Aruba is one of my favorite vacation destinations – the dazzling aquamarine ocean, stunning platinum beaches, lush tropical forests, and friendly, colorful towns combine to create paradise on Earth. Fondly known as “One Happy Island,” part of Aruba’s charm lies in its diverse array of activities that guarantee something for everyone.

Whatever type of vacation you’re dreaming of, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Aruba. Whether your ideal getaway involves hiking through gorgeous national parks, celebrating vibrant festivals with locals, snorkeling in search of underwater wonders, or introducing your palate to a whole new cuisine, Aruba is an excellent destination to shake up your old routine.

With so many things to see and do, it can be a huge challenge knowing where to begin. To give you a helping hand, we’ve created a list of the absolute best things to do in Aruba. Stick to these fun Aruba bucket list recommendations, and you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring this happy island! 

The 10 Best Things to do in Aruba

1. Discover Arikok National Park

If you love spending time outdoors, visiting Arikok National Park is one of the must-do things in Aruba for you. This huge protected space covers almost 20% of the island and is home to all kinds of fascinating plant and animal wildlife.

Stop by the visitor center, grab yourself a map, and head out on your adventure. Follow the tips written on the map, and you’ll be able to spot burrowing owls, rattlesnakes, iguanas, lizards, parakeets, donkeys, and wild goats! 

Boost your chances of seeing the park’s magical wildlife by signing up for one of the tours when you arrive. Your guide will make sure you spot all the creatures around you that are hidden in plain sight.

2. Dance at the Bon Bini Festival

Head to Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad any Tuesday at 7 pm and you’ll get the chance to experience one of the coolest things to do in Aruba. This is when the weekly Bon Bini Festival takes place with mesmerizing Antillean dancers, entrancing drum music, thought-provoking local artwork, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat in your life! 

One of the top Aruba attractions, this lively festival is a fun way to learn more about the local culture. Make sure you head inside Fort Zoutman, where you’ll find a small museum full of information about the island’s heritage.

3. Shop in Downtown Oranjestad

When you need a break from all the Aruba sightseeing, head to Downtown Oranjestad for a little retail therapy. You can reach this colorful, compact capital easily from almost anywhere on the island via public transport. When you arrive, the brightly colored buildings and vintage-style trolley will make you feel like you’ve strolled into a theme park!

Head straight for the Aruba Made Mall close to the cruise terminal exit for handmade local souvenirs. Or, if you visit on a Friday evening, you’ll find loads of authentic gifts from various stalls at the Renaissance Marketplace. 

4. Sample Delicious Stuffed Cheese

When you’re feeling hungry, one of the top things to do in Aruba is to try the national dish. Known locally as “keshi yena”, this signature plate is a type of stuffed cheese that comes in a huge number of varieties. 

It was originally made by stuffing the hollowed-out rind of gouda or edam cheese with seafood, chicken, or beef and all kinds of extra ingredients. But today, the name is given to almost any type of casserole that includes Dutch cheese.

One of our favorite spots for keshi yena is Papiamento in Noord. At this restaurant, the Ellis family has been making their own unique take on the dish since 1983!

5. Seek Out the S.S. Antilla Shipwreck

You have to head underneath the water’s surface for some of the best things to see in Aruba. So grab some scuba gear, hop on a small boat, and make your way to the S.S. Antilla Shipwreck. 

There are 10+ sunken shipwrecks in the waters surrounding Aruba, but the S.S. Antilla Shipwreck is our favorite. This 400-foot German freighter is one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean and is home to orange anemones, colorful coral, shy lobsters, darting shrimp, and all kinds of tropical fish. It’s in such great shape that you can still explore many of the interior sections.

6. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary

Looking for things to do in Aruba that your kids will love? Make plans to spend a morning at the island’s Donkey Sanctuary. This wonderful non-profit works hard to rescue sick, injured, and abandoned donkeys while providing them with a safe place to live for the rest of their lives.

Here you can sign up for the hug a donkey program – easily one of the most unique things to do in Aruba! You’ll be paired up with a donkey and have 30+ minutes to hug them, pet them, and play with them. Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop. You’ll find loads of cute donkey-themed souvenirs, and all the money you spend here goes toward taking care of these gentle animals.

7. Spot Marine Life at Mangel Halto Beach

Spending the day on a picture-perfect golden beach is definitely one of the top things to do in Aruba. Mangel Halto Beach (a 15-minute drive south of Downtown Oranjestad) is one of our favorites, thanks to its unique environment that makes it ideal for snorkeling.

Next to the beach, you’ll find a lush mangrove forest that creates a labyrinth of canals teeming with fish and other marine life. The waters are crystal clear here, so you won’t have any trouble spotting the angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, squid, and urchins that call this part of the island home.

Enjoy Snorkeling in Mangel Halto Beach

8. Treat Yourself to Bolo

When you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, seeking out a bakery and ordering a “bolo” is one of the most fun things to do in Aruba. “Bolo” simply translates into English as “cake” and it comes in a huge variety of flavors. Cashew, pistachio, and “bolo di glas” (cake topped with multi-colored cubes of Jello that look like stained glass) are some of the most popular.

The Piece of Cake Dessert Truck is one of the few places in Aruba that serve this type of cake by the slice. There is usually a different selection of cakes each day, including several boozy options spiked with things like Tequila Rose, Bailey’s, and local rum. The deep-fried cheesecake is also amazing!

9. Visit the Butterfly Farm

For some of the best sights in Aruba, head to the Butterfly Farm. This enchanting place is home to hundreds of exotic moths and butterflies from all around the world, some of which are as large as your face! When you step inside the tropical enclosure, you’ll be surrounded by so many beautiful creatures that you won’t know where to look.

The butterflies and moths are incredibly friendly, so don’t be surprised if they land on you. If you’re quick, you can get some really fun and creative pictures. The giant Atlas moth, tree nymph, Caribbean longwing, and monarch butterfly are just a tiny example of all the amazing insects you’ll spot during your visit.

10. Have a Beach Day at Palm Beach

Need to relax and take some time out? Spending the day at Palm Beach is one of the best things to do in Aruba for you. This 2-mile stretch of powder-soft sand is lapped by gentle aquamarine waters that are the perfect temperature for swimming all year round.

If you ever get bored of soaking up the glorious Caribbean rays, you’ll find almost every type of watersport you can think of here. Take a walk along the departure piers, and you’ll discover boat parties, snorkel rentals, scuba diving equipment, parasailing, speedboat rental, SUP, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and more! 

It’s important to know that the sun loungers, cabanas, and pools located directly in front of hotels are for guests only. But there are still plenty of chairs and umbrellas for anyone to rent. Alternatively, you can lay your towel down anywhere you like, as all beaches in Aruba are open to the public.

There you have it! The 10 best things to do in Aruba. What’s your favorite thing to do in Aruba? 

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