Aruba is an island known mostly for its spectacular white sand beaches. In fact, the majority of visitors to the island spend their entire holiday on the beach, and never venture more than a few hundred yards from their resort. In fact, most people are completely unaware of the vast array of sites and activities that Aruba has to offer, beyond the beaches.
Here are 7 Things To Do On Aruba, That Don't Involve The Beach
1. Archaeological Museum of Aruba
Located in downtown Oranjestad, the Archaeological Museum of Aruba offers visitors a glimpse into what Aruba was like before mass tourism. Located in a series of colorful colonial style buildings, this museum, features exhibits on the island's pre-Columbian, Colonial and modern history. It includes exhibits on the Arawak Indians, Dutch colonialism, and the profession of archaeology itself. Each section of the museum displays artifacts related to those particular groups, and includes everything from music to funerary customs. The museum is open every day except Monday, and is free to the public, so there is no excuse not to visit and learn a little about the island's forgotten history.
Schelpstraat 42, Oranjestad
2. Fort Zoutman
Built by the Dutch in 1796, this is the only Colonial era fort on the island. The fort's iconic King Willem III tower, built in 1868, is one of the most photographed landmarks on the island. The fort was only used in combat one time, and its coral walls were reinforced with concrete in the 1930s. For this reason, the fort is extremely well preserved, and displays cannons and original structures. Inside the fort, you will find the Museo Aruba, a small museum displaying items important items relating to Dutch and Aruban culture. There is a small entrance fee of 5 USD, which is well worth it.
Zoutmanstraat 6, Oranjestad
3. Hooiberg
At 620 ft. the Hooiberg, "Haystack Mountain" in Dutch, is the second highest mountain on the island, and also its most accessible. Though the climb is a bit of workout, it is well worth it as visitors are rewarded with commanding views of Oranjestad and the surrounding desert. It also provides the opportunity to get a glimpse of an environment not normally associated with the Caribbean.
The mountain is located on the eastern outskirts of Oranjestad, and is not served by public transportation, so you will have to arrange your own transport, but it is well worth a visit. And with all the tourists drinking beer on the beach, you'll most likely have the place to yourself.
4. Quadirikiri Cave
Located within the Arikok National Park, the Qudirikiri or "Indian Cave", is one of several scattered throughout the eastern part of the island. This one is the most popular, as it is the largest, most spectacular and most easily accessible. The cave is home to colorful geologic formations, as well as bats and Amerindian petroglyphs. A 3-5 minute hike will bring you to the main chamber, where sunlight penetrates through some holes in the ceiling. Local legend tells of an Amerindian chief who imprisoned his daughter the cave, because her lover was unacceptable to him. Her lover was imprisoned in another cave nearby, but the two lovers managed to meet in this cave. Legend says, when they died, their spirits ascended into the heavens through the holes in the ceiling. This earns the cave the nickname "Indian Cave."
Because of the road conditions the cave is best visited by jeep or organized tour.
5. Bushiribana Smelter Ruins
Located in a remote stretch of the island's rugged east coast, are the remains of the Bushiribana Gold Smelter, constructed in 1825 when the island was a major mining center. The miners were quite clever in that they designed the building to look like a fort, in order to scare off any would be pirates.
Just across from the ruins is the islands most famous wish garden.
The ruins are best visited by ATV, jeep or horseback.
6. Jeep Tour
The best way to get off the beaten path and explore the "real" Aruba, is to take a jeep tour. Tours range anywhere from 50 USD for a few hours to 100 USD for the entire day. The tours take you to the main sites of the island which include the California Lighthouse, Bushiribana smelter, Alta Visa Chapel, natural bridge, Baby Beach, natural pool, Quadirikiri Caves and wild donkey herds.
The best part of the tour are the local guides, who entertain you with jokes and crazy stunts.
These jeep tours are the highlight for many visitors to Aruba. ABC Islands Tours is the best and most popular tour company on the island.
7. Bon Bini Festival
More of a culture show than an actual festival, this is an absolute MUST for any visitor who wants to get a taste of traditional Aruban culture. Bon Bini means "Welcome" in Papiamento, so most visitors attend on their first night. However, it's also a perfect way to END your visit to Aruba.
The festival is held on Tuesday nights at Fort Zoutman. The entertainment starts at around 6 PM and goes 'til around 8 PM. Attending this event will only put you back 5 USD, and you can also purchase local food and drinks. The event starts with a performance by a local steel drum band, and than proceeds to traditional folk dances, which are accompanied by a band playing traditional Aruban music. Each dance represents a festival, tradition or holiday in Aruba. In fact, the event is hosted by an M.C. who goes through the Aruban calendar chronologically showcasing important festivals and holidays. The dancers often pull audience members up on stage to help out with a performance. The festival concludes with a spectacular parade of carnival dancers, which sometimes spills out into the city streets. This is the highlight of the event, and spectators are welcome to join the dancers and take pictures with them.
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