It’s true that we’re small, but we pack more fun and happiness into 70 square miles than any other Caribbean island.

We’re known for our perfect weather and legendary beaches, near-endless stretches of alabaster sand kissed by sparkling warm seas and hugged by the wind-curved trunks of our fofoti trees.

Venture beyond the sand and you’ll discover so much more. A sea full of life and shipwrecks. Pastel streets lined with shows, shopping and vibrant nightlife. An authentic, inviting culture. There’s no shortage of fun things to do here, it’s just a matter of finding which ones make you happiest.

The only thing easier than navigating our happy island is letting a local show you around the Aruba they know and love. By land, sea and even submarine, an organised group or individual sightseeing tour is a safe, authentic way for you and your family to explore all the beautiful corners of Aruba.

Experience our island like a true local, as you follow Aruban guides on off-road adventures to Baby Beach, beneath the waves to the wreck of the SS Antilla, or on horseback to Aruba’s hidden limestone coves. There’s no shortage of hidden gems to see, or friendly locals eager to share them with you.

From our lively capital to quiet seaside towns, pristine beaches to rugged desert, it’s easy to get around in Aruba. Aruban roads are safe and modern. You can rent a vehicle from Queen Beatrix International Airport and set off making our entire island your playground from the word go.

You can also easily find a taxi, hop on public transportation or organise a shuttle to and from hotels, resorts and attractions. And at just 70 square miles, our happy island is the perfect size for all your happy adventures.

A Caribbean Holiday in Aruba for Families
Our friendly people are eager to welcome you in English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento. With daily flights from all over the world and plenty of child-friendly resorts and accommodation, getting here, staying here and exploring our safe, happy island with your family is a doddle.

Bathed in consistent sunshine, you can play on our white-sand beaches and snorkel in our calm, clear waters; discover butterfly farms and donkey sanctuaries; or, sample the authentic specialities of our family restaurants. However your family defines happiness, let us help you find it. Enjoy your Caribbean family holiday to Aruba.

Eating in Aruba
In Aruba’s restaurants you’ll find fresh mahi mahi, red snapper and barracuda pulled from the sea and rubbed with creole seasoning. In upmarket restaurants and small local gems, stew pots bubble with rice, meats and rich Latin and African flavours.

All in the same day, you can indulge in traditional Dutch pancakes, sip ice-cold Aruba Aribas by the sea, and pile your plate high with pastechi—with a dash of spice from our local hot pepper sauce, pica di papaya. Around our tables, everyone is welcome.

Adventure travel in Aruba by Land and Sea
Indulge your wild side by windsurfing, kitesurfing, or cruising on a catamaran above the clear, calm turquoise waves. Or, scuba dive and snorkel through the reefs and shipwrecks beneath them. The warm southern Caribbean has graced Aruba with world-class water-sports.

Venture inland and you’ll find even more to experience. Explore the caves and ancient boulders of Arikok by foot, horseback, or ATV. Dive headfirst into the tranquil depths of “Conchi,” a hidden natural pool. It’s easy to wander our whole island in search of happy adventures.

From land to sea, Aruba’s diverse geography offers a variety of opportunities to explore in your quest for adventure.

 

Adventures on land
Whether it’s walking through our Arikok National Park, exploring our caves, mountain biking, horse riding or jumping behind the wheel of a quad or jeep, our scenic, cactus-studded countryside and breathtaking coastline offer you endless opportunities for adventure.

Adventures in the water
Kayak or paddleboard through mangroves forests populated with exotic birds and other local wildlife, snorkel our close-to-shore reefs brimming with colourful sea life, or scuba dive one of the many underwater wrecks that have earned Aruba the status of being one of the best wreck diving destinations in the Caribbean.

Adventure awaits here on the One happy island, where you can choose unique, exciting experiences such as taking a jeep tour through Arikok National Park, renting your own 4X4 vehicle to explore the rocky northern side of our island, go horse riding through the countryside and on the beach, potholing or even skydiving. If you prefer water adventures, Aruba offers amazing snorkelling opportunities along our reefs and exceptional scuba diving and wreck diving.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Aruba
Marvel at a diminutive damselfish as it guards its home among waving sea fans, or encounter a school of blue parrotfish. It’s all an everyday experience when snorkelling in Aruba. Lucky ones can even meet one of Aruba’s four sea turtle species swimming majestically by.

Aruba scuba diving is perfect for expert divers and new divers alike, with a variety of classes on offer to teach you how to get the most out of your underwater experience.

 

Parasailing in Aruba
Join the fun of parasailing on Palm Beach and experience the exhilaration at the moment the parachute fills with air. Up, up, and away! Taking flight along the scenic coast of Palm Beach with one of the many parasailing excursions offered on the island is a must for adventure seekers.

Parasailers board a speedboat that whisks them from the shores of Palm Beach out a few hundred yards where they are launched into the sky over the azure Caribbean Sea. The thrill starts as you lift up off the boat and into the air above Aruba’s coast.

 

Kayak & Canoeing in Aruba
Kayak through Aruba’s calm waters and mangrove lagoons along Aruba’s southern fringe. The inherently quiet nature of kayaking enables paddlers to observe the birds and marine species living among the mangroves without disturbing them.

Organised tours set out from Savaneta, making their way up the coast to popular spots such as Mangel Halto and the Spanish Lagoon. These tours offer knowledgeable guides and usually include snorkelling, swimming, beach time and lunch for an entire morning of enjoyment for the whole family.

 

Skydiving in Aruba
Welcome to Aruba! Jump into Paradise with Skydive Aruba!

A tandem skydive is the quickest and easiest way to experience the thrill of free fall at 120MPH, while securely attached in a harness to one of our professional instructors. There is no better place in the world to do skydive than right here on the beautiful island of Aruba..

With the views of Venezuela, Curacao and the crystal clear blue and green waters of the Caribbean below, Aruba offers you the most breathtaking views. No prior skydiving experience required. Skydive Aruba is owned and operated by Gabriel Richards and Thijs Landkroon who together have over 20 years experience in the Skydive and Aviation business.

Escape the world together. Our beautiful island is a perfect spot for your romantic getaway.

Aruba a Romantic Holiday
We Arubans speak our very own romance language. In fact, there’s a Papiamento word we say often here. One that reflects the warmth and passion we feel for each other, our visitors, and our island. The word is “dushi,” and it translates simply to “sweetheart”.

It’s why we invite guests from all over the world to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, honeymoons, and happy lives together. To share picturesque helicopter rides and vibrant sunsets. To fall in love all over again. It’s what makes Aruba one of the most romantic islands in the Caribbean.

More featured romantic getaway ideas
There’s a special word in Papiamento: “dushi.” This simply translates as “sweetheart.”

Romantic Escape to Aruba
Aruba is the most romantic island in the Caribbean, bathed in warmth and love. Whether you’re hoping to fall in love on one of our gorgeous white-sand beaches or rekindle the flame within the confines of a secluded cove, you can rest assured, because our island is truly the ideal destination for setting the perfect mood. Snuggle up together and toast your love on a luxury sunset sailing cruise, enjoy a couples’ massage on the beach amongst the cooling touches of our rejuvenating trade winds, or sink into intimate conversation with a torch-lit, toes-in-the-sand, beach-front dining experience like no other. Whatever romantic experiences you seek, you’re bound to find them right here in Aruba.

Adventurous couples can find that perfect secluded spot to snorkel hand in hand, try out tandem parasailing or enjoy a helicopter ride with an unforgettable view of paradise. Or go walking to a secluded cove in Arikok National Park and discover dramatic views, as the waves crash against the rocky shoreline.

Couples can reconnect by doing it all, or simply by doing nothing at all. We have Keith and Patty Lindsey from Washington, D.C. as an example, who have visited 13 times in 12 years. Aruba is the perfect place to rekindle romance, celebrate an anniversary, pop the question, enjoy a Caribbean honeymoon or even get married!

Caribbean Honeymoons in Aruba
Aruba offers you and your partner the ultimate Caribbean island honeymoon experience.

Honeymoon in Aruba
Fall in love with our magical paradise of surreal seascapes, magnificent sunsets and breezy, starry nights. Go off on your own to have a picnic surrounded by inspiring natural beauty. A sunset sail, a moonlit dinner for two, an outing to a secluded cove, a serene horse ride through the countryside and along the coastline, sizzling nightlife, a quiet nightcap and a couple’s massage are among the many romantic moments to be shared by the two of you.

The Aruba Tourism Authority has partnered with resorts, hotels, restaurants and outfitters all over the island to offer special packages for honeymooners, including room upgrades, champagne, massages, dinners and more. It’s all part of our One Happy Honeymoon programme.

Take advantage of our online wedding registry, Aruba’s Celebration Registry, where your wedding guests can help fulfil your Caribbean honeymoon dreams by purchasing various activities, excursions and experiences.

Weddings in Aruba
Aruba’s consistently sunny weather and stunning natural beauty makes it the ideal backdrop for any dream wedding.

Aruba Beach Weddings
Whether you want to exchange vows with your toes in the sand, say “I do” in a chapel on a hilltop or share a first dance by the swaying palms of a seaside resort, it’s easy to begin a lifetime of love, adventure and happiness on the island that is famous for these.

Honeymoons in Aruba
Here, you can make the most of your honeymoon time together. Soak up every ounce of sun on secluded Baby Beach, dine with your toes in the sand or board a party bus to sup, laugh and dance until dawn. You can even enjoy exclusive perks and discounts through our One Happy Honeymoon programme.

Nightlife in Aruba
When the warm Aruban sun sets, the cool evening breezes carry the sounds of laughter, dancing and Caribbean rhythms.

Aruba’s nightlife is some of the Caribbean’s best. Our beachfront lounges, exciting casinos and lively clubs make it easy to sip cocktails, share stories, dance and play until the sun rises again.

Jump into seaside bars where the Caribbean meets the coast in Oranjestad. Try your luck at the casinos that line Palm Beach. Or let yourself go and find happiness during our weekly carnival celebrations or at any of our dance clubs. How you play is up to you.

Our happy island is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate mind, body and soul.

From the calm, mangrove-lined waters of Mangel Halto to the gently lapping waves of Baby Beach, Aruba’s beautiful natural wonders offer a secluded, relaxing escape from the world outside.

Only here can you wrap your body in soothing Aruban aloe at one of our world-class spas, watch the sun quietly dip into the sea during a twilight yoga session or simply find peace amongst the cacti and wildlife on an invigorating walk into Arikok.

Zoi Spa
Feel your cares melt away with relaxing massages, lifting facials and soothing treatments at our peaceful spa retreat. One of the top spas in Aruba, ZoiA Spa is a peaceful escape that rejuvenates body and soul. ZoiA, the Papiamento word for balance and poise, is reflected in the spa’s all-natural treatments.

Experience a peacefulness beyond compare. Each purifying spa treatment is inspired by Aruba’s red mud and seaweed. Our most abundant natural resource, aloe vera, provides a luxurious and effective healing-based therapy.

Adding Aruba’s indigenous minerals, crystals, herbs and oils to pure water, we create potent healing treatments to protect, renew and empower.

Our Aruba ZoiA Spirit Ritual is a spiritual bath that refreshes, nurtures and removes negativity and stress, allowing good energy, blessings, love, luck and success to seep in. Speak with your therapist to make yours all about you. This includes a 60-minute massage and time to soak, luxuriously, in your custom-crafted bath. Enjoy alone or with a loved one.

Eforea Spa
Enter Eforea Spa, a new and refreshing spa concept at the Hilton Aruba that offers ways to attain a calmer, spiritual state. At the core of the Eforea spa concept are three signature spa journeys: the Essentials Journey, the Escape Journey and the Men’s Journey.

Additional treatments include advanced skincare therapies, therapeutic massages from around the world, exfoliation and detoxifying body treatments and a full-service salon.

All of the massage treatments may be experienced in the tranquility of one of the ten treatment rooms or in a beachside cabana, accompanied by the gentle sounds of nearby waves.

Aruba’s culture comes alive in the spirited rhythms, art and dance that fill our streets, homes, galleries and hearts. Venture off Palm Beach to San Nicolas, Aruba’s “Sunrise City” – a charming coastal town home to galleries, colourful street art and the soul of our thriving art scene.

Or follow the spirited sounds of steel drums and calypso to our weekly Bon bini Festival. Around every corner you’ll find Arubans dancing, celebrating and happy to share our rich culture with you.

Fort Zoutman Historical Museum
This is a unique opportunity to visit the oldest remaining building in Oranjestad, built in 1796 for coastline protection. Once inside Fort Zoutman, you’re bound to feel the history seeping through the walls while enjoying the historic collection of documents and events from the past.

The Fort Zoutman Historical Museum is where many of our guests get their first exposure to Aruba’s past. Every Tuesday night everyone is invited to Fort Zoutman for our island’s welcoming party or as we call it, the Bon Bini Festival, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, celebrating the island’s culture and history.

The fort, named after Dutch Rear Admiral Johan Arnold Zoutman, who never stepped foot on Aruba but defeated the English in the North Sea, was completed in 1798 after a two-year construction process.

The Willem III Tower next to the fort, marking its original entrance, was built in 1868 and served as both a lighthouse and public clock tower. After 95 years, the light in the tower was extinguished in 1963.

Inside the courtyard, a replica-kitchen shows how cooking was done in Aruba’s days gone by.

The San Nicolas Community Museum
Step back in time and discover what life in the San Nicolas community looked like in years gone by. The new San Nicolas Community Museum is the latest addition to the museums in Aruba, opening in the second half of 2017. This museum is an invitation to explore deeper layers of Aruban culture.

The new Community Museum is located in the heart of San Nicolas town centre. This restored beauty is worth a visit in itself, with original flooring and wooden doors. A terrace on the second floor provides 360 degree views of the town.

The museum’s location just opposite the San Nicolas bus terminal is the national collection and will remain primarily an object-based exhibition. This exhibition was be ‘mined’ by ten artists in order to create ten installations housed at the new location, which draws our attention to specific authentic aspects of the San Nicolas Community.

Our island paradise is blessed with the bounties of nature and a variety of wonders found nowhere else.

Explore the calm sandy stretches of our west coast and the towering boca bays to the north. Climb the windswept steps to the peak of Hooiberg hill, Aruba’s iconic mountaintop forged by ancient volcanoes.

In Arikok National Park, our beautiful Caribbean beaches give way to rugged deserts, towering green cacti and limestone cliffs pounded smooth by waves and trade winds. This is where you’ll find Fontein Caves and the Natural Pool – two of our most unspoiled and unforgettable wonders.

Bubali Bird Sanctuary
Watch more than 80 species of migratory birds from the Bubali watch tower, overlooking their roosting and breeding area.

The observation tower allows birdwatchers to get a truly birds’-eye view. Migratory birds, looking for lush vegetation in which to nest, find an oasis within the Bubali Bird Sanctuary.

The nearby water treatment facility empties into two interconnected man-made bird ponds. Birds that inhabit the sanctuary include herons, egrets, gulls, skimmers, coots, ducks and more.

Located within walking distance of the Palm Beach resorts, the Bubali Bird Sanctuary offers some unique bird-watching opportunities. You can’t miss it, as it is located just in front of the historical Old Dutch Windmill. Make sure to bring your camera, as many of these birds will randomly fly by the observation tower giving a little show. This is a great place to bring kids for a unique and possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be so close to the untamed.

Hooiberg
Hike up Aruba’s Hooiberg and experience a unique workout with a view.

Hooiberg is the direct Dutch translation of the word haystack. The mountain is cone shaped and rises 540 feet up from the centre of the Island.

Hikers can take about 600 steps to the top, and reaching the summit is extremely rewarding!

Enjoy the panoramic views at the top, and take in the encounters with wild goats, parakeets and colourful lizards on your way up.

Natural Pool
Experience true adventure at Aruba’s most remote, yet also most popular nature attraction, the famous Natural Pool.

In a unique rock formation, volcanic stone circles a small depression, creating a tranquil pool: Aruba’s Natural Pool.

On a deserted stretch of coastline, dramatic shows of water spraying over the rock occur on a regular basis as the tide rushes to shore. The unique natural pool is also known as ‘Conchi’ (bowl) or ‘Cura di Tortuga’ (Turtles Cove) and located inside Aruba’s national Arikok Park.

The location of the Pool is surrounded by some of Aruba’s most rugged terrain, so a visitor truly gets the feeling of having “discovered” something when they reach the site, either on foot, horseback or by 4×4. Due to the nature of the environment in this secluded area, the site is inaccessible by conventional car. Inexperienced drivers are encouraged to visit the pool on a jeep safari.

During the day, little snacks and drinks are sold at the top of the stairs that lead to the Natural Pool.

Caves
Enter a world filled with amazing stalactites, stalagmites, ancient Indian cave paintings and bats inside Aruba’s caves. In the deep recesses of rock along the island’s windward coast, shallow cave formations intrigue visitors, who, in seeking to penetrate its damp chambers, are rewarded with mysterious views.

The caves are accessible to the public during the day between opening hours of the national park (8:00 am – 4:00 pm).

Ask park rangers at the entrance of the caves for a tour inside, as they can share interesting information on cave paintings and nature’s artwork of stalagmites and stalactites.

The Guadirikiri Cave is famous for its two chambers, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through holes in the roof of the cave. The cave extends for about 100 feet. In the darker portions of the cave, hundreds of harmless bats roost.

The Fontein Cave is the most popular of the caves as it is the only one that has the Arawak Indian cave paintings on the ceilings, providing a real sense of island history to this cave.

All three of these caves are located within the Arikok National Park Aruba.

Natural Bridges in Aruba
Explore the rugged northern shore of Aruba and discover many natural bridges on your way; some small, yet all true gems. For thousands of years, pounding waves and strong winds have slowly chiselled away at the limestone cliffs along Aruba’s North coast to create several natural bridges.

Before collapsing in 2005, the largest and most photographed of these bridges was the famous Natural Bridge between the Bushiribana gold mine ruins and Andicuri Beach. The remains of this bridge are still a tourist attraction in Aruba, with the adjacent intact Baby Bridge also meriting a visit.

The Natural Bridge area boosts a souvenir shop and snack bar with refreshments in a replica cunucu house.

Other gorgeous natural bridges can be found in the southern part of the island in the Seroe Colorado area (towards Baby Beach) and near Black Stone Beach where you’ll find a unique tripod bridge.

Arikok National Park
The Arikok National Park is Aruba’s national treasure; we protect everything in it and so can you, just by visiting. Nearly 20% of Aruba is a designated National Park and home to a long list of animal species and plant life. The Arikok National Park is home to rare priceless gems that are indigenous to our island.

The Arikok National Park is a great place to spend the entire day enjoying the dramatic landscapes. There is a small entrance fee that goes towards the preservation of the park, educational programmes and the animals who roam freely throughout the 7,907 acres.

Arikok National Park is home to a variety of unique attractions and cultural heritage sites, including spectacular caves, original Indian rock drawings, unusual land formations made from lava, quartz diorite and limestone, guided nature walks through dry river beds to secluded bays such as Moro, Boca Prins and Dos Playa.

The monthly ‘cinema in the park’, watching a movie in open air under the stars, is worth a visit and a memorable experience for the entire family. Admission for this activity is free.

From water sports hotspots lined with luxury resorts to secluded coves sandwiched by limestone cliffs, Aruba’s breathtaking variety of beaches offers something special for everyone.

You can dip your toes in the powdery-soft alabaster sand and sunshine of Eagle Beach, the third best beach in the world according to TripAdvisor; snorkel the delicate reefs and shallow waters of Mangel Halto; or, get away from the crowds and treat yourself to the quiet solitude of Baby Beach.

Boca Catalina
Bask in the sun at this tranquil bay that provides easy sea access and swimming and snorkelling options for all ages.

The crystal clear, calm waters make this local gem Boca Catalina the perfect location for a private swim and snorkelling in Aruba.

Boca Catalina in Aruba is a small, secluded bay in the Malmok Beach area. The white sandy beach is accessible by steps from a spacious parking area alongside the road.

During week days you can have this calm bay all to yourself; at weekends it attracts a fun mix of local families and tourists.

Boca Catalina bay offers a white sand beach area with some makeshift beach huts to protect you from the sun. There is easy access to the crystal clear ocean which makes this an ideal beach for families of all ages. Boca Catalina is popular with snorkellers and those who are looking for a more private and calm beach experience.

You will find this beach on a short 5-minutes drive from the resorts on Palm Beach on the main road towards the California Lighthouse.

Andicuri Beach, Aruba
Be surprised by this great escape from the crowds and enjoy the adventure of reaching this beach, a body-boarders’ haven.

Situated on the Island’s windward coast, just south of the collapsed Natural Bridge, dramatic bluffs flank a sandy cove area, leaving beach-goers in a world of their own. The locals tend to go here.

Body-boarders love it here for the stronger surf; experienced swimmers can enter the water, although they should be aware of strong currents.

If you make the journey to Andicuri, be sure to travel a little further along the dirt track to see Black Stone Beach and a fascinating triple-arch limestone natural bridge.

Andicuri Beach boasts a breathtaking and scenic setting. The wide bay is enclosed by coral-stone cliffs, which in some places provide coolness and shade. Due to its perfect waves and stronger surf, various local body-boarding competitions are held here. Locals love to come here for the peace and quiet in comparison with the more popular beaches on Eagle and Palm Beach.

There are no catering facilities here, so bring your own picnic, but please leave our beaches clean. Driving and barbecuing on the sand are forbidden.

Surfside Beach
Walk along the shallow and almost completely calm waters of the Caribbean Sea at Surfside Beach, a favourite among local families.

Relax in the cool shade of the Kwihi trees and enjoy a beautiful sunset whilst majestic cruise ships and local fisherman pass by.

Surfside Beach boasts a long stretch of beach, ideal for gatherings and picnics under the trees and calm waters that make this area an excellent playground for stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing and such like. This beach is right by the famous Linear Park in Oranjestad.

Surfside Beach hosts various bars and restaurants, including Pincho’s, Barefoot and Reflexions Beach Club.

Nearer the airport a spacious soft sand beach awaits for a swim and sun bathing. Beach beds and lounge chairs are for rent from Reflexions and kids can enjoy themselves on a floating water park. This beach is also home to a diving school and a casual Surfside beach bar, right on the water’s edge.

Surfside Beach is just a two-minute drive from the airport and is ideal for plane spotting.

Palm Beach
Step onto the white sand of the renowned 3km plus Palm Beach, home to Aruba’s glamorous hotels.

Palm Beach is dotted by palm trees, hotels, casinos, water sports concessions, piers, beach bars, restaurants and shops. Calm waters make this beach a comfortable haven for swimmers and snorkellers.

A walk along the coast at dawn or sunset is perfect for exercise and quiet reflection during your Caribbean holiday. Taking in the magnificent tangerine sunset or enjoying candle-lit, barefoot dining on the beach in Aruba can be the perfect end to a lazy or exciting day of sun and sea.

After sunset, the Palm Beach area just off the beach comes to life as buzzing clubs and casinos in Aruba offer an upbeat nightlife. Two of the largest shopping centres in Aruba cater to the needs of those on a shopping spree and also offer cinema theatres, water fountain shows, bowling and spa facilities.

Mangel Halto
Go out on adventure and discover Mangel Halto, offering some of Aruba’s best snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding.

This secluded beach is a perfect sunning and snorkelling spot in Aruba with calm, shallow waters rich in sea life supported by an intriguing network of mangroves.

Sunbathers who like a quiet beach and their privacy tend to go here. The public beach huts and shaded areas are also perfect for a beach picnic or to watch Aruba’s sunset. The area offers a sandy beach, a wooden sun deck and access through the mangroves for open water kayaking and SUP boarding.

Mangel Halto Beach also serves as an excellent shore diving site in Aruba. It is possible to walk out to the edge of the reef to see such fish as parrot fish, yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors and blue tangs as well as deep-water gorgonians, sponges and anemones. The reef plunges to depths of 110m where octopi, morays and barracuda abound.

Druif Beach
Druif Beach, a long, oval-shaped stretch of ivory sand, is home to the casual resorts of the Eagle Beach area.

Here, rooms and restaurant facilities are just steps away from the relatively calm Caribbean waters. Although not too far from bustling central Oranjestad centre, Druif Beach is a quiet and relaxing spot.

Druif Beach is directly connected to other beaches in the Eagle Beach area, together forming white sand beaches stretching for miles. It’s the excellent setting for day-long beach fun, water sports and unique beach walks with the most amazing ocean views.

The calm, crystal-clear waters make this area perfect for swimming and aqua jogging or other forms of exercise. Both motorised and non-motorised water sports are offered in this area and plenty of beach huts and chairs allow great beach lounging. Active sun-lovers can challenge friends and family on the beach volleyball court to some fun in the sun, while others just take in the amazing view and simply relax. Look out for the pelicans roosting on poles in the water, providing local colour.

Rodger’s Beach
Try the local flavour of a hidden gem amongst the best beaches in Aruba: Rodger’s Beach, offering clear swimming water.

Rodger’s Beach is a narrow powdery white coastline close to famous Baby Beach, yet has a more authentic feel to it as fishermen anchor their colourful boats here, protected by the calm waters of the bay.

During the week Rodger’s Beach is very quiet and perfect to read a book or indulge in the crystal clear Caribbean; at weekends this Aruba beach is often populated by local families. If you want to stay away from the crowds you’ll find on Palm Beach and Baby Beach, this is a great, quieter alternative.

Adjacent to Rodger’s Beach is a local diving shop offering snorkel and diving gear for rent, a shower and a restaurant. If you want to explore the fun, bars and underwater world of Baby Beach, it is a minute’s drive away.

Fun fact: Rodger’s Beach was named after the British Captain Rodger, who opened Aruba’s first oil refinery in San Nicolas, Aruba Lago Refinery in 1928. With captain Rodger at its helm, the refinery brought prosperity to Aruba. The refinery can be seen from Rodger’s Beach.