Aruba Attractions

Access Art Gallery, Caya G.F. Betico Croes 16-18, Oranjestad, Aruba

Alto Vista Chapel  The chapel was built in 1952 on the site of the original, and first, Catholic church built in Aruba in 1750 by a Spanish missionary, Domingo Antonio Silvestre. The bright yellow chapel is reached by a winding road lined with white crosses marking the stations of the cross. It is a special place for peace and contemplation, surrounded by the Aruban countryside.

Archaeological Museum of Aruba, J. Irausquinplein 2-A (behind the Saint Franciscus church) Oranjestad Aruba.  The oldest part of Aruba's cultural heritage is exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Aruba. The permanent collection gives the visitor a taste of early periods in the history and pre-history of the island. Ceramic artifacts, shell and stone tools and ornaments are on display for all those who would like to know about Aruba's first cultures. Aruba was first visited by humans approximately 4500 years ago.

Arikok National Park  Surrounding Mt. Arikok near the center of the island is a natural preserve which features some of the oldest Arawak drawings, as well as trails that showcase Aruba's great variety of plants and animals like the divi-divi and kwihi trees, rare and exotic cacti, aloe, tropical flowers, birds and iguanas. There's also an old Aruban "cunucu" house, "cas ditorta," made of mud and grass. Together with the Coastal Protection Zone, Arikok National Park encompasses 25 percent of the island.

Aruba Aloe Factory  Take a guided tour through Aruba's oldest industry and see the production process first-hand from Aloe leaf to finished lotions.  You will have the opportunity to learn all about the 160 year old Aloe history of Aruba in our museum.  Aruba Aloe currently produces over 50 aloe-based body, sun and hair care products which can be purchased at the factory.

Aruba Golf Club, Aruba If you are looking for a more budget-conscious course, then Aruba Golf Club is right for you. Located east of Sint Nicolas on the southeastern coast of Aruba, this nine-hole Astroturf course is unusual. In addition to playing on oiled sand greens, golfers will face 20 sand traps and five water traps designed to increase the level of difficulty for"weekend pros." The Aruban Trade Winds are a natural obstacle, as are the goats that roam the course - and they don't move when you shout"Fore!" Even though it is a nine-hole course, it may feel more like a competitive 18-hole course. Tee times occur between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m daily. Rates at Aruba Golf Club are not affected by the tourist seasons: $10 (USD) for nine holes and $15-$18 (USD) for 18 holes. Caddies and clubs are also available for rent.

Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations In the past, the Arawak Indians used to inhabit this place, while putting their drawings on the rocks. The Arawak Indians used to visit here, in order to hear incoming thunderstorms closing in on the island of Aruba. Therefore, the population of the Arawak Indians were notified and prepared for the outcome.

Bubali Pond, Palm/Eagle Beach.  Birdwatchers will enjoy Bubali Pond, a sanctuary for pelicans, black cormorants, sandpipers and wood storks as they fish, bathe and play in this scenic waterscape.

Bushiribana Ruins  The remains of a gold smelter that was built of natural stone in 1825 and functioned for most of the 19th century. The ruins, mainly crumbling walls and graffiti, are interesting for their historical value, but the site has no guides or explanatory material. It's said that the smelter, in it's 90 years of operation, produced some three million pounds of gold.

Butterfly Farm  A visit to Aruba’s Butterfly Farm is an unforgettable encounter with nature in all its beauty and diversity. Step into a tropical garden teeming with butterflies from around the globe and prepare to meet some of the world’s most colorful and unusual creatures. Observe the life cycle of these fascinating animals from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.ual creatures. Observe the life cycle of these fascinating animals from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.

California Lighthouse  The lighthouse was named after a ship called the Californian, which has the distinction of having been in proximity of, and having received distress signals from, the Titanic, as she went down in icy waters in 1912. The Californian's radio operator was off-duty and asleep at the time of the disaster, and this small piece of bad karma perhaps sealed the Californian's fate. She went down in rough seas off the Aruba coast a few years after the Titanic sank, and to this day the ship is a popular dive site.

California Dunes, Acres of white sand and rocks are popular for riding ATVs and Jeeps.

De Man Shell Collection, Morgenster 18, Oranjestad. One of the most extensive private shell collections in the world. Call (297) 824246 for an appointment

De Oude Molen / Windmill  This old windmill was first built in 1804 in Holland and then shipped to Aruba piece by piece and reconstructed in 1960. It now features a moderately-priced restaurant that specializes in continental dining.

De Palm Island, Your own fantasy island is just a short ferry ride away! The moment you disembark at De Palm Island, you know you have arrived at a special private tropical paradise. Choose a relaxing day of sunbathing and leisure or exciting thrills at the new, spectacular water park with exciting water features for the whole family, including six breathtaking water slides. Waters teeming with abundant aquatic life, including brilliant blue parrotfish found only here, delight swimmers and snorkelers. The worry-free, attractive all-inclusive package features an all-you-can-eat buffet and open bar, snorkeling equipment and instruction, and various island activities. Enjoy some quiet time or a siesta on a beachfront lounger or under a shady cabana. Amenities include top-of-the-line facilities, brand new changing rooms and showers.

Donkey Sanctuary, Aruba  The Save Our Donkeys Foundation began in April 1997, to represent the continuous existence of the Aruban donkey and to collect and care for all donkeys ‘in distress’:  illness, injury, mistreatment, etc.  At this moment we are caring for 90 donkeys (and our numbers grow each year) but spread over 3 sanctuary locations, which are all on loan to us.  It is an inefficient use of our very limited resources and precious volunteers (no paid employees).

Fort Zoutman And Willem III Tower  The oldest building in the country, this Dutch fortress now houses the Historical Museum of Aruba, where Caiquetio artifacts from the prehistoric past are now on display alongside remnants from the Dutch colonial period and other items of local interest. Museum open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Galeria Eterno Art Gallery, Emmastraat 92 Aruba

Grapefield Climbing Area, Aruba  Grapefield is situated on the eastern point of Aruba, near Seroe Colorado. It is reached by taking the road to San Nicolas and then following the signs to Seroe Colorado. At a certain moment you'll reach a T-crossing with a large anchor (a sort of sculpture / landmark). Turn to the left and follow the road. You are now passing through Grapefield and you can see Boca Grandi, the beach near Grapefield on your right. The directions are clearly indicated by road-signs.

If you are following the correct road you'll see a cliff to your left with a compound on it. It's Aruba's prison. Litter the area and they we will put you in there!! Drive on for about one kilometer (yes, we know the road is terrible..) and you'll see a sign to your left pointing out the location of the climbing area.

The Grapefield area derives it's name from the so called "Grape trees" which used to grow here. In the past the Exxon Company has dumped it's waste here and most of the trees have withered and died. The Exxon Company has removed the so called "Pitch" from the area before they left Aruba and the Grape Trees are nowadays slowly recovering from this environmental catastrophe. Hopefully the area will once again become covered by them. Remnants of the pitch can still be found on the field and many holes in the cliffs are still filled with "pitch-dust" . With combined efforts we hope to get the area completely cleaned one day...

Guadirikiri Caves, Aruba  In the deep recesses of rock along the island's windward coast, shallow cave formations intrigue visitors, who, in seeking to penetrate its damp chambers, are rewarded with mysterious views of rockdrawings, the sudden, flapping wings of a nervous bat and nature's artwork of stalagmites and stalactites. The Guadirikiri Cave is famous for its two chambers, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through holes in the roof of the cave.

The cave extends for about 100 feet. In the darker portions of the cave nest hundreds of harmless bats.  The Fontein Cave is the most popular of the caves as it is the only one that has the drawings of Arawak Indians on the ceilings, providing a real sense of island history to this cave.  The Huliba Cave is also known as the Tunnel of Love because of the heart shaped opening at its entrance. You will need flashlights to explore the 300-foot-long passageway.

Hooiberg, Aruba  Hooiberg rises 165m/617ft above sea level, and after climbing more than 600 steps, on clear days visitors are able to see the coast of Venezuela from the summit.

Morgan's Island Water Park, Palm/Eagle Beach

Natural Bridge  This was one of Aruba's most popular attractions before it collapsed on September 2, 2005. The bridge was a formation of coral limestone cut out by years of pounding surf, and was one of the largest of these types of spans in the world. It standed some 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level and spans more than 100 feet (30 meters).

There is no admission fee or set hours for visiting, but you'll find a few refreshment stands nearby open daily.

Natural Pool  The Natural Pool or "conchi" called "Cura di Tortuga" is a secret, hidden pool on the windward coast surrounded by rocks and is a perfect getaway for a moment of total relaxation.

The location of the pool is surrounded by some of Aruba’s most rugged terrain, so visitors truly gets the feeling of having "discovered" something when their eyes focus on the site. Diving from the rock cliffs into the protected pool of ocean water is the main reason why so many venture here off the beaten path.

Numismatic Museum, Zijstraat No. 7 (In Ministry of Culture building next to St. Francis Church) Oranjestad, Aruba  The Numismatic museum was established on November 13, 1981 and lodges the private collection of Mr. J. Mario Odor and is the first Numismatic museum established on Aruba. The museum contains over 35.000 different pieces covering over 400 countries.

Men minting coins in coinfactoryThis fantastic collection consists of about 115 different collections, a.o.: Primitive, Strange, Proof, Zoo, Counterstamp, Overstruck, Mini, Chop coins, Leprosium, Errors, Gold, Ration, F.A.O., Square, Dollars & Crowns, Commemoratives, Centerhold, Scalloped, Tokens, Wooden, Food coupons, and also Chips, Medals and much more.

Oranjestad  The capital city, located on the southern coast near the western end of the island, is extremely picturesque with its Dutch colonial architecture in pastel colors. Along the wharf, merchants come to sell fresh fish and produce right off the boats every morning. The downtown area with shopping malls surrounding it is the primary shopping area on the island.

Ostrich Farm  Although Africa is the native land of the ostrich, this intriguing bird finds a perfect home in Aruba's rugged landscape. The Aruba Ostrich Farm welcomes you to come and meet its 80-count flock of the largest living species in the world.

Visitors are encouraged to partake in a guided tour of the farm, inhabited by both ostriches and their flightless Australian relatives, emus. The tour provides the opportunity to learn about the natural behavior and survival instincts of these amazing creatures through detailed information as well as personal encounters with the birds.

Before or after the tour, we welcome guests to peruse our African Art Shop, chock-full of authentic goods from South Africa. Or simply relax in the shade of our sprawling Savanna Lodge Bar & Restaurant and sample a delicious ostrich meat dish. Enjoy the panoramic views of the island's northern coast while sipping on a fruity shake or frosty beer from the bar.  The Aruba Ostrich Farm is dedicated to providing a memorable and unique experience for all of our guests.

Quadiriki Caves  Here you can see Arawak petroglyphs. The name is is also of Arawak origin. This isn't the only place on the island where the Arawaks drew their likenesses of people and fish and other objects, but it is the most accessible. The caves, located high in the wall of a limestone cliff, house many deep passages. The first two chambers, about as far as you can go, are damp and dark, filled with bat guano and dripping stones and graffiti along with the petroglyphs. At the front of the cave is a small concession that rents high-intensity flashlights, a definite must if you haven't brought your own. The concession is open daily 10am - 6pm.

Stonehenge of Aruba  Ayó, northeast of Hooiberg, has been called the Stonehenge of Aruba, where rare burrowing owls have dug under giant boulders, whose origins have long puzzled geologists.

Tierra del Sol Golf Course, Aruba  Discover the luxurious villas of Tierra del Sol, most precious jewel overlooking the shore of the Caribbean Sea. The villa homes at Tierra del Sol are a great way to enjoy an amazing vacation. You can stay in a fully furnished home and enjoy the luxuries that go along with it. The villa homes are located a few feet away from the only 18 hole golf course in Aruba... now imagine it's affordable. The relaxed elegance, comfort and privacy you enjoy when you stay in a private villa make this type of vacation adifferent and unforgettable one.Ideal especially for families and those who prefer a thoroughlyindependent experience, this distinctive resort villa rental type is individually furnished, allowing you to customize your visit to your personal taste.Immerse yourself in the incomparable luxury of Tierra del Sol Resort, Spa and Country Club most distinguished retreat.

Wilhelmina Park, Oranjestad  This small waterfront park features a statue of Queen Wilhelmina, the leader of the Netherlands during the first half of the twentieth century.