Aruba — Attractions
San Nicolas
The industrial center of Aruba, San Nicolas is the island's oldest and largest town. Until the late 19th century it was a small fishing village but all this changed with the mining of phosphate on the island, and more recently the discovery of oil off the coast of Venezuela. The town provides a glimpse of old British-Caribbean charm and contains a handful of restaurants and shops. There are a few popular beaches to the east of the town that offer good swimming and snorkeling opportunities and are suitable for families.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park encompasses a significant chunk of the interior and a long stretch of the northern coast. The park has miles of well-marked hiking trails and this, for most, is the best way to discover its attraction. Between the towering cacti and the contorted divi-divi trees can be found the best preserved Indian cave paintings on the island, deserted plantation houses, and the ruins of an old gold mine. Within the park is Mount Jamanota, which at 620ft (188m) is Aruba's biggest hill. From the top one can enjoy good views of the island and on a clear day one can see across to Venezuela. At the southern reaches of the park are the Guadirkiri Caves and the Tunnel of Love. Legend has it that the headstrong daughter of an Indian Chief was trapped here with an unsuitable suitor and left to perish but their love-boosted spirits shot through the roof of the cave and into heaven.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- San Fuego 70, Aruba
- Phone Number
- (297) 585 1234
- Email Address
- info@arubanationalpark.org
- Website
- www.arubanationalpark.org
- Hours
- Open daily, from 8am to 5pm
Beach Strip
Just north of the capital, Aruba's best stretch of beaches extend four miles (7km) between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The endless fine, golden sand and the crystal-clear shallow waters have not surprisingly attracted the crowds and with them the high-rise, luxury hotel complexes that line the beach. There are no shortage of bars and restaurants to choose from and beachgoers are able to hire all sorts of toys including kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling gear and catamarans. North of Palm Beach are some colorful reefs and shipwrecks to entice divers and snorkelers. Diving trips, windsurfing and sailing lessons can be arranged through most hotels. For those looking to take a break from the beach, distractions include the nearby Butterfly Farm and the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a small marshland where visitors can view hundreds of species of migratory waterfowl including coots, cormorants, terns and herons. A favorite place to enjoy the sunset is at the restaurant by the California lighthouse on the northern tip of the island. The lighthouse was built after the British steamship, the California, ran aground here in 1891.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
Numismatic Museum
In 1955, Aruban resident Mario Odor - while digging in his garden - unearthed two rare 18th Century coins. So began a hobby that has transformed into a remarkable public display, of nearly 40,000 coins and bank notes from all over the world. Opened in 1981, Aruba's Numismatic Museum is a winning tourist attraction, and a fascinating insight into the history of modern civilization. The expertly-organized, meticulously-ordered collections allow visitors to view currency used by the Roman and Byzantine empires, Chinese and Indian dynasties, Feudal Europe, and even 'special issues' used in Nazi concentration camps. Guided tours are also available, run by informed and enthusiastic numismatists. Although Mr. Odor has sadly passed away, his amazing collection lives on, leaving visitors to Aruba with a renewed appreciation of the world's economic history.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- Weststraat, Oranjestad (next to the central bus station)
- Phone Number
- (297) 582-8831
- Email Address
- info@museumaruba.org
- Website
- www.museumaruba.org
- Hours
- Open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm
- Admission
- $5 (adults), free for children. Admission price includes a souvenir coin
Natural Pool
Also known as 'Conchi' or 'Cura di Tortuga', Aruba's Natural Pool is a must-see tourist attraction. Formed from a depression in the surrounding volcanic rock, and filled by the spray of the tide smashing into the deserted coastline below, the Natural Pool is a unique geological formation, and a tranquil place to spend the day swimming in communion with the natural world. The pool is situated in the heart of Aruba's most rugged terrain, and is inaccessible by car; however, visitors can hire or charter a Jeep to take them there, or hike there, or (most romantic of all) get there on horseback. The sense of discovery, in 'finding' the Natural Pool in the midst of the rocky, almost lunar landscape, is second-to-none. Visitors are strongly advised to get in touch with island legend Madi, who runs successful guided tours to Conchi from the comfort of her Jeep.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- Windward Coast, Aruba
- Phone Number
- (297) 582 3777
- Email Address
- ata.aruba@aruba.com
San Nicolas
The industrial center of Aruba, San Nicolas is the island's oldest and largest town. Until the late 19th century it was a small fishing village but all this changed with the mining of phosphate on the island, and more recently the discovery of oil off the coast of Venezuela. The town provides a glimpse of old British-Caribbean charm and contains a handful of restaurants and shops. There are a few popular beaches to the east of the town that offer good swimming and snorkeling opportunities and are suitable for families.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park encompasses a significant chunk of the interior and a long stretch of the northern coast. The park has miles of well-marked hiking trails and this, for most, is the best way to discover its attraction. Between the towering cacti and the contorted divi-divi trees can be found the best preserved Indian cave paintings on the island, deserted plantation houses, and the ruins of an old gold mine. Within the park is Mount Jamanota, which at 620ft (188m) is Aruba's biggest hill. From the top one can enjoy good views of the island and on a clear day one can see across to Venezuela. At the southern reaches of the park are the Guadirkiri Caves and the Tunnel of Love. Legend has it that the headstrong daughter of an Indian Chief was trapped here with an unsuitable suitor and left to perish but their love-boosted spirits shot through the roof of the cave and into heaven.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- San Fuego 70, Aruba
- Phone Number
- (297) 585 1234
- Email Address
- info@arubanationalpark.org
- Website
- www.arubanationalpark.org
- Hours
- Open daily, from 8am to 5pm
Beach Strip
Just north of the capital, Aruba's best stretch of beaches extend four miles (7km) between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The endless fine, golden sand and the crystal-clear shallow waters have not surprisingly attracted the crowds and with them the high-rise, luxury hotel complexes that line the beach. There are no shortage of bars and restaurants to choose from and beachgoers are able to hire all sorts of toys including kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling gear and catamarans. North of Palm Beach are some colorful reefs and shipwrecks to entice divers and snorkelers. Diving trips, windsurfing and sailing lessons can be arranged through most hotels. For those looking to take a break from the beach, distractions include the nearby Butterfly Farm and the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a small marshland where visitors can view hundreds of species of migratory waterfowl including coots, cormorants, terns and herons. A favorite place to enjoy the sunset is at the restaurant by the California lighthouse on the northern tip of the island. The lighthouse was built after the British steamship, the California, ran aground here in 1891.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
Numismatic Museum
In 1955, Aruban resident Mario Odor - while digging in his garden - unearthed two rare 18th Century coins. So began a hobby that has transformed into a remarkable public display, of nearly 40,000 coins and bank notes from all over the world. Opened in 1981, Aruba's Numismatic Museum is a winning tourist attraction, and a fascinating insight into the history of modern civilization. The expertly-organized, meticulously-ordered collections allow visitors to view currency used by the Roman and Byzantine empires, Chinese and Indian dynasties, Feudal Europe, and even 'special issues' used in Nazi concentration camps. Guided tours are also available, run by informed and enthusiastic numismatists. Although Mr. Odor has sadly passed away, his amazing collection lives on, leaving visitors to Aruba with a renewed appreciation of the world's economic history.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- Weststraat, Oranjestad (next to the central bus station)
- Phone Number
- (297) 582-8831
- Email Address
- info@museumaruba.org
- Website
- www.museumaruba.org
- Hours
- Open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm
- Admission
- $5 (adults), free for children. Admission price includes a souvenir coin
Natural Pool
Also known as 'Conchi' or 'Cura di Tortuga', Aruba's Natural Pool is a must-see tourist attraction. Formed from a depression in the surrounding volcanic rock, and filled by the spray of the tide smashing into the deserted coastline below, the Natural Pool is a unique geological formation, and a tranquil place to spend the day swimming in communion with the natural world. The pool is situated in the heart of Aruba's most rugged terrain, and is inaccessible by car; however, visitors can hire or charter a Jeep to take them there, or hike there, or (most romantic of all) get there on horseback. The sense of discovery, in 'finding' the Natural Pool in the midst of the rocky, almost lunar landscape, is second-to-none. Visitors are strongly advised to get in touch with island legend Madi, who runs successful guided tours to Conchi from the comfort of her Jeep.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- Windward Coast, Aruba
- Phone Number
- (297) 582 3777
- Email Address
- ata.aruba@aruba.com
San Nicolas
The industrial center of Aruba, San Nicolas is the island's oldest and largest town. Until the late 19th century it was a small fishing village but all this changed with the mining of phosphate on the island, and more recently the discovery of oil off the coast of Venezuela. The town provides a glimpse of old British-Caribbean charm and contains a handful of restaurants and shops. There are a few popular beaches to the east of the town that offer good swimming and snorkeling opportunities and are suitable for families.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park encompasses a significant chunk of the interior and a long stretch of the northern coast. The park has miles of well-marked hiking trails and this, for most, is the best way to discover its attraction. Between the towering cacti and the contorted divi-divi trees can be found the best preserved Indian cave paintings on the island, deserted plantation houses, and the ruins of an old gold mine. Within the park is Mount Jamanota, which at 620ft (188m) is Aruba's biggest hill. From the top one can enjoy good views of the island and on a clear day one can see across to Venezuela. At the southern reaches of the park are the Guadirkiri Caves and the Tunnel of Love. Legend has it that the headstrong daughter of an Indian Chief was trapped here with an unsuitable suitor and left to perish but their love-boosted spirits shot through the roof of the cave and into heaven.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- San Fuego 70, Aruba
- Phone Number
- (297) 585 1234
- Email Address
- info@arubanationalpark.org
- Website
- www.arubanationalpark.org
- Hours
- Open daily, from 8am to 5pm
Beach Strip
Just north of the capital, Aruba's best stretch of beaches extend four miles (7km) between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The endless fine, golden sand and the crystal-clear shallow waters have not surprisingly attracted the crowds and with them the high-rise, luxury hotel complexes that line the beach. There are no shortage of bars and restaurants to choose from and beachgoers are able to hire all sorts of toys including kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling gear and catamarans. North of Palm Beach are some colorful reefs and shipwrecks to entice divers and snorkelers. Diving trips, windsurfing and sailing lessons can be arranged through most hotels. For those looking to take a break from the beach, distractions include the nearby Butterfly Farm and the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a small marshland where visitors can view hundreds of species of migratory waterfowl including coots, cormorants, terns and herons. A favorite place to enjoy the sunset is at the restaurant by the California lighthouse on the northern tip of the island. The lighthouse was built after the British steamship, the California, ran aground here in 1891.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
Numismatic Museum
In 1955, Aruban resident Mario Odor - while digging in his garden - unearthed two rare 18th Century coins. So began a hobby that has transformed into a remarkable public display, of nearly 40,000 coins and bank notes from all over the world. Opened in 1981, Aruba's Numismatic Museum is a winning tourist attraction, and a fascinating insight into the history of modern civilization. The expertly-organized, meticulously-ordered collections allow visitors to view currency used by the Roman and Byzantine empires, Chinese and Indian dynasties, Feudal Europe, and even 'special issues' used in Nazi concentration camps. Guided tours are also available, run by informed and enthusiastic numismatists. Although Mr. Odor has sadly passed away, his amazing collection lives on, leaving visitors to Aruba with a renewed appreciation of the world's economic history.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- Weststraat, Oranjestad (next to the central bus station)
- Phone Number
- (297) 582-8831
- Email Address
- info@museumaruba.org
- Website
- www.museumaruba.org
- Hours
- Open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm
- Admission
- $5 (adults), free for children. Admission price includes a souvenir coin
Natural Pool
Also known as 'Conchi' or 'Cura di Tortuga', Aruba's Natural Pool is a must-see tourist attraction. Formed from a depression in the surrounding volcanic rock, and filled by the spray of the tide smashing into the deserted coastline below, the Natural Pool is a unique geological formation, and a tranquil place to spend the day swimming in communion with the natural world. The pool is situated in the heart of Aruba's most rugged terrain, and is inaccessible by car; however, visitors can hire or charter a Jeep to take them there, or hike there, or (most romantic of all) get there on horseback. The sense of discovery, in 'finding' the Natural Pool in the midst of the rocky, almost lunar landscape, is second-to-none. Visitors are strongly advised to get in touch with island legend Madi, who runs successful guided tours to Conchi from the comfort of her Jeep.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- Windward Coast, Aruba
- Phone Number
- (297) 582 3777
- Email Address
- ata.aruba@aruba.com
San Nicolas
The industrial center of Aruba, San Nicolas is the island's oldest and largest town. Until the late 19th century it was a small fishing village but all this changed with the mining of phosphate on the island, and more recently the discovery of oil off the coast of Venezuela. The town provides a glimpse of old British-Caribbean charm and contains a handful of restaurants and shops. There are a few popular beaches to the east of the town that offer good swimming and snorkeling opportunities and are suitable for families.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park encompasses a significant chunk of the interior and a long stretch of the northern coast. The park has miles of well-marked hiking trails and this, for most, is the best way to discover its attraction. Between the towering cacti and the contorted divi-divi trees can be found the best preserved Indian cave paintings on the island, deserted plantation houses, and the ruins of an old gold mine. Within the park is Mount Jamanota, which at 620ft (188m) is Aruba's biggest hill. From the top one can enjoy good views of the island and on a clear day one can see across to Venezuela. At the southern reaches of the park are the Guadirkiri Caves and the Tunnel of Love. Legend has it that the headstrong daughter of an Indian Chief was trapped here with an unsuitable suitor and left to perish but their love-boosted spirits shot through the roof of the cave and into heaven.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- San Fuego 70, Aruba
- Phone Number
- (297) 585 1234
- Email Address
- info@arubanationalpark.org
- Website
- www.arubanationalpark.org
- Hours
- Open daily, from 8am to 5pm
Beach Strip
Just north of the capital, Aruba's best stretch of beaches extend four miles (7km) between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The endless fine, golden sand and the crystal-clear shallow waters have not surprisingly attracted the crowds and with them the high-rise, luxury hotel complexes that line the beach. There are no shortage of bars and restaurants to choose from and beachgoers are able to hire all sorts of toys including kayaks, windsurfers, snorkeling gear and catamarans. North of Palm Beach are some colorful reefs and shipwrecks to entice divers and snorkelers. Diving trips, windsurfing and sailing lessons can be arranged through most hotels. For those looking to take a break from the beach, distractions include the nearby Butterfly Farm and the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a small marshland where visitors can view hundreds of species of migratory waterfowl including coots, cormorants, terns and herons. A favorite place to enjoy the sunset is at the restaurant by the California lighthouse on the northern tip of the island. The lighthouse was built after the British steamship, the California, ran aground here in 1891.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
Numismatic Museum
In 1955, Aruban resident Mario Odor - while digging in his garden - unearthed two rare 18th Century coins. So began a hobby that has transformed into a remarkable public display, of nearly 40,000 coins and bank notes from all over the world. Opened in 1981, Aruba's Numismatic Museum is a winning tourist attraction, and a fascinating insight into the history of modern civilization. The expertly-organized, meticulously-ordered collections allow visitors to view currency used by the Roman and Byzantine empires, Chinese and Indian dynasties, Feudal Europe, and even 'special issues' used in Nazi concentration camps. Guided tours are also available, run by informed and enthusiastic numismatists. Although Mr. Odor has sadly passed away, his amazing collection lives on, leaving visitors to Aruba with a renewed appreciation of the world's economic history.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- Weststraat, Oranjestad (next to the central bus station)
- Phone Number
- (297) 582-8831
- Email Address
- info@museumaruba.org
- Website
- www.museumaruba.org
- Hours
- Open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm
- Admission
- $5 (adults), free for children. Admission price includes a souvenir coin
Natural Pool
Also known as 'Conchi' or 'Cura di Tortuga', Aruba's Natural Pool is a must-see tourist attraction. Formed from a depression in the surrounding volcanic rock, and filled by the spray of the tide smashing into the deserted coastline below, the Natural Pool is a unique geological formation, and a tranquil place to spend the day swimming in communion with the natural world. The pool is situated in the heart of Aruba's most rugged terrain, and is inaccessible by car; however, visitors can hire or charter a Jeep to take them there, or hike there, or (most romantic of all) get there on horseback. The sense of discovery, in 'finding' the Natural Pool in the midst of the rocky, almost lunar landscape, is second-to-none. Visitors are strongly advised to get in touch with island legend Madi, who runs successful guided tours to Conchi from the comfort of her Jeep.
- Region/City Name
- Oranjestad
- Address
- Windward Coast, Aruba
- Phone Number
- (297) 582 3777
- Email Address
- ata.aruba@aruba.com
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