The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Aruba
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
If you're planning a trip to Aruba, first of all, excellent choice.
With year-round sunshine, crystal-clear turquoise water, some of the whitest beaches in the Caribbean and one of the friendliest atmospheres you'll ever experience, it's easy to see why Aruba is known as "One Happy Island."
Whether you're visiting for five days or two weeks, you'll quickly discover there's far more to Aruba than simply lying on the beach.
From flamingos and natural pools to hidden caves, colourful street art, incredible snorkelling and unforgettable sunsets, Aruba is packed with experiences you'll remember long after your tan has faded.
As someone who's been lucky enough to call Aruba home for many years, I've explored every corner of this beautiful island, both as a local and while helping thousands of visitors create memories they'll treasure forever through Flying Dress Aruba.
So if you're wondering...
"What are the best things to do in Aruba?"
You're in exactly the right place.
Let's dive in.
1. Relax on Eagle Beach
No trip to Aruba is complete without visiting Eagle Beach.
Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, Eagle Beach is famous for its powder-soft white sand, turquoise water and incredible sunsets.
Unlike some Caribbean beaches, Eagle Beach feels spacious, even during busy seasons.
It's the perfect place to:
• Swim
• Sunbathe
• Watch the sunset
• Read a book
• Simply do absolutely nothing...
...which is sometimes exactly what's needed.
Insider Tip: Arrive before 9:00 AM if you want uninterrupted photographs and a peaceful morning swim.
2. Visit the Famous Divi Divi Trees
You've probably already seen them on postcards.
The iconic Divi Divi trees have become one of Aruba's most recognisable symbols thanks to their windswept shape, sculpted over decades by the island's trade winds.
They're particularly beautiful during golden hour.
3. Experience a Flying Dress Photoshoot
If you're celebrating a milestone birthday...
👗 A girls' trip.
🩷 An anniversary.
💫 Or simply want to do something completely different while you're in Aruba...
A Flying Dress Aruba photoshoot is an experience unlike anything else on the island.
Imagine standing on one of Aruba's breathtaking beaches wearing a flowing dress with a dramatic train dancing through the Caribbean breeze while an experienced photographer captures stunning images you'll treasure forever.
The best part?
You don't need to know how to pose.
Most of our guests arrive saying exactly the same thing:
"I'm awkward in front of the camera."
Five minutes later they're laughing, spinning around barefoot in the sand and wondering why they waited so long.
Over the past few years we've photographed more than 3,000 women from around the world, helping them celebrate birthdays, cancer survivorship, retirement, self-love journeys, anniversaries and bucket-list adventures.
It's so much more than a photoshoot.
It's a confidence boost you'll remember long after your holiday ends.
Explore our Flying Dress experiences here → www.flyingdressaruba.com/prices
4. Snorkel at Mangel Halto
This is one of Aruba's best-kept secrets.
Unlike the busier beaches on the west coast, Mangel Halto offers calm, crystal-clear water filled with colourful tropical fish.
Bring water shoes.
Trust me.
You'll thank me later.
5. Watch the Sunset at Arashi Beach
If Eagle Beach feels busy, head north.
Arashi Beach offers spectacular sunsets with fewer crowds and is a local favourite.
Pack a picnic and stay until the sky turns every shade of orange and pink imaginable.
6. Explore Arikok National Park
Nearly 20% of Aruba is protected national park.
Here you'll discover:
🪨 Caves
🏜️ Desert landscapes
🌵 Giant cacti
🐐 Wild goats
🦎 Iguanas
🐚 Hidden beaches
📸 Incredible viewpoints
Rent a Jeep if you want to explore properly.
7. Visit the California Lighthouse
One of Aruba's most famous landmarks.
The panoramic views from the northern tip of the island are spectacular, especially around sunset.
8. Discover Baby Beach
Located on Aruba's southern coast, Baby Beach is famous for its shallow, calm lagoon.
Perfect for:
Families
Beginner swimmers
Floating all afternoon
Snorkelling
9. Wander Around Oranjestad
Aruba's colourful capital is well worth exploring.
Expect:
Dutch colonial architecture
Boutique shopping
Local cafés
Street art
Waterfront restaurants
Don't forget to hop aboard the free tram while you're there.
10. Swim in the Natural Pool (Conchi)
Accessible only by 4x4, horseback or guided tour.
It's one of Aruba's most adventurous experiences.
Bring sturdy footwear.
The journey is half the fun.
SAFETY TIP: Do not swim unsupervised, the tide gets rough and the crashing waves are very strong.
More Incredible Things to Do
Your Aruba bucket list wouldn't be complete without:
Visit Alto Vista Chapel
Explore Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins
Snorkel the Antilla Shipwreck
Horse riding on the beach
Take a catamaran sunset cruise
Try local Aruban cuisine
Visit the Aloe Factory
See the Natural Bridge ruins
Explore Boca Prins
Go off-roading
Visit the Butterfly Farm
Learn kitesurfing at Fisherman's Huts
Volunteer at a local animal sanctuary like Luna Foundation
Discover local murals in San Nicolas
Enjoy live music in Palm Beach
How Many Days Do You Need in Aruba?
If possible:
3 days: Highlights only
5 days: Perfect first visit
7 days: Ideal
10+ days: You'll never want to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aruba most famous for?
Aruba is famous for Eagle Beach, year-round sunshine, turquoise waters, Divi Divi trees, Arikok National Park and its relaxed "One Happy Island" atmosphere.
Is Aruba expensive?
Aruba is one of the more premium Caribbean destinations and the cost of living is higher than average, but there are plenty of free and affordable activities, especially beaches and nature.
What's the number one thing to do in Aruba?
That depends on your travel style, but many visitors say relaxing on the beaches, exploring Arikok National Park and booking a Flying Dress Aruba photoshoot (of course) are among the most memorable experiences.
Is Aruba safe?
Aruba is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, making it popular with couples, families and solo female travellers.
Make Your Aruba Trip Unforgettable
There are plenty of souvenirs you can bring home from Aruba....
A magnet.
A T-shirt.
A bottle of local hot sauce.
But years from now, it won't be those things that transport you back to this holiday.
It'll be the memories.
The feeling of warm sand beneath your feet.
The sound of the waves.
The laughter you shared.
And the photographs that capture it all.
At Flying Dress Aruba, we believe every woman deserves to feel confident, beautiful and celebrated, exactly as she is. Whether you're marking a milestone birthday, celebrating a new chapter, or simply saying "yes" to yourself for once, we'd love to help make your Aruba adventure unforgettable.
Ready to create a memory you'll treasure forever?
Explore our Flying Dress experiences and let's make some magic together.
