10 Best Things To Do In Aruba, A Place For Water Sports & Relaxation - Updated 2024

things to do in aruba
María Virginia
María Virginia 
Updated
| 5 min read

Aruba is a small island in the Caribbean that is known as “one happy island”. You can tour around it in two hours, but that doesn’t mean it can’t offer every traveler many fun things to do. In Aruba, you can practice water sports, like snorkeling, parasailing, and water skiing, among others; you can lay on the white sand beaches enjoying the natural beauty and you can try some of the best meals you can find in the Caribbean islands. Visiting Boca Catalina in Malmok Beach, joining memorable sunset cruises, or having a stopover in the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins before heading to the Natural Bridge are also some popular activities. The secluded beach of Mangel Halto is a popular destination for picnics and other recreation. Visit Aruba for a great vacation, let’s explore these awesome things to do!

1. Practice watersports at Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach Aruba
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rumblebee used under CC BY 3.0

Eagle Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Aruba. It is known for its warm white sand and its calm water. Just like Aruba’s Palm Beach and Baby Beach near San Nicolas, this area is also one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Besides lying on the long stretch of sand, Eagle Beach also offers a great range of opportunities to practice water sports. Also, once a year, 4 kinds of turtles find their way to the beach to make their nests. Watching those baby turtles go into the sea for the first time is a beautiful, unique experience that if you are on the island at that time of the year, you shouldn’t miss.

Eagle Beach

Address: Eagle Beach, Aruba

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2. Rest at Palm Beach

Aruba Palm Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Atilin used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This beach is quieter than Eagle Beach, so if you want to enjoy Aruba’s perfect weather and magnificent beaches, visit Palm Beach on the western coast. You can spend the day sunbathing on the white sands, reading under your umbrella, or taking in views of the turquoise water from the lounge chairs. Palm Beach also boasts a sandy strip that features vibrant bars with tasty cocktails. If you get bored, you can join some Palm Beach sightseeing tours or visit the migratory birds in the Bubali Bird Sanctuary. It’s free for every visitor.

Palm Beach

Address: Palm Beach, Aruba

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3. Start a friendship with a donkey at the Donkey Sanctuary

Donkeys at farm sanctuary
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dave Crosby used under CC BY-SA 2.0

With a simple mission, to save the donkeys, a group of people opened in 1997 this NGO. Because it was the main mean of transportation for many decades, Aruba is filled with these cute and friendly animals. Visit this place - help a good cause with your entrance ticket and watch these fluffy, brown animals walk peacefully around, eating their hay.

Donkey Sanctuary

Address: Bringamosa 2-Z, Sta Cruz, Aruba

Website: Donkey Sanctuary

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4. Get to know the island fauna at Arikok National Park

Iguana feeding - Aruba
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Brian Snelson used under CC BY 2.0

Aruba is an island that worries about its flora and fauna and acts accordingly. This national park in Santa Cruz is proof of it. It is the home of autochthonous species, that only exist on the island. For a small fee, you can visit these animals and explore the volcanic rock formations guided by one of the park rangers, who offer tours. The park is also home to other creatures such as migratory birds, whiptail lizards, and Aruban rattlesnakes. You should book them one day in advance though because there’s only one per day.

Arikok National Park

Address: San Fuego 71, Santa Cruz, Aruba

Website: Arikok National Park

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5. Feed the pretty creatures at Aruba Ostrich Farm

Ostrich
Source: Pixabay

Aruba is a surprising island as you may have noticed so far. It keeps bringing you new experiences, like the Ostrich Farm on the eastern coast, where you can meet one of the largest bird species in the world. These birds are extremely friendly and visitors can feed and touch them. You can also try an ostrich egg omelet. You will have to share, of course; the eggs are huge! Visit this Ostrich Farm and learn all about these beautiful creatures.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

Address: Matividiri 57, Paradera, Aruba

Website: Aruba Ostrich Farm

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6. Alto Vista Chapel

Alto Vista Chapel, Noord, ARUBA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Natalie Liao Jen used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This little chapel that stands in the north of the island was built in 1952 by a Spanish missionary. A lot of history hides in this little construction since it was the place where natives were converted to catholicism. This little piece of Aruban history will be a great change from the days at the beach and it has easy access.

Alto Vista Chapel

Address: Noord, Aruba

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7. Relax at Aruba's Natural Pool

Aruba-Natural-Pool-2013
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bjørn Christian T... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Looking for the perfect destination for rejuvenation? Like an oasis, Aruba’s Natural Pool in Santa Cruz awaits you in the middle of the deserted and rugged coastline. This rock formation gets filled with turquoise water every time the sea rises or the waves are strong. That’s why this is the perfect, quiet water pool to rest, relax, and have a spa time without worrying about the waves of the open sea. It is also known on the island as “Cura di Tortuga”. Get ready to walk, because this must-see attraction is inaccessible by car, but it will be totally worth it.

Natural Pool

Address: Natural Pool, Santa Cruz, Aruba

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8. A little rock climbing at Ayo Rock Formations

AYO ROCK FORMATIONS - ARUBA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user JERRYE & ROY ... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Even though Aruba is a small island, it has a lot of geographic variations. You can visit the beach one moment and the next you can be rock climbing at Ayo Rock Formations. These stone formations offer a great viewpoint because they rise higher than the rest of the land. Take great pictures and just enjoy the view. There’s a mystery surrounding these rocks since it is unknown how they formed over the years in such a flat piece of land. There are also rock drawings that date from a thousand years back. Visit the site and try to guess what they mean.

Ayo Rock Formations

Address: Ayo Rock Formations, Aruba

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9. Finish your day at Stellaris Casino

Occidental Grand Aruba Casino Resort
Source: Photo by user Occidental Grand ... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Finish your day on this island by having a great culinary experience and later gambling a little at Stellaris Casino. This great establishment offers lots of fun activities for visitors. There are over 26 gambling tables and many slot machines. The friendly staff will help you with whatever you need.

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10. Visit a shipwreck, Antilla, and snorkel at Catalina (from USD 75.0)

Take this excursion for 3 hours of guaranteed fun. Not only will you snorkel in the prettiest corners of the entire island with great sea life to explore, but also you will be taken deep into the blue water and snorkel on a real shipwreck. Sunbathe and enjoy some snacks as the boat navigates the sea. Get to see beautiful sea creatures in their natural habitats while you snorkel and learn about the shipwreck and its history firsthand.

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Catalina Bay, Antilla Shipwreck Snorkel Cruise with Open Bar

Duration: 3 hours

267 reviews

Water sports, sun and making animal friends in Aruba

With calm water, high-rise hotels, and beautiful scenery, Aruba is the perfect destination to spend a getaway. Enjoy the island’s many activities and cool spots to rest. Practice some water sports in the Caribbean waters and relax in the beautiful and unique Natural Pool. Explore some of the island’s history and enjoy the varied flora and fauna that it has to offer. Visiting Aruba will remain in your mind forever as a great trip.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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