Top Activities in Aruba

Sail with the Jolly Pirates

The Jolly Pirate Ship will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to Aruba! Hop aboard this authentic pirate ship for an afternoon filled with snorkeling, sailing, drinking, and swinging!

JOLLY PIRATES TIPS: 

    • The ship makes three different stops. The first stop is a snorkel stop at the Antilla Shipwreck (recommended for strong swimmers only). The second stop is closer to shore and great for snorkeling. Be sure to keep your eye out for sea turtles!  The last stop (my favorite) is reserved for swinging off the rope swing into the water. 
    • Jolly Pirates provides snorkel gear for you. Note: Don’t wear your fins on deck!
    • You have an option of enjoying the open bar all afternoon. Sailors beware- the “pirates poison” is strong!
    • Bring your own reusable cup!! Rather than using the plastic cups onboard (which often blow away and are a danger to turtles), Jolly Pirates encourages you take care of our ocean and bring your own reusable tumblers. The bartender will gladly refill your cups all afternoon!

  • Book online ahead of time to take advantage of their 20% off discount!

https://www.jolly-pirates.com/cruise/sail-snorkel-swim-and-swing

Flock with the Flamingos!

One of the most recent trending attractions in Aruba lies on the beach of Renaissance Island. Just a short boat ride away from downtown Oranjestad, you can meet some of Aruba’s most famous locals: the Flamingos!

RENAISSANCE ISLAND TIPS: 

  • You must purchase a pass to have access to Renaissance Island
  • Registered guests of Renaissance Aruba have a free pass to explore the island
  • If you are not a registered guest, you can purchase a day pass for $125 from the Renaissance Hotel Lobby. This day-pass includes one round-trip boat ride to the island, one drink voucher, lounge chairs, and one meal.
  • You cannot pre-book day passes for the island. Instead, you must go to the Renaissance reception desk early in the morning to find out about their availability for the day. I suggest going early before they sell out for the day!
  • The only way to go to Renaissance Island is by boat- which leaves from the lobby of the Renaissance hotel every 15 minutes.
  • You can purchase food pellets to hand-feed the flamingos. There is a food dispenser on the island that you pay for with coins.
  • Feed the flamingos early in the morning for the best photos. Towards the end of the day, the flamingos are totally full of the food pellets from all of the other guests!

Snorkel with Roberto!

Spend a day snorkeling and relaxing onboard Roberto’s Sea Venture Catamaran. The catamaran holds a limited number of guests, so it is the perfect size for a more intimate snorkel experience.

ROBERTO’S CATAMARAN HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Only 24 guests onboard!
    • Two beautiful snorkel stops
    • 3 hour sailing trip
    • Above-water hammock for lounging/ photos 
    • Open Bar!
    • Onboard snacks/sandwiches/fruit
    • Knowledgeable and accommodating crew

  •  
    • Visit their website to book your next snorkel trip!

Website: https://www.robertoswatersports.com/

Adventure to the Natural Pool

Experience the rockier side of the island and take a day trip to the Natural Pool. The Natural Pool is unique in that it was formed by volcanic rock, where the waves crash in, creating a tranquil pool for you to swim in. Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind before visiting the Pool.

NATURAL POOL TIPS 

    • The Pool cannot be accessed by an ordinary rental car, so plan on renting a jeep, hiking, ATVing, or joining a tour group for the day.
    • You must purchase tickets at the park entrance prior to entering Arikok National Park.
      • Park open daily from 8:00 am till 4:00 pm (ticket sales closes 3:30 pm).
      • Price: US$11,- per person. Local Price: AWG 5,- per person. 
    • The Pool is surrounded by rugged and rocky terrain. The rocks leading inside the pool can be very slippery- so watch your footing while entering the pool.
    • Large waves often crash over the edge into the Pool. Be cautious when climbing the rocks and be aware of your surroundings.
    • Don’t forget your snorkel mask! There are a ton of fish to see inside the pool.

  • NOTE: The downside to going with organized tour groups is that it gets overcrowded, especially on days with cruise ships in town. To avoid these huge crowds, I suggest visiting the pool in the early morning or late afternoon (Before the park closes at 4!)
  • Location: Arikok National Park, Aruba 

Escape to the “New” Natural Pool

If you are looking to find a picturesque swimming hole away from crowds of tourists, and you’re up for an adventure- this newly discovered “Baby Natural Pool” is perfect for you! 

MY HELPFUL HINTS: 

  • The New Natural Pool is located a few hundred yards away from the Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins towards the ocean to the east.
  • The footing is much more unstable than the original Natural Pool. The rocky floor is slippery, sharp, and hard on your feet. I recommend wearing water shoes or sturdy sandals while making your way in and out of the pool.
  • Once inside, you will find the beautiful secluded pool under a colorful rock overhang. There is one spot that’s safe for cliff jumping into the pool.
  • The only marker that you’ll see is the top of an old ladder that you must use to climb down to the rocks.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and shallow spots!

Relax on deck at Mangel Halto

This picturesque beach is still one of my favorite gems in Aruba. Relax on the deck above the ocean, snorkel in the shallow water, and take a walk through the mangrove trees at this unique beach. 

MANGEL HALTO TIPS:

    • Mangel Halto is easily accessible by car with plenty of parking on the street
    • There are tons of picture spots to take advantage of at this beautiful beach. Walk along the road and you’ll find several ladders leading into the ocean
      • Don’t forget your snorkel gear. The water is calm and clear!
      • Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables overlooking the water
    • Make sure to take a walk through the mangrove trees towards the left of the over-water deck

Kitesurf with Vela

Feeling sporty? Definitely take advantage of the awesome wind and water conditions here on Aruba. Check out Vela Windsurf Hut and try out some of their water sports and other beach activities.

  • Vela offers a variety of water sport lessons and packages:

      • Windsurfing
      • Kitesurfing
      • Stand Up Paddle boarding
      • Wake up bright and early and join Vela in a SUP yoga session!

  • Rent the Hobie Cat for an afternoon
      • One Vela staff member will join you and up to 4 guests as you learn to sail and steer this small Catamaran along Palm Beach.
  • Equipment Rentals
    • Paddleboards
    • Kayaks
    • Snorkel Gear
    • Water Bikes
    • Floaties
  • For a more challenging (but totally worth it) kitesurfing spot, ask the Vela crew members about a Day Trip to Boca Catalina!
    • Across the island lies Boca Catalina, where the waves are stronger, but the wind is much  steadier. It is such a fun surf spot!

  • Vela has so many fun activities to choose from. Stop by the hut and check them out! 

Website: https://www.velaaruba.com/

Step into the Water at Tres Trapi

Malmok Beach is a beautiful local spot just north of Palm Beach. Known for its turtle sightings and steps leading into the ocean, this small beach is a true gem.

MALMOK BEACH TIPS: 

  • Tres Trapi is located off a small cove off at Malmok Beach. 
  • It is a short drive from Palm Beach that you can access easily by car.
  • Tres Trapi, meaning three steps, is known for its scenic steps into the ocean. You enter by stepping down a set of 5 rocky steps leading into the crystal clear water.
  • Don’t forget your snorkel gear- Malmok beach is known for its frequent turtle visitors!
  • There are several spots along the water’s edge that are perfect for small cliff jumping.
    • I recommend wearing sandals to do this- the volcanic rocks are sharp to walk on!