Aruba Travelers Recommend

With consistently pleasant weather, the 21-mile-long (34-kilometer-long) island of Aruba is a popular Caribbean tourist spot. Boasting a plethora of land and sea activities, the tiny paradise offers a diverse mix of options to fill a 3-day itinerary. From ATV sightseeing tours to scuba diving lessons to sunset cruises, here’s how to make the most out of three days in Aruba.

Day 1: Island Paradise

Head out on your own ATV or as part of a 4x4 Jeep tour to see Aruba’s natural wonders and cultural highlights such as the Ayo and Casibari rock formations, with drawings by the Arawak Indians; the tiny yellow Alto Vista Chapel, which still holds services; and the California Lighthouse, considered one of the most photogenic spots in Aruba. Alternatively, join a hiking tour and discover the island’s rugged countryside on foot before the afternoon heat sets in.

In the afternoon, cool off with a relaxing swim in the calm blue waters of family-friendly Baby Beach and grab a bite to eat at a nearby snack shack. Huts are scattered throughout the beach for sun protection, and snorkel gear is also available to rent. Other beaches include Malmok Beach, which is rugged and popular for snorkeling, and Palm Beach, which borders the high-rise hotels.

Day 2: Sea Adventure

Just off the coast of Aruba lies De Palm Island, an all-inclusive destination that offers something for everyone, from families to couples. Get away from the crowds of Aruba on a day trip to this remote coral island, where you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, and ziplining. Hop on a banana boat and ride the waves, glide down a water slide, or simply grab a drink and relax on the beach.

Another option is to hop aboard a catamaran and head to Catalina Bay to explore the hidden treasures of the SS Antilla, which was sunk by its own captain to avoid Dutch possession. Be on the lookout for angelfish, parrot fish, grouper, octopus, and barracuda while swimming around the shallow coral reef. Or go deeper and join a scuba diving tour. Various options are available, such as introductory courses for beginners and 2-dive tours for advanced certified divers.

Day 3: Off-the-Beaten Path

Discover the other side of Aruba by visiting the island’s factories to learn how some indigenous products are made. Head to the Aruba Aloe Factory to find out more about the plant, or visit the Balashi Beer Brewery to see how islanders treat ocean water in order to brew beer. See how cigars are hand-rolled at the Aruhiba Cigar Factory, or head to a local rum shop to sample island-grown liquor.

Top off your visit to Aruba with a picturesque sunset sail. Enjoy a dinner of Caribbean dishes and cocktails onboard an open-deck catamaran as you watch the last rays of sun disappear. Alternatively, spend the evening barhopping around Aruba’s favorite watering holes with the help of a guide. A drink or shot at each stop is typically included with these type of pub crawls, plus you don’t have to worry about driving.

Blessed with miles of powder-fine sand, calm crystalline waters, and a balmy offshore breeze, Aruba has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. From mellow shores filled with families to popular spots packed with activities, here are our picks for top Aruba beaches.

Baby Beach

A crescent of white sand along Aruba’s south coast, Baby Beach is aptly named, as its calm, shallow waters make it an ideal choice for families with young children. Visit as part of an Aruba sightseeing tour or off-road island tour, stopping at sights such as the Ayo Rock formation, the Natural Bridge, the Gold Mill Ruins, and the Natural Pool.

Palm Beach

Lined with high-rise hotels, beach bars, and lavish Aruba resorts, Palm Beach is the first port of call for many holidaymakers. This is the place to enjoy water sports, with everything from banana boat rides and sunset cruises to wakeboarding, parasailing, and Flyboarding. Eagle Beach, another one of Aruba’s most popular beaches, lies just to the south.

De Palm Island

A 5-minute boat ride from the mainland, De Palm Island offers nonstop entertainment for all ages. Splash pools, water slides, and beach volleyball courts line the beaches, and activities include SNUBA and Sea Trek excursions, ziplining, snorkeling with blue parrotfish, and salsa lessons.

Arashi Beach

Secluded white sands, abundant reef life, and the famous Antilla shipwreck—a sunken German WWII freighter—make Arashi Beach a top choice for Aruba divers. Set sail on a snorkel cruise or scuba diving excursion, walk the rocky shores of Boca Catalina, or visit the nearby California Lighthouse.

Known for its turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and popular beaches, the island of Aruba is a tiny tropical paradise that’s packed with plenty of outdoor activities, cultural sights, and picturesque views. Explore the island by sea with swimming and snorkeling tours and by land with ATV or 4WD tours. Here’s how to get the best of Aruba in just one day.

Morning: Ride an ATV Around Aruba

Start your day with an adrenaline rush as you ride an ATV around Aruba's rugged landscape. Along the way, take in the island’s main sights, including Wish Rock Garden, Baby Bridge, Black Stone Beach, the California Lighthouse, and the Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins. Exploring Aruba’s craggy terrain by ATV is the perfect way to get the lay of the land, especially for adventurous travelers. Alternatively, join a guided 4WD Jeep tour to visit sights not easily accessible by standard vehicles. Plus, you’ll be able to sit back and relax while your guide/driver is behind the wheel.

Afternoon: Snorkel, Swim, and Scuba

Cool off from the afternoon sun with a refreshing dip in the Caribbean. Aruba is a popular destination for avid scuba divers and snorkelers, but you don’t need previous experience to enjoy these activities. Beginning divers can sign up for an introductory lesson, which typically starts with instructions in a pool before students explore a shallow reef or one of the island’s legendary shipwrecks. Advanced divers can either rent equipment or join a 2-dive group tour. Alternatively, head out on a catamaran to see the colorful sea life while snorkeling.

Night: Sail at Sunset

Whether from the beach, the water, or simply your balcony, catching the sunset in Aruba is a must. For a magical experience, set sail aboard a catamaran on a dinner cruise. Drink tropical cocktails and dine on traditional island fare as you watch the sun sink into the Caribbean waters. If you prefer to dine on land, choose a sunset sailing option that offers snacks and wine instead. Alternatively, certified divers can sign up for a guided night dive and use a special fluorescent light to see marine life such as corals, anemones, and crustaceans.

Spending two days on the island of Aruba lets you to explore its cultural and historical attractions, take advantage of a wide range of outdoor activities such as scuba diving and horseback riding, and schedule some down time at the beach. Here’s how to plan your stay.

Day 1: Sightsee and Sip Drinks

**Morning:**Whether you hop on an ATV or jump into a 4WD Jeep, exploring Aruba’s rocky landscape and visiting its top attractions during the morning hours is best, since you’ll beat the afternoon heat and strong sun. Highlights include the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, and the Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins.

**Afternoon:**Take it easy in the afternoon on one of Aruba’s popular beaches, such as Baby Beach, a favorite among both locals and tourists. Boasting soft sand and a calm, bathwaterlike lagoon, the family-friendly beach offers huts for sun protection and snorkel gear to rent.

**Night:**Explore island nightlife on a pub crawl of Aruba. Evening bar tours take place aboard lively open-air buses and include stops at several spots. If you’re new to Aruba, a tour like this is a good way to navigate the nightlife scene with the help of a guide.

Day 2: Horseback Riding and Water Fun

**Morning:**Start the day with a peaceful horseback ride around Arikok National Park, located on the eastern side of Aruba. You don’t need to be an experienced rider since most guides offer instruction and assign you a well-suited, well-trained horse to ride. Inside the park, visit one the island's highest points to snap photos.

**Afternoon:**Join a snorkeling or scuba diving tour—designed for both beginner and experienced divers—to explore the Caribbean waters and marine life around Aruba. (Full-day options, which depart in the morning, are available too, if you’d prefer to spend the whole day out at sea.) Alternatively, rent snorkeling gear at one of the beaches and explore close to shore.

**Night:**Cap off your short stay on Aruba with a sunset sail. Dine on an open-deck catamaran as you watch the sun disappear into the sea, or choose a sailing option without the meal and dine in town.