What to do in Aruba: The ultimate one week itinerary

What to do in Aruba: The ultimate one week itinerary

The sun-soaked paradise of Aruba is nicknamed ‘One Happy Island’, and as soon as you set your sights on the sparkling, turquoise water and endless blonde beaches it’s easy to see why life is so good here.

The famous Divi Divi tree on Eagle Beach
The famous Divi Divi tree on Eagle Beach

Found on the southern end of the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of South America, its unique surroundings as part of the ABC islands (along with Bonaire and Curacao) coupled with its Dutch influence means a dizzying array of backgrounds make the island what it is today.

More than 90 nationalities are represented here, which is apparent in things like the languages and cuisine you’ll find here.

The I Love Aruba sign in Oranjestad, Aruba

Street art in San Nicolas, Aruba

A popular destination for sun-seekers and those on the cruise ship circuit, there are plenty of fun Aruba day trips including boat rides along the coast, lounging on world-class beaches, submarine rides and ATV tours through the surprisingly arid, cactus-strewn desert.

From feeding flamingos on private islands to kiteboarding through crashing waves, here’s what to do in Aruba during the ultimate one week itinerary.

Renaissance Private Island in Aruba
Renaissance Private Island in Aruba

Day 1: Relax on the best beaches in Aruba

One of the best things about Aruba is its long stretches of powdery soft, white sand; in fact, Eagle Beach on the west side of the island is ranked as one of the top beaches in the world.

Eagle Beach in Aruba
Eagle Beach
The view of the beach at the Divi Aruba Phoenix
The view of the beach at the Divi Aruba Phoenix

Kick off your Aruba vacation by beach hopping along the coastline, since all beaches are public and you can hang out under a palapa or rent lounge chairs from nearby resorts. Paddle around in a kayak or on a SUP, or take advantage of the constant winds by taking a kiteboarding lesson.

Kiteboarding in Aruba

Some of the best Aruba beaches include:
  • Eagle Beach: The island’s most famous and widest beach, the turquoise water is incredible and it’s also home to the iconic Divi Divi tree.
  • Palm Beach: This is where all the action is in Aruba, thanks to its long strip of high-rise resorts, nightclubs, shopping and restaurants overlooking the sandy shoreline.
  • Baby Beach: Found on the southern tip of the island, this tranquil spot is a favourite of locals since it’s a bit of a drive from the main tourist areas. It got its name from the warm, bath-like water in the protected bay which makes this a great option for families.
  • Boca Grandi: One of the best kiteboarding beaches in Aruba, Boca Grandi has a challenging surf, steady winds and a long stretch of white sand.
  • Arashi Beach: Another good option for adventure-seekers, this one in the Noord district has some great surf spots and is popular for snorkeling thanks to the coral reefs and wrecks found offshore.
 
Arashi Beach in Aruba
Arashi Beach

Day 2: Submarine tour and Oranjestad

See Aruba’s underwater world from 130 feet below, by taking an Atlantis Submarines Expedition into the Caribbean Sea. This 90-minute adventure departs in Oranjestad and is sure to be one you’ll never forget…seriously, when else can you go on a real submarine?!

As you slowly descend, keep an eye out for the likes of barracudas, turtles and even the Antilla, a World War II German freighter that sank and is now the Caribbean’s largest shipwreck.

The submarine tour in Aruba
The submarine

The submarine tour in Aruba

Book a submarine tour in Aruba with Viator:

 

 

Back at the surface, spend the afternoon exploring Oranjestad, Aruba’s colourful capital that’s one of the most vibrant in the Caribbean. The Dutch-inspired facades are like the next best thing to being in Amsterdam, and are filled with duty free stores, cafes, jewellery shops and luxury boutiques.

There’s also a free tourist trolley that starts by the souvenir stalls by the cruise terminal, and winds through the streets to the other side of town.

Oranjestad, Aruba
Oranjestad, Aruba
The free tourist trolley tram in Oranjestad, Aruba
The free tourist tram

If you’re looking to sample some local flavours, try pan bati which is a savoury pancake that goes well with seafood. Pstechi is a pastry filled with fried cheese and sometimes meat or vegetables, and can be washed down with the local Balashi beer.

Oranjestad, Aruba
Oranjestad, Aruba

Day 3: See flamingos on De Palm Island

One of the best day trips in Aruba for families is heading out to De Palm Island, where a day of fun in the sun awaits.

Their dock is located 10 minutes from Oranjestad, and a quick boat ride over transports you to the action-packed island which has the likes of multi-storey waterslides, banana boat rides, volleyball games, beachfront cabanas and incredible snorkeling. Oh, and there are also flamingos!

READ MORE: Playground in paradise: Fun and flamingos on De Palm Island, Aruba

The waterslide on De Palm Island, Aruba
De Palm Island

About a dozen grey and light pink Chilean Flamingos gather along the shoreline, and stand about four to five feet tall. A tiny fence frames the lagoon where they feed to keep guests from touching them, but if you rent one of the palapas on this stretch of sand you’ll have a front row seat to watch the birds all day long.

Flamingos on De Palm Island, Aruba

Nearly all activities (aside from SNUBA and the underwater helmet walk) are included in the half or full-day rate on De Palm Island, as well as food, drinks and alcoholic beverages from a handful of on-site restaurants. Click here to book

For a luxe experience, book one of the private cabanas for the day which are perched over the coral-fringed sea. Each one holds up to eight people, has an outdoor shower, sundeck and lounge chairs, and a fridge stocked with cool drinks and a bottle of chilled Prosecco.

You’ll also have a dedicated server to bring you cool cocktails all day long, which makes De Palm Island one of the best Aruba attractions.

Private cabanas on De Palm Island, Aruba

A private cabana on De Palm Island
A private cabana on De Palm Island

Book a flamingo tour in Aruba with Viator

 

 

Day 4: San Nicolas, Donkey Sanctuary and Baby Beach

Get a culture kick by heading south to colourful San Nicolas, which is nicknamed the ‘Sunrise City’ and best known for its up-and-coming arts scene.

Street art in San Nicolas, Aruba

Feeling a world away from glitzy, commercial districts like the high-rise area, San Nicolas is Aruba’s second-largest city and has about five blocks’ worth of large murals blanketing its downtown streets.

Budget at least half an hour to see the artwork like two-storey flamingos, seashell angel wings and cacti sculptures, or book a walking tour to learn more about the artists and their pieces. There are also galleries and boutiques selling prints and handcrafted jewellery.

READ MORE: Why colourful San Nicolas should be on your Aruba itinerary

Street art in San Nicolas, Aruba
Street art in San Nicolas

While you’re there, drop into Charlie’s Bar which is an island institution that dates back to the 1940s. Originally a favourite hangout for scuba divers, they started tacking their eclectic underwater findings like Popeye figurines and license plates onto the walls, turning it into somewhat of an unofficial museum. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a pint at the bar, and contribute to the ever-growing collection.

Next up is the nearby Donkey Sanctuary at Bringamosa, where 130 furry, four-legged animals live in the haven which was created in 1997. The herd loves to meander out onto the dusty road, and if you’re driving by chances are you’ll be greeted with a ‘hee haw’ and find a long nose poking through the window in hopes of snagging a treat.

Donkeys in Aruba

End your day of Aruba sightseeing by continuing down to the southernmost tip of the island for some sun time. If you’re in the mood to chill, head to Baby Beach and relax in the calm bay or walk along the long, shallow sandbars.

Those looking for an adventure should bring a board and hit the waves at Boca Grandi to play in the challenging surf.

Boca Grandi in Aruba
Boca Grandi in Aruba
Baby Beach in Aruba
Baby Beach

Days 5 and 6: Aruba jeep tours

Road trips are always a fun way to explore a new destination, especially in Aruba which has a good mix of well-paved highways and gnarly dirt trails best suited for 4x4s. Rent a car, or book an off-road safari which will take you to some of the best places to visit in Aruba.

The view from the Casibari Rocks in Aruba
The view from the Casibari Rocks

Budget at least a couple of days to see the main sites, which include:

  • Natural Pool and Arikok National Park: The wild desert terrain on the east side of the island is primed for adventure. Dramatic waves, limestone cliffs and cacti dot the landscape, which holds wonders including the natural pool which was created by a volcanic formation and is popular for snorkeling and swimming.
  • Natural Bridge: Spoiler alert: despite being one of the major Aruba tourist attractions, this natural bridge that was formed by waves crashing against the limestone cliffs is no more. The archway collapsed in 2005, yet it still lures photographers and tour groups.
  • California Lighthouse: This bright, white lighthouse is a beacon on the north end of the island, built in 1914 to warn ships abou the rocky shoreline as they approached the island. Visitors can make their way up a winding, narrow staircase to the observation deck near the top, which is an incredible place to watch the sunset.
The California Lighthouse in Aruba
The California Lighthouse
  • Alto Vista Chapel: Dating back to 1750, this Roman Catholic Church has a pretty, sunshine-yellow facade and is reached by a road lined with white crosses.
  • Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins: Gold was first discovered in Aruba in 1824, eventually leading to the production of more than three million pounds of it on the island. Remnants of the gold rush remain at this former mill that processed ore from mines in the nearby hills.
  • Casibari Rocks: These giant boulders that seem to be randomly stacked in a neighbourhood under the shade of a high hill are fun for the whole family to explore, and you can squeeze through them and do the quick walk up to the top. There, you’ll find a fantastic panoramic viewpoint that’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset.
The Casibari Rocks in Aruba
The Casibari Rocks

The Casibari Rocks in Aruba

 

Day 7: Feed flamingos on the Renaissance Aruba Private Island, and a sunset cruise

Spend your final day in paradise at the only other place to see Aruba flamingos: the idyllic private island belonging to the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort.

Renaissance Private Island in Aruba

Flamingo Beach is one of the best places to go in Aruba to see the fluorescent-feathered friends, and is an exclusive experience reserved for guests of the luxurious Renaissance resort (or those lucky enough to snag a pass this way). The palm-fringed island features thatched-roof private cabanas perched over turquoise lagoons, nature trails and pristine sandbars, which makes it the ultimate getaway.

Enjoy the unforgettable experience of getting up close to the half a dozen blush birds who call the island home, who will eat right out of your hand and walk right by you for the ultimate #FlamingoSelfie.

Aruba flamingos

Aruba flamingos on Renaissance Private Island

Later in the day if time allows (or you’ve already gotten your flamingo fill), end your week in Aruba by booking a sunset cruise around the island. During the day, catamaran tours sail to spots like Boca Catalina and Arashi Reef, and stop for snorkeling and lunch on the beach.

On an evening cruise like this you can enjoy a chilled glass of champagne while rose gold and pink hues dance overhead, casting a mesmerizing glow as the sun sets over the water, which is the perfect way to cap off your Aruba itinerary.

 

Sunset in Aruba

Where to stay in Aruba:

  • Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort: There are a couple of Renaissance properties on the island, including this one which gives guests access to the Renaissance Private Island. The rooms are very modern, bright and clean, have a good location in Oranjestad with a great beach near the harbour, and luxe Aveda amenities. Click to book
  • Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort: This expansive property is across the street from Druif Beach, between Oranjestad and Palm Beach on Aruba’s west coast. Suites are spread across two separate areas: Golf Villas which is built around a golf course, and Village Golf which is closer to the beach, tennis courts and main entrance. All-inclusive options are available, and those guests have access to activities, 14 dining options, 13 bars and amenities at almost all of the island’s other Divi resorts.Click to book
  • Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort: This beautiful beachfront resort has a great location on Palm Beach. Rooms have jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean Sea from their private balconies, and there are two huge outdoor pools as well as a whirlpool, hot tub, kids pool and swim up bar. Click to book
  • Holiday Inn Resort Aruba: This budget-friendly option at the end of Palm Beach gets top marks for value. While rooms are slightly dated, it’s one of the best-priced resorts on the island and also has all-inclusive options. Click to book 

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11 thoughts on “What to do in Aruba: The ultimate one week itinerary”

    1. Personally, I like renting an ATV for the day and doing all the backroads myself without the crazy line ups of tourists.

  1. Rubbish. So many better things to do. Charlie’s bar is in the worst neighborhood, it used to be fun but no longer . The ostrich farm is so much better than the donkey sanctuary.

  2. I’ve been going to Aruba for almost 10 years – loved it there! Haven’t been back since COVID, and won’t while it is still considered a Level 4 by the CDC. Paradise lost!

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