Best things to do in ARUBA
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Please place your reservation request at least 48 hours before your arrival date.
Optional collision damage waiver (CDW) and loss (theft) damage waiver (LDW) have a deposit/deductible
ALL PRICES INCLUDES THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE, TAXES, FEES AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE.CDW INSURANCE FOR $10,=
PER DAY (OPTIONAL) WITH A DEDUCTIBLE $500,=
CDW + THEFT INSURANCE FOR $15,= PER DAY (OPTIONAL) WITH A DEDUCTIBLE OF $500,=
Blackout dates Dec 20 until Jan 7 no specials, you pay the high season daily rate. For credit card and maestro payments we
will charge a 10% processing fee minimum rental age is 23 years.
Discounts apply for rentals of 3 and more days.
Driving Tips
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Drive on Right side of road.
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Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h, out of town and on the major roads (L.G. Smith Blvd and Sasaki Highway) the speed limit is 80 km/h.
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Car speedometers and road signs are in kilometers (not miles).
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In downtown Oranjestad many streets are one-way.
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When driving in a two lane street, you must drive in the right hand lane and only use the left lane when overtaking traffic.
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There are many roundabouts in Aruba. It is important to note that traffic driving in the roundabout has the right of way and all traffic approaching the roundabout must yield to this traffic and wait for an opening.
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There are no right turns on red.
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When approaching an intersection with no road signs, traffic on your right side always has the right of way.
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When turning left at an intersection the opposing traffic heading towards you has the right of way.
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When at the gas station you will find attendants that are available to pump gas for you. Some gas stations also include self-service, please note you will need to pay inside first before being able to pump gas.
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When driving on wet roads reduce your speed and use extra caution. The occasional rainfall can cause build up of oil making for quite slippery conditions.
Watch this before visiting ARUBA | Best things to do in ARUBA
OUR ISLAND
Flamingle with Flamingos on a Private Island
Coco the flamingo keeps an eagle eye on his little flamboyance on De Palm Island.
Contrary to some marketing you might have seen, Aruba is NOT a haven for wild flamingo spotting.
They’re not native to this island, and there are only two places to get close to a small captive flamboyance of them (a flock of flamingos is called a flamboyance).
One great spot is on Renaissance Island, a private reserve of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Non-guests must purchase a day pass to spend time on Flamingo Beach.
Or you can spend a day at all-inclusive De Palm Island. Not only will you see some of these pretty pink birds, you’ll also enjoy scads of extra activities like water parks, snorkel tours with giant neon blue parrotfish, all-inclusive food and drink, and more.
Ride the Free Trolley in Oranjestad 🆓
Aruba is the only island in the Caribbean with a free trolley system. One of the best free things to do in Aruba when visiting on a cruise is to catch the eco-trolley from the cruise ship terminal to explore Oranjestad. It travels into the main downtown area around every half hour (saves you a hot walk) and you can get on and off as you please free of charge.
There are four trolleys and they all run on electric batteries which makes them an eco-friendly mode of transportation. Choose a double-decker trolley to get 360° views and spectacular photos from the top.
Take a Walking Tour of Oranjestad
Guided walking tours of Oranjestad will unearth a treasure trove of culture and history.
Many visitors never go behind the marina area to really explore what makes this charming little capital tick. And if they do venture behind the Renaissance Mall or the famous pink Royal Plaza, they really don’t know what to look for.
That’s why I highly recommend a guided, informative stroll through Oranjestad with Aruba Walking Tours that also includes a demonstration of local cooking.
Step Back in Time at the National Archeology Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is included in the above walking tour of Oranjestad.
The National Archaeological Museum Aruba celebrates more than 3500 years of Aruban culture. The museum tells the story of the first inhabitants of the island in an interactive and exciting manner.
Furthermore, it highlights the island’s rich historical period, including the impressive history of the Ecury family who lived in the beautifully restored historical building complex where the MANA is housed. The museum’s objective is to educate, motivate and inspire visitors to actively learn, preserve, and respect Aruba’s heritage.
Commune with Local Critters at the Donkey Sanctuary 🆓
Chula likes making new friends with children at the Donkey Sanctuary.
Wild donkeys meandering in the countryside are often a surprise to visitors. Left behind by the Spanish, they were left to fend on their own once they were no longer needed for transportation. Now, they need human help. The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is a wonderful non-profit refuge run by volunteers. It was built for donkeys that cannot fend for themselves in the wild for whatever reason. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated, as are carrots and apples as treats for the donkeys. If you’re an animal lover you can also adopt a donkey. Your donation goes to its feed and care for an entire year. Visiting the donkey sanctuary is one of the best free things to do in Aruba. It makes a wonderful outing for the whole family on the island of Aruba.
Refresh Your Spirit on High at Alto Vista Chapel 🆓
Alto Vista Chapel is a charming Catholic church perched on a hill in the Northwestern part of the island. Alto Vista means “high view” and the name is certainly applicable as the location of the church offers incredible views. This is the site of the first church in Aruba, although the current place of worship was built in 1953. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, but worth a visit any time of day!
Witness a Butterfly Metamorphosis
Visiting The Butterfly Farm Aruba is the one the best things to do in Aruba for all ages.
This enchanting tropical oasis is full of colourful butterflies and mammoth moths, brilliant blooms, and even a bubbling koi pond.
You can explore on your own, but a guided tour is far more enlightening, they take place every half hour or so.
For an especially unique experience, wear bright colours so the butterflies might land on you. And go early in the morning when they are most active.
Mornings are also the most likely time to see a butterfly emerge from its cocoon on their chrysalis wall. They also have a lovely alfresco café.
Discover the Healing Power of Aloe 🆓
Aruba has the best quality aloe in the world. It’s especially soothing to use if you get too much sun.
See how this healing cactus-like plant is transformed into products with a visit to the Aruba Aloe Factory.
Founded in 1890, it’s said to be the oldest Aloe company in the world.
They cultivate their own aloe, using it to make hair and skin care products. Take a free tour of the factory and then stock up on healing products.
Discover Incredible Outdoor Art in San Nicolas 🆓
The streets of old San Nicolas are now awash in incredible outdoor art.
Thanks to the ArtisA Foundation and local and visiting artists from the world over, the old oil refinery town of San Nicolas is now a living gallery.
It wasn’t that long ago the little community – once the economic hub of the island- was sadly in danger of becoming a ghost town. Not anymore.
Brainchild of local Tito Boliver, inspired by the outdoor art in Colombia, he started the annual Aruba Art Fair, and the rest is history.
Spelunk with Ancient Spirits in Aruba’s Caves
Aruba’s caves offer an incredible immersion into ancient life here.
Other must-visit natural attractions within Arikok National Park are the ancient caves.
Quadirikiri Cave holds a stunning array of stalagmites and stalactites, but better yet, it also has two natural skylights that make for ethereal photos.
And Fontein Cave has messages from the past via rock drawings left by the Arawak Indians, Aruba’s original inhabitants.
Park rangers are stationed outside each one to give free tours within and answer all your questions.
Note that all attractions within Arikok National Park are free to visit once you have paid the original conservation fee at the visitor’s centre: adults: $15, children under 17-free!
Get Photo Gold at Bushiribana 🆓
The windows of the old gold mine ruins are just one place to frame the perfect photo for IG.
Did you know that this island had a mini gold rush in the 1800s, and the ruins of two smelters remain?
The most photogenic is the one by the sea called Bushiribana, and you are welcome to climb it.
Climbing the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins is one of the most unique free things to do in Aruba. Go early to avoid crowds and the hot tropical sun.
Feast Atop the California Lighthouse
One of the most unique things to do in Aruba is to dine in a lighthouse. (Credit: Experitours)
The California Lighthouse is a legendary Aruba landmark hard to miss on the northwest coast.
The California Lighthouse was built to warn ships after an American freighter (The Californian) struck the coast and sunk in 1891.
Built in 1916, it was completely renovated in 2016 to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Glorious views like this one await early birds at Aruba’s iconic landmark lighthouse in Noord.
But if you’re not up to rising with the sun, it affords different Insta-worthy ops all day long as well. Visitors are welcome to climb the spiral stairs to the top ($5 charge) for incredible panoramic island views of turquoise water and sunsets.
Dare to Tandem Skydive
The ultimate Aruba adrenaline rush is a tandem skydive. I haven’t yet summoned the courage to do this yet, but it’s on my bucket list.
And I do know people who’ve done it and can’t stop talking about how exhilarating it is.
But if I WAS going to jump out of a perfectly good plane, the tandem mode is the only way to go. It’s definitely at the top of the list for an adventurous thing to do in Aruba.
In continuous business for some 25 years, SkyDiveAruba has helped thousands of visitors make their high-flying dreams come true.
Their safety standards are first-rate, and their Cessna 182 plane is specifically designed for skydiving.
Go Birdwatching at the Bubali Bird Sanctuary 🆓
You might even get lucky and spot a roseate spoonbill on Aruba.
Take the trail off the beaten path into the Bubali Bird Sanctuary wetlands, a protected migratory bird region that separates Palm Beach from Eagle Beach.
If you’re looking for a landmark, it’s near the big red Dutch windmill.
To get a perfect perch, there’s a tall covered wooden structure that provides a bird’s eye view to spot the plethora of winged wonders that stop by this area during their annual migrations.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a roseate spoonbill! Be sure to bring binoculars.
Climb the Otherworldly Casibari Rock Formations 🆓
A unique thing to do in Aruba is to go climbing the Casibari rock formation. One of the most unique attractions in Aruba, these other-worldly looking rock formations crop out of the blue in the island’s arid interior.
They invite visitors to explore them from all angles with manmade staircases and tunnels dug throughout. There is no admittance charge to Casibari.
And photo-ops are excellent at this unique point of interest in Aruba.
There is also a similar rock formation nearby at Ayo Aruba, but no manmade stairs. However, they are also worth a visit to view the ancient Arawak petroglyphs carved into the rocks there.
Hike the Mountain called “The Haystack” 🆓
Get fit for free by climbing Mt. Hooiberg. Another climb worth making for fabulous photos is Mt. Hooiberg. Mt. Hooiberg–which means haystack in Dutch–is not the highest peak on the island at 541 ft. (Mt. Jamanota in Arikok Park at 661 ft. earns that honor).
But it’s the only mountain with a built-in stone staircase that makes it easier to hike!
For outdoor adventurers, hiking Mt. Hooiberg is definitely one of the best free things to do in Aruba. The only thing you will spend traversing the 500 stairs is your energy. Expect to spend lots of it as the trek is hot and the climb mostly vertical. Bring water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and take your time t
Try Sailing in the Sand
Land sailing is an exciting activity to try in Aruba. For a unique thing to do in Aruba, why not try the bizarre sport of land sailing?
“Blokarting” as some call it (from the makers of the carts) is popular in Australia, but to the best of my knowledge, the only place you can try it in the Caribbean is in Aruba and Bonaire.
It’s like sailing in a boat, the sails are wind driven, but it runs on wheels in the sand. Aruba’s constant trade winds and flat sandy stretches make it an ideal spot to learn.
