5 Best Day Trips from Aruba
Aruba might feel like paradise all on its own, but sometimes adding a little adventure outside the usual can make your trip even more unforgettable. If you’re in the mood to explore beyond Aruba’s shores, or just want a fun change of scenery, here are some of the best day trips from Aruba that you should definitely consider.
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1. Bonaire: Diver’s Paradise
Getting There: A short 30-minute flight from Aruba, usually with Divi Divi Air or EZ Air. Flights are small and fast, but book early as seats fill up fast.
Why Go: Bonaire is world-famous among divers with amazing reefs and incredibly clear waters. It’s one of the easiest places in the world for shore diving, making it perfect whether you’re a seasoned diver or want to try a Discover Scuba session with an instructor.
Even if you don’t dive, the island’s wild flamingos, mangrove kayaking, and colorful capital of Kralendijk make it a beautiful day out. This day trip from Aruba is best if you’re active and love the ocean. Since it involves a flight and early start, it’s a bit more effort, but it’s perfect for travelers ready for a full, adventure-packed day.
Learn all about visiting Bonaire from Aruba.
2. Curaçao: Colorful Streets and Hidden Beaches
Getting There: About a 35-minute flight, again via Divi Divi Air or EZ Air. You’ll want to plan for a full-day outing.
Why Go: Curaçao is packed with color, culture, and beautiful beaches. Spend the morning wandering the pastel-colored streets of Willemstad (a UNESCO World Heritage site), then head to secluded beaches like Playa Kenepa for an afternoon swim. There are also fascinating museums, forts, and some of the best food in the region.
Curaçao is a little bigger than Aruba, so renting a car or joining a guided tour once you land will help you make the most of it. This trip is perfect if you love blending city exploring with beach time and don’t mind a bit of planning or adventure.
3. Renaissance Island: Aruba’s Exclusive Escape
Getting There: A 10-minute boat ride from Oranjestad. Boats depart every 15 minutes from the Renaissance Aruba Resort lobby.
Why Go: Renaissance Island is pure, tropical luxury. Lounge on soft white sands, sip cocktails by the sea, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and snap iconic photos of the famous pink flamingos. The island features the adults-only Flamingo Beach, the family Iguana Beach, watersports, spa services over the water, and rentable private cabanas.
To visit, you’ll need to plan ahead. There are truly four ways to get there, but for a full day escape you’ll either need to stay at the Renaissance hotel, buy a day pass (which are limited and sell out quickly), or opt for a spa treatment on the island.
This trip is perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone wanting a pampered, laid-back beach day without dealing with complicated logistics.
Learn all about the options for visiting Renaissance Island.
4. De Palm Island: All-Inclusive Fun
Getting There: A quick 5-minute ferry ride from the mainland. All-inclusive day passes are sold directly online or through your hotel. Choose from with transportation on the mainland or without transportation.
Why Go: De Palm Island offers a fully packaged day of fun, with snorkeling (especially around the colorful parrotfish), waterslides, zip lines, banana boat rides, and even the SeaTrek underwater helmet walk—no scuba certification needed! Plus, unlimited food and drinks are included.
It’s great for families, groups of friends, or those who want an easy, activity-filled day without planning. It’s more commercial and structured, so it might not be ideal if you’re seeking untouched nature, but if you just want effortless fun, it’s a fantastic choice.
Learn all about visiting De Palm Island.
5. Sea Glass Island: A Hidden Gem
Getting There: Typically accessed via a short boat ride booked online or through local tour operators.
Why Go: This lesser-known spot is the place to go in Aruba for sea glass lovers and beachcombers. Sea Glass Island is full of colorful glass smoothed by the sea. While this Aruba day trip is really just a few hours, it’s perfectly peaceful, natural, and far from the usual tourist trail. Pair it with lunch at Zeerover, one of the classic laid-back seafood joints on the island.
It’s worth noting that there are no facilities on Sea Glass Island. We’re talking no bathrooms, restaurants, or shaded areas. So, it’s important to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. It’s best for those who love simple, untouched beauty and don’t mind a little “roughing it” for the experience.
Learn all about visiting Sea Glass Island.
Great Day Trips Without Leaving Aruba
Let’s be real. Aruba has plenty of things to do on the island. You don’t have to take a day trip to nearby islands for an adventure. And some places you might want to take a trip to don’t offer such a thing. For example, there are no day trips to Venezuela from Aruba.
Even if the above side trips don’t interest you, there’s plenty to choose from on the island for a fun-filled day.
Around-the-Island Tour
Getting There: Rent a car, join a guided tour, or hop on a bus excursion.
Why Go: Hit Aruba’s top landmarks all in one day, including the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Natural Bridge, Arikok National Park, and Baby Beach. It’s the perfect crash course in Aruba’s culture, history, and natural beauty, especially if your vacation is short.
Just be prepared for a lot of driving and sightseeing. It’s great for first-timers who want to experience as much of Aruba as possible in one shot. If you’re there for a week, you may prefer to split the island into multiple day trips.
Check out these island tours:
Arikok National Park
Getting There: Drive yourself (recommended 4×4 for certain areas) or book a guided jeep or UTV tour.
Why Go: Covering nearly 20% of Aruba, Arikok offers dramatic desert landscapes, ancient caves with Arawak paintings, hidden beaches, and the famous Natural Pool (Conchi). It’s by far the best day trip in Aruba and one every visitor should make at least once.
This national park is perfect for adventurers, hikers, and photographers. Some areas are rugged and remote, so make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and good shoes, and be ready for a real outdoor experience.
Check out these day trips to Arikok National Park:
Quick Decision Guide: Which Aruba Day Trip is Right for You?
With so many amazing options, it can be hard to choose the perfect day trip from Aruba. Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a romantic escape, or just want to add some adventure to your beach days, this quick guide will help you pick the best fit for your style, interests, and budget.
| Day Trip | Best For | Focus | Estimated Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonaire | Serious divers, adventure travelers | Active, nature-focused, underwater exploration | $$$ (Higher – Flight + Activities) |
| Curaçao | Explorers, culture lovers, beach hoppers | Colorful, urban + beachy, historic | $$$ (Higher – Flight + Transport) |
| Renaissance Island | Couples, honeymooners, luxury seekers | Relaxed, upscale, Instagram-worthy | $$$ (Higher – Hotel/Day Pass + Food) |
| De Palm Island | Families, groups of friends, casual adventurers | All-inclusive fun, zero planning needed | $$ (Mid-range – Day Pass Includes Food/Drinks) |
| Sea Glass Island | Nature lovers, collectors, photographers | Off-the-beaten-path, peaceful, no frills | $$ (Mid-range – Boat Tour Only) |
| Around-the-Island Tour | First-time visitors, sightseeing lovers | Classic highlights, cultural and scenic | $ (Lower – Car Rental or Tour Cost) |
| Arikok National Park | Hikers, nature lovers, photographers | Wild landscapes, adventurous, rugged | $ (Lower – Park Entrance + Rental/Guided Tour) |
Have more questions about Aruba day trips?
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