Things to do in  Aruba

With deserted beaches and rocky coves, dusty plains dotted with cacti, and ancient limestone caves, Arikok National Park feels worlds away from the luxurious resorts of Aruba’s north coast. Covering almost 20 percent of the island, the park, one of the best reasons to venture south, offers a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Just off the western coast of Aruba, De Palm Island attracts visitors from the main island looking for an all-inclusive beach day. Reachable only by boat, De Pam Island has white-sand beaches, wild flamingoes, and vibrant coral reefs right along the shore. Travelers will also find a beachside resort, a children’s water park, and plenty of fun water sports and activities.

Located in Aruba’s desert interior, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are the stone remains of a gold smelter that was established by prospectors in the 19th century. Once considered sacred by the indigenous Arawak people, the site offers a unique look at Aruba’s history and can be explored with a variety of guided tours.

With the blue Caribbean sky and calm sea as its backdrop, the Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is one of the most photographed attractions on the island of Aruba. This bright yellow chapel, which also hosts weekly religious services, is visited by Christians and non-Christians alike and is a popular stop for small-group tours.

Located near the northwest tip of Aruba and the popular Arashi Beach, California Lighthouse is a landmark on this small tropical island. Known for impressive views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as the nighttime stars, the lighthouse is one of the most photogenic spots in Aruba.

Andicuri Beach stretches for 230 feet (70 meters) along Aruba’s east coast, and is known for its turquoise blue waters and limestone cliffs that offer visitors a bit of shade. The beach attracts travelers in search of a tropical experience, but strong currents and serious waves make Andicuri less than ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The Ayo and Casibari rock formations are popular stops on many Aruba tours, despite the fact that they are basically piles of rocks woven with cacti. These natural structures offer a unique view of the volcanic forces on Aruba. Some intrepid travelers clamber on top of them to score panoramic views of the island.

Gentle surf and waist-high waters earned Baby Beach its name and reputation as one of the most popular beaches for kids in the Caribbean. Add in soft, sugar-like sand and waters as warm as a bathtub, and it’s no wonder this sheltered man-made lagoon on the southeastern tip of Aruba is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Tucked away on the eastern coast of Aruba, in a basin formed by volcanic rock and fed by water from the Caribbean Sea, the Natural Pool is as simple as its name implies—but sometimes simple is simply the best. Unreachable by car, a trip to the Natural Pool in Arikok National Park is all about the adventure through Aruba’s less disturbed countryside, with a dip in pristine waters awaiting those who make the off-the-beaten-track journey.

Aloe is native to Aruba and thanks to its medicinal and restorative properties, aloe has become one of the leading exports of the island nation. Visit the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum to learn about the history of the plant and its connection to Aruba, plus see facilities such as the cutting room, testing lab, and packaging of products.

Arashi Beach, one of Aruba’s northernmost beaches, is a secluded spot popular with diehard divers and serious sunbathers alike. Arashi’s clear water, soft sandy bottom, and generally calm surf make it ideal for swimmers and snorkelers as well.

Due to the Caribbean’s treacherous rock outcroppings, the waters of Aruba are lined with shipwrecks. These wrecks create fruitful diving and snorkeling sites, as they host scores of marine life, plus enticing historical stories. Aruba’s most popular is the Antilla Shipwreck, named after theSS Antilla, a cargo ship that sank in 1940.

Aruba’s Palm Beach hosts many of the Caribbean island’s luxe high-rise hotels, which is no surprise, as these lovely two miles (3.2 kilometers) of sand are prime real estate. The beach hosts sunbathing vacationers, refreshment stands, and water sports booths. Two piers lined with restaurants and shops offer entertainment and some much-needed shade.

For many years, Aruba’s natural bridge was a top tourist attraction on the island. The bridge sadly collapsed due to erosion in 2005. However, its ruins still remain, along with a smaller natural span known as “baby bridge.” The surrounding landscape is wild and beautiful, and the smaller bridge still attracts large numbers of tourists.

A nonprofit organization that provides sanctuary for over 50 species of animals, Philip’s Animal Garden raises money through tours and donations to pay for the upkeep and rehabilitation of the animals it rescues. Here, visitors can observe and interact with an assortment of tropical birds, pigs, leopards, deer, alpaca, and other animals.