With journey slowly starting to come again, the small southern Caribbean island of Aruba is getting a whole lot of love as of late. Aruba refers to itself as “One Happy Island,” and I can let you know that it’s certainly a really glad place!
Aruba is among the Leeward Antilles islands within the far southern Caribbean, not far off the coast of Venezuela (although the island is linked politically to the Netherlands). Aruba is understood for its stunning seashores and laid-back vibe, and it sits exterior of the Hurricane Belt – which implies it is a terrific tropical vacation spot to go to any time of yr.
My husband Elliot and I visited Aruba to rejoice a marriage anniversary, and discovered the island to be the proper spot for us thanks to its mixture of possibilities to loosen up and have adventures.
Most folks select one “home base” for his or her time in Aruba (often within the lodge zone at Palm Beach or Eagle Beach), and discover the small island from there.
I do have a pattern 5-day Aruba itinerary you possibly can take a look at, however I believed I might sum up a few of the finest Aruba excursions and day journeys you possibly can tackle the island individually. Contrary to what you would possibly suppose, Aruba is an island that is nice for journey!
Top 5 Aruba excursions to take
These are all of the highest-rated excursions in Aruba, operated by skilled corporations and guides. They all provide lodge pick-up and drop-off, too.
1. Full island safari (with pure pool swim)
If you are solely going to guide one tour on Aruba, I might let you know to make it a full island safari. Elliot and I did this on our first full day on the island, and we have been blown away by all of the cool issues we noticed.
The tour spotlight is a bumpy drive via Arikok National Park so as to go swimming on the well-known Natural Pool. I used to be very glad to have another person to navigate the nationwide park “roads,” and it was enjoyable to go for a dip right here.
We additionally visited the Casibari Rock Formations, the Bushiribana gold mill ruins, the California Lighthouse, and the Fontein Cave, and even had time for snorkeling at Baby Beach after driving via the San Nicolas neighborhood.
This is certainly a full-day tour (we have been gone in all probability shut to 10 hours), however I feel it is nice worth for cash. Plus, if you would like to spend the remainder of your time in Aruba simply lounging on the seaside, no less than you possibly can say you noticed the island, too!
>> Book this tour right here: Island Ultimate Jeep Safari
(If you do not have a full day to dedicate to an island tour, you could possibly additionally guide this half-day tour simply to Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool; these have been our favourite elements anyway!)
2. A snorkeling tour
Another must-do whilst you’re in Aruba is to get out on the water. The Caribbean Sea surrounds Aruba with stunning turquoise water, and a number of corporations provide enjoyable crusing and snorkeling excursions.
We went on a morning snorkeling tour whereas in Aruba, and it was Elliot’s favourite a part of our complete journey.
We booked this champagne brunch snorkeling journey, which incorporates each a champagne brunch and lunch on board a cushty catamaran, together with three separate snorkeling stops. One of the snorkeling stops was over the wreck of a WWII ship, which was actually distinctive!
The water right here can also be tremendous clear and fairly heat year-round, making it a enjoyable and protected snorkeling tour for everybody.
>> Book this tour right here: Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling
(The tour week took was a 4-hour one; in case you’re searching for a shorter and cheaper journey, this catamaran snorkeling tour is just 2.5 hours lengthy.)
3. An ATV journey tour
For the extra adventurous traveler, you may want to discover a few of Aruba’s highlights on the again of an ATV or UTV. These excursions are tremendous well-liked in Aruba!
This explicit ATV tour focuses on the northern a part of the island, and consists of stops related to the total island safari talked about above – besides that this tour after all requires you to drive your personal ATV as you discover the island!
Stops on this ATV tour embrace the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Alto Vista Chapel, and a number of stunning seashores. You’ll even have the possibility to swim in a pure pool inside a cave, which is fairly superior.
This half-day tour has each morning and afternoon departures, and there are ATVs for single or double riders. Note that you simply have to be 18 and have a legitimate driver’s license to take part on this tour.
>> Book this tour right here: Aruba ATV Tour Adventure
(Want to do an identical tour however in a UTV that may maintain up to 5 folks, together with children? Then this UTV tour is one other good choice.)
4. Horseback using
If you have ever needed to go horseback using on the seaside, you are able to do that right here in Aruba! Horseback using is a well-liked Aruba tour choice, with many excursions pairing up sightseeing and swimming with a leisurely trip.
This horseback using tour features a trip via Arikok National Park, and a while to go swimming in a pure pool midway via if you would like.
No earlier horseback using expertise is critical, and they will pair you up with a horse that matches your using expertise.
>> Book this tour right here: Natural Pool Horseback Riding Tour
(If you may have extra using expertise, there are some excursions designed for skilled riders like this one.)
5. Sunset cruise
Last however not least, if you would like to get out on the water in Aruba and simply get pleasure from a sail, there are a number of good choices for sundown cruises.
This 2-hour sundown cruise tour is among the hottest choices, and consists of some snacks and an open bar.
If you need one thing a bit extra romantic that features dinner, this sundown dinner cruise features a buffet dinner onboard, whereas this cruise and dinner tour features a sundown sail and separate waterfront dinner.
Bonus: More Aruba excursions!
The 5 kinds of excursions listed above are the most well-liked ones that I feel are price reserving once you go to Aruba. But there are another, extra distinctive tour choices that are also price understanding about:
READ NEXT: The Perfect Aruba Itinerary: 5 Days on One Happy Island
Which tour would you most need to guide in Aruba?
