The beautiful Caribbean island of Aruba is no bigger than Regina, Saskatchewan, but it still abounds with plenty of things to do. Here’s how to break up your well-deserved idle time on the beach with just enough adventure to savour your stay.
1. Visit the Butterfly Farm
Located in Noord in Aruba’s north-western coast, the family-owned Butterfly Farm makes for a unique day trip. Friendly staff provide a 15-minute guided tour and teach you how to interact with their winged residents safely, and afterwards, you can stay as long as you like. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture your magical time with nature’s fluttering works of art.
2. Snorkel Over Shipwrecks and Reefs
Embark on a three-stop snorkelling adventure and let your inner mermaid loose. Explore the 400 foot “Ghost Ship” of the Antilla wreck, the picturesque beaches of Boca Catalina, and the coral formations of Arashi Reef, where a sunken airplane hosts colourful marine life.
3. Meet Some Ostriches
A visit to the Ostrich Farm in Matividiri is an especially smart choice for young families. Enjoy an expert guided tour of the grounds, with plenty of opportunities to engage with the ostriches, emus, and peacocks that call the farm home. You can even split a massive ostrich egg for lunch at the farm’s signature restaurant!
4. Enjoy a Local Food Tour
Check out Aruba’s first craft beer brewery and bar, Fireson Brewing Company in Noord for a casual lunch with friends. Embrace the local culture (and cheap drink menu) at Fermin’s Bar BQ, and the catchy live music at Casibari Café. Or, if you’re in the mood for a unique gastronomic experience, make a reservation for the exclusive The Kitchen Table by White.
5. Stand Up Paddle Board at Eagle Beach
The water conditions at Eagle Beach are ideal for beginner SUP-ers. Grab your board and a paddle and enjoy a fun core workout while appreciating the views at the same time. Ask our Expert Travellers about the best days to go to avoid a run-in with the cruise ship crowds.
6. Explore Arikok National Park
Aruba’s national park is full of discoveries waiting to happen. Hike to Jamanota Hilltop for 360-degree views of Aruba’s terrain. Explore the millennium-aged pictographs left behind in Fontein Cave. Rent a 4×4 to visit Conchi, a fascinating natural pool, or try to spot sea turtles at Dos Playa. Arikok National Park’s landscape of caves, sand dunes, and beaches is worth experiencing more than once.
7. Sail into the Sunset
See Aruba from a new perspective when you hop on a catamaran and sail around the coast. After dusk, propose a toast to the glimmering heavenly bodies above and share laughter and some snacks before returning to shore.
8. Discover the Local Art Scene
Make an appointment for a private tour of Etnia Nativa, a Native Aruban Art Gallery & Museum. Its friendly owners are passionate about sharing the spellbinding stories behind their expertly curated works, each of which have been sourced from discarded or recycled materials and displayed with care in their unique ranch house. Surrounded by a tropical garden and succulent collection, you’ve never experienced an art collection quite like this before.
9. Plan a Night on the Town
The Wind Creek Crystal Casino and the Casino at Ritz-Carlton are both popular choices for some lighthearted evening entertainment with friends. Plus, depending on the time of year you visit Aruba, you might be able to catch the Aruba Summer Music Festival at Harbour Square Arena, where you can groove to a star-studded line-up of Grammy award-winning Latin-x performers.
10. Visit De Palm Island
Escape to an island within an island for an action-packed day of fun. Enjoy banana boat rides, snorkelling and SNUBA dives among schools of blue parrotfish, splash around the water park or challenge your travel companions to a game of beach volleyball. With unlimited meals and drinks included, beach cabanas, and relaxing massage services, De Palm Island has something for everyone.
Whether you want to experience it all or just toast under the sun all day, make the most of your Better Beach Aruba getaway with the guidance of our Expert Travellers.