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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
Grab a Drink and Watch the Sunset
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Things to Do in Aruba
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Last Updated 10 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: January 22, 2019
Dylan
January 26, 2019Renting 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, 2019This place looks amazing! I’d love to go. The photos are really good too.
Elizabeth
January 26, 2019You 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, 2019Aruba 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, 2019I 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, 2019You 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, 2019Aruba really seems like a piece of paradise! Hope to make it there some time:)
Caroline
January 27, 2019Downtown looks amazing, also being a bird whisperer sounds like good fun! I want to go to Aruba now. Thanks for the inspo