Visiting the most photographed spots in a new place often feels mandatory, especially during a first trip. After all, they are popular for a reason: both locals and travelers admire their striking features, whether that is bold architecture or vibrant colors. Aruba has plenty of them: Arashi Beach, the Casibari and Ayo rock formations, and Fort Zoutman all stand out for their historic relevance in the Lesser Antilles and colonial appeal. Still, the island hides quieter corners. In those places, soft birdsongs break the comfortable silence, and golden light casts a mysterious yet inviting glow.
In previous editions, we have featured sites often overlooked: the Jane Sea shipwreck, with its gruesome past, Aruba’s only estate winery, located in Alto Vista, and the Lourdes Grotto, meeting point to practice faith. Now it is Isla di Oro’s turn. Its name, which means “Golden Island” in Papiamento, hints at hidden treasures or, perhaps, unforgettable moments. So, let us see which one it is!
Why the Jane Sea shipwreck in Aruba is a must-visit for snorkelers
Where is Isla di Oro in Aruba?
Does the term “island” always describe land surrounded by water, like Sea Glass Island, which we talked about in a previous article? Technically, yes. But Aruba is far from ordinary. It is a paradise that reveals its secrets slowly, and only to those who take the time to uncover them. In this case, Isla di Oro is not an island at all. It is a small peninsula extending from the southwest coast, between Post Chiquito and Savaneta (though it sits closer to the latter). Nearby attractions include Mangel Halto and the quiet beaches of Santo Largo and Savaneta. You can check the exact locations by following this link.
How do I get to it?
Isla di Oro in Aruba attracts true adventure connoisseurs. As mentioned earlier, you won’t find it easily on social media or through a quick, careless internet search. Having said that, getting there is quite simple. Renting a car? You can drive along Route 1, which becomes Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard in the island’s northern tourist zone. However, if you prefer a worry-free outing, book a tour with professionals like Aruba Bob Snorkeling & Scuba. They offer a $60 trip that stops at Sea Glass Island, where guests search for the rare, colorful pebbles. Then everyone heads to Isla di Oro, which provides an “exciting experience” among coral reefs and tropical fish.
Lourdes Grotto: A must-see stop on your Aruba road trip
What can you expect at Isla di Oro in Aruba?
“If it’s called Golden Island, does that mean it holds shiny nuggets?”, some may wonder. While we would love to say yes, that is unlikely. The name only refers to a past economic boom in the region. The true value of Isla di Oro in Aruba lies elsewhere. We like to say its beauty lives in nature and thrives in the marine life that fills its warm waters. Sports lovers and divers know this well. How? Every year, hundreds of them spend hours under the sun, gliding through gardens of lush underwater algae.
Whether you are an expert or just getting used to goggles plastic fins, we are sure you will marvel at the different variety of coral in the shallow reef. Think brain, staghorn, star, and plate corals. You might also encounter angelfish, moray eels, or even lobsters, according to the Visit Aruba website.
The Dutch digital guide Duikersgids describes Isla di Oro in Aruba as a part of a “vast mangrove”. This means various ecosystems meet in this unique area. That makes sense, considering its relative proximity to Mangel Halto, whose name is also in Papiamento and means “high mangrove”. It is also common to see kayakers and paddle boarders exploring the peaceful waters nearby. So, what do you think? Are you ready to spend a whole day uncovering Isla di Oro’s secrets?
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