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15 Amazing Things To Do In Aruba: Ideas For A Four-Day Itinerary

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000

15 Amazing Things To Do In Aruba: Ideas For A Four-Day Itinerary

Published April 20, 2023

♫ “Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya, Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama….” ♫ The iconic opening to the Beach Boys’ 1988 hit, Kokomo, is enough to get anyone daydreaming about palm trees and white sand beaches. Even though the song’s main chorus is (probably) about a fictional place, its very first word is a real island: Aruba, one of the Caribbean’s most welcoming!

If you’re considering spending a few days on “One Happy Island,” then this is the blog post for you! I’ve been to Aruba twice: once in December of 2017, and more recently in April of 2023. This little slice of paradise means a lot to me personally: it basically inspired me to start my travel blog! If you’re curious to learn more about that, check out my “About Me” page.

This post features fifteen of Aruba’s finest attractions, places to visit, foods to indulge in, and more. On my more recent trip, two friends and I did everything listed here over the course of about four days. To skip down to any particular item, click or tap the corresponding link below!

Beautiful Beaches
Food & Drink
Towns to Visit or Stay In
Activities & Tours
- #15 Rent an ATV or UTV

Beautiful Beaches

Aruba is a tropical island less than twenty miles north of the Paraguaná Peninsula in Venezuela. Due to its location on the south end of the Caribbean Sea, Aruba is blessed with reliably dry weather, low humidity, and low risk of hurricanes. It’s no surprise that Aruba is known first and foremost as a beach destination!

The beaches featured in this section are listed from north to south. Read on to see what each one has to offer!

#1 Arashi Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/arashi-beach

The northernmost beach in Aruba is great for travelers who want a more laid-back sand and sun experience. Arashi Beach still has beach infrastructure (chairs for rent, a bar and grill, etc) without the huge crowds and resorts that line some of the more famous beaches on the island.

Swimming at Arashi beach was fun, especially since the waves here are pretty calm. The water here is also a beautiful shade of light blue!

#2 Palm Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/palm-beach

Palm Beach is Aruba’s biggest and most commercialized stretch of sandy shore. Here you’ll find lots of dining options, shopping, and other activities. In my honest opinion, Palm Beach is fine but not stunning. I liked strolling the boardwalk here, but didn’t love how busy it felt.

Aruba’s fanciest resorts are also clustered on Palm Beach. Most of them are pretty nondescript, but one really stands out architecturally: the Hotel RIU Palace Aruba. I’m not exactly sure what style you’d call this eye-catching resort, but RIU Hotels & Resorts is a Spanish company. It does sort of look like the towers might have some Spanish or Moroccan influence.

#3 Eagle Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/eagle-beach

A little further south of Palm Beach is Eagle Beach. There are some hotels and resorts here, but they aren’t built right up on the water’s edge like they are on Palm Beach. Because of that, Eagle Beach is a lot less commercial.

The wind and waves are strong here, so I didn’t find this beach to be the most comfortable place to relax. There are also fewer trees or places to find shade. However, I still found the water to be pretty here: a deeper shade of blue than what you’ll find at the beaches further north.

#4 Mangel Halto Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/mangel-halto

Aruba is small enough that no part of the island is remote. With that said, Mangel Halto is the most off-the-beaten-path beach featured on this list. It was also my favorite! The gradients in the water are spectacular! Shallow sandy areas are as light blue as the sky, while deeper areas are much darker.

Mangel Halto Beach can be found in the village of Savaneta, which is located between the capital of Oranjestad and the second largest city of San Nicolaas. Savaneta is small, and parts of its shoreline are rocky. Therefore, it doesn’t attract nearly as many beachgoers as Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. There are also a lot of big cacti here, which gives Mangel Halto its own unique vibe.

Despite its relatively laid-back vibe, this beach appears to be popular for water activities. There were lots of kayakers, scuba divers, and snorkelers enjoying the gorgeous water when we visited.

#5 Rodger's Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/rodgers-beach

The last two beaches in this section are located at the southern tip of Aruba. Rodger’s Beach and Baby Beach are actually right next to each other and only take a minute or two to walk between. If you visit one, you might as well visit both!

Rodger’s Beach is the quieter of the two, and admittedly it’s not as impressive as Baby Beach. One odd thing about Rodger’s Beach is that it “offers” an unobstructed view of the nearby Aruba Oil Refinery. Some visitors might find that off-putting, but I think it gives this little stretch of coastline some character.

#6 Baby Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/baby-beach

Baby Beach is surrounded by a cove of rocks, which is probably why it’s such a beautifully calm area! The cove protects the beach from strong waves, and this seems to keep the water clean and clear. Because of this, Baby Beach is much more popular among families than neighboring Rodger’s Beach.

I’m not sure if Baby Beach is named for its baby blue water or for the fact that it’s a good place to bring kids. Regardless, either explanation works! There are a couple of beachfront restaurants to choose from on Baby Beach. We got some frozen cocktails and delicious snacks at Rum Reef (website | location), which offers a nice view of the water.

Food & Drink

I think most visitors would agree that relaxing on the beach is the number one reason to visit One Happy Island. But delicious food is a close second! Foodies will be happy to know that Aruba has amazing local cuisine and lots of international options.

#7 Local Aruban Cuisine

I highly recommend seeking out a couple of traditional Aruban meals on your trip! The island’s multiculturalism is reflected in its food, which has Dutch, Latin, and Caribbean influences. In my opinion, Aruban food is pretty distinct from the cuisines of the islands further north such as the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

Gasparito Local Aruban Restaurant

Address: Gasparito 3, Noord, Aruba
Website: https://www.gasparito.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gasparitoaruba/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gasparitorestaurant/

This is without a doubt one of my favorite restaurants in Aruba! Not only do they serve authentic local food, but their hospitality is top notch. I highly recommend trying one of their combo plates for dinner, which will allow you to try a number of Aruban specialties. While we waited for our food, the owner chatted with us and gave us some hilarious riddles to try and solve. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any of them right, but they did make us laugh!

For an appetizer, try the escargot, coconut shrimp, or one of the soups. And for dessert, I really loved the pistachio cake here! Apparently, this is a local delicacy for special occasions. I don’t see it on their online menu, so maybe it was only available for a limited time. Regardless, everything we tried was delicious, and the atmosphere at Gasparito was very cozy.

The Old Cunucu House

Address: Palm Beach 150, Noord, Aruba
Website: https://www.theoldcunucuhouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldcunucuhouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldcunucuhouse/

A short distance from Gasparito Local Aruban Restaurant is The Old Cunucu House. Named for the traditional style of housing that’s been part of Aruba’s culture for centuries, this restaurant is also a must if you want to experience amazing local cuisine.

For our mains, we shared a seafood combo and oxtails. Both plates were excellent, especially with rice, plantain, and funchi (a local cornmeal-based food similar to polenta, which we were also served at Gasparito).

This restaurant also offers delicious appetizers and a large drink menu, so we enjoyed a few rounds with our food. We also tried iguana soup, which is another Aruban specialty. This was the one part of the meal I didn’t love, but I also didn’t hate it. The broth tasted fine, and the chunks of iguana were okay, but there were a lot of little bones.

#8 Dutch Pancakes

Did you know Aruba is technically a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands? Dutch influence can be found throughout Aruba, including in its cuisine. Dutch pancakes are widely available and make a great breakfast! They are pretty thin and light, almost like crepes. Below are two places to try them.

Linda's Dutch Pancakes

Address: Route 3 Palm Beach 6-D, Rte 3 6, Noord, Aruba
Website: https://lindas-aruba.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindasaruba
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindasaruba/

Linda’s is a pretty casual pancake house with a large outdoor dining area. It’s near Palm Beach, but it’s not right on the water. As such, it feels a little less touristy than some other eateries in the neighborhood. I ordered one of their savory options (I think with ham, cheese, and mushrooms) and really enjoyed it along with some coffee and a bloody mary!

The Dutch Pancakehouse

Address: Renaissance Marketplace, Lloyd G. Smith Blvd 9, Oranjestad, Aruba
Website: https://www.thedutchpancakehouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDutchPancakehouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedutchpancakehouse/

Located in the heart of Oranjestad, this is probably Aruba’s most famous place to get Dutch pancakes. It’s admittedly pretty touristy, and we had to wait for a little while to get seated. However, I really loved the brie, walnut, and ham that I tried here. Dutch Pancakes come in both sweet and savory varieties, and The Dutch Pancakehouse offered lots of different toppings to choose from.

#9 Fine Dining

We tried two fine dining restaurants on Aruba, and the one featured below was definitely the better of the two.

Wilhelmina Restaurant

Address: Wilhelminastraat 74, Oranjestad, Aruba
Website: https://www.wilhelminaaruba.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilhelminarestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilhelminaaruba/

This upscale restaurant in Downtown Oranjestad was cool not only because the outdoor patio had an amazing vibe, but also because the food was pretty multicultural. There were subtle Aruban and Dutch influences, but their plates are pretty international. For example, we started the meal off with some bitterballen (a savory Dutch fried ball with meat filling), and then got some Italian appetizers: ravioli and tomato goat cheese salad.

For my main dish, I tried their Indonesian roasted pork. It was incredibly tender and juicy, and it ended up being a really generous portion with a side of noodles. The cocktails, desserts, and wine pairings at Wilhelmina are all just as delicious as their appetizers and main courses!

#10 Aruban BBQ

I will be honest: barbecue didn’t seem to be a cultural staple in Aruba the way it is on some other Caribbean islands (e.g. Anguilla). However, we did find one fabulous local barbecue joint in San Nicolaas that absolutely needs to be on your radar!

Ora's Bar and Restaurant

Address: Pastoor Hendrikstraat 69, San Nicolas, Aruba
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ORAS-BAR-REST-320589558468625/

We happened to see Ora’s online, and it immediately stood out with glowing reviews. I can confirm that they are well deserved! Not only was our food phenomenal, but Ora herself (the owner) was incredibly kind and welcoming. All three of us got her BBQ combo (ribs and chicken) with rice and beans. The meat was delicious and tender, and the glaze was on point.

We also tried Ora’s homemade hot sauce, which really packed a punch! Just add a drop or two and mix it in with the rice. That’s enough to spice things up! Just be aware that Ora’s is cash only. Prices were very reasonable, and she even helped direct us to the nearest ATM to withdraw some Aruban Florins (the local currency).

#11 A Homestay Meal

Like Ora’s BBQ, I’m not sure quite how to categorize this meal, but it was another outstanding culinary experience. Our Airbnb in Savaneta turned out to have a small family-run restaurant attached to it, so we made reservations for dinner on our final night. The food was incredible!

La Tavola (Anaté Beach Apartments)

Address: Spaans Lagoenweg 33 C, Savaneta, Aruba
Website: http://www.anatebeach.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/anatebeach/100063891289474/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anate.beach/

On the second half of our trip, we stayed for a few nights at Anaté Beach Apartments. After arriving, we realized that they serve dinner. You don’t have to stay at the lodging to dine with them, but you do need to make a reservation in advance. When you do so, you can let Anaté or her husband know what you want to eat, and they’ll take care of the rest! We told them we wanted seafood, and we were served fish and shrimp with sides and appetizers.

Everything about this dinner was amazing, from the wine pairings to the salad and the starters. There were distinct Venezuelan elements to the meal too, since that is where the property owners are originally from. For example, we were served patacones (fried plantains) as well as tequeños (cheese sticks).

In addition to dinner, Anaté Beach Apartments also offers an equally delicious breakfast. We were in love with their Venezuelan arepas served with scrambled eggs, beans, and cheese! If you want to stay near Mangel Halto Beach, Anaté Beach Apartments is an amazing option for lodging and food. If you are passing through Savaneta, I still suggest reaching out to Anaté and seeing if you can reserve a meal here!

Towns to Visit or Stay In

Since Aruba is a pretty small island, there are only a handful of towns to explore. Luckily, all of them are quaint, and you can’t really go wrong no matter where you choose to stay. Below are three great options if you need some ideas.

#12 Oranjestad

The capital of Aruba (pronounced “oh-RUN-yeh-stadt”) is unsurprisingly the most developed and commercialized part of the island. This is largely because a large cruise ship port is located here. I explored Oranjestad a little more on my previous trip than I did this time. There are a lot of jewelers, souvenir shops, and casinos. Although there are lots of dining options in the capital, some restaurants look like tourist traps.

#13 Savaneta

This small village is south of Oranjestad, and you’ll probably drive through it if you’re headed from Oranjestad or Palm Beach down to Baby Beach. Savaneta feels much more local than the capital, and I’m glad that we spent a few nights here! Our Airbnb in Pos Chikito was so pretty, and it was worth it to be a short walk from Mangel Halto Beach.

#14 San Nicolaas

Aruba’s southernmost town is a quiet, local community far removed from the resorts on Palm Beach and the cruise ship crowds in Oranjestad. Since this is as far as you can be from the touristy areas up north, you’ll see fewer tourists in San Nicolaas than you would almost anywhere else on Aruba.

The most interesting thing about San Nicolaas is the abundance of public art. A lot of it appears to come from the annual Aruba Art Fair. Entire buildings are covered with beautiful murals. The colors are vibrant, styles are varied, and the subjects are captivating. There are a lot of portraits, as well as sea life.

While we were exploring San Nicolaas, we happened to find Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant (website | location) in the Zeppenfeldstraat Area (where a lot of the street art is on display). We were immediately intrigued by the sheer density of decorations inside, and enjoyed chatting with the bartenders while sipping on some delicious rum cocktails.

Activities & Tours

One amazing thing about Aruba is that it’s perfectly suited for both relaxing on the beach and going on some adventures! The island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, but there’s one that I simply had to put on this list! Read on to learn more!

#15 Rent an ATV or UTV

The one tour you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Aruba is an ATV or UTV rental. You can book a group excursion, or rent a vehicle and set off on your own. I booked an ATV during my 2017 trip, and we did a UTV day trip this time.

The main reason to reserve an off-roading vehicle is that it will allow you to explore the rugged, unpaved northwest coast of the island. You simply cannot get out here in a standard rental car, and the scenery is pretty distinct from the sandy beaches featured above.

I wrote a comprehensive review of our UTV rental, so be sure to check out that separate blog post to learn all about what to expect!

Go Enjoy Aruba's Sun, Sand, and Sea!

I hope this post provides guidance and inspiration if you are headed to Aruba soon! If you can, I recommend spending three, four, or even five days on the island. That will give you time to try all fifteen things on my list (and possibly more)! One or two days is long enough to get a good sense of Aruba, but you may not have time to experience everything One Happy Island has to offer!

Now that I’ve been to Aruba once by myself in 2017 and once with friends in 2023, I can say with certainty that this Caribbean island really stands out. It’s a place I could see myself going back to throughout my life. I’d happily return to places like Gasparito Restaurants and The Old Cunucu House while also seeking out new experiences. I hope you find Aruba to be just as charming as I do! Enjoy your visit, and leave a comment below to let me know if you found this guide helpful!

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This post was published on Apr 20, 2023

Hi, I’m Kevin! I’m a coffee addict from Seattle, and my life revolves around traveling! Caffeinated Excursions is a record of my trips over the past seven years. Since I started blogging, I’ve lived in Mexico, Vietnam, Brazil, and the US. I just moved to Australia and plan to be here a full year. Thanks for checking out my blog!

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post 15 Amazing Things To Do In Aruba: Ideas For A Four-Day Itinerary appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

Around Aruba UTV Tour Review: Go Off-Roading On The Island’s Northern Shore

Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Around Aruba UTV Tour Review: Go Off-Roading On The Island’s Northern Shore

Published April 19, 2023

Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, and it’s easy to see why! With reliably comfortable weather, beautiful beaches, and good tourism infrastructure, Aruba is hard to beat. The island is one of the most developed and urbanized places in the Caribbean, which makes it an attractive place for many travelers.

With that said, going off the beaten path on Aruba is a little tricky. Perhaps the best way to do so is to rent a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). This will allow you to explore the island’s rugged northern shore, which has no paved roads but provides access to stunning natural desert landscapes. During our recent spring break getaway, two friends and I booked a UTV for a full day with Around Aruba Tours (website | Facebook). This post is a review of our experience!

To skip down to any particular section of this review, click or tap the corresponding link below!

UTV Rental Overview
- Differences Between ATVs and UTVs
- Rental Requirements & Logistics
Stops on our Self-Guided Tour
Comments & Evaluation

UTV Rental Overview

Off-roading vehicles are popular on Aruba since they provide access to parts of the island that are otherwise inaccessible via rental car. Many companies offer half- and full-day UTV rentals: approximately four and eight hours, respectively. You can also join a tour group or caravan, but I recommend charting your own course (more on why below).

Differences Between ATVs and UTVs

If you want to go off-roading, the first thing you need to decide is whether you want an ATV or a UTV. Essentially, ATVs are smaller and generally designed for one person. UTVs are larger, accommodate two to five people including the driver, and have a covered roof.

Since we were a group of three, the UTV made the most sense. It would’ve been much more expensive to rent three individual ATVs, plus the roof on the larger vehicle provided some much-needed shade.

Rental Requirements & Logistics

As of April 2023, a UTV rental from Around Aruba Tours costs 380 USD and requires a 200 USD security deposit that can be temporarily charged to a credit card. Drivers must be above the age of 25 and must possess a valid license. Licenses issued by the United States are accepted.

The vehicle was dropped off to our hotel in Noord at 9:00 a.m. on the day we booked. We signed the waiver and put down our deposit. Then, an Around Aruba Tours staff member told us we had to fill up the gas tank at the end of the day. The company returned to our lodging around 5:00 p.m. to pick up the UTV.

Stops on our Self-Guided Tour

The main reason to rent an ATV or UTV is to be able to drive along the dirt trails on the northern side of the island. We started our day at the California Lighthouse and moved down the coast until we reached the Natural Bridge. After that, we turned inland and made our way down to Baby Beach on the southern end of Aruba. Read on to learn more about each stop!

California Lighthouse

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/california-lighthouse

This iconic lighthouse was the first stop on our trip. It’s located at the northernmost tip of Aruba, and this is one stop on the tour that you can access even if you don’t rent an ATV or UTV.

We stopped to take a few pictures of the surrounding landscape, then realized that the lighthouse was actually open for visitors to climb. As of April 2023, it costs 5 USD per person, and they accept card for payment. From the top of the lighthouse, we could see in all directions. Perhaps the best view was looking west towards nearby Arashi Beach.

Druif Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link

After coming down from California Lighthouse, we got back in our UTV and left the main paved road. After a short drive southeast, we made our second stop: Druif Beach. We saw lots of other off-roaders parked here, so we also got out for a bit. The waves were pretty rough here, and so was the terrain. This probably isn’t a safe place to swim, but the blue waters and rocky landscapes are really pretty at Druif Beach.

Alto Vista Chapel

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link

The next major attraction is one you won’t want to miss! The Alto Vista Chapel is a famous symbol of Aruba. I love its pastel yellow exterior and orange tile roof. It’s also set in a beautiful location overlooking the ocean with wild cactus growing in the background.

Be sure to check out the Peace Labyrinth behind the chapel. After walking around for a bit, we bought some fresh-squeezed fruit juice from a colorful vendor in the parking lot. We finished our refreshments and headed on to the next stop.

Lunch at Happy Stop

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happystoparuba/

I highly recommend getting lunch at Happy Stop, a food truck located right next to the Bushiribana Ruins. It’s basically the only food vendor on Aruba’s north shore. Luckily, the food at Happy Stop was delicious!

My friends both got hot dogs, and I ordered a fish sandwich. We also split an order of loaded fries. Everything was phenomenal, especially after a full morning of driving around!

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/historic-gold-mines

Along with the California Lighthouse and Alto Vista Chapel, the half-standing remnants of an old gold mill are another well-known landmark located on the coastal UTV trail. In fact, the Bushiribana Ruins can be found on the back side of the ten Aruban Florin bill (the local currency).

Although a sign is posted at the entrance of the gold mill stating that entry is prohibited, an open doorway is in no way blocked. Lots of other visitors were “inside” the structure, so we also checked it out. Enter at your own risk, I guess. The interior of the ruins has stairs that go up to the top of the façade, which is built into the side of the hill. From here, you’ll have a beautiful panoramic view of the shoreline in both directions.

Natural Bridge

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/natural-bridges

A little ways down the coast from Bushiribana is the Natural Bridge, a naturally-occurring archway made of rock right on the ocean. It’s honestly a little underwhelming, and access to it is blocked for safety reasons.

There is a gift and snack shop next to the Natural Bridge, which is a good place to stock up on water or sunscreen.

Andicuri Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/andicuri-beach

This beach was our final stop along Aruba’s northern coast. It didn’t appear possible to continue along the shore from the Natural Bridge to Andicuri, so we backtracked for a while and went all the way around (through Matividiri, along Route 6).

This was kind of an adventure because the final road was blocked at this point with a sign claiming private property (which we saw other people ignoring, so we did too). We had to park the UTV and walk the rest of the way. After all of that, Andicuri Beach was nice but nothing spectacular. If you want to skip it, I’d say that’s fine.

Ayo Rock Formations

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/rock-formations

We didn’t originally plan to stop at this small trail loop featuring truly massive boulders, but I’m glad we did! Apparently there are petroglyphs on some of the rocks, but I didn’t notice them on our quick walkthrough. Entrance is free, but the trail loop does require some ducking down to squeeze through a few narrow gaps in between the giant stones.

Baby Beach

Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
Website: https://www.aruba.com/us/explore/baby-beach

By the time we were done exploring the Ayo Rock Formations, we had a few hours left of our UTV rental. We wanted to make the most of it, so we drove all the way down to Baby Beach on the southern tip of the island.

This was fine, although Baby Beach is absolutely accessible with a regular rental car. If your only vehicle rental on Aruba is a UTV, then by all means take it where you want to go. But if you also plan to rent a car on other days, I recommend using the UTV to focus on the sites between California Lighthouse and Andicuri Beach.

Be aware that eight hours is not really enough time to truly circumnavigate the island while hugging the shore. Many rental companies will recommend visiting various attractions all over Aruba, and the truth is you’ll have to prioritize what you want to see. The only way you’d be able to drive all the way around Aruba is if you made minimal stops and each one was very quick. This kind of defeats the purpose of renting an ATV or UTV, in my opinion!

Comments & Evaluation

Overall, our full-day UTV rental from Around Aruba was a great experience! We really enjoyed most of the stops on our route. I’m glad we spent one of our four days on Aruba cruising around the rocky north shore.

We didn’t experience any issues with the vehicle such as breakdowns or flat tires. As such, we didn’t need additional assistance from Around Aruba Tours. I can’t speak to whether their service is prompt in the event of a problem, but hopefully it is.

Should You Rent a UTV For Multiple Days on Aruba?

I would say no. An ATV or UTV is best suited to explore the various stops listed in this post. There are a number of reasons why a standard rental car would be a better choice if you just need basic transportation. The main factor is cost: a rental car is significantly cheaper. In addition, UTVs can only be rented for a maximum of eight hours. You would have to return the vehicle each night and pick up a new one in the morning if you wanted it for more than one day.

In addition, while UTVs can technically be driven on all paved roads in Aruba, I felt slightly uneasy driving along Route 1, the closest thing to a highway on the island. That’s because other cars were zooming past us at much higher speeds. If you use Route 1 to get to Baby Beach on a UTV, exercise increased caution.

Should you Book a UTV Group Tour?

Throughout the day, we passed by many group tours, some with dozens of vehicles. None of them looked especially appealing. The main reason I don’t recommend joining one is that they tend to kick up a lot of dust. All the drivers and passengers have to wear bulky masks to avoid breathing it in. In addition, you probably wouldn’t have control over how long you get at each stop, or even where you would stop.

Comparison to an ATV Rental in 2017

I had been to Aruba one time before this trip, and on that visit I rented a single-person ATV and did a similar tour. I reserved that vehicle with another local company called Roadrunner ATV Rentals. The main difference between then and now is the fact that ATVs and UTVs can no longer enter Arikok National Park, which is further along the north shore than the Natural Bridge.

When I rented my ATV in 2017, I believe I ended my day at the Conchi Natural Pool. This time, it was unclear to us whether off-roading vehicles can still go that far south, but we didn’t see any individuals or caravans continuing past the Natural Bridge.

I also remember the terrain being much rougher back then. Perhaps six years of traffic have made the dirt paths a little smoother. The UTV probably also had much better suspension than the smaller ATV.

Did We Consider Booking With Other Companies?

Yes, we did. Because of my previous experience with Roadrunner ATV Rentals, I actually reached out to them before booking with Around Aruba Tours. Unfortunately, they wanted drivers to be aged thirty or above to rent a UTV, which none of us are. After further inquiry, they told us that they would need a $1000 deposit.

Even though I had a good experience with Roadrunner in 2017, this all seemed a little excessive in 2023. After all, both the age requirement and the deposit for the UTV were significantly more stringent than what’s needed to rent a car on the island. In contrast, Around Aruba Tours offered more reasonable stipulations.

Enjoy your off-roading adventure!

Ultimately, Around Aruba Tours was a great way to see a side of this island nation that many visitors overlook. Aruba’s dry, rocky landscapes and wild cacti set it apart from other Caribbean islands. Our rental went smoothly, and we really enjoyed a full day of driving around.

If you’re headed to Aruba, I hope this blog post provided some helpful insights! Be sure to browse around a bit before booking anything just to make sure the rates you’re paying are reasonable; prices could always change or increase. Have you rented an ATV or UTV on Aruba? Have you been to any of the attractions featured in this post? Leave a comment below and let me know! Thanks for reading and enjoy your journey!

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This post was published on Apr 19, 2023

Bangkok (Sept)
Istanbul (Sept)

The post Around Aruba UTV Tour Review: Go Off-Roading On The Island’s Northern Shore appeared first on Caffeinated Excursions.

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15 Amazing Things To Do In Aruba: Ideas For A Four-Day Itinerary

Beautiful Beaches

#1 Arashi Beach

#2 Palm Beach

#3 Eagle Beach

#4 Mangel Halto Beach

#5 Rodger's Beach

#6 Baby Beach

Food & Drink

#7 Local Aruban Cuisine

Gasparito Local Aruban Restaurant

The Old Cunucu House

#8 Dutch Pancakes

Linda's Dutch Pancakes

The Dutch Pancakehouse

#9 Fine Dining

Wilhelmina Restaurant

#10 Aruban BBQ

Ora's Bar and Restaurant

#11 A Homestay Meal

La Tavola (Anaté Beach Apartments)

Towns to Visit or Stay In

#12 Oranjestad

#13 Savaneta

#14 San Nicolaas

Activities & Tours

#15 Rent an ATV or UTV

Go Enjoy Aruba's Sun, Sand, and Sea!

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Around Aruba UTV Tour Review: Go Off-Roading On The Island’s Northern Shore

UTV Rental Overview

Differences Between ATVs and UTVs

Rental Requirements & Logistics

Stops on our Self-Guided Tour

California Lighthouse

Druif Beach

Alto Vista Chapel

Lunch at Happy Stop

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

Natural Bridge

Andicuri Beach

Ayo Rock Formations

Baby Beach

Comments & Evaluation

Should You Rent a UTV For Multiple Days on Aruba?

Should you Book a UTV Group Tour?

Comparison to an ATV Rental in 2017

Did We Consider Booking With Other Companies?

Enjoy your off-roading adventure!

Share This Post With Fellow Travelers!

Recent Posts

Meet Your Caffeinated Blogger: Kevin!

Where I Am Now

Categories

Where I’ve Been

Upcoming Trips

Archives

Click To Follow!

Support the Blog!

Subscribe Via Email

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