Aruba: What to Do

Aruba is one of those rare destinations that works for almost every stage of life. Parents want calm, safety, and good food. Adults want a little adventure, walkable beaches, and maybe a sunset drink or two. Everyone wants to come home feeling more rested and more connected, not exhausted from an overstuffed schedule.

The good news is that Aruba makes that balance surprisingly easy. The island is small, safe, and sunny, with calm beaches on one side and wild desert landscapes on the other. You can spend the morning floating in turquoise water, the afternoon hiking among cacti, and the evening sharing a slow dinner on the sand or dock.

Share a Beachfront or Oceanside Dock Dinner

Food is a big part of wellness and connection. In Aruba, many restaurants sit right on the sand or just off the beach. The fresh fish and seafood is amazing! Share dishes and linger over the meal—no rush, no screens, just conversation laughter, and the ocean air.

Although there are many choices from which to choose, we booked a reservation (in advance) for the Pelican Nest Seafood Grill in Palm Beach for a seating just before sunset. Our table was so close to the dock that we could see the fish flitting in the ocean.

Start with Simple Joy: Walk and Swim on Eagle Beach

If you do nothing else in Aruba, spend time on Eagle Beach. This wide, low‑rise stretch of sand is often ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean—and it’s easy to see why. The sand is soft, the water is usually calm, and there’s more space to spread out than on the busier high‑rise strip.

From a wellness perspective, Eagle Beach is a gift:

• Take morning walks along the shoreline while the air is still cool.

• Slip into the water for gentle swimming or floating—great for joints and stress relief.

• Set up under a palapa with a book and let your nervous system finally exhale.

For families or groups of friends, this is a perfect “everyone wins” activity: some can nap, some can read, some can swim, and no one has to rush.

Enjoy the Energy: Stroll the Palm Beach Boardwalk

When you’re ready for a little more buzz, head to Palm Beach. This is Aruba’s main high‑rise hotel area, with a beachfront path lined with resorts, shops, and restaurants. It’s more crowded than Eagle Beach, but also more lively. Take an evening walk along the boardwalk, stopping for smoothies or gelato. Watch the sunset while people‑watching from a bench or the sand. Palm Beach is a good reminder that wellness doesn’t have to mean silence. Sometimes it’s about light movement, fresh air, and shared experiences.

Aruba has over 20 beaches and coves! Visit the Aruba Tourism website to learn more about these, including where they are located.

Get in the Water: Snorkeling at Boca Catalina or Mangel Halto

Aruba’s water is too beautiful to only admire from the shore. Snorkeling is a gentle way to add a bit of adventure without needing intense athletic skills. Two popular sports are Boca Catalina and Mangel Halto. You can book a tour that includes snorkeling or choose to go on your own if you’re comfortable swimmers. We did both.

We booked a morning cruise on the 85-foot Jolly Pirates schooner—because honestly, how often do you get to sail on a pirate ship? The crew handed out snorkeling gear so we could explore the gorgeous aquamarine water. We stopped at Malmok Reef and Boca Catalina cove, both teeming with colorful tropical fish and even a few sea turtles.

Mangel Halto is a quiet, less populated, mangrove-fringed cove full of marine life. Because it’s a bit off the beaten path, we rented a car, packed snacks, and arrived early to claim a shaded cabana. With our snorkeling gear, we could clearly see the marine life below. We were also glad we brought water shoes—the beach is rocky, and the submerged rocks can be quite slippery.

Explore the Wild Side: Arikok National Park including Natural Pool

When you’re ready to trade beach chairs for hiking shoes, head to Arikok National Park. This protected area covers about 20% of the island and shows a completely different side of Aruba: desert landscapes, cacti, rugged coastline, and hidden bays. Because the route through Arikok Park is pretty rough, it’s best to take a guided tour by jeep or bus (ideally one with shade or a canopy).

We loved our 5-hour Jeep Safari with ABC Tours. After a scenic drive, inside the park was the Natural Pool (Conchi), a volcanic rock pool sheltered from the open sea. After carefully climbing down the steep stone steps, we swam and snorkeled (we brought our own gear) in the calm pool while waves crashed dramatically on the rocks outside—a fun mix of “wow” scenery and gentle water.

Take an Aloe Factory Tour

Aloe has shaped the economy, landscape and identity of Aruba. We went on a (free) aloe museum and factory tour where we learned the history and uses of aloe and of course purchased some Aruba Aloe sunscreen!  

Explore on Horseback

How about exploring the island by horseback instead? My family took a 2-hour ride with The Gold Mine Ranch. The trail led us to the Natural Bridge, formed from coral limestone, then along a secluded beach and on to the old gold mine ruins on the northern coast inside Arikok National Park.

Visit the California Lighthouse

The 98-foot California Lighthouse, located at the northwest tip of Aruba, is the tallest structure in Aruba. Climb the stairs to the top for a view of the island and rocky coastline.

Other Things to See and Do

You might book a sunset sail on a catamaran or sailboat cruise. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm waters off Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. For a peaceful stroll through a tropical garden, stop by the Butterfly Farm near Palm Beach. It also helps to plan at least one unscheduled day. Let everyone sleep in, read by the water, wander slowly, or simply sit and talk.

You don’t need to check off every idea here. Choose a few activities that match your family’s style, leave space to rest, and let the island’s sun, sea, and easy pace do the rest.

Sunworthy Essentials

Protect your skin! Not only is skin protection essential to protect against premature aging and cancer, but who wants to step out of the fun because of a nasty sunburn!

Sunscreen Use reef-safe sunscreen. Brands, such as my favorite - Aruba Aloe. Pair strong SPF protection with the soothing power of pure aloe. This lightweight formula absorbs quickly so it doesn't feel sticky or heavy - perfect for beach days, pool time, and sightseeing in strong sun. Buy on Amazon

Polarized Sunglasses Cut the glare, keep the view. Polarized sunglasses sharpen what you see while easing eye strain on bright roads, beaches, and water - so you stay comfortable, protected, and present for every vacation moment. Buy on Amazon

Sunhat with Brim Pack a sunhat, skip the sunburn. Get one that folds or rolls for easier travel and with UPF 50+ protection. A wide brim adds shade where you need it the most - face, ears and neck - so you can walk, play, and explore with your friends and family without feeling fried by the end of the day. Buy on Amazon

Lip Balm with Sunscreen Panama Jack lip balm with 45 SPF keeps your lips protected against sun damage on beach days, hikes, skiing, and everyday errands. The non-waxy lip balms come in a four-pack of tasty flavors - each member of the family can have their own! Buy on Amazon

For additional favorites, visit "My Favorite Things" website.

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Explore my other blogs about Aruba (links below).

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