From Stunning Beaches to Frisky Flamingos, Here are the Best Things to Do on Aruba☀️🦩

Nicknamed “One Happy Island,” Aruba is the gem of the southern Caribbean and ideal for a beach vacation. Here are all the best things to do!

Aruba may be a small island in the southern Caribbean, but it has a big personality.

Located just off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba basks in year-round sunshine and sits conveniently below the hurricane belt. Which means it’s one of the best destinations in the Caribbean any time of year.

Like the rest of the Caribbean’s “ABC Islands” (including Bonaire and Curacao), Aruba shares ties to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are considered part of the “Dutch Caribbean” once known as the Netherlands Antilles (which dissolved in 2010).

Today, Aruba is an autonomous, self-governing constituent country, but you’ll spot those Dutch roots everywhere. Including the main town of Oranjestad where the ornate pastel buildings give Amsterdam vibes with tropical-style.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

Read More: Why the Caribbean’s ABC Islands are the Perfect Hurricane-Free Summer Escape

But what draws most people to Aruba are the beautiful beaches.

Aruba’s white sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters make it one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.

But planning a visit to the Caribbean’s happiest island can be overwhelming.

• Which part of the island should you choose for your stay?
• What are the best hotels and resorts?
• And what are the best activities and day trips?

In this post, I’ll cover all of that and more. It’s everything you need for a first time visit to the Caribbean’s One Happy Island.

First, let’s start at the beginning…

How to Get to Aruba

One of the perks of visiting a Caribbean powerhouse like Aruba is the wide variety of non-stop flight options.

Most visitors arrive at Queen Beatrix International Airport, just outside Oranjestad. Taxis and rideshares are waiting outside and the drive to the main resort areas is quick. You can be on Palm Beach in about fifteen minutes.

👉 Another option is to book this top-rated private airport transfer in advance.

Cruise visitors arrive at the downtown cruise terminal. Oranjestad is a short walk from the port, and water taxis make it easy to reach popular spots like De Palm Island if you plan ahead.

Aruba is small and easy to navigate. You can land in the morning and be floating in crystal clear waters by the early afternoon.

Where to Stay in Aruba

Aruba has three main resort areas. Each one has its own vibe and its own set of perks.

Oranjestad

This is Aruba’s colorful capital and the best place to stay if you want easy access to restaurants and shopping. It’s also where you’ll find the island’s most famous private island.

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort – Easily the top hotel in Oranjestad and my favorite hotel on the island. Guests here get access to Renaissance Island via a complimentary water taxi. That means access to Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach.

It’s worth booking at least one night even if you spend the rest of your stay elsewhere. Flamingo Beach is one of Aruba’s most popular spots and a truly unique beach experience.

Keep in mind that Flamingo Beach is for adults only. If you have kids who want the flamingo experience, your best bet is the “upgraded ticket” at De Palm Island (more on that in a moment).

On our last visit to Aruba, we did two nights here so that we had a full day to enjoy Renaissance Island. And then we moved to Palm Beach for the remaining 4 nights. It was a great balance of the city side and beach side of the island.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the heart of Aruba’s resort zone. It’s lined with high-rise hotels, beach bars, and plenty of water sports. If you want nightlife and a lively beach scene during the day, make Palm Beach your home base.

Ritz Carlton Aruba – One of the island’s most luxurious properties. The beachfront is peaceful and the rooms have sweeping ocean views. It’s a great place for couples who want a higher level of service.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino – A favorite for families thanks to its big pools and water slide. The location puts you close to shops, restaurants, and everything happening along the beachfront strip.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is quieter than Palm Beach. It’s also consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The sand feels like powdered sugar and the water is gentle and shallow.

Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort – An adults-only resort known for its low-key luxury. The beachfront here is peaceful and spacious. It’s ideal for honeymooners or anyone looking for calm waters and total relaxation.

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort – With classic Dutch architecture, this resort is a great pick for families or longer stays. Studios and suites have kitchenettes and the beach is right across the street. The famous fofoti tree sits nearby which is a fun photo spot.

How to Get Around Aruba

Aruba is only about seventy square miles which makes it easy to explore. A rental car gives you the freedom to reach different places like Arikok National Park, Baby Beach, and the sand dunes on the east coast (just remember that you’ll need to rent a 4WD for some of those!).

If you don’t want to drive, guided tours and jeep tours cover the island’s top highlights. ATV tours are a popular way to reach the Natural Pool and the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins.

Local buses connect the main resort areas, and taxis are reliable for short trips. 

10 Fun Things to Do in Aruba

Here are the best things to do in Aruba for a first time visitor. You’ll find beaches, parks, wildlife encounters, caves, and a few fun surprises.

1. Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island

Flamingo Beach is one of the most recognizable sights on the island. Pink flamingos wander through shallow waters and don’t mind getting close.

The beach is exclusive to guests of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort so booking a room is the only way to visit.

2. Eagle Beach

This beach is known for its soft white sand and calm turquoise waters. It’s one of the best beaches on the island for swimming. Many visitors say Eagle Beach is the best part of their Aruba vacation.

3. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the island’s lively resort strip. You can rent beach chairs, try jet skis, enjoy happy hour with live music, or book water sports like kite surfing. It’s a great spot for people watching and long days in the sun.

4. Baby Beach

Baby Beach sits near San Nicolas at the southern tip of the island. The water is shallow and protected which makes it a perfect place for snorkeling and floating around in calm waters. Arrive in the early morning for the best time and lighter crowds.

5. Visit Arikok National Park & the Natural Pool

Arikok covers a big stretch of the east coast. Park rangers protect caves, sand dunes, rugged coastline, and desert landscapes. Don’t miss the Ayo Rock Formations, Quadirikiri Cave, and Fontein Cave.

The Natural Pool is tucked within Arikok National Park. Waves crash against volcanic rock formations and create a protected swimming hole. A guided tour is the best way to reach it since the drive requires a 4×4.

It’s one of the best places to see Aruba’s wild side.

Jeep and ATV Tours

The best way to explore Aruba’s rugged east coast is by jeep tour or ATV tour. These tours are a must-do when you visit Aruba and usually include the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Natural Pool, and other top sights.

👉 This Aruba ATV Adventure to Secret Beach and Cave Pool is the most popular UTV tour on the island.

👉 For the less adventurous, this Aruba Signature Jeep Tour: Natural Pool and Baby Beach covers all the same sights in a more comfortable covered Jeep.

6. California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse sits at the northern tip of the island and is one of Aruba’s tallest structures. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline. Sunset is a beautiful time to visit.

7. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

A sweet stop for animal lovers. The sanctuary cares for rescued donkeys and visitors can feed them during guided visits. It’s a fun stop if you’re exploring the south side of the island.

8. De Palm Island

A private island offering water slides, open bar options, snorkeling with colorful marine life, and a long list of fun things to do. It’s a great option for families or cruise visitors who want an easy day trip with everything in one place.

They also have flamingos on the beach here but seeing them requires an upgrade from the standard day pass.

I don’t recommend it for couples, but it’s a great day trip for families with active kids. You can book directly on their website or on Viator with the Aruba De Palm Island Day Pass.

9. Learn to Windsurf at Malmok Beach

Thanks to its consistent trade winds and warm temperatures, Aruba is a terrific place to learn to windsurf. I took a course on Malmok Beach with my best friend when we visited on a cruise a few years ago and it was so much fun (despite spending a LOT of unplanned time in the water!).

Fisherman’s Huts and Malmok Beach are ideal beginner spots with shallow, flat water. And you’ll find several local schools on the beach to help beginners learn safely and quickly. 

10. The Butterfly Farm

A peaceful spot near Palm Beach. Walk through a tropical garden filled with butterflies and learn about their life cycle. It’s especially fun for a first visit to the island.

Tickets are $19 for adults and there’s no need to book in advance. For more information, check The Butterfly Farm website.

Start planning your happy escape today!

Aruba is the perfect place for a long day in the sun followed by a slow sunset along white sand beaches. The island is small which makes it easy to explore from end to end.

From iconic Flamingo Beach to Arikok’s rugged cliffs, you’ll find different places and experiences across the entire island. Spend time on the beaches, book a guided tour, try the local mahi mahi, and wander Oranjestad’s colorful streets.

Aruba is a great place for a first time Caribbean vacation and an easy island to return to again.

Looking for more amazing Caribbean destinations? Start here:

The Best Caribbean Islands You’ve Never Heard Of: Nicaragua’s Corn Islands

A “Learn to Sail” Caribbean Vacation: From Rookie to Sailor in 7 Days ⛵

Why I’m Glad I Gave Saint Lucia a Second Chance

Panama’s San Blas Islands: A Dreamy Island for Every Day of the Year