Aruba is one of the finest locations for soaking yourself in endless amounts of sunshine, white sand, and crystal-clear waters. And every year, I have at least one client visit the beautiful island; it seems to be on so many people’s Caribbean bucket list. If renting a car, I usually recommend some of these hidden gems.
If you visit Aruba anytime soon, it may be worth taking a break from your group and other tourists and going off the beaten path and enjoying the island like one of the locals.
In this post, you won’t find any mention of wildly popular tourist stops and activities like Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum or Philip’s Animal Garden. This post is all about the local gems that’ll get you out of the ordinary activities and into the heart of One Happy Island.
So, here is my round-up of the most scenic local attractions (better known as my top 5 hidden gems) in Aruba:
Cave Pool
The Cave Pool is located near Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins in Aruba. This pool is not easy to find, but if you keep your eyes open, you might just see it.
There is a small entrance that’s hidden and difficult to find. Once you get closer, you’ll notice a wooden ladder as you approach, and once you reach the bottom, you’ll understand the significance of what awaits you.
This tiny natural swimming pool is surrounded by stone, making it the perfect location for private swimming and snorkeling.
You can also relax at the edge and immerse yourself in the beauty this secluded location has to offer.
Quadirikiri Cave
Want to experience an unexpected and mysterious place? If so, Quadirikiri Cave is the place you should visit during your trip to Aruba. Situated on the Arikok National Park’s southern end, this stunning attraction offers a little bit of everything for curious travelers, from the incredible natural light and beautiful scenery to challenging hikes.
Exploring Quadirikiri is considered an adventure in itself, as you’ll journey in complete darkness until you start to see sunlight peeking through the holes.
But be warned, it’s one of the main nesting spots for bats, so you can expect to see at least one come your way when roaming in the caves!
Ayo Rock Formations
Aruba is home to the Ayo Rock formations. These monolithic stones are genuinely breathtaking.
Here is a perfect place to capture magnificent views with your camera. You can climb to the top of it and grab your very own stunning photo.
Rodger’s Beach
The charming and peaceful Roger’s beach is a must-see. No crowds and no hassle at this beach—just you and the sand and ocean in a quiet cove.
It’s not the most popular beach in Aruba, which might make it a perfect getaway for couples and families looking to experience peace, tranquility, and clear water.
Palm Beach Strip
As the name suggests, the Palm Beach Strip offers the combined experience of palm trees and a sandy beach. It’s not really a hidden gem but a day on the strip is a day filled with shopping, sampling local food and drinks at beachfront restaurants, taking pictures by the famous I Love ARUBA sign, riding the trolley, and dancing in the street. And it’s much less crowded than going to Oranjestad, especially when a cruise ship is in port.
Plus, there is a butterfly museum (which I adore!) within a 30-minute walk from the Palm Beach Strip.
Aruba is one of my favorite islands because its unique charisma and serenity set it apart from other beach destinations.
You won’t want to leave with this island’s incredible beauty, friendly people, delicious cuisine, and relaxed vibe. And when you venture off the beaten path to the island’s heart, you’ll make your experience that much better.
Check
And when you’re ready to visit Aruba or some other island of the Caribbean, let SelfishMe Travel help you design your next best vacation by booking a complimentary discovery call with me.
CREDITS: This blog post was created by the Xclusively Yours and sold to SelfishMe Travel in 2022.
