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The 10 Best Activities and Excursions on Aruba
Aruba is small, but there's surprisingly a lot to do. The water on the west side is calm enough for snorkeling and boat trips, while the interior and east coast are rugged and well-suited for active excursions. These ten activities appear on almost every list, and for good reason. Together, they showcase all aspects of the island: the water, nature, culture, and the sunsets Aruba is known for.
For each activity, you'll read what to expect, who it's suitable for, and what to watch out for. Duration, age limits, and what's included vary by provider, so always check that on the relevant product page. If you want a broader overview first, take a look at our guide on what to do in Aruba.
| Activity | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling at the Antilles | Anyone who can swim | You're going by boat, not from the shore |
| Catamaran tour | Places, families, groups | Ask what is included |
| Arikok National Park | Hikers and nature lovers | Pay admission at the entrance |
| Natural Pool | Adventurous travelers | Only with a 4x4, horse, or on foot |
| Sunset cruise | Places and tranquility seekers | Book in advance during peak season |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Snorkeling at the Antillean shipwreck
The Antilla is a large shipwreck off the northwest coast that sank during World War II. Part of it lies so shallow that you can see it clearly while snorkeling. Many fish swim around the wreck, and in clear water, you can see the ship's contours glide beneath you. You travel to it by boat, as it is not reachable from shore.
If you can swim, this is quite manageable. More on this can be found in our guide about the Antilla shipwreck.
2. A catamaran trip along the west coast
From the west coast, sailboats depart for tours lasting a few hours, with stops for snorkeling. You sail past the hotels, the cliffs, and the well-known snorkeling bays. For many visitors, this is the highlight of the trip, as you see the island from the water very differently than from the beach.
What is included in terms of food, drink, and materials varies by provider. More options are in our guide on the best boat tours in Aruba.
3. Exploring Arikok National Park
A large part of Aruba is a protected nature reserve. In Arikok, you walk past cacti, cliff coasts, and caves with rock drawings, with views of the island's rugged side. You can hike the marked trails yourself or join a guided tour. Start early, as there is little shade and it gets hot quickly.
Bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes. You can read more about this in our guide to Arikok National Park.
4. The Natural Pool by Terrain Vehicle
The Natural Pool is located among the rocks on the east coast and is only accessible by off-road vehicle, horse, or a sturdy hike. You cannot reach it with a regular rental car. A UTV or jeep tour will take you there over bumpy paths, usually in combination with other spots in the park. Expect dust and shaking along the way.
Swimming is only allowed when the sea is calm, and the park ranger decides this. More about this can be found in our guide on Natural Pool.
5. A sunset cruise at the end of the day
Aruba's west coast is perfectly situated for sunsets. You get the best view from the water, without any buildings or palm trees obstructing it. The tours usually last a few hours and depart in the late afternoon. Some are quiet, while others include music and dinner on board.
When booking, ask what is included. You can read more about this in our guide to the Sunset cruise on Aruba.
6. Horseback riding through the North
From a ranch in the north, you'll ride a horse through the dry landscape, past cacti, and over rocky paths towards the coast. There are tours for beginners and experienced riders, and some go all the way to the coast where you can ride into the water with your horse.
Age and weight limits vary by provider. More information on this can be found in our guide on Horseback riding on Aruba.
7. Learn to kitesurf or windsurf
Aruba has a constant trade wind almost year-round, which makes the island popular with surfers. At Fisherman's Huts, the wind is almost always good. You can take an introductory lesson there, even if you've never done it before. The water is shallow, which helps with learning.
Read more about it in our guide to water sports in Aruba.
8. Parasailing over Palm Beach
From Palm Beach, you are pulled up behind a boat by a parachute. You hang above the sea for a few minutes and look out over the entire west coast. It's less exciting than it sounds: you ascend gently and land back on the boat. However, there are age and weight requirements.
Check those in advance on the product page, as they differ by provider.
9. Mountain biking or land sailing
The interior of Aruba is flat, dry, and open, making it suitable for a mountain biking trip. You'll ride on unpaved paths past cacti and rock formations. Land sailing is done on a beach sailboat on an open plain, with the wind pushing you forward. You don't need any prior experience.
Both are active but manageable. More options are in our guide about Aruba for adventurous travelers.
10. An island tour of the highlights
If you want to see the most important places in half a day, an island tour is the easiest way. You'll stop at the lighthouse, the chapel, the rock formations, and the north coast. It's a useful first activity: afterward, you'll know where everything is and what you might want to explore further on your own.
more about this is in our guide about the Best excursions in Aruba.
How many activities do you plan per day?
One larger activity per day is enough. The heat affects you more than you think, and most excursions last half a day. Schedule the active things for the morning and keep the afternoon free for the beach or shade. At the end of the day, there's always the sunset.
A detailed weekly plan is in our guide on Aruba in 7 days.
Book in advance or arrange on the spot?
During the Christmas and summer holiday periods, smaller boats and tours fill up quickly. Book them before departure if you want to be sure of a spot. Outside of these periods, you can often still get a spot the day before, which is convenient because you can then take the weather into account.
View the possibilities on our page with Activities on Aruba.
How much does an activity on Aruba cost approximately?
Prices vary greatly depending on the type of activity and the provider, and they change seasonally. Therefore, we do not mention specific amounts in this article. However, there is a clear pattern: boat trips and off-road tours fall into the higher price category, while a walk in the park or a day at the beach is inexpensive.
You can read about what the trip costs in total in our guide to how much a vacation to Aruba costs.
What activity suits what weather?
With strong winds, boat trips are sometimes canceled or take a different route. You can usually see this from the beach at sea. With a rain shower, little changes: showers on Aruba are short, and you won't notice them underwater. A cave or a museum is then more pleasant than a walk.
More about the months, wind, and showers can be found in our guide on the Weather and rainy season in Aruba.
Activities with children
Shallow snorkel bays, a catamaran trip with a short sailing time, and a visit to Baby Beach are the most popular with families. There are minimum ages for water sports and off-road vehicles that vary by provider, so check them before booking.
More tips can be found in our guide on Aruba with children.
What do you take on a field trip?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and enough water are most important. There is hardly any shade on the water or in the park. Also, bring water shoes for the snorkeling spots and a waterproof case for your phone.
The full list is in our guide about What to bring to Aruba.
Here's how to choose the right tour
First, consider the duration and group size. A small boat feels very different from a large catamaran with many people on board. Then, pay attention to what is included: equipment, food, drinks, and hotel pickup can make a significant difference in practice.
Finally, ask what happens in case of bad weather or too much wind. These conditions vary by provider and are listed on the product page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Activities in Aruba
What's the most fun activity in Aruba?
A boat trip along the west coast with a snorkeling stop at the Antilla is at the top of most visitors' lists. If you want nature, Arikok National Park is the strongest choice.
Are the activities suitable for children?
Yes, many do, such as snorkeling in shallow bays and a catamaran trip. Minimum ages apply for water sports and off-road vehicles, which vary by provider.
Is snorkeling good in Aruba?
Yes, especially on the northwest coast near Boca Catalina, Malmok, and the Antilla wreck. The water is clear and calm there.
Do you need an SUV for the Natural Pool?
Yes, you either go on horseback or on foot. A regular rental car won't get past the checkpoint in the park.
When is the best time to go on a boat trip?
In the late afternoon before sunset, or in the morning when the water is calmest and it's not too hot yet.
Do you need to book activities in Aruba in advance?
During peak season, yes. Small boats and tours with limited spots fill up quickly.
Would you like to know which tours are currently available? Then check which activities and excursions suit your trip to Aruba.
Best excursions on Aruba: which tour is right for you?
Sunset cruise in Aruba: what can you expect?
Watersports in Aruba: kitesurfing, windsurfing, and parasailing
Snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck in Aruba