Aruba is a small island, and that works in your favour. Most of what is worth seeing sits within an hour’s drive of the main resort areas, so a single day out can cover a lot. Resort beaches on the west coast are calm and sheltered, while the east and north coasts are wild, windy and rocky. Leaving the resort for a day or two shows you both sides of the island. These are the outings most visitors find worthwhile, with notes on how to plan each.
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park covers a large share of the island’s land and shows a very different Aruba from the resort strip. The landscape is dry and rugged, with cactus, rocky hills and a rough coastline. There are marked trails, caves and a few viewpoints, and the park is the island’s main protected area.
Paths can be uneven and the sun is strong, so wear closed shoes, bring plenty of water and go early in the day. Some roads inside the park are rough, so check with the park or your rental company about vehicle suitability. A guided tour is a good choice if you are not sure where to go, since a guide handles the driving and explains what you are looking at. Opening hours and entry fees change, so check the park’s official information before you go.
Baby Beach and the south coast
Baby Beach sits near the island’s southeastern tip, close to the town of San Nicolas. It is known for shallow, sheltered water, which makes it a popular choice for families with young children. Because the water is calm and shallow, it feels very different from the open sea elsewhere on the island.
Facilities are simpler than at a resort, so bring sun protection, water and snacks, and check what is available on the day. It makes sense to combine it with time in San Nicolas, which has become known for murals and a growing food and art scene.
California Lighthouse and the northwest
The California Lighthouse stands near the northwest tip of the island, not far from the resort areas. It is a short drive from Palm Beach, so it works well as a half-day outing or a sunset stop. The headland has open views of the coast, and the lighthouse is named after a ship that was wrecked offshore.
Nearby, the Alto Vista Chapel, a small whitewashed chapel on the north coast, is a quiet stop along a scenic road. The north coast is exposed to strong waves, so keep to marked areas and do not swim there. The drive between these points is short, so you can see several in a single morning.
Oranjestad
The capital is a short ride from the hotels and shows the island’s Dutch colonial influence in its colourful buildings. A morning here covers the waterfront, the shops and a few small museums, and there are plenty of places to eat. It suits a day when the weather turns or when you want a break from the beach.
Cruise ships dock here, so the town can be busier on days when several ships are in port. Check the port schedule if you prefer a quiet visit, and aim for early morning or late afternoon.
Snorkelling and boat trips
Several operators run snorkelling and sailing trips from the west coast. One well-known snorkel site is the Antilla, a German freighter that sank off the island in 1940 and now lies in relatively shallow water. Check conditions and the operator’s safety record before booking, ask about group size, equipment and what is included, and confirm that life jackets are available.
Booking through the resort desk is simple but may cost more, while independent operators can be cheaper but shift more of the checking to you. We cover the trade-offs in more detail across our articles and news section.
Planning your day out
- Pick one or two outings per day. The island is small, but heat and sun make long days tiring.
- Decide how you will get around. A rental car gives freedom, a taxi is simple for short trips, and a tour handles the logistics.
- Pack for the sun. Hat, sunscreen, water and sturdy shoes make a real difference.
- Check opening times. Hours change by season, and some sites close on certain days.
The west coast resorts are well placed as a base for all of these outings, and you can usually be back in time for dinner. Details such as opening hours, prices and road conditions change, so confirm them with the official sites or your resort before you go.