Short stay in Aruba: Ultimate 1-day itinerary
Should you come on a cruise ship or have a long layover in Aruba, you can make the most out of your visit by following our one-day ultimate itinerary to the top things to see in Aruba. Explore Aruba's rugged landscape in the morning then relax on one of the beautiful beaches in the afternoon for a complete experience.
We invite you to leave the cocktails behind for a bit and explore the coarse coastline and natural wonders of Aruba. Take some good shoes and your sunscreen then start your day by embarking on an off-road adventure!
Explore Arikok National Park - 2 hours
Arikok National Park offers a lot of spectacular sights. You’ll get a taste of Aruba’s history at the Ayo Rock Formations. These monolithic rock boulders used to be visited by the Arawak people, the earliest settlers of the island who left some petroglyphs behind. For a unique experience, make sure to stop at Black Stone Beach which is the only beach in Aruba that is covered in volcanic black sand and rocks. The beach is very small and rocky. For suntanning, wait till you get to Andicuri Beach instead.
Andicuri Beach features a long stretch of beautiful white sandy beach and dramatic coral-stone cliffs. If you wish to escape the crowds and enjoy a perfect beach experience, this is the place to go. If you’re rather hunting for some good waves and want to surf, hit Wariuri Beach.
Hop on a UTV or Jeep tour to explore the rugged natural wonders of the island! The roads on the island, especially leading to these hidden gems, can get really bumpy, which is why we recommend you to take an off-road vehicle. Sign up for a guided UTV or Jeep excursion and make sure you won’t miss any of the sights!
Swim in the Natural Pool - 1 hours
This secluded little gem is a must see in Aruba. It is located in the Arikok National Park, so you can easily explore it when you’re wandering around the park. The rugged, rocky volcanic coastline has formed a naturally occurring pool that features gorgeous emerald water that invites you to jump right in. Make sure to take some proper shoes with you because the pool can be accessed after a short hike from the park entrance.
Visit the California Lighthouse - 30 minutes
California Lighthouse is a signature landmark of Aruba. It stands as a silent watchman in the area known as Hudishibana, near the island's northwestern tip. It beckons visitors to the most spectacular views of the island.
Take in the best 360 island views of the island from the hill it stands on. You can now even climb the top of the lighthouse for $8 per person! Most guided tours stop at the lighthouse, so hop off and make sure to take a selfie.
Relax on the De Palm Island - 2.5 hours
Whether you are a family looking for a day of fun and adventure together or a couple seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the hotel beach area for some relaxation and pampering, this unique coral island offers something for everyone. Treat yourself to a peaceful getaway and enjoy the unlimited beverages, food and fun that De Palm Island has to offer. Kids can hit the banana boat rides and zipline as many times as they wish while parents are treated to some chilling drinks. Sounds like exactly what you need after a morning full of adventure? Wait, there’s more. You’ll get to meet the blue parrot fish and other species of marine life when snorkeling off the shore of the island. Try Snuba or Sea Trek for the best snorkeling experience while in Aruba.
Enjoy the sunset on Eagle or Palm Beach - 1 hours
Eagle Beach has been selected as the 3rd Best Beach in the world by TripaAdvisor. Need we say more? This pristine white sand beach hast it all from sunshine, shade, water sports and a wide range of amenities. Take a picture with the fofoti trees on the beach and watch the sun go down. The silhouettes of these trees will make for your favorite holiday photos. Walk a bit further on to reach the beautiful Palm Beach and start your night out with a few drinks at the famous Bugaloe Beach Bar.