Beyond the All-Inclusive: 12 Amazing Things to Do in Aruba

Imagine standing with your toes dug into powdery white sand, the warm Caribbean breeze caressing your face, and the turquoise waves gently splashing your feet. Welcome to Aruba, the ‘One Happy Island’ that has captured the hearts of tourists, beach bums, adventure seekers, and culture seekers. Whether you are planning a romantic trip, family vacation or a solo adventure, this Dutch Caribbean beauty has something special for everyone. See Aruba through a new lens—beyond the all-inclusive experience.

1. Aruba’s best beaches

The first time I set my eyes on Eagle Beach I was not only amazed by its beauty, but also a little bit by the fact that I almost tripped over by my own feet. The sand is so fine it feels like walking on powdered sugar, and the water? As clear as sapphire, the kind of blue that looks like it has been photoshopped. You know those fofoti trees that are in every Aruba postcard?  Yep, they’re here, twisting perfectly like they somehow knew they’d be iconic one day.

For those who want more action, Palm Beach is the place to go. This is where I spend most of my mornings in Aruba, watching the early risers take advantage of the perfect wind to kite surf, while paddle boarders glide gracefully across the sea. Tip: The southern part of Palm Beach has less crowd than the area near the high-rise hotels.

But if you are travelling with children, then Baby Beach is simply out of this world. This natural lagoon was clearly invented by mother nature as the children’s pool with the gentle and calm water that is safe for the little swimmers. I have spent countless hours here watching families make sand castles and search for hermit crabs on the beach.

If you’re looking for a unique, picture-perfect beach experience, Flamingo Beach is a must-visit. Located on Renaissance Island, this private beach is home to a small flock of pink flamingos that wade gracefully through the shallow water, completely unfazed by visitors. It’s the kind of surreal experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical dream.

The island is accessible only to guests of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort or by purchasing a day pass, which sells out quickly. Beyond the flamingos, the island offers secluded beach spots, hammocks swaying over the water, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

If you want that iconic flamingo photo, go early in the morning when it’s less crowded, and bring some food for them—they’re surprisingly friendly! I learned this the hard way when I pulled out some flamingo food a little too eagerly, and one particularly bold flamingo strutted right up, giving me the kind of side-eye that said, ‘You better share.’ Turns out, they know exactly who has the snacks and aren’t afraid to demand their cut!

2. Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is where Aruba really reveals its wild side. This huge stretch of land covering nearly 20% of the island is a barren, rocky wonderland that will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported to another planet. You should rent a jeep or join a tour (I promise you do not want to attempt these roads in a regular rental car) and prepare to be amazed. I thought I could brave it with a regular rental, and let’s just say I spent a solid 15 minutes convinced I was about to get stuck in the middle of nowhere. A local passing by in a proper off-road vehicle gave me the classic ‘rookie mistake’ look before speeding past effortlessly. Lesson learned.

3. Conchi

The Natural Pool or Conchi is one of the most unusual swimming places I have ever been to. Enclosed by rocky formations, this natural pool is filled with seawater and is an ideal place for swimming. The access to it is partly the pleasure – the rocky path only makes that first dip even more great.

4. Windsurfing

The steady trade winds here are a wind sportsperson’s dream. The wind conditions in this place are just excellent for learning or even showing off your skills if you are a beginner, or a professional. I started my windsurfing experience at Fisherman’s Huts and with no prior knowledge I managed to get out there and confidently navigate the waters in a few days.

5. Sunrise City

The Sunrise City of San Nicolas is where the island’s artistic spirit comes alive. The street art here is some of the best I’ve seen outside of big cities, and the murals tell stories of Aruban history and culture on a massive scale. If you are lucky enough to time your visit right, you might get to attend the monthly Art Fair where local artists sell their work while live music and food stalls accompany the event.

6. The California Lighthouse

At sunset, make your way to the California Lighthouse. The view of the sun sinking down into the Caribbean sea and painting the sky in vibrant orange and pink colors is amazing. Bring a bottle of wine and some local cheese – you won’t regret it.

7. Aloe Factory

For a deeper look into Aruba’s heritage, visit the Aruba Aloe Factory. Aloe has been grown on the island for over 125 years, and this factory offers an inside look at how the plant is harvested and turned into skincare products. You can take a free tour, see the production process, and even test out some of their famous aloe-based lotions. It’s a great way to learn about one of Aruba’s oldest industries while picking up a locally made souvenir.

8. Scuba Diving & the SS Antilla

For underwater exploration, the SS Antilla wreck is the place to visit. This World War II German freighter creates artificial reefs filled with tropical fish and is suitable for novice and experienced divers since it lies at a depth of 60 feet. It is an image that will remain in my memory for a long time: a huge ship wrecked, covered with coral and swarming with fish.

9. Carnival

If you are lucky enough to visit during Carnival season (January-February), you are in for a real treat. The entire island comes alive with music, dancing and the most elaborate costumes you have ever seen. However, if you miss Carnival, the Bon Bini Festival that takes place every week in downtown Oranjestad will give you a taste of Aruban culture through music, dance, and crafts.

10. Nightlife recommendations

Then, when the sun goes down, Aruba becomes another kind of paradise altogether. Whether you are trying your luck at the casinos in Palm Beach, sipping cocktails at a beach bar, or dancing to live music in local hot spots, the island has something for everyone.

If you’re up for live music in a laid-back setting, Café Chaos in Oranjestad is a great spot to grab a drink and enjoy rock, jazz, or Caribbean beats with a friendly crowd. Over in Palm Beach, MooMba Beach Bar is the perfect mix of oceanfront relaxation and lively nightlife, with DJs, themed parties, and tropical cocktails that keep the energy going late into the night. One moment I was sipping a piña colada, enjoying the beach breeze, and the next I was being pulled into a conga line by a group of strangers in neon leis. At MooMba, resistance is futile—just go with the flow.

For a more romantic evening, sunset sailing trips from Palm Beach are a must. There is something special about sipping champagne while sitting on a catamaran and watching the sun melt into the Caribbean. Some tours include a gourmet dinner under the stars, while others offer an open bar and live music—the perfect way to wrap up a day in paradise. When I was on my sunset tour, a couple next to me clinked glasses and whispered something I couldn’t hear. A few seconds later, I realised—he had just proposed. Cue gasps, applause, and a very teary-eyed bride-to-be. It was one of those ‘only in Aruba’ moments.

11. For the family

If you are traveling with kids, then here are some ideas that will come in handy.

De Palm Island is like a natural water park with water slides, snorkeling and even banana boat rides. The Butterfly Farm is also a hit with families; it is fun to watch children’s faces light up when butterflies land on their shoulders.

Do not leave the island without visiting the Donkey Sanctuary where you can feed and pat donkeys and learn about the history of Aruba. These friendly creatures are an integral part of the island’s culture and visiting them helps to support their care.

12. Aruba's food scene

Aruba’s food scene is a delicious mix of Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin American influences.. You have not experienced Aruba if you have not tasted keshi yena – a traditional wheel of cheese hollowed out and stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables. It is the perfect example of comfort food.

For the freshest seafood on the island, you should go to Zeerovers in Savaneta. This is a no-frills kind of place that serves the day’s catch straight from the boat. Order a plate of fresh fish and shrimp, buy a local Balashi beer and watch the fishing boats coming in; this is the real Aruba.

Best time to visit?

When is the best time to visit? The advantage of this is that Aruba is sunny all year round with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C) and very little precipitation. The island is located beyond the hurricane belt, thus it can be visited at any time of the year.

Pack light and casual: Your swimwear, sundresses, shorts, and comfortable walking shoes for visiting Arikok. The island is quite small but it is useful to rent a car to be able to discover some less known areas on your own.

Note that Aruba’s slogan “One Happy Island” is not just a saying; it is a way of life. The hospitality of the Aruban people combined with the beautiful landscape and numerous activities will make you return for more. See you on the beach!

One last Aruba travel tip before you pack those swimsuits: Consider downloading an eSIM from Sim Local before you jet off. Having reliable mobile data in Aruba is a game changer if you plan to leave the free WiFi haven that is your all-inclusive resort. You will be able to navigate to hidden beaches, post those enviable sunset shots, or find the best local restaurants. Save time and energy with an e sim rather than looking for a physical SIM card when you arrive. You will appreciate being able to share those perfect beach moments instantly and access maps while you are on the go.

See you on the beach!

-  Megan Roberts is a freelance travel writer based in Ireland