An outdoor adventurer's guide to Aruba
Kayak through mangroves, swim in a volcanic natural pool, and so much more.


Of all the Caribbean islands I’ve visited, Aruba surprised me the most. I expected white sand beaches (which are plentiful), but I was taken aback by the island’s cacti-covered desert landscape. Aruba’s year-round sunny weather coupled with the steady trade winds makes it easy to spend all day outside, and its unique geography means you can experience crystal clear beaches, rolling sand dunes, and natural pools in one visit. If you’re considering a trip to Aruba, make sure to leave time for these off-sand exploration across the island.
Visit the Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm near Oranjestad is delightful, especially if you’re traveling with young kids. It’ll take you an hour or two to explore the farm’s winding paths and you can either walk among the hundreds of butterflies on your own or join the guided tours that run every 20 minutes. Try to visit early in the morning, when you can see butterflies emerge from their cocoons. And on your way out, stop by the cafe for hand-squeezed juice and fruit popsicles.
Tip: Wear bright colors for a better chance at an up-close encounter with the butterflies.
ATV through Arikok National Park

One of the highlights of my last trip to Aruba was ATVing through Arikok National Park. The desert park takes up nearly 8,000 acres on the north side of the island, and you can see huge limestone rocks, sand dunes, and towering cactus plants. Book an ATV tour with RockaBeach Tours or ABC Tours Aruba where stops may include Fontein Cave (where you’ll see drawings left by the Awarak people more than 2,000 years ago) and the Ayo Rock Formation, a collection of massive boulders with walkways so you can get up close to the rocks. If you’re traveling with younger kids, you can swap the single-rider ATVs for either a UTV (which can seat up to four) or a Jeep ride.
Tip: Expect to end up covered in either mud or dust by the end of your tour, depending on the weather. Dress accordingly.
Swim in Conchi Natural Pool

Conchi Natural Pool is also located inside Arikok National Park, but it’s worth making a separate day trip to the park just for the pool. It’s pretty remote, and the best ways to get there are by taking a 30–45 minute hike from the park’s main gate or renting an ATV or 4x4 vehicle. The natural pool is framed by volcanic rocks (be sure to bring water shoes) and the water temps can reach the mid-80s, which makes for a warm, soothing swim. Be on the lookout for the oversized crabs that make their home around the pool.
Tip: The rocky pool isn’t suitable for small kids and swimming is best for more adventurous travelers. But even if you skip a swim, you’ll still be able to enjoy the views.
Snorkel or dive off Arashi Beach

You’re more likely to see locals than visitors at Arashi Beach. The quiet, low-key beach on Aruba’s northern tip is ideal for snorkeling, and there’s a shallow reef that runs parallel to the shore that’s packed with marine life like angelfish and sea turtles. Aruba has also long been a magnet for divers—it’s one of the top plane- and shipwreck diving destinations in the Caribbean—and Arashi Beach is home to a 35-foot deep dive site including airplane wreckage and plenty of coral formations. For private or small group diving tours off Arashi Beach, consider Happy Divers Aruba.
Tip: For a quick and easy meal, stop by Arashi Beach Shack for a fish burger or ceviche made with local grouper.
Kayak along Mangel Halto Beach

Away from the crowds on the larger beaches, Mangel Halto Beach is about a 15-minute ride from downtown Oranjestad and a popular picnic spot for locals. Its shallow, calm waters are also ideal for a kayak trip (especially for families or first-timers). Book a half day kayaking tour with Aruba Kayak Adventures or EL Tours that’ll take you through the maze of lush mangroves of Mangel Halto Beach and includes the option to snorkel.
Tip: Opt for a clear-bottom kayak to take advantage of the beach’s clear, relatively still water.
Paddleboard, surf, or sail on Eagle Beach

One of the best beaches in Aruba (and arguably the Caribbean), Eagle Beach on the island’s western coast has a wide shoreline and soft, silky sand. The public beach is also home to several hotels and resorts, but there are plenty of parking spots and beach chair rentals if you plan to just visit for the day. While plenty of people spend the day relaxing on the sand, the beach is one of the best places for water sports like paddle boarding or surfing. Both Aruba Surf and Paddle School and Island Cabana Aruba offer paddle-boarding rentals and surf lessons, making it easy to improve your skills.
Tip: For a quick bite between activities, stop by Eduardo’s Beach Shack for acai bowls and fruit smoothies.