Once that is taken care of, it is time to craft an itinerary to make the most of each day. Planning can be quite overwhelming… Especially when it comes to an Aruba vacation, where options abound. If you are facing this challenge right now and do not feel like spending a whole afternoon surfing the web, this article is for you.
Best beaches in Aruba: The hidden gems you’ve likely missed
The perfect Aruba vacation is calling
A California Lighthouse dinner
The California Lighthouse is one of Aruba‘s most iconic landmarks. It stands tall in the Hudishibana area and was named after a ship that sank nearby in 1891. Its views of the island’s northwestern coast, dotted with its beaches and corals, never fail to impress visitors from around the world. That is why, besides guiding modern-day sailors, it offers the perfect setting for a sunset or starlit dinner. This specific experience is all about that.
After climbing 117 steps, guests reach a table where, over two hours, they enjoy a three-course meal paired with a bottle of wine. The menu features caprese salad, veal, and steak with rice. The dessert is a tough choice between decadent tiramisu and creamy flan. Warm lights, soft music, and an idyllic Caribbean panorama create a romantic atmosphere. This exclusive activity costs $295 per couple, the maximum number allowed at a time.
- Price: $295 per group.
- Rating: 5.0.
- Contact: California Lighthouse Three-Course Dining Experience in Aruba
An adrenaline-filled off-road tour on the North Coast
An Aruba vacation is a chance to embrace new things, from tasting the traditional keshi yena to learning a few words of Papiamento to connect with its culture. Another way to step out of your comfort zone is by seeking adventures that lead to hidden spots and rugged trails. TripAdvisor users recommend ATV tours like this one, which includes stops at Blackstone Beach, where the sand lives up to its name, the Three Brothers Bridges, and the legendary Sasariwichi Dunes. This option is perfect for those who appreciate off-the-beaten gems. Are you one of them?
- Price: $162.40 per adult.
- Rating: 4.9.
- Contact: Aruba UTV, ATV Adventure to Secret Beach and Cave Pool
Half-day snorkeling cruise

A great way to start the morning on the right foot is to rent a boat and sail the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The most adventurous couples will love snorkeling together. Credits: Oleksandr P/Pexels
Water-based activities are the cherry on top of any Aruba vacation. At Ocean Z, we encourage guests to delight in a classic outing at Malmok Beach. For a more adventurous experience, they can explore enigmatic shipwrecks and observe vibrant coral up close. Delphi Watersports offers excellent catamaran tours to check these items off their itinerary. Over three hours, the crew takes up to 42 passengers to the SS Antilla, which sank in 1940, and then to Boca Catalina, a small bay known for its calm waves.
While some snorkeling practice is helpful, no prior skills are needed since in-house guides are trained to explain every detail. For $69, guests can also learn about local nature and wildlife while enjoying exciting extras like a rope swing, a spinning water slide and an open bar with a variety of tropical fruits, drinks, and cocktails.
- Price: $65 per adult.
- Rating: 4.8.
- Contact: Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar
Antilla shipwreck: A dive into Aruba’s sunken treasure
A day of fun and snorkeling on a pirate ship
Island life is often associated with peaceful settings, slow rhythms, and early swimming sessions in calm waters. But when the sun is at its peak, certain Aruban shores stir with an unexpected guest: an 85-foot-long teak schooner. This pirate-style vessel invites those seeking a livelier plan to enjoy the Caribbean from a different perspective. The service includes three stops (Malmok, Boca Catalina, and the legendary SS Antilla shipwreck), a “hearty barbecue”, an open bar, and a rope swing that will spark pure, childlike joy.
- Price: $100 per adult.
- Rating: 4,8.
- Contact: Set Sail in Aruba: Jolly Pirate Cruise with Snorkel Adventure
For more information on these activities, check the links above or download our free guide by clicking the button below. The latter includes all the essential information you need to know and a few extra recommendations!
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