The 10 Best Places to Visit in Aruba

De Palm Island’s all-inclusive packages make it easy to spend an entire day in the water or lounging on the beach with unlimited food and drinks. Relax under a cabana or grab a snorkel and get a glimpse of the beautiful coral reefs teeming with tropical sea life. Packages cover food and an open bar, snorkeling, ziplining, banana boat rides, air jumpers, the Blue Parrotfish Water Park (kids love the waterslides), salsa lessons, and other daily activities such as beach volleyball and field games. Upgrades from the basic package include other watersports such as SNUBA and the Sea Trek, an underwater helmet walk.

Formed by coral limestone rock being eroded by years of pounding surf, Aruba’s natural bridge once spanned 100 feet (30 meters) of ocean and stood 25 feet (7.5 meters) above sea level. It was one of the largest formations of this kind in the world. It might no longer be standing, but visitors, including many guided horseback, ATV, and jeep tours, still come to the area to see the remaining limestone bridge—baby bridge—and to explore nearby Andicuri Beach.

Walking trails at Philip’s Animal Garden wind through the tropical grounds past the animal enclosures. Admission includes a guided tour of the sanctuary, and visitors have the opportunity to interact with the animals, including feeding them. The facility is supported entirely from tours, theme days, and donations. Animal-sanctuary tours typically include a stop at Philip’s Animal Garden.

Northwest of Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, Palm Beach is a hub for activities day and night. The long stretch of sand leaves plenty of room for relaxing, and the blue Caribbean waters are calm enough for snorkeling and swimming just offshore. Parasailing, scuba diving, and horseback riding are other popular daytime activities.

Aruba tours that circle the island often include a stop at Palm Beach, as well as other island highlights. There are also guided expeditions via bus, Jeep, ATV, or party bus. Boat tours and Aruba catamaran sails pass Palm Beach for views and photo ops before proceeding to a sunset viewing location, the famous Natural Pool, or the Antilla shipwreck scuttled just off Arashi Beach. A typical Aruba sightseeing tour stops at Palm Beach in combination with other landmarks such as Arikok National Park, Baby Beach, Eagle Beach, the California Lighthouse, or the Natural Bridge.

Aloe is native to Aruba and thanks to its medicinal and restorative properties, aloe has become one of the leading exports of the island nation. Visit the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum to learn about the history of the plant and its connection to Aruba, plus see facilities such as the cutting room, testing lab, and packaging of products.

Sailing tours often include a stop at Boca Catalina, allowing travelers to swim or snorkel in the calm, turquoise waters. The depth is about 15 feet (5 meters), making it easy to see sea fans and coral, and float along with schools of angelfish, blue parrotfish, and damselfish. Just offshore lies the wreckedS.S. Antilla, a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. The serene waters also make this a good beach destination for families.

Northeast of Hooiberg, Aruba, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations were purportedly used by the indigenous Arawak people to listen for approaching thunderstorms. The Arawak also carved paintings (known as petroglyphs) into the rocks during religious rituals. The formations are free to visit, and make a good spot to give the family a fun geology lesson. These structures are often included as a stop on island tours.

Local legend says the caves once held a pair of lovers condemned by the girl’s father. The lovers died in their separate chambers and their souls rose to the heavens through holes in the cave ceiling. The main cave chamber is nearly 100 feet (30.5 meters) long, and Arawak Indian drawings on the cave walls provide insight into the Aruba’s cultural history. Some island tours include a short guided visit to the caves.

This homage to the Roman Catholic religion is a must-see for tourists interested in visiting the island’s holy sites, and it’s a popular place of worship for locals. Some tours of the island include a stop at the shrine, but it is easily accessible by car. Many tourists pay a visit to this peaceful, quiet spot for private prayers and reflection. Some visitors light a candle to set their intentions as well.