5 days in Aruba

Day by day

1. Day 1: Eagle Beach and Palm Beach

   Eagle Beach, Palm Beach and Arikok National Park, then Palm Beach strip in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Eagle Beach

      Arrive early to claim one of the public palapa shelters, and keep clear of roped-off turtle nests. (Half a day, free).

   2. Late morning

      Palm Beach

      Walk to the northern end near the piers for slightly clearer water and easy access to the snorkel boats. (Half a day, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Keshi yena

      Local restaurants in Oranjestad and Noord that serve Aruban home cooking.

   4. Afternoon

      Arikok National Park

      Go early in the morning with plenty of water; there is very little shade and the midday sun is fierce. (Half a day to a full day, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Palm Beach strip

      Beach bars, hotel lounges, casinos and late-opening restaurants within walking distance of the high-rise hotels.

2. Day 2: Conchi natural pool and Fontein and Quadirikiri caves

   Conchi natural pool, Fontein and Quadirikiri caves and Baby Beach, then Oranjestad in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Conchi natural pool

      Wear water shoes for the rocks, and do not swim if waves are breaking strongly over the edge. (2–3 hours including the drive, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Fontein and Quadirikiri caves

      Visit Quadirikiri late in the morning, when light beams through the roof openings are strongest. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Pastechi

      Snack bars and bakeries across the island, especially in the morning.

   4. Afternoon

      Baby Beach

      Stay inside the lagoon when snorkelling; strong currents run beyond the mouth of the bay. (Half a day, free).

   5. Evening

      Oranjestad

      Bars and clubs around the harbour and marina, busier with locals on weekends.

3. Day 3: California Lighthouse and Boca Catalina and Tres Trapi

   California Lighthouse, Boca Catalina and Tres Trapi and Antilla shipwreck, then Beach bars in the evening.

   1. Morning

      California Lighthouse

      Combine it with a swim at Arashi Beach just to the south. (1 hour, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Boca Catalina and Tres Trapi

      Bring your own snorkel gear and come before 10am, when catamaran groups start to arrive. (2 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Pan bati

      Served with fish dishes at local restaurants and at Zeerovers in Savaneta.

   4. Afternoon

      Antilla shipwreck

      Catamaran snorkel cruises from Palm Beach often combine the Antilla with Boca Catalina; morning trips usually have calmer water. (Half a day by boat, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Beach bars

      Open-air bars on the sand on the west coast serve rum punch and cocktails at sunset.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Southeast coast: Savaneta, San Nicolas and Baby Beach

   About 40 minutes by car from Palm Beach each way. Getting there: Rental car or Arubus to San Nicolas.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Southeast coast: Savaneta, San Nicolas and Baby Beach

      About 40 minutes by car from Palm Beach (Rental car or Arubus to San Nicolas); about 30 km.

   2. Day

      Southeast coast: Savaneta, San Nicolas and Baby Beach

      Drive down the south coast for snorkelling at Mangel Halto, a fried-fish lunch at Zeerovers in Savaneta, the murals of San Nicolas and an afternoon swim in the shallow lagoon at Baby Beach. Best for families, food lovers and culture.

   3. Evening

      Back in Aruba

      Dinner: try Fried fish and funchi.

5. Day 5: Mangel Halto and Alto Vista Chapel

   Mangel Halto, Alto Vista Chapel and Bushiribana gold mill ruins, then Sunset sail from Palm Beach in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Mangel Halto

      Stay inside the reef unless you are a strong swimmer; currents increase beyond it. (2–3 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      Alto Vista Chapel

      Combine it with the California Lighthouse and the Bushiribana ruins on a north-coast drive. (30 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Fried fish and funchi

      Zeerovers in Savaneta fries fish straight off the boats; local seafood places in Oranjestad and San Nicolas also serve it.

   4. Afternoon

      Bushiribana gold mill ruins

      The north coast tracks are rough; a jeep or tour is easier than a small rental car. (30 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      Sunset sail from Palm Beach

      Catamarans and sailboats run evening cruises along the west coast with drinks as the sun sets over the sea.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Palm Beach keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Eagle Beach ($$$$) suits couples, quiet stays, beach and luxury. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 24–31 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.4 hours in December to 12.9 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Aruba
• 2 days in Aruba
• 3 days in Aruba

Questions travellers ask