Aruba
Dive deep, soar high, unwind on Aruba's wild shores
Highlights
Explore vibrant corals and tropical fish in shallow, beginner-friendly waters ideal for couples.
Trek through desert landscapes to natural pools and rock formations for immersive nature.
Lounge on powdery sands with divi-divi trees, Aruba's top beach for sunset views.
Interact with rescued monkeys, iguanas, and wildlife in a heartfelt sanctuary.
Tandem jump over turquoise waters for adrenaline and panoramic island vistas.
Savor Aruba's stuffed cheese specialty, a must-try for authentic island cuisine.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Bougainvillea Apartments
Cozy apartments with kitchenettes, pool, and beach access in a quiet resort area.
Aruba Blue Village
Bright studio suites with sea views, shared pool, and easy beach proximity.
Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive
Beachfront rooms with multiple pools, dining options, and calm vibe.
Where to Eat
20 picks
Matthew's Beachside Restaurant
Fresh fruit bowls, eggs benedict, and beach views.
Senses Fine Dining
Fresh seafood ceviche and salads with ocean breeze.
Flying Fishbone
Feet-in-sand wahoo and lobster, romantic toes-in-water dining.
The West Deck
Acai bowls and pancakes overlooking marina.
Zeerovers
Fresh catch fried fish with plantains, authentic local spot.
Papiamento Restaurant
Keshi yena (stuffed cheese) in candlelit garden house.
Craft Coffee Bar
Aruban coffee, pastries, smoothies.
Noah's Ark
Zoo-like setting with ribs, fish; animal views.
Smokey Joe's
Smoked ribs, Caribbean fish in lively open-air spot.
L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House
Steak breakfasts, omelets with harbor views.
La Trattoria El Faro
Pasta, fresh salads near lighthouse.
Le Dominicain
French-Caribbean fusion, stoep-and-stoep (veranda) dining.
Get Fudged
Sweet treats, coffee, light bites.
Bugaloe Beach Bar
Burgers, fish tacos beachside.
Passions on the Beach
Sunset seafood, live music.
Madame Janette
Croissants, tropical fruits.
Todo un Bollo
Pastechi (empanadas) and goat stew, roadside local.
Driftwood
Floating barge with conch fritters, steaks.
Lobby Cafe
Light continental, smoothies.
Screaming Eagle
Wings, salads, casual vibes.
What to Do
14 picks
Eagle Beach
Stroll powdery sands, spot divi-divi trees, swim in calm turquoise waters.
Scuba Diving at Malmok
Guided dive with Coral Ocean Aruba; see corals, fish (fitness: moderate swim, no cert needed for intro).
Oranjestad Street Art & Fort
Wander colorful murals, visit historic Fort Zoutman.
Baby Beach
Relax at calm lagoon beach, gentle waves perfect for couples.
Philip’s Animal Garden
Feed iguanas, monkeys; interactive wildlife rescue tour.
Arashi Beach Snorkel
Shallow reefs with eels, starfish; rent gear onsite.
California Lighthouse
Climb for panoramas, walk coastal trails (20-min drive).
Alto Vista Chapel Hike
Short trail to hilltop chapel, sea views and cacti.
Skydiving Aruba
Tandem jump from 10k ft over coast (fitness: basic; book Skydive Aruba).
Divi Beach Free Time
Swim, lounge, explore dunes.
Arikok National Park
Hike to natural pool, boulder caves (wear closed shoes, moderate fitness).
Ayo Rock Formations
Climb boulders, petroglyphs; short trails.
Casibari Rock Formations
Explore giant boulders, narrow passages.
Palm Beach Free Explore
Snorkel, chairs, souvenirs; free time.
Good to Know
8 picks
Book Adventures Early
Reserve scuba, skydiving 48hrs ahead via operators like Skydive Aruba or Coral Ocean.
Pack Light Layers
Daytime 85F/29C, evenings breezy; reef-safe sunscreen, hats, water shoes for hikes.
Drive on Right
Rent automatic SUV/ATV for unpaved roads; gas stations sparse in east.
Tip 10-15%
Gratuity appreciated at restaurants/adventures; no strict rules.
Free WiFi Everywhere
Hotels, cafes plentiful; SIM cards at airport for occasional connectivity.
No Taxis Needed
Rideshares limited; car rental $40/day best for flexibility.
Safe Island Vibes
Low crime; secure belongings on beaches, lock car.
Hydrate Constantly
Buy water bottles cheap; refill stations common.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.