Things to Do in Aruba
Steady sun and trade winds, white beaches and a rugged desert interior.
See top-rated activities »About Aruba
Most things to do in Aruba revolve around the sea and the sun, and the island is built for both. It lies about 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela, south of the main hurricane belt, with little rain and a near-constant trade wind that keeps the heat comfortable. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so Dutch and the local language, Papiamento, are spoken alongside English and Spanish, and US dollars are widely accepted.
The west coast has the beaches. Eagle Beach is wide and uncrowded, with the leaning fofoti trees that appear in so many photos, while Palm Beach is lined with high-rise resorts, water-sports stands and beach bars. Snorkel and sailing trips head for the wreck of the Antilla, a World War II German freighter, and the reefs off Boca Catalina. Near the island's northern tip, the California Lighthouse, named for a shipwreck offshore, looks over sand dunes and both coasts.
The interior and windward coast are a different world of cactus, boulders and wild surf. Arikok National Park covers nearly a fifth of the island, with hiking trails, caves with ancient drawings and the Natural Pool, or Conchi, a rock-ringed pool reached by four-wheel drive, on horseback or on foot. Jeep and UTV tours are among the most-booked activities on the island. At the southern end, Baby Beach is a shallow, sheltered lagoon that suits families.
Oranjestad, the capital, has Dutch-colonial buildings in pastel colors, a free streetcar along the main shopping street and a waterfront marina. Inland, Alto Vista Chapel stands alone on a hill above the north coast. US travelers flying home clear US customs and immigration at Aruba's airport before departure, so allow extra time.
Aruba is also one of the easiest islands for a first Caribbean trip. Tap water is safe to drink, made from desalinated seawater, roads are good, and the high-rise and low-rise hotel areas sit within a few minutes of each other. Steady wind makes the north end of Palm Beach and the area around Fisherman's Huts a center for windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons.
Don’t Miss
A broad white beach known for its fofoti trees and nesting sea turtles in season.
Desert trails, caves with ancient drawings and the rugged windward coast.
A sheltered pool in volcanic rock, reached by 4x4, horseback or a long hike.
A stone lighthouse above dunes and the island's northern beaches.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Aruba
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. See & Do Caribbean may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Aruba — FAQ
When is the best time to visit Aruba?
Any time of year. Aruba is outside the main hurricane belt and has little rain. Winter is busiest and most expensive; late spring and fall are quieter.
Do I need a car in Aruba?
Not for the beach and resort areas, which have buses and taxis. A car or jeep helps for exploring, but the Natural Pool road needs a 4x4 and is easier on a guided tour.
What currency does Aruba use?
The Aruban florin, but US dollars and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
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