Things to do in Aruba: Attractions and places to visit

1. Aruba’s capital Oranjestad

The capital of Aruba is certainly one of the first sights that most travellers will see. After all, Queen Beatrix International Airport is the point of contact for all aircraft from the Caribbean, Europe and the United States. Cruise ships also moor in Oranjestad, which is famous for its picturesque old town.

The colourful houses show the Dutch colonial influence, all buildings are richly decorated and popular photo motifs. The city also has many other sights to offer, such as the Archaeological Museum, which illustrates the 5000 year history of the island. Also Fort Zoutman, the oldest building on the island, as well as a stroll through the centre with many bars, restaurants and shopping facilities are always worth a visit.

2. Arikok National Park

The Arikok National Park accounts for about 20% of the total area of Aruba. It was only confirmed by the Dutch Government in 2000. The nature reserve is located in the north-eastern part of the island and is home to a large number of animal and plant species. There are also rare jewels hidden between dunes and rocks. The national park impresses with a landscape of cooled lava, quartz diorite, limestone, shifting dunes and dry riverbeds.

The hiking trails and trips take you to the caves with their Indian rock paintings from days long gone or to bays like Moro, Boca Prins and Dos Playa. Every month the event “Movie in the Park” is held here, an outdoor film screening. Despite the constant breeze on Aruba, it can get very hot in the national park at noon. But there is also a nature experience, which is very rare in the Caribbean.

3. California lighthouse

The California lighthouse is located in the northwestern tip of the island, in the Hudishibana region. The lighthouse was named after the S.S. California, a ship that was healthy off the coast in 1891. The California lighthouse was completed around 1916 and is today one of the most popular sights on the small but fine island of Aruba.

The tower is about 30 meters high, the lamp house has a diameter of 7.5 meters. The listed building is one of the country’s landmarks and is a very popular destination for excursions. Many car safaris across the island end at the lighthouse. From up here you have an excellent view over Aruba and the surrounding sea. There is also a restaurant at the foot of the landmark.

4. Antilla shipwreck

On 10 March 1940 the German merchant ship “Antilla” was sunk by its own crew on the orders of the Wehrmacht. Today the ship lies about 700 metres off the coast of Aruba at a depth of 18 metres on the port side. At low tide, parts of the ship even protrude from the blue water. The former pride of Hamburg-Amerikanische-Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft was one of the most modern cargo ships of its time, partly due to its innovative hybrid drive.

It was called a ghost ship by the islanders. The ship was sunk by its captain because it was anchored on Aruba when Germany was marching into Holland. Today you can admire the wreck, burst into two parts, from the boat. Or you can dive down and explore the coral overgrown remains. Swarms of fish, turtles and moray eels have found a new home in the wreck. Fascinatingly beautiful experience for divers!

5. Rock formations Casibari and Ayo

The rocks of Casibari and Ayo, which weigh several tons, already stand out from the otherwise flat landscape of Aruba. These are large boulders of quartz and diorite. They don’t just stand around in the surroundings, but sometimes piled up to huge heaps of rocks. According to geologists, these heaps are said to have been formed over millions of years by volcanic eruptions.

In Casibari the rocks are the main attraction of the landscape park. The rocks can be climbed over railings and artificial paths. Near the village of Ayo, on the other hand, lie the rocks that nature has set up here. For the Arawak Indians, the rock formations were sacred. Here, too, there are drawings on the stones that are many thousands of years old.

6. Natural Baby Bridge

The Natural Baby Bridge can be regarded as the descendant of the Natural Bridge. Once the Natural Bridge was one of the most popular sights of Aruba. As the name suggests, the bridge was built naturally. The sea surf washed coral limestone and over time a transition of up to 100 metres was formed.

With these dimensions it was not only possible to walk over the bridge, but also to drive over it by car. She finally broke in in 2005. But right after that the smaller Natural Baby Bridge was built. The remains of the Natural Bridge still give an idea of the size of the natural bridge. Even without the two bridges, the Andicuri Beach as a natural spectacle is worth a trip.

7. Bushiribana Gold Mine

The ruins of the Bushiribana gold mine date back to a time when treasure hunters sought their fortune in the New World. The name of the island is said to have been Oro Ruba, which means “red gold”. Attracted by this legend, treasure hunters set out for Aruba. In fact, they first discovered gold in 1824. A gold rush set in, but it didn’t last long.

The remains of this short gold rush can still be seen today on the north coast of the island. Here lie the stone ruins of the gold mine. It was built in 1874 by an English mining company. It is located near the Natural Baby Bridge. For those interested in history, a detour is worthwhile.

8. Eagle Beach Aruba

During a typical Caribbean holiday, relaxed days on a dream beach are of course not to be missed. Eagle Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Aruba and is one of the most picturesque bathing paradises in the world. Here you will find everything you could wish for: soft, white sand and dreamlike blue water. It is also the largest beach on the island.

Eagle Beach on Aruba is located about northwest of the capital Oranjestad and can easily be reached by bus or car. Due to the spaciousness of the beach, you can really relax here. Eagle Beach is also home to the famous Divi Divi trees, the island’s landmark.

9. Flamingo Beach

An alternative to Eagle Beach is Flamingo Beach, which can be found on many postcards of Aruba. Of course, the pink flamingos on the beach are the eponym for the name, which always cause storms of enthusiasm on the Internet and play a big part in the popularity of the island.

In fact, with a little luck you can swim right next to the birds. This beach is ideal for taking wonderful photos in a dreamlike setting. The flamingos are located on the private island Renaissance Island, off the coast of Aruba. The best way to get to the beach is to book a room at the Renaissance Hotel or a day trip.

10. Natural Pool Aruba

The Natural Pool is a round rock formation very close to the sea. Again and again the waves hit the rocks and wash new water into the pool. The Natural Pool is located within the Arikok National Park.

The journey to him alone is an experience. The Natural Pool, even if it doesn’t sound so exciting at first, is one of the most popular sights of Aruba. Many visitors prefer bathing between the rocks even to the beaches.

Best time to visit Aruba

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Aruba:

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and December

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Aruba.