How to Spend One Day in Aruba

Q: Is There a Lot to Do in Aruba?

Yes, there is a lot to do in Aruba . Its rich history, vibrant culture, and gorgeous natural landscapes make the country a fun adventure and relaxing destination.

Q: How Long Do You Need in Aruba?

I recommend 3-5 days in Aruba for an introduction, but you can see some of the best attractions on the island in one day.

Q: What Should I Not Miss in Aruba?

When visiting Aruba, you will not want to miss visiting Arikok National Park, Eagle Beach, and Oranjestad . These were the most beautiful and unique places to visit on the island during my trip.

Q: Can You Drive Around Aruba in a Day?

Yes, you can drive around Aruba in a day . But you won’t see everything. It’s better to choose a few places to visit and save the rest for your next trip to Aruba.

Q: Is it Easy to Get Around Aruba Without a Car?

While you can get around Aruba without a car , you can’t get everywhere. The bus system will take you to the main attractions, but you cannot get around in Arikok without a vehicle.

Q: Can You Tour Aruba in a Day?

With the island’s small size, yes, you can tour Aruba in a day . You can see many highlights but not everything. Driving from the north tip to the southern tip of the island can be done in under an hour.

A beautiful tropical destination with so much to see and do which can make it hard to decide what to do in Aruba in a day.

The entire country is less than 70 square miles in size, but every corner of the island is packed with natural beauty.

You could spend a week or more in Aruba and not see everything, but it is possible to enjoy some of the island’s top sights in just one day.

After spending time on One Happy Island, I’ve put together the best ways to spend one day in Aruba for adventure. So let’s get right into it!

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7 Ways to Spend One Day in Aruba

a woman in a sundress leaning against a palm tree while looking out over a beautiful beach in aruba

1. Visit Aruba’s Beautiful Beaches

A classic way to spend 1-day in Aruba is with a beach day.

Whether you want to relax or enjoy water sports, the beaches here are a great place to start your day.

Explore its world-class beaches for yourself, choosing from the best beaches on the island: Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is one of my favourite beaches on the island. This white sand and crystal-clear water beach is home to the iconic Fofoti trees, some of the most photographed trees in Aruba.

Have some fun out on the water with jet skis, relax on the beach, go snorkelling, or enjoy nice restaurants close by.

a white sand beach in aruba with turquoise water and palm trees lining the beach

Palm Beach

Another one of Aruba’s best beaches is Palm Beach. This beautiful beach is over two miles long and full of beachfront restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Thrill-seekers deciding what to do in Aruba during their one-day visit will be excited to hear that parasailing is a popular activity, just like in the Algarve, Portugal.

Baby Beach

Baby Beach is the most beautiful beach in southern Aruba. Located inside a bay, its calm, shallow waters are perfect for snorkelling. If you don’t have snorkel gear, there are rentals available.

Other than snorkelling, you can enjoy relaxing in a beach hut or dining at a beachside restaurant.

a woman standing in front of a green building while on a walking tour of oranjestad aruba

2. Explore Oranjestad

If you’re deciding what to see in Aruba in one day away from the beach, visit the capital city of Oranjestad.

Located on the northwestern side of the island, Oranjestad is great for shopping and dining. It is full of historic buildings and sites that bring the history of Aruba to life.

One of the best ways to get the full Oranjestad experience is by embarking on a downtown walking tour. A local guide will lead you through Aruba’s capital city while highlighting all the best museums, restaurants, and luxury retail shops that the area has to offer.

And if you are visiting from a cruise ship, you will dock in Oranjestad and can easily add this to your Aruba itinerary.

a catamaran sunset boat ride which is considered one of the best ways to spend one day in aruba — Unsplash photo by Alix Greenman

3. Take a Catamaran Cruise

Experiencing Aruba from the water is one of the best ways to gain a new and unique perspective on the country. Catamaran cruises are a great way to spend a day on the island.

A catamaran snorkelling cruise will get you into the water to explore Aruba’s beautiful turquoise waters.

Start the day with the breeze in your hair and enjoy delicious food on a brunch cruise.

Have a perfect finish on a sunset catamaran excursion, a great way to wind down your day in Aruba.

With many options to choose from, you will be able to find one that fits your needs and budget.

a jeep parked in the aruba desert — Unsplash photo by Sebastian Morelli-Peyton

4. Go on a Driving Tour of Aruba

Going on a driving tour is a fun way to spend one day in Aruba, especially if you like exploring off the beaten path.

Many of Aruba’s hidden gems can only be accessed with a 4×4 vehicle, so a one-day Jeep rental is sure to impress.

Thanks to the country’s small size, it will only take you approximately 45 minutes to drive the entire length of the island. So you can choose to drive around the island in one day.

Make sure to come prepared and pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen to keep you fueled and protected during your day of adventure.

If you don’t want to visit Natural Pool, you can get away with a regular car rental, as I did.

a woman spending a day hiking in aruba national park on a dirt path next to tall cacti

5. Hike in Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is one of the most underrated areas in Aruba and the perfect day activity for visitors who love hiking and exploring on foot.

Aruba National Park takes up almost 20% of the island and is home to a variety of sights including natural pools, caves, and historic ruins.

The landscape ranges from miles of hilly desert to rugged coastline, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore.

If you’re trying to decide what to see in Aruba in one day, hiking in Arikok is hard to beat.

a close up of a pink flamingo in aruba with beautiful blue water beach behind it — Unsplash photo by Lino Ogenio

6. Visit A Flamingo Island

While there are many gorgeous beaches throughout Aruba, there are two where you can find flamingos: Renaissance Island and De Palm Island.

These private islands have groups of flamingos that freely wander the white sand beaches.

There aren’t many places where you can interact with flamingos on such an up close and personal level, and the experience is truly unforgettable.

You can buy a day pass to Renaissance Island or stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino to access the beach.

Plan to buy a day pass to De Palm Island.

a pool of calmer waters sheltered by rocks connected to the rough ocean waves, which is known as natural pool in aruba — Unsplash photo by Alin Meceanu

7. Swim in Natural Pool

One of the coolest things to do during one day in Aruba is to swim in the island’s Natural Pool.

Also known as Conchi, Natural Pool is a popular attraction that tourists from all over the world flock to every year. It’s the most popular place to visit on a tour of Arikok Park.

The naturally-formed pool can be found in Arikok National Park and can be reached by hiking, horseback riding, or a 4×4 jeep safari.

Thanks to the pool’s remote and rugged location, it is often relatively secluded and calm compared to other destinations on the island.

The experience of swimming in Aruba’s Natural Pool while ocean water crashes and sprays against the surrounding rocks is unique and worth the effort it takes to get there.

a winding paved road in the cacti covered desert of arikok park

3 Best Aruba Day Tours

These are the most popular Aruba day tours:

Island Ultimate Jeep Safari in Aruba – 9.5 hr off-road adventure around Aruba’s best attractions

Aruba Thrill Seeker ATV Tour – 6 hr tour of Arikok National Park and other attractions

Aruba Private Open-Air Safari Jeep Tour – a custom 3-8 hour off-road tour of Aruba

Where to Eat in Aruba

A full day of adventuring will leave you hungry for some delicious local food, and there are plenty of tasty restaurants all around Aruba.

Zeerovers is one of the best lunch or dinner spots for fresh, locally caught seafood. Located in southwestern Aruba, Zeerovers is a charming hole-in-the-wall loved by locals and tourists alike. It was my favourite place that I ate. Be prepared to bring cash.

For a delicious lunch in Palm Beach, go to MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant. This casual beachfront cafe is a great spot for food and drinks to keep you energized all day.

Alfie’s in Aruba is a great dinner option after a full day of exploring Oranjestad. Located in the heart of Aruba’s capital city, Alfie’s is a casual restaurant with familiar bar food and an extensive drink menu.

For a more upscale dinner option in Oranjestad, The West Deck is hard to beat. This beachfront restaurant is known for serving up some amazing seafood dishes in a beautiful setting.

woman standing beside the aruba one happy island sign at sunset

Best Time to Visit Aruba

The best time to visit Aruba is any time.

Thanks to its location outside of the hurricane belt, Aruba is a great year-round destination.

Aruba is busiest from January to April when the weather is drier. If you want to avoid crowds, visit outside of this.

I visited during Christmas and even though it was busy, I was able to find spots on the island all to myself.

a woman spending a day in Aruba walking in front of a san nicholas street mural that says the phrase aruba in graffiti style writing

FAQs for 1 Day in Aruba

Is There a Lot to Do in Aruba?

Yes, there is a lot to do in Aruba. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and gorgeous natural landscapes make the country a fun adventure and relaxing destination.

Whether you enjoy shopping, trying new foods, learning about history, outdoor adventures, or unique places to visit, Aruba has it all.

How Long Do You Need in Aruba?

I recommend 3-5 days in Aruba for an introduction, but you can see some of the best attractions on the island in one day.

If you take your time exploring like I did, you could spend one week in Aruba and still see something new every single day.

What Should I Not Miss in Aruba?

When visiting Aruba, you will not want to miss visiting Arikok National Park, Eagle Beach, and Oranjestad. These were the most beautiful and unique places to visit on the island during my trip.

Can You Drive Around Aruba in a Day?

Yes, you can drive around Aruba in a day. But you won’t see everything. It’s better to choose a few places to visit and save the rest for your next trip to Aruba.

Is it Easy to Get Around Aruba Without a Car?

While you can get around Aruba without a car, you can’t get everywhere. The bus system will take you to the main attractions, but you cannot get around in Arikok without a vehicle.

If you want to visit Natural Pool, rent a 4×4 or take a tour. If you plan to stay in the main areas of Aruba such as Oranjestad, Eagle Beach, and Palm Beach, you don’t need a car.

Can You Tour Aruba in a Day?

With the island’s small size, yes, you can tour Aruba in a day. You can see many highlights but not everything.

Driving from the north tip to the southern tip of the island can be done in under an hour.

There are full-day island tours and jeep rentals available to let you see the highlights of One Happy Island in a single visit.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Aruba for a Day

One day in Aruba can be a truly unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the natural wonders of Arikok National Park or lounging on one of its many pristine beaches, this Caribbean island has something for everyone.

Adventure seekers will love a snorkelling tour of the Antilla shipwreck while sunbathers can enjoy relaxing at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.

And no day is complete without sampling some delicious local fare.

Get ready for a memorable day in Aruba. And while you are island hopping, consider visiting Antigua to compare.

Happy travelling!

How to Spend One Day in Aruba