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Aruba Land Excursions

De Palm Island

For a family day out, ask about trips to De Palm Island for hours of fun at the Blue Parrot Water Park, snorkeling and more.

Spanish Lagoon Wetlands

Legend has it that the Spanish Lagoon was once a hideaway for pirates, whether this is true or not, the quiet waterway and the surrounding mangroves are a haven for wildlife, including herons, osprey, owls and parrots. The lagoon is located between Pos Chiquito Bay and the ruins of the Balashi Gold Mine. Follow the nature trail from the lagoon through the wetlands to Balashi and the Cunucu di Aloe plantation.

Butterfly Farm

See some of the world's most beautiful and colorful insects at the Butterfly Farm. On the guided tour through the tropical gardens you'll learn about their life cycle and their importance as environmental indicators. They are extremely sensitive to climate change, pollution and deforestation and a large butterfly population with diverse species denotes a healthy ecosystem. Open daily: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Palm Beach

Arikok National Park

Protecting one third of the island's surface, Arikok National Park is a patchwork of rolling hills covered in cacti and bent divi trees, strange rock formations (lava, quartz diorite and limestone), caves and a stretch of coastline with beaches, dunes and rock platforms.

The arid landscape is home to a surprising variety of birds including the endemic shoko or Aruba burrowing owl and prikichi or parakeet, orioles and hummingbirds, snakes, lizards, iguanas, wild donkeys and goats.

Despite its inhospitable appearance, Arikok has been inhabited for thousands of years. Rock paintings in Fontein Cave and on huge boulders and the vestiges of ancient villages are testimony to the earliest Amerindian inhabitants. The park is also dotted with stone dwellings or cunucu which date from the Colonial period and housed the poorest settlers and their estate workers.

A network of trails traverses the park and guided tours are available.

California Lighthouse

Located near the island's northwestern tip, the 270-foot-high lighthouse is the perfect spot for sunset watching and panoramic views of the shoreline.

Alto Vista Chapel

Overlooking the sea, this isolated chapel was built in the early 18th century by a Spanish missionary.

Aloe Vera Plantation

Introduced to Aruba in 1840 from Africa, the aloe vera plant prospered in the arid conditions and by 1890 it was being grown for the export market. At one point aloe plantations covered two thirds of the island's surface and Aruba became the world's biggest exporter of this miracle plant, prized for its healing properties. A plant even appears on the national coat of arms.

Nowadays, Aruba aloe vera is used to make skincare, after-sun and hair products and you can find out more about the production process by visiting the Aruba Aloe Vera Factory and Museum and find out more about this miracle plant.

Explore Further

Other sites of interest on the island include San Nicolas, the second largest town which grew up around the oil refinery and attracted workers from many of the British Caribbean islands. They kept their own customs, including calypso, carnival, steel bands and cuisine and the community has a unique ambiance.

Visitors can go into the bush to explore the ruins of the 19th century gold smelters at Bushiribana and Balashi or the rock formations at Casibari and Ayo.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Santa Lucia was founded in 1997 to provide a home for stray animals and for a glimpse of Africa you can also call in at the Ostrich Farm.

Explore on your Own

Rent a car and explore the island at your own pace. The Car Rental desk is located in the lobby, ext. 645.

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