Things to Do in Aruba
A local guide to the island's best activities — from Eagle Beach sunsets to creative beachfront evenings.
Aruba packs an extraordinary amount into 180 km². White-sand beaches on the west coast, a rugged desert interior, and some of the most reliable sunshine in the Caribbean. Whether you have three days or two weeks, these are the activities we recommend to our own guests.
We are Island Inspirations, a local team hosting Aruba's finest sip and paint experience on the beach. We meet visitors from all over the world every evening, so this list is based on what they actually loved — not on a brochure.
8 activities worth your time in Aruba
- 01
Sip and paint on the beach at sunset
Any day · 5:30 PM – 7 PM · from $95 p.p.
Paint with a glass of wine in your hand while the sun drops behind the sea. All materials, local snacks and guidance included, and no painting skills are required. It's the one activity that gives you something to take home.
- 02
Eagle Beach and the fofoti trees
Free · all day
Consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. Wide, calm and shaded in places — best in the early morning or the last hour before sunset.
- 03
Snorkeling at Boca Catalina
Morning
Calm, shallow and full of fish. One of the easiest snorkel spots on the island and reachable by car or a short boat trip.
- 04
Arikok National Park by UTV
Half day
Almost 20% of Aruba is protected desert park: natural pools, caves, cacti and dramatic coastline on the wild north side.
- 05
Sunset catamaran sailing
Late afternoon
Sail along the west coast with drinks on board. Pairs perfectly with a relaxed dinner in Palm Beach afterwards.
- 06
Oranjestad and local culture
Any day
Pastel Dutch-Caribbean architecture, the free streetcar, local art and Aruban cuisine — a good half-day when you want a break from the sand.
- 07
The California Lighthouse
Sunset
Panoramic views over the northwest tip of the island, and one of the best free sunset viewpoints in Aruba.
- 08
A private celebration on the sand
Any day · upon request
Birthdays, proposals, vow renewals and bachelorette parties. We design private beach experiences with a chef, an artist workshop or wine glass painting.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Aruba?
Most visitors combine beach time on Eagle Beach and Palm Beach with snorkeling at Boca Catalina, a UTV ride through Arikok National Park, sunset sailing and a creative sunset activity such as a beachfront sip and paint session with Island Inspirations.
What can you do in Aruba at sunset?
Sunset is the island's best hour. Sunset catamaran cruises, dinner on the sand and our beach sip and paint sessions (5:30 PM – 7 PM, any day) all run at golden hour.
Are there activities in Aruba when it rains?
Aruba is one of the driest Caribbean islands, but showers are short. Our sessions can move to a covered location, your villa or Aruba Experience Cafe, so your activity always goes ahead.
What activities in Aruba are good for non-swimmers?
Plenty. Painting on the beach, island tours, the butterfly farm, downtown Oranjestad and our sip and paint experiences require no water time at all.
Add one creative evening to your Aruba trip
Beach setting, unlimited wine, local snacks and a canvas you actually take home. Sessions run every day from 5:30 PM.