Seaside locations charm travelers with gentle breezes and orange sunsets, often evoking scenes from vintage postcards. Almost without fail, picturesque lighthouses add a nostalgic glow to the view. Aruba, like its Caribbean neighbors, features its own iconic towers. Many visitors know the one on the northern tip, named after a British vessel and the island’s most photographed spot. But do they know its story? Or that another stands quietly in the south? In this article, you will learn all about these lighthouses in Aruba and how to check out both of them.
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Exploring the timeless lighthouses in Aruba: California and Colorado Point
California Lighthouse
Local sources say that the first caretaker of the California Lighthouse was Jacob Jacobs, a young man originally from Curaçao. Credit: falco/Pixabay
This lighthouse stands near Malmok Beach and Ocean Z Boutique Hotel, at Aruba’s northwestern tip. Although construction ended in 1.916, the tragedy that gave it its name occurred on September 20, 1.891. The S.S. California, a British steamship voyaging from Liverpool to Central America with passengers and cargo, arrived in unfamiliar waters. The midnight darkness kept it from continuing without the guidance of a beacon and, as expected, it sank. Its wrecks now lie among other crafts in the surrounding sea and some of its clothing and furniture may still be part of a handful of Aruban homes.
Today, this stone-and-metal structure still serves its original purpose. Of the two lighthouses in Aruba, this one stands out for its panoramic views of the Hudishibana plateau, which anyone can enjoy from the top for just five dollars. Just make sure to get there early (midday is the busiest time), wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of vitality.
If you do not feel like climbing more than 100 steps or dislike small spaces, do not worry! The view from the base also impresses, especially at sunrise and around 7:00 p.m. Want a more private experience? Check out the lunch or dinner for two at the top, offered by the restaurant now set in the former keeper’s quarters. You can find more information about this and other top-rated TripAdvisor activities in the following free guide:
Colorado Point Lighthouse
Colorado Point Lighthouse is also known as Seroe Colorado Lighthouse. Credit: BobSpicer/Pixabay
Standing at about 167 feet tall, this structure looks far from the classic lighthouses we see in movies, with their sturdy towers, red and white stripes, and glass domes. However, its history is as interesting as its wild, untouched setting. According to the Beaches of Aruba website, its simple structure of worn metal has stood there since 1.881 and, surprisingly, continues to guide sailors approaching the island’s southeastern point. Those visitors seeking photo ops or a secluded panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, along with ruins for World War II oil defense, will enjoy this spot.
Some travelers claim the best way to reach the second of the lighthouses in Aruba is by car. After visiting the Seroe Colorado Lighthouse, you can continue driving to nearby attractions. Baby Beach, known for its calm waters, Rodgers Beach, dotted with fishermen on colorful boats, and Stairs into the Sea, a quiet stretch of coast, are great options to consider. If you prefer, you can also wander through the streets of San Nicolás, Aruba‘s most artistic neighborhood, far from the tourist bustle of Noord and Oranjestad.
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