in Aruba to cover the best things to do! Keep reading for a comprehensive list of the top things to do in Aruba! If you’re in Aruba you will do yourself a disservice by only staying at your resort and not seeing everything else it has to offer. Don’t forget to check out all the things to know before visiting Aruba.

Go On A Champagne Snorkeling Trip

You can go on a catamaran snorkeling trip which visits 3 different sites, including the largest ship ruins in the Caribbean. Snorkeling in Aruba is amazing with all of the coral reefs and brightly colored fish. We even got to see a few starfish! Plus the cruise comes with brunch, lunch, and unlimited drinks! Quite the deal!

Explore Arikok National Park

There are so many incredible wonders that can only be seen by 4x4s in Arikok National Park. We took a UTV ride which took us to some of the most popular sites including the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Natural Pools, and the Natural Bridge.

Spend a Day at De Palm Island

De Palm Island is an all-inclusive island which includes snorkeling, banana boat rides, zip lining, hanging out at a private beach, breakfast, lunch, and drinks. For people who are always on the go, it was the perfect chance to relax and have everything taken care of for us. Plus the snorkeling here was amazing! We spent hours swimming through the reefs and exploring the different types of fish.

Top Things to do in Aruba

Rent a Jeep and Go Beach Hopping

There are so many incredible beaches in Aruba. The best way to see them is to rent a jeep and make your own beach tour! Read about all the best beaches in Aruba and create your own path!

Top Things to do in Aruba

Become a Bird Whisperer

Or just hold a couple! If you stay at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino you can visit the bird sanctuary and hang out with these guys!

Top Things to do in Aruba

Swim with Turtles

Baby Beach is a regular spot to swim with sea turtles, plus it’s a beautiful beach for wading in the water, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sand.

Top Things to do in Aruba

Go Kite Surfing

With how windy Aruba is, it’s the perfect spot to learn Kite Surfing! If you’re in Aruba and have a few days, it’s a great opportunity to learn. If you only have a couple of hours to spare you can alternatively learn how to windsurf!

Top Things to do in Aruba

Grab a Drink and Watch the Sunset

Top Things to do in Aruba

Bike Down Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the area where all the hotels are, but on the beach side there are plenty of cute shops, beautiful beach views, and many restaurants. If you’re staying at the Hilton, you can rent a bike for free or rent one of the other bikes on the side of the road.

Top Things to do in Aruba

Watch a Carnival Show

If you’re planning a trip to Aruba, try to plan it during Carnival season to catch the parades. However, if you can’t make it in the Spring, La Vista hosts an incredible show you do not want to miss out on. You can read more about it here.

Top Things to do in Aruba

Go Shopping

I love how beautiful the downtown Oranjestad shopping center is with the pastel Dutch styled architecture. Shop for jewelry, clothing, souvenirs or ride the double decker bus.

Top Things to do in Aruba

Enjoy Dinner With your Toes in the Water

At Flying Fishbone you can sit with your toes in the water while enjoying a gourmet meal. Plus read here for other amazing dining options in Aruba.

Top Things to do in Aruba

More Things to Do in Aruba

Top things to do in Aruba
Top things to do in Aruba
Top things to do in Aruba
Some activities were provided for by Aruba Tourism. As always all opinions are my own.

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Last Updated 2 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: January 22, 2019

9 Responses
  • Dylan
    January 26, 2019

    Renting a Jeep and driving around Aruba– in between beach stops and drinks, obviously– sounds like such an ideal vacation. I’m super curious to learn more about the snorkeling/diving in Aruba, too!

  • Alizon Robertson
    January 26, 2019

    This place looks amazing! I’d love to go. The photos are really good too.

  • Elizabeth
    January 26, 2019

    You had me at Carnaval! I love the Caribbean! I haven’t been to Aruba yet. I love Martinique, Dominica and St. Lucia. I’ll have to come and try your list.

  • Sophie Pearce
    January 26, 2019

    Aruba is like my dream! It looks fantastic. The bird whispering looked like so much fun! Also, I had no idea it was so incredibly diverse for such a small island. I’d love to try the UTV around the Park. Great post and you’ve convinced me to go to Aruba for sure.

    Sophie | http://thirdeyetraveller.com

  • Anisa
    January 26, 2019

    I visited Aruba on a cruise so just had time to do snorkeling and loved it. I would love to go back and try some of your other suggestions. Dining with toes in the water sounds amazing.

  • GEENA TRUMAN
    January 26, 2019

    You took some amazing photos!! I also love how you got a mixture of luxury and budget type things to do! Perfect for anyone’s trip to Aruba.

  • Julie
    January 26, 2019

    Aruba really seems like a piece of paradise! Hope to make it there some time:)

  • Caroline
    January 27, 2019

    Downtown looks amazing, also being a bird whisperer sounds like good fun! I want to go to Aruba now. Thanks for the inspo