Top 7 Things to Do in Aruba Beyond the Beach
Aruba is famous for its beaches — and rightfully so. But if you spend your entire trip on a sun lounger, you’ll miss some of the most memorable experiences the island has to offer. Here are seven things worth getting off the beach for.
1. Explore Arikok National Park
Covering nearly 20% of the island, Arikok National Park is a world away from the resort strip. Inside you’ll find dramatic rocky landscapes, cacti forests, hidden coves, ancient cave paintings, and the famous Conchi natural pool — a secluded rock pool on the rugged northern coast filled by crashing Atlantic waves. You’ll need a 4×4 or an ATV to reach Conchi, and the drive itself is half the adventure.
2. Take an ATV or UTV tour
The best way to explore the island’s rugged interior and northern coast is on an ATV or UTV tour. Several operators run half-day and full-day tours that take you through Arikok, to the natural pool, past the California Lighthouse, and along the dramatic north coast cliffs. No experience needed — the guides lead the way.
3. Visit the California Lighthouse
Built in 1916 at the northern tip of the island, the California Lighthouse offers 360-degree views of Aruba and the Caribbean. The surrounding dunes are great for a short hike, and there’s a restaurant at the base with cold drinks and good views. It’s an easy stop on any north-island tour.
4. Snorkel the Antilla Shipwreck
The Antilla is one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean — a 400-foot German freighter that was scuttled off the coast of Aruba in 1940. It sits in relatively shallow water, making it accessible to snorkelers as well as divers. The wreck is heavily encrusted with coral and home to enormous schools of fish. Several operators run snorkel tours directly to the site.
5. Walk around Oranjestad
Aruba’s capital is compact, colorful, and very walkable. The Dutch colonial architecture painted in bright yellows, oranges, and greens makes for great photos, and the main shopping street is lined with local boutiques, bakeries, and coffee shops. The Archaeological Museum of Aruba is also here and is worth an hour if you’re interested in the island’s pre-colonial history.
6. Watch the sunset at Baby Beach
Baby Beach is on the southeastern tip of the island — about as far from the tourist strip as you can get. It’s a shallow, sheltered lagoon with incredibly calm water and almost no waves, popular with local families. The drive out there takes you through the island’s less-visited side, and the sunset views from the far end of the island are spectacular.
7. Try kitesurfing at Boca Grandi
Aruba’s constant trade winds make it one of the world’s top kitesurfing destinations. Boca Grandi on the southeast coast is where the serious kitesurfers go, but the beach is also great for watching if you’re not ready to try it yourself. Several schools offer beginner lessons on calmer stretches of water nearby.