Looking for the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences for your Aruba vacation? From cruising the crystal-clear waters on a private yacht to savoring unforgettable dining moments and exploring Aruba’s natural wonders, this island paradise offers endless ways to create lasting memories. Discover the best things to do in Aruba for an extraordinary getaway!
Exclusive yacht experience
Booking a private yacht for you and your plus one, or for your family and friends, makes for a luxurious and intimate day that is sure to remain in your top vacation memories for a lifetime!
Interested in booking an Aruba yacht charter but not sure where to start? For a professional and luxury experience we recommend booking with Eden Luca Yacht Charters. They offer exclusive and tailor-made trips designed to your liking. With your very own captain and mate on board, your trip will include everything you need from beverages to delicious bites, a sound system, snorkel equipment, sun chill floating mat, paddle board, and more. You will also have the option to request for additional services and upgrades such as decorations or specific food and drink requests to make your special day even more memorable!
Get more details on Eden Luca Yacht Charters or book your trip now.
A dinner to remember
While there are plenty of exceptional restaurants in Aruba to choose from, we also suggest booking something a bit out of the ordinary to make your dining experience a special vacation memory to last a lifetime. If you’re seeking to try something new and different, we suggest considering the following unique dining experiences:
An arrrghhh perfect dining experience for the entire family! Your group will feel like rulers of the seven seas as you indulge in a Caribbean family-style pirate dining experience with flavors from the grill and toes in the sand. This takes place on the shores of Palm Beach at Hilton Aruba.
Hilton Aruba’s Sunset Concierge Private Dining Experience
This exclusive experience allows you to choose your very own unique and private dining location. Locations on the resort include but are not limited to a spot tucked away in the lush tropical gardens with the sounds of a nearby waterfall, on the beach with your toes in the sand, or on a bridge situated over the alluring pool!
Dinner Under the Stars at Renaissance Private Island
Take a boat trip to a private secluded island (yes an island away from an island) with your lover or bestie, and get lost in the unforgettable, magical island embrace. Enjoy live music, a welcome cocktail, and a culinary 4-course adventure for two.
Tranquilo’s Romantic Dinner Sail for Two
How about having your very own private sailing yacht as your restaurant? Just you, your lucky plus one, and an up-close view of pure sunset magic glistening over Aruba’s mesmerizing blues. PS – there is a small crew on board, but they will stay out of your way and you won’t even know they are there! Except for when they serve you your mouth-watering dish of course, such as a juicy surf and turf or their tastebud tantalizing ceviche. Their menu changes based on the Captain’s mood of the day, so be sure to contact them for specific details!
Chef’s Table Style restaurants are becoming more and more popular on the island, and for good reason. While there are now just over a handful to choose from, each has their very own spin on the concept with unique culinary influences.
Booking a chef’s table-style dinner is the perfect way to celebrate something special, like a birthday or anniversary, leaving you with an unforgettable foodie experience to take home. A few to consider include Infini, KOAL Aruba, and Ever Restaurant Aruba.
Lastly, an island escape wouldn’t be complete without a dreamy, picturesque beach or waterfront dinner. We recommend considering the following: Barefoot, Elements Restaurant, Water’s Edge Restaurant, Pelican’s Nest, Faro Blanco, Flying Fishbone, Passions on the Beach, West Deck, Aruba Ocean Villas, and Lima Bistro.
There are plenty more mouth-watering restaurants we recommend trying while on the island, browse them here.
Get lost in nature
There is so much natural beauty on the island to discover and immerse yourself in, and there are so many different ways to do it! Check out our suggestions below:
Spend the night stargazing
While on vacation in Aruba calls for plenty of beach days and fun under the sun, however there is also beauty to witness after the sun goes down. Have you ever looked up at the night sky and witnessed all of the starry magic up above? After dinner, before calling it a night, gather the family or that special someone, and head to a nearby quiet location (away from the hustle and bustle, don’t forget your phone with a flashlight), take a seat and gaze up above at the beautiful night sky. Pay close attention, you’re likely to see a shooting star, so don’t forget to make a wish! Some locations to try: the sand dunes near the California Lighthouse, a quiet spot on Eagle Beach, near the big Red Anchor in Sero Colorado, Arashi Beach, and plenty more!
Gone hiking in paradise
From relaxing walks on the beach to hiking the island’s natural trails, you have plenty of options and they all include breathtaking views! Go on a guided tour or take your adventurous partner in crime and get to stepping! We recommend the following hiking spots: Hooiberg, Alto Vista Chapel area and Arikok National Park.
You may want to start with Aruba’s National Park as it has endless hiking options! Step into the park and make your way to the rugged and beautiful North Coast! As you pass the beautiful green cacti, vegetation, rugged rock formations, herds of goats and approach the coast…you will see the dramatic, darker blue waters clash against the rocks, an impressive sight to see. With many trails and sights to discover there is plenty of hiking, slow-paced walking, and biking to be done here.
Swimming in the sea
It’s time for some refreshing Caribbean blues! View the island from a different perspective and discover the extraordinary underwater life of Aruba.
Grab your snorkel gear and visit one of the many beaches perfect for snorkeling, such as Malmok, Boca Catalina, Arashi, or Mangel Halto. If your accommodation does not offer snorkel equipment, we recommend renting your gear from Adventure Sports Aruba Snorkel, they even offer easy and convenient delivery! Make you snorkel gear reservation here.
What are you waiting for? The inviting clear turquoise water is calling your name! Browse more of Aruba’s breathtaking beaches. If you prefer a guide you can join one of the many snorkeling tours or catamaran cruises offered on the island
Outdoor picnic for two
Spending your day outdoors in the fresh air and soaking up some sunshine is always a great idea! Hit the nearest grocery store, stock up on your favorite food and drinks, pack your cooler, and head to the beach! There’s nothing like a quiet and relaxing picnic on the beach, try Boca Catalina, Arashi, Eagle Beach, or Mangel Halto. Too lazy to shop and eager to get to the beach? There are now local picnic companies you can order from that will deliver baskets with goodies to your desired location!
Get lost in the mangroves
Head South past the airport and make your way to Pos Chiquito, just before you reach the area of Savaneta, you will find the mangroves located at Mangel Halto beach (by the Spanish Lagoon). Mind you, this is not your typical white sand beach, rather, it is a lush and diverse area of land and water allowing for plenty of fun activities, and most of all, escaping the crowds and immersing yourself in nature! You can go snorkeling at the reef nearby, or choose to go kayaking or paddleboarding in the waterways of the mangroves. You will find it is the perfect place to get lost in nature and see a completely different side to Aruba!
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