Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Aruba?

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Aruba?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Aruba?

You could definitely get away without booking an excursion in Aruba. If you’re looking to just hit the beaches, you can easily grab a cab and head for the sand on your own. The beaches here are incredible but there is so much more to Aruba than just white sand beaches and turquoise water.

Aruba has a ton of incredible things to do. There’s a rad ostrich farm (yes… you read that right), a gorgeous lighthouse, some super cool rock formations with prehistoric carvings, a rocky desert, and of course the former “Natural Bridge“. If you stick to just the beaches, you’ll miss out.

Nearby Beaches

Eagle Beach

This is probably the most iconic tourist beach. It is the widest beach on the island and popular due to its proximity to bars and restaurants. This is also a favorite location for those that are into water sports.

Drulf Beach, Divi Beach, & Manchebo Beach

These beaches are all pretty much next to each other. They all feature wide expansive white sand beaches. Although there are some rocks here, the water here is fantastic. Food and drink options are a little limited.

Surfside Beach

This beach has clear, calm waters, and a fun vibe perfect for families. The beach is home to bars, restaurants, and Splash Park Aruba. Splash Park Aruba is an inflatable waterpark full of slides, obstacle courses, bridges, and other inflatable toys.

Pro-Tip:  Beach palapas are on public property meaning anyone can use them free of charge. Palapas are the little grass beach umbrella stands.

Recommended Excursions in Aruba

All Inclusive Sailaway Snorkel by Pirate Ship

Hop aboard a 110-foot schooner and cruise along Aruba’s stunning coastline. You’ll make a pitstop where you can snorkel on one of Aruba’s gorgeous reefs. The next step is the Antilla shipwreck, a WWII German freighter that is the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean.

North Coast Jeef Safari

There is nothing cooler than four-wheeling in the desert. Hold on tight and prepare for the ride of a lifetime! This tour will take you to the Donkey Sanctuary (we can’t make this stuff up), the Ayo Rock Formations, the collapsed Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Chapel of Alto Vista, and the California Lighthouse. This is an awesome way to see the best of Aruba. There are variations of this tour that include snorkeling opportunities.

4×4 Natural Pool Swim & Snorkel Safari

On this excursion, you’ll hit the dirt trails and go off-roading…after all, it’s the only way to access the Natural Pool in Arikok National Park. Once you reach the Natural Pool, you’ll be able to swim or snorkel in the gorgeous water. The tour also stops by the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Baby Natural Bridge, and visit the California Lighthouse.

Best of Aruba Island Tour

If four-wheeling isn’t your thing, don’t worry. This tour is done in an air-conditioned motor coach (which is wayyyyy more comfortable than an open-air safari vehicle!). This tour visits the Alto Vista Chapel, and the Casibari Rock Formations. You’ll also get to see the Baby Natural Bridge and the California Lighthouse.

Top 10 Best of Aruba

This tour is much more slow-paced. On the way to the Natural Bridge and Baby Bridge, you’ll stop by the Casibari Rock Formation. You’ll also head to the northwestern part of the island to the California Lighthouse and Eagle Beach.

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