Aruba is the go-to destination for North Americans seeking refuge from the winter months, making it the most popular island in the southern Caribbean. The appeal is clear: vast stretches of stunning white-sand beaches, a plethora of all-inclusive resorts, and a charming and compact capital city, Oranjestad, perfect for leisurely walks favoured by those disembarking from cruise ships. The island is all about soaking up the sun, indulging in entertainment, and splurging on luxuries.
However, those who venture beyond the confines of the resorts are in for a delightful surprise. The island's extremities boast untamed, windswept panoramas and deserted beaches that are ideal for hiking and horseback riding. The crystalline waters are teeming with marine life and the remnants of sunken vessels, including a few aeroplane wrecks, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling and diving. The constant gusts of wind make for near-perfect conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Aruba offers a range of options to cater to your desires, whether it's a leisurely day spent lounging on a pristine beach or an exciting outdoor adventure. Here's our pick of the top 10 places to visit in Aruba.
No. 10 - Philip's Animal Garden
Philip Merryweather's passion for exotic animals has transformed into a world-renowned shelter and rehabilitation centre, after years of saving and adopting abused and abandoned animals. At Philip's Animal Garden, visitors can embark on interactive and educational tours that offer a unique and personal encounter with over 50 species of exotic animals from across the globe. The garden invites guests to interact with, touch, and even feed some of the exotic animals. Tours are available every half hour from 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore the garden and its inhabitants at their convenience.
No. 9 - Hooiberg
The second tallest peak in Aruba, known as Hooiberg or 'haystack' in Dutch, beckons those with a lionhearted spirit to brave its 165m climb up 587 stairs. The ascent presents opportunities to encounter wild goats, parakeets, and colourful lizards. Most people take around 20 minutes to reach the summit, but the reward for the climb is more than worth it. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to Venezuela. Hooiberg is adorned with cacti, divi-divi trees, and Kibrahacha trees, which burst into stunning yellow flowers after heavy rainfall, creating a beautiful decoration for the mountain.
No. 8 - Antilla Shipwreck
The Antilla Shipwreck is one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean. In 1940, during Germany's invasion of Holland, the SS Antilla, a German cargo ship, was intentionally sunk in Aruba. The wreck, measuring 121 m (400 ft) in length, remains almost entirely intact and provides a captivating diving experience. By snorkelling above the wreckage, one can gain a fascinating perspective, while scuba divers can explore the stern of the ship, located at a depth of 18 m (60 ft) beneath the water's surface. The underwater spectacle showcases the enormous vessel surrounded by a myriad of tropical fish, colourful coral formations, sponges, and anemones, all covering the wreck.
No. 7 - Arikok National Park
A significant portion of Aruba has been designated as a National Park, providing a natural habitat for various plant and animal species. The Arikok National Park, located in Aruba, is particularly noteworthy for its rare and priceless indigenous gems. Visitors to the Arikok National Park can spend an entire day exploring the breathtaking landscapes and observing the animals that roam freely across the vast 7,907-acre expanse. A small entrance fee is charged, which helps to fund the park's preservation, educational initiatives, and wildlife conservation efforts.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Arikok National Park boasts several unique attractions and cultural heritage sites, including fascinating caves, ancient Indian rock drawings, and unusual land formations created from materials such as lava, quartz diorite, and limestone. Guided nature walks through dry river beds lead to secluded bays like Moro, Boca Prins, and Dos Playa, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
No. 6 - Renaissance Island
Renaissance Island, an idyllic tropical paradise spanning 40 acres, boasts Aruba's only private beaches and the renowned pink flamingos. This secluded retreat is exclusively accessible to guests of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort from 7 am to 7 pm daily. Water taxis are available every 15 minutes from both Renaissance resorts, and the ride is complimentary.
A day spent on Renaissance Island is an unforgettable experience. It is an oasis with family-friendly beaches, including an adult-only beach. Guests can discover the island's natural beauty by following the trail through the mangroves, or enjoy frozen cocktails while being surrounded by flamingos. Guests can also indulge in ocean floats, beach beds, and palm trees.
Pampering awaits guests at the private spa cove located uniquely above the water on a pier. Guests can also engage in a game of beach tennis, which is Aruba's favourite outdoor sport. The most luxurious experience can be found in private cabanas with hammocks positioned over the ocean, available for a fee. Additionally, guests can savour the delectable lunch specials at Papagayo Bar & Grill, sip drinks at the Mangrove Beach Bar, and admire the flamingos in front of them. Alternatively, guests can simply bask in the sun and take in the stunning views of the sea.
No. 5 - Aloe Factory
In 1840, Aruba welcomed the introduction of the remarkable aloe vera plant. Within a short period, two-thirds of the island's land was blanketed with aloe vera plants, establishing Aruba as the world's leading exporter of aloe. The initial 150-acre plantation at Hato was the first site for aloe vera cultivation and continues to be utilised today for growing aloe utilised in all Aruba aloe products. Visitors can join guided tours to the aloe plantation, aloe museum, and factory on a daily basis.
A tour will enlighten you about the aloe plant and its diverse range of uses. The museum houses a national collection of ancient tools and equipment, along with a library covering the history, production, and properties of aloe vera. Discover Aruba's 160-year-old aloe history at this fascinating site.
No. 4 - Natural Pool
Nestled within a distinctive rock formation, volcanic stones encircle a small depression, forming a peaceful oasis: Aruba's Natural Pool. Located in the secluded stretch of coastline within Aruba's national park, Arikok, this remarkable natural pool is also referred to as 'Conchi' (bowl) or 'Cura di Tortuga' (Turtle's Cove). As the tide rushes to the shore, visitors can witness dramatic displays of water spraying over the rocks.
The Pool's setting is enveloped by Aruba's most rugged terrain, providing visitors with a sense of exploration and discovery as they make their way to the site by foot, horseback, or 4x4 vehicle. Due to the secluded location and the challenging terrain, access to the site by regular car is not possible. Therefore, inexperienced drivers are advised to join a Jeep Safari to reach the pool.
No. 3 - Butterfly Farm
The Butterfly Farm in Aruba offers a mesmerising experience with nature's incredible diversity and beauty. Enter a lush tropical garden bursting with an array of butterflies, the most vibrant creatures on earth.
Discover the complete life cycle of these captivating insects, from their initial form as an egg to their transformation into a caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally into a butterfly. The knowledgeable tour guides will share fascinating insights into butterfly behaviours and the wonder of metamorphosis.
The Butterfly Farm is a rare opportunity for photography enthusiasts and a delightful attraction for visitors of all ages. Plan to arrive early in the day to witness newly emerged butterflies taking their first flight from their chrysalis.
No. 2 - Donkey Sanctuary
At the donkey sanctuary in Bringamosa, around one hundred of Aruba's beloved donkeys have found a safe and caring home. Visitors are greeted with the distinctive braying of the donkeys as they approach the sanctuary. The friendly creatures approach with warm muzzles, offering a welcoming inspection.
The sanctuary in Bringamosa provides information and tours of the grounds to guests. Visitors can relax in the cosy visitor centre or on the covered porch with a cold drink. Additionally, guests can purchase original donkey-themed gifts and souvenirs from the gift shop. A trip to the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary is a must-see.
In modern times, donkeys were replaced by cars as the primary mode of transport for island residents. These beloved animals were left to wander the cactus-lined pathways carrying passengers and pulling carts. In 1997, the idea for a sanctuary where these animals could live happily and protected came to fruition. After almost 20 years at Santa Lucia, the Donkey Sanctuary moved to a new and larger location in Bringamosa to accommodate its 130 donkeys.
No. 1 -Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach, renowned for its immaculate and velvety white sands and boasting the broadest beach in Aruba, offers stunning vistas of the Caribbean ocean. The beach also offers an abundance of parking, shaded areas, a selection of beach huts, and a range of aquatic activities.
The beach is graced by two of Aruba's most famous and frequently photographed fofoti trees, which are instantly recognizable due to their distinctive silhouette pointing towards the Caribbean. These unique trees have been featured in numerous advertising campaigns promoting Aruba's natural beauty.
Several low-rise hotels in Aruba are conveniently located near Eagle Beach, with some situated just across the road. Many of these hotels offer their guests access to cabanas and lounges. As a leatherback-turtle nesting area, parts of Eagle Beach may be closed between March and July.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in Aruba. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in Aruba.
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