Planning a trip to Aruba? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure! From vibrant festivals and breathtaking natural beauty to the lively Carnival season and serene cruises along the coast, Aruba offers something for every traveler. Here are four must-do activities to make the most of your island getaway.
Attend a festival
When in Aruba, immersing yourself in the island’s vibrant culture is a must, and there’s no better way to do that than by attending one of the many annual festivals. Be sure to check out the new Autentico Aruba Culinary Fest in downtown Oranjestad, where you can savor authentic island flavors. For a local artistic experience, head to San Nicolas for the Aruba Art Fair, or head to one of the biggest weekly happenings, Island Fest, also held in San Nicolas offering a unique glimpse into Aruba’s past and present. These lively events are perfect for getting a true taste of Aruba’s rich culture and traditions!
View more festival details below:
Explore the national park
While we encourage our visitors to enjoy as many relaxing beach days as possible (how could one resist our soft, white-sand beaches and endless sunshine?), we also hope travelers take the time to veer off the beaten path and experience some true island adventure.
Our island’s national park covers about 20% of the island and is the perfect place to explore the diverse natural beauty that Aruba has to offer. Simply purchase a day pass at the park’s visitors center and be on your way! You can do so by jeep or opt for a more active and environmentally-friendly way and go hiking. There are plenty of natural sites and attractions (caves, gold ruins, wild beaches, hiking trails, natural pools, and more) on the wild east coast of the island. It is sure to leave you fascinated by just how different it is from the other side of the island, which is home to the majority of our island’s resorts and calmer beaches.
Be sure to check out the following sights. Some of our favorite places include the Natural Pool (Conchi), Small Cave Pool, and the Fontein Cave and Freshwater Pond.
Aruba Carnival
Aruba’s ‘Carnaval’ season is our favorite time of year. It’s not just a one-day, one-week or even one-month event. During January and February the entire island lives and breathes Carnival. The Carnival schedule is jam-packed with weekly events, leaving little excuse to miss out. It continues with Jump-ins, King and Queen Elections, Calypso, festivals, contests, live music, celebrations for children, parties, and of course the most popular, parades.
This year our island is celebrating 71 years of Carnival! The fun officially kicks off on January 11th, 2025 and ends with the Grand Parade in Oranjestad on March 2nd. If you are lucky enough to be on the island don’t miss out on one of Aruba’s most treasured traditions. If you want to plan your trip around Carnival, view the schedule here. Can’t make it this year? No worries, just be sure to plan ahead for the next one!
Smooth sailing in paradise
What better way to spend your day in paradise than by smooth sailing the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Do you want to spend the day lounging on the sun deck sipping a refreshing cocktail? Do the kids want to have a day to remember on the swing rope? Or, perhaps you’re in for a little underwater snorkeling adventure to discover the beautiful marine life? Not your thing? How about a romantic sunset dinner for two? No matter your style, there’s a cruise for that.
Browse and book catamaran and sail cruises in Aruba.
If you’re more in the mood for a relaxing day on the beach, take a day or two for some beach hopping and venture to the different breathtaking beaches across the island, there are plenty to enjoy and each for different reasons!
View more things to do and see in Aruba.
*Main featured photo by Aruba Conservation Foundation
