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Best excursions on Aruba: which tour is right for you?
Aruba is small enough to see in a week, but the range of excursions is surprisingly broad. You can go out on the water with a catamaran, into the interior with an all-terrain vehicle, on horseback through the north, or into the park with a guide. Which tour is best suited depends mainly on what kind of traveler you are. Those seeking peace and quiet will choose a sunset sailing trip, those wanting adventure will head to the rugged east coast, and those wanting to get to know the island will start with a tour.
In this guide, we outline the types of excursions, explaining for each type who it's suitable for, how long it lasts, and what to consider when booking. Prices, duration, age limits, and what's included vary per provider and change regularly. Therefore, always check them on the relevant product page.
| Type of excursion | Good for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling trip by boat | Almost everyone who can swim | Often including materials, check this |
| Sunset cruise | Places and tranquility seekers | Book in advance during peak season |
| UTV or Jeep tour | Adventurous travelers | Dusty and bumpy, bring a cloth |
| Island Tour | Who wants to get to know the island | Handy as a first activity |
| Hiking tour in Arikok | Nature lovers | Start early, little shade |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Snorkeling trips by boat
The most booked excursion in Aruba is a catamaran or sailboat trip along the west coast, with two or three stops for snorkeling along the way. You'll sail past Palm Beach and Eagle Beach towards the northwest, where the water is clear and the coast becomes rocky. The most famous stop is the Antilla shipwreck.
On board, there is usually material present, and often food and drinks as well. What exactly is included varies by provider, so check this on the product page. More options can be found in our guide about the best boat tours in Aruba.
An evening stroll
Aruba's west coast is perfectly situated for sunset views, and you get the best perspective from the water. There are no buildings or palm trees obstructing the view. The tours depart in the late afternoon and last a few hours. Some are relaxed with just drinks, while others feature onboard music or dinner.
It's one of the few activities where you don't have to do anything, making it the highlight of the week for many couples. You can read more about it in our guide to Sunset cruise on Aruba.
With an SUV to the East Coast
The rugged side of Aruba is not accessible with a regular rental car. The paths are rocky, and the park ranger won't let you through. With a UTV or a jeep, you can reach places like the Natural Pool, Arikok Caves, and the deserted coast. Along the way, you'll bump around a lot, and it's dusty.
Take sunglasses, a face covering, and plenty of water. Age restrictions and sometimes a driver's license are required for these tours. More information about this can be found in our guide about UTV and Jeep Tours in Aruba.
Hiking in Arikok National Park
If you want to see the landscape at your leisure, a guided walk in Arikok is a good choice. You'll walk past cacti, cliff coasts, and caves with rock drawings. A guide will point out things you might miss yourself, such as plants that were once used as medicine and animal tracks in the sand.
Start early, as there is scarce shade and it gets hot quickly. Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water. You can read more about this in our guide to Arikok National Park.
An island tour of the highlights
A guided tour is the quickest way to understand Aruba. You'll visit the lighthouse, the chapel, the rock formations, and the north coast. If you do this at the beginning of your trip, you'll know exactly where you want to go later on your own. This saves you time searching and avoids wrong turns.
Most tours last half a day and make short stops at each location. Ask in advance how much time you have at each stop if you enjoy taking photos. What's included varies by provider, so check that on the respective page.
Horseback riding through the north
From a ranch in the north, you ride a horse through the dry landscape with cacti, past rock formations, and towards the coast. There are tours for beginners and experienced riders. Some go all the way to the water, where you can take the horse into the sea.
There are often age and weight limits, and these vary by provider. Inquire about this before booking. More on this can be found in our guide to Horseback riding on Aruba.
Watersports and adrenaline
Aruba has a constant trade wind almost year-round. This makes the island popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers, especially at Fisherman's Huts. If you want to try it, there are introductory lessons where you start in shallow water. Even without experience, you'll usually manage to stand up.
Additionally, you can go parasailing over Palm Beach, land yachting on an open plain, or mountain biking through the interior. You can read more about this in our guide to water sports in Aruba.
Family excursions
Working with children, short trips are best. A few-hour catamaran trip with a snorkel stop is usually a great success. A visit to Baby Beach and a relaxed island tour with short stops are also popular. A whole day in the sun is too much for most.
Pay attention to the minimum age for water sports and off-road vehicles. This varies by provider and is listed on the product page. More tips can be found in our guide about Aruba with children.
Excursions for couples
A late-day sailboat trip, a peaceful snorkeling tour, and a ride to a sunset viewpoint are the classics for two. Small boats feel different than large catamarans with many people on board. Therefore, inquire about the group size before booking.
Riding at the end of the afternoon is also a popular choice, as the light is at its most beautiful then. More about this can be found in our guide to Aruba for couples.
Day trips if you only have one day
If you arrive by cruise ship, Oranjestad is within walking distance of the port, and most tours are organized accordingly. Choose a half-day option so you'll be back well in time. An island tour or a snorkeling trip would fit well.
Please take your ship's departure time into account and allow at least an hour's buffer. You can read more about this in our guide on Aruba for cruise visitors.
How long does an excursion usually last?
Most tours on Aruba last half a day, about three to five hours. That's just enough time to see something without the heat breaking you. Sunset cruises are shorter, usually two to three hours. Tours to the east coast, on the other hand, take longer because the drive there takes time.
Plan no more than one major activity per day. After a trip in the sun, you'll want shade and water. Exact times are listed on the product page and may vary by season.
When is the best time to book?
During the Christmas period, spring break, and summer vacation, small boats and tours fill up quickly. Book them before you leave. Outside of these periods, you can often still get a spot the day before. This has the advantage that you can take the weather into account.
Book a boat trip on your last day only if you don't have to fly afterward, especially if you're also diving. Check out the current offerings on our page with Activities on Aruba.
What are you taking on the field trip?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and enough water are most important. There is hardly any shade on the water and in the park. Also, bring water shoes for the snorkeling stops and a waterproof case for your phone. Saltwater and sand are unforgiving.
Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty. You are guaranteed to come back covered in dust from a jeep tour. The full list is in our guide about What to bring to Aruba.
What if the weather is bad?
Rain in Aruba usually doesn't last long and has little impact on excursions. You won't notice it at all underwater. Wind is a bigger factor. In high winds, boats may sometimes take a different route or a trip may be canceled. The provider makes that decision.
When booking, ask how bad weather is handled and what options are available. These conditions vary. More information can be found in our guide about the Weather and rainy season in Aruba.
Drive yourself or book a tour?
For the north, the south, and Oranjestad, a regular rental car is sufficient and you don't need a tour. The roads are good and the distances are short. For the east coast and the Natural Pool, a tour is practically the only option, unless you rent a 4x4 yourself and have experience with that terrain.
For the water, you definitely need a boat, so an excursion is the logical choice. You can read more about that in our guide to rental car or excursions in Aruba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Excursions in Aruba
Which excursion in Aruba is the most popular?
A catamaran tour along the west coast with a snorkel stop at the Antilla wreck is the most booked.
Should excursions on Aruba be booked in advance?
In high season, yes, especially boat trips and small group tours. Outside of that, you can often book on shorter notice.
Are there any excursions suitable for children?
Yes, such as short catamaran trips and relaxed island tours. Minimum ages apply per provider for water sports and all-terrain vehicles.
How do you get to the Natural Pool?
Only with an off-road vehicle, on horseback, or with a sturdy hike. A regular rental car won't get past the checkpoint.
How long does an excursion in Aruba last?
Usually three to five hours. Sunset cruises are shorter, and tours to the east coast take longer.
Do tours go ahead when it rains?
Usually yes, because the showers are short. In strong winds, a boat trip may be adjusted or canceled.
Do you know which tour suits you? Then check out the activities and excursions available in Aruba.
Top 10 Activities in Aruba
Sunset cruise in Aruba: what can you expect?
Watersports in Aruba: kitesurfing, windsurfing, and parasailing
Snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck in Aruba