Aruba is a beautiful island with plenty of things to do, see, and experience. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit during your stay!
One of the most unique activities on the island is visiting the Butterfly Farm near Palm Beach. This nature sanctuary is home to hundreds of butterflies. It’s a great photo opportunity and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
1. Ayo & Casibari Rock Formations
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure during your visit to Aruba, a trip to the Ayo & Casibari Rock Formations is a great choice. About two miles north of the Natural Bridge, these strange rocky mounds offer an unique island vantage point.
The massive monolithic boulders, which are in close formation, create a tranquil environment that’s equally jaw-dropping in majesty and grandeur. The towering stone pillars are also a fascinating testament to the culture and history of Aruba’s original inhabitants, the Arawak Indians.
In fact, they were considered sacred ground by the Arawak Indians who used them as shelter when thunderstorms approached and carved drawings (petroglyphs) into their walls during religious rituals.
These colossal stones are not to be missed during your Aruba holiday. They’re free to visit, and you’ll find walking trails and steps that make exploring them easy and safe. You can climb to the top of the rocks for sweeping views over Aruba and even Venezuela on a clear day.
2. Alto Vista Chapel
A trip up the winding road to Alto Vista Chapel, aptly named for its high position in the landscape, is one of Aruba's most spiritual experiences. The church, a tiny structure that was built in 1750 and fell into disrepair after the arrival of a plague, is a reminder of the island's beginnings as a Catholic enclave.
The chapel is a quiet place to meditate, enjoy a prayer or attend a mass. It also serves as a landmark, a reference point when hiking or mountain biking in the area.
Locals make pilgrimages to the church every Good Friday, and it’s a popular destination for tourists who want to learn more about the Catholic religion in Aruba. It’s said that a school teacher, Francisca Henriques Lacle, with a lot of persistence and hard work, was able to revive the chapel after it was abandoned in the 1950s. She collected 5000 Florins from local residents, got a statue of St. Mary made in the Netherlands, and installed it at the new chapel between March and May of 1952.
3. Arikok National Park
The Arikok National Park combines Aruba’s cultural history with the island’s natural beauty. It accounts for about 18 percent of the island and features three primary geological formations: a lava formation, quartz diorite formation, and limestone formation.
- The park is also home to many varied species of flora and fauna. This includes two unique snake species and a variety of birds that only live in Aruba.
- One of the best ways to explore this rugged landscape is on a tour. Whether you’re looking for an off-road safari in a 4x4 or want to hike through the desert on a self-guided tour, there’s something here for every type of traveler!
- Another highlight is the partially restored farm at Cunucu Arikok. Known for its large collection of local plants and fruit trees, the site recalls Aruba’s agricultural past. The site also offers a glimpse at Amerindian cave drawings that were left before Europeans arrived.
4. Baby Beach
Located on the southeast end of Aruba, Baby Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Aruba. It is a crescent-shaped beach that boasts calm water and safe waters that make it the ideal spot for kids to play and snorkel in.
A protected man-made lagoon, Baby Beach is a wonderful place to relax and swim with your family or friends. The sand is soft and white, the water is incredibly clear, and the atmosphere is relaxing and tranquil.
You can also enjoy a refreshing drink or snack at the refreshment stand or eat at Big Mama’s Grill, a restaurant that serves up bbq and seafood platters. There is a local dive shop nearby where you can rent beach chairs, windscreens, and snorkeling gear.
For those who want to go off-roading, a full-day off-road 4WD adventure is the perfect option for exploring Aruba’s top attractions in a 4-wheel drive open-air jeep. The tour includes drinks, snacks, lunch, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and snorkel equipment.
