Aruba , Aruba

The Essential Island Highlights Tour

Active

(2 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Aruba! Our tour invites you to explore the island’s most stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and local flavors, all with the comfort of a small group and personalized service. Perfect for travelers looking to see Aruba’s highlights in one exciting trip, this experience is limited to just 8 guests, ensuring a relaxed, intimate vibe with plenty of flexibility.

Available options

The Essential Island Highlights Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Different flavored rum

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Licensed In-person Guide: English, Spanish, Dutch

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We begin with a visit to the historic Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba’s first Catholic chapel and one of its most treasured landmarks. The chapel is a beautiful place to take a moment of peace and reflection, surrounded by panoramic views. As we guide you through, you’ll learn about the chapel’s cultural significance.

Next, we’ll explore the Casibari Rock Formation, where you’ll discover massive, otherworldly boulders that create a natural playground. Take a short hike up to the top for breathtaking views of the island’s rugged, desert-like landscape. This is a fantastic stop for unique photos and an up-close look at Aruba’s geological wonders.

Stop 3

Our journey continues north to the iconic California Lighthouse. Standing tall against the coastal backdrop, the lighthouse offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding dunes. Your guide will share the lighthouse’s rich history as a beacon for sailors and its significance to the island.

Our next stop is the unique Tres Trapi (“Three Steps”) – a natural rock staircase leading down to a clear, shallow swimming spot. This little gem is loved by locals for its incredible water clarity and occasional sightings of sea turtles. It’s a quick but memorable stop to enjoy the ocean views and get a glimpse of Aruba’s coastal charm. You can also book your snorkeling tour here to see the turtles.

To finish, we’ll indulge in a tasting of Aruba’s finest locally crafted rums. Here, you’ll get to savor a variety of unique flavors and learn about Aruba’s rum-making tradition. It’s the perfect final stop to toast to a day of adventure, culture, and relaxation!

What's not included

Lunch is not included, but we’ll drop you off at The Local Store, a favorite for locals and visitors, known for its top-notch burgers and local dishes.

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN NL ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our meeting point is at the restaurant called the Local Store. The address is Palm Beach 13A, Aruba. The driver will meet you there with a sign displaying the name of the lead traveler or the person who made the booking.

About Aruba

Aruba is a picturesque island in the Caribbean known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and diverse cultural influences. The island offers a unique blend of Dutch heritage and Caribbean charm, making it a popular destination for relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.

Top Attractions

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is renowned for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it one of the best beaches in the world.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park covers about 20% of Aruba and offers stunning natural landscapes, including caves, beaches, and hiking trails.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry, some attractions may have fees

California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse is a historic landmark offering panoramic views of the island's northern coastline.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Keshi Yena

A traditional Aruban dish made with cheese-filled chicken or meat, cooked in a hollowed-out round of Edam cheese.

Dinner Contains dairy and meat

Bami

A popular Indonesian-inspired dish with fried noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with meat

Pastechi

A savory pastry filled with cheese, meat, or fish, similar to a turnover.

Snack Contains dairy and meat

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Hiking in Arikok National Park Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset cruises Visiting museums Exploring local markets

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with the most sunshine and least rain. It's also the most popular time to visit, with ideal conditions for beach activities and outdoor adventures.

25°C - 30°C 77°F - 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, Papiamento
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Aruban Florin (AWG)

Time Zone

AST (Atlantic Standard Time, GMT-4)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Aruba is a safe destination with low crime rates, but travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi services
• Be cautious at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Queen Beatrix International Airport • 2 km from Oranjestad

By bus

Oranjestad Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and reliable, with frequent services connecting key destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Aruba Taxi, Local taxis can be hailed or found at designated stands

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Oranjestad Palm Beach San Nicolas

Day trips

De Palm Pier

10 km from Oranjestad • Half day

A popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and boat tours with a variety of marine life.

Baby Beach

15 km from Oranjestad • Half day to full day

A family-friendly beach with calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Natural Pool (Conchi Natural Pool)

12 km from Oranjestad • Half day

A unique natural pool formed by volcanic rocks, offering a refreshing swim in a stunning natural setting.

Festivals

Bon Bini Festival • Annual, typically in June Aruba Carnival • Annual, typically in February Aruba Day • Annual, on March 18th

Pro tips

Visit the Natural Pool early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Try local dishes like Keshi Yena and Bami for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the island by car or 4x4 to discover hidden gems and scenic viewpoints.
Book activities and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine life and coral reefs.