Ingrid & Pedro
Ingrid & Pedro
Things to Do
Discover Aruba – Adventure, History, and Unforgettable Flavors
Aruba is more than just a tropical paradise—it’s an island rich in history, adventure, and some of the best food in the world. Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, explore rugged landscapes, or dive into local culture, Aruba has something for everyone.
Top 10 Things to Do in Aruba Relax on Aruba’s World-Famous Beaches
Aruba is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Eagle Beach, with its soft white sand and iconic Divi Divi trees, is ranked among the world’s best. Palm Beach offers crystal-clear waters and lively resorts, while Baby Beach is perfect for a calm, shallow swim.
Explore the Gold Mines
In the 19th century, Aruba experienced a gold rush, and remnants of this era can still be found at Bushiribana and Balashi. These historic gold mill ruins stand against Aruba’s dramatic desert landscape, offering a glimpse into the island’s past.
Visit the Native Caves
The ancient caves of Aruba hold secrets of the island’s indigenous history. Guadirikiri Cave is famous for its natural skylights, while Fontein Cave features ancient Arawak petroglyphs, giving visitors a window into Aruba’s first inhabitants.
Savor Aruba’s Incredible Cuisine
With influences from Dutch, Caribbean, Latin, and indigenous cultures, Aruba’s food scene is one of the best in the world. Must-try dishes include keshi yena (a stuffed cheese dish), funchi (a polenta-like side), and fresh-caught seafood like red snapper and wahoo. Street food lovers should try pastechi, a delicious deep-fried pastry filled with cheese or meat.
Experience Aruba’s Thriving Nightlife
As the sun sets, Aruba comes alive. From beachfront bars to lively clubs, there’s something for every vibe. Moomba Beach Bar is perfect for a relaxed cocktail by the ocean, while Gusto and South Beach Lounge bring the party to life in the Palm Beach area. If you love live music, check out local bands playing Latin, reggae, or traditional Aruban tunes.
Take a Jeep Tour Through Arikok National Park
Covering nearly 20% of the island, Arikok National Park is a must-visit. A jeep tour will take you through rugged desert landscapes, past cacti-covered hills, and to hidden natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip. The park is also home to historical sites, wildlife, and stunning coastline views.
Snorkel or Dive in Aruba’s Clear Waters
Aruba is a diver’s paradise with some of the best shipwrecks and coral reefs in the Caribbean. The Antilla Shipwreck, a sunken German freighter from WWII, is a favorite for divers. If you prefer snorkeling, Boca Catalina and Mangel Halto offer vibrant marine life close to shore.
Discover Oranjestad’s Colorful Culture
Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, is filled with Dutch colonial architecture, bustling markets, and local charm. Stroll through the city, visit Fort Zoutman (Aruba’s oldest building), and shop for handcrafted souvenirs in the local markets.
Visit the California Lighthouse
Perched on the northern tip of the island, the California Lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of Aruba. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic sunset or to capture stunning photos of the coastline.
Try Off-Roading to Aruba’s Natural Bridges and Rock Formations
Adventure seekers will love exploring Aruba’s dramatic landscapes. Rent an ATV or join a tour to visit the island’s natural bridges, Ayo and Casibari rock formations, and the rugged Andicuri Beach—a hidden gem away from the crowds.
An Island Full of History and Flavor
Aruba’s history is woven into every corner of the island—from the indigenous Arawak caves to the abandoned gold mines and Dutch colonial streets. The island’s diverse cultural influences have created a food scene that is unmatched, offering flavors that tell the story of its past.
Whether you’re here to explore, relax, or indulge, Aruba is a place that will steal your heart. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of my home!
Activities:
The Butterfly Farm Aruba
Imagine walking through a lush tropical rain forest amidst flowers and trees, ponds and a trickling waterfall with butterflies flying overhead and all around you in their own natural paradise. This is a dream come true at The Butterfly Farm in Aruba. Within a large meshed enclosure you can see hundreds of real exotic butterflies flying freely, a beautiful display of the most spectacular species from all over the world...
Aruba Ostrich Farm
Discover the Aruba Ostrich Farm on this guided tour. Get an introduction to the adult emus and ostriches. Learn about the ostrich's amazing speed as well as other defense mechanisms it uses against predators, as well as their mating, rearing, and feeding habits. The tour concludes with a visit to the incubator, hatchery, and the special pens for young ostriches and emus.
Jolly Pirates Aruba
Highlights:
Four-hour morning sail with snorkeling at three of the island’s most requested snorkel areas. Show off your belly flops and cannonballs on the famous pirate boat rope swing! Snorkel Aruba during the hours when the sun is high — this affords you the best visibility.
Explore two shallow, calm snorkel bays with tropical fish and sea critters. View amazing sea life at the 400-foot WWII Aruba snorkeling shipwreck near Antilla.
Perfect for novice and advanced snorkelers of all ages.
Includes a full set of snorkel gear, tasty BBQ, and an unlimited open bar.
Restuarants:
Zeerover
Zeerovers is a local bar and restaurant situated on the waterfront in the fishermen's town of Savaneta. Here we serve fresh fried fish and shrimps with side orders of fried plantain, french fries, pan bati(local version of cornbread), onions in vinegar and tartarsauce. Everything is served to you in a basket as you sit on the dock overlooking the water as fishermen bring in their catch which in fact could have been your meal if you came a few hours later. That said, this is not a place for fancy dining but rather a place where you are welcomed to kick back,relax and get your hands dirty.
Flying Fishbone
Picture yourself dining right on the beach, toes in the sand, under swaying palm fronds along a picturesque crescent bay in Savaneta, Aruba’s charming fisherman’s town. With an exquisite selection of fresh seafood and perfectly prepared steaks—each dish a work of art—you’ll quickly see why this spot is one of our favorites.
We highly recommend the lobster casserole And a little tip—Aruban portions are generous, so come hungry!
Giannis Restaurant Aruba
For more than 30 years our flagship restaurant Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano is THE address for the best Italian food on the island. Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano serves real Italian dishes for the entire family. Inspired by authentic Italian recipes and traditions, our menu includes favorites like Bruschetta Napoli, Bucatini Siciliana and Vitello Parmigiana. We also offer an extensive variety of specialties like our delicious Burrata. Our signature dish? Italian Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigiano. How it works? They bring out a large wheel of Parmesan cheese, shave out some cheese, pour whisky on it, light it on fire and when the flames die down they pour in the cooked spaghetti and roll it around completely covering the spaghetti with the cheese. You cannot get closer to pasta-heaven. Our gluten-free customers can easily request gluten-free pasta and gluten-free desserts.
Madame Janette
Rekindle your love for dining "Al Fresco" and daily live music at a unique restaurant that deliciously embraces Caribbean excitement with a European touch
Ritz snacks
This snack shop, has all the local snacks form Aruba that Pedro grew up with.
Favorites:
Pastichi (cheese, ham and cheese
Kroket ( with mustard)
Kapsalon (our version of a poutine, must try)
Fries with peanut sauce (we put peanut sauce on everything like ketchup lol)
Chicken sate ( with peanut sauce )
Johnny cake ( type of bread)
Sate sandwich with peanut sauce.
It’s a go to for every morning everyone eats a pasthechi in the morning. Arubans wake up very early, so sometimes some stuff might be sold out
Kowloon Restaurant
Prob one of my favorite Chinese restaurants on Aruba has been a round for a long time.
The Kowloon special fried rice is fire. Honestly I would get anything on the menu
Papiamento Restaurant
Night life
Vudu
Apotek Speakeasy
A beautiful speakeasy with alot of History. They have amazing shots and drinks and music all weekend by some great DJs.
Press the door buzzer to be let in
Bohemian Bar And Retaurant
A beautiful bar and restaurant, and a cool
and sexy atmosphere. The drinks were amazing and the vibe and style of the restaurant even better.
Probably the best drink we had on the island. Ask for Jesus (the Bartender) he will save your life.
