10 Amazing Aruba Tours and Day Trips
Are you planning a trip to Aruba and looking for the best Aruba tours? I love this island and during my visit with my son we did several tours. Below I share some great tours you should consider to make the most of your Aruba vacation!
Water-based tours are especially popular, and range from family-friendly pirate-themed sailing and snorkeling trips to romantic sunset cruises. For the more adventurous, there are wreck dives, sport fishing charters, and even submarine rides. Stand up paddle boarding is also a great way to enjoy the island’s scenic coastline. There are so many amazing things to do in Aruba and a tour makes it so easy!
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If you prefer to stay on land, don’t worry – Aruba has plenty of exciting options. The northeastern coast, cloaked in cacti and rugged rocks, is accessible only by 4WD vehicle. Tours to this area often include Land Rover safaris, ATV adventures, and horseback rides. Segway tours are another unique way to explore the island’s top attractions and can be combined with water-based tours for an unforgettable amphibious adventure.
To help you plan your sightseeing adventures, we’ve compiled a list of the top Aruba tours and excursions. So whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking for a relaxing way to take in the island’s beauty, Aruba has something to offer everyone.
Let’s dive into the best places, times, and tours so you can see the best of Aruba and have the most fun Caribbean vacation.
Best Tours in Aruba (Cooking, Snorkel, ATV & More!)
Located in the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, the island nation of Aruba is part of the Lesser Antilles island chain.
Aruba is a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean and is particularly favored by those who enjoy plentiful sunshine, pristine beaches, and aquatic activities.
Aruba’s reputation as “One Happy Island” is well-deserved, and a big part of that happiness comes from the exciting tours and excursions that the island has to offer. Whether you prefer to explore the crystal-clear waters or the rugged terrain, there is something for everyone.
In the past, it has been under the control of the Netherlands and has played an important role in the cultivation of aloe vera and the production of gold, as well as serving as a trading post for merchants and pirates.
The island boasts stunning waterfalls, incredible stretches of white sand beaches, and large areas of untouched natural forest.
Guided tours are an excellent way to explore the island with ease and maximize your enjoyment, and we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tours to check out. These Day Trips are Worth Taking!
1. De Palm Tours Aruba (Day trip to De Palm Island from Aruba)
De Palm Island is a great option for families or couples seeking an island adventure. A five-minute ferry ride takes you to this private island with a variety of activities for an all-inclusive price.
Children can enjoy water slides while adults relax on the beach or at the spa. Water sports enthusiasts can try Sea TREK Underwater Helmet Walk and SNUBA. Other fun activities include snorkeling, zip lining, banana-boat rides, and beach volleyball.
The price includes food and beverages, and you can choose half-day or full-day visits. The De Palm Island Visit with Bus Transportation includes pick-up from your hotel, tropical drinks, lunch, and beach beds.
Most activities are included, except for SeaTrek, Snuba, and massages.
2. The Best Aruba ATV Tours
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure with a half-day ATV tour along Aruba’s breathtaking north coast. Whether solo or double, you’ll kick up plenty of dirt as you explore rugged back roads that lead to seaside bluffs and beaches.
Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will point out notable landmarks such as the Alto Vista Chapel, Baby Natural Bridge, and the Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins. And after all the excitement, you’ll have some free time to relax and refresh with a leisurely swim.
Best of all, this tour includes pick-up and drop-off from most hotels, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. Get ready for a thrilling ride that’s perfect for adventurers of all skill levels!
3. Aruba UTV & ATV Tour to Secret Beach & Cave Pool Adventure
This UTV & ATV Aruba tour gives you a wide variety of some of Aruba’s best things to do and see! This tour includes visiting Blackstone Beach with it’s unique black sand and rounded blackstone formations, along with the stunning 3 Sister Bridges in a beautiful triangle formation.
UTV tours also takes you to Andicuri Beach on the north side of the island, where you can enjoy the beauty of a completely different beach with white sands, big waves, and blue waters. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the view as we pass slowly by.
Another stop on the tour is the New Natural Pool Cave with Cliff Jumping and the Bushiribana Goldmill Ruins, which are only 200 meters away from each other. The California Lighthouse is also on the itinerary, located on a hill on the West point of the island, offering one of the best views on the island with vistas of both the north and south sides, which are vastly different from each other.
Finally, the tour ends at Arashi Beach, one of the most prestigious beaches on the island with crystal-clear blue waters, calm waves, and white sands. This Southwest side of the island is the perfect place to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
4. Catamaran Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise
This Catamaran and Snorkel tour starts with a 20-minute sail to the famous WWII German freighter “Antilla”, the second largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. You’ll have about 45 minutes to snorkel and explore this historic site before heading to the nearby shallow reef at Boca Catalina to see colorful fish for another 40 minutes.
But the adventure doesn’t end there! Participate in the optional rope swing or take a thrilling ride down the water slide. And when it’s time to refuel, enjoy a light lunch prepared by the crew. Throughout the trip, there is an open bar serving up delicious tropical cocktails, juices, and soft drinks. This is a tour is filled with of adventure, history, and fun in the sun.
5. Jolly Pirate Sunset Sail
As the night sets in, get ready for a lively evening of entertainment and delicious food. This pirate ship boat tour will anchor at a secluded cove where you can enjoy a BBQ dinner on board. Indulge in mouth-watering dishes such as grilled chicken, ribs, and fish, all served with sides and dessert. As you dine, take in the stunning views of the Caribbean sea under the twinkling stars.
After dinner, the fun continues with live music and dancing on the upper deck. Join in on the party as the band plays a mix of Caribbean and international hits. Sip on a tropical cocktail or a cold beer from the open bar as you dance the night away.
As the evening comes to a close, the ship will set sail back to MooMba Beach. Take one last look at the beautiful Aruban coastline and reflect on the amazing experience you just had. The pirate ship is perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to enjoy a unique and unforgettable evening in Aruba.
6. Mangel Halto and Baby Beach Snorkeling Tour
Experience the beauty of Aruba’s underwater world with this amazing snorkel tour. You will visit two of the island’s most famous snorkeling beaches; Baby Beach and Mangel Halto, on this combination tour.
Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the stunning marine life, the choice is yours. The tour with two snorkel stops includes round-trip hotel or cruise port transportation and all snorkel gear is provided. With the knowledgeable guides, you’ll be able to wade directly off shore and explore the marine world with ease.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable snorkeling experience in Aruba!
7. Fishing Charter
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, deep-sea fishing in Aruba is an unforgettable experience. With a range of fish species in the surrounding waters, you’ll have the chance to reel in a variety of big game fish, including mahi-mahi, yellow-fin tuna, sailfish, and marlin.
On half-day or full-day fishing excursions, you’ll board a well-equipped sportfishing boat and set out to sea with an experienced guide who knows the best spots for catching fish. You’ll use a range of techniques, including trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing, to catch fish in the fertile waters.
In addition to big game fish, you’ll also have the chance to cast for a variety of other species, such as grouper, triggerfish, and snapper. And if you’re a fly fisherman, guided fly fishing trips are also available.
After a rewarding day on the water, many restaurants on the island will cook up your catch for you, offering a delicious way to end your fishing adventure. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing in Aruba.
8. Natural Pool + Horseback Riding Tour
Explore the wild terrain of Aruba’s Arikok National Park on a 2.5-hour horseback riding adventure. This guided tour takes you through the rugged landscape of the park, giving you a unique perspective on the island’s natural beauty.
Your tour culminates at one of Aruba’s stunning natural pools and scenic views of Aruba where you can take a refreshing swim. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included, making this an easy and convenient way to experience the beauty of Aruba’s wild side.
9. Aruba Private Luxury Jeep Tour
Explore the best of Aruba on this private, customizable tour designed especially for cruise ship passengers. You’ll travel in comfort by Jeep to all the must-see attractions, including scenic beaches, historic landmarks, and breathtaking viewpoints.
With up to 14 stops, you can customize your private tour itinerary to suit your interests and the time you have available. Plus, snorkels are provided free of charge for those who want to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Hotel and port transfers are included, making it easy to get around and see everything Aruba has to offer.
10. Caribbean Cooking Class
This food tour in Aruba offers a unique and authentic cultural experience, guided by an expert in Caribbean cuisine, Kari. Known for her ability to infuse modern and sophisticated flavors into traditional Caribbean dishes, Kari has been featured in several publications such as MSN, The Daily Meal, and BBC Good Food.
Guests are drawn to Kari’s tour for her personal touch, which allows them to truly immerse themselves in the intimate side of Caribbean culture. It is also the best way to experience homemade Aruban food.
The tour includes at least one drink, one starter, and one main dish with a side, all prepared in a family-style setting rather than a restaurant-style. This gives guests insider access to Caribbean cooking, making the experience even more memorable.
More Aruba Articles on 52Perfectdays.com
Aruba has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a family-friendly vacation, this island has it all. Learn more with our 52 best things to do in Aruba Aruba article that share the top-rated tourist attractions. It is a great resource for planning your trip. We also have an article on how to plan an Aruba vacation on a budget as well as the top-rated resorts in Aruba that offer the best activities and amenities to keep everyone happy.
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