The 17 Best Free Things to Do in Aruba!

Arrive on the island, take a big breath of salty ocean air, and you’re ready for a relaxing vacation. Enter ARUBA!

Aruba is a small island off the coast of Venezuela located in the Southern Caribbean Sea. It is one of the four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba is famous for its white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and year-round sunny weather.

The landscape here is otherworldly with its cacti-studded desert terrain in the north contrasting with the white sand beaches and aquamarine waters of the south. And whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, there are plenty of free activities to keep you busy from adventuring in nature to exploring historic sites. So without further ado, here are our top picks for all the 17 free things to do in Aruba!

Free Things To Do in Aruba: Explore the natural beauty of Aruba

One of the best free things to do in Aruba is to explore the natural beauty of the island. Aruba is home to some stunning beaches, and even if you’re not a beach person, there are plenty of other natural wonders to explore.

Take a hike through Arikok National Park, for instance, or go snorkeling in one of the many reefs surrounding the island. If you want to get away from the crowds, head to Baby Beach or Boca Grandi – two of Aruba’s best-kept secrets.

Check out our Aruba Travel Guide which includes all-inclusive resorts in Aruba!

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Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Aruba

The island is home to a melting pot of cultures, and you can see this in its music, cuisine, and art. One great way to experience the culture of Aruba is to attend a free event.

Check out the schedule of events at the Aruba Aloe Museum, for example, or visit one of the many art galleries on the island. You can also enjoy free concerts and performances by local artists.

Visit historic sites and landmarks

Aruba has a rich history, and there are plenty of historic sites and landmarks to explore. Start with the California Lighthouse, then head to Fort Zoutman – one of the oldest buildings on the island.

If you’re interested in World War II history, pay a visit to the Hooiberg Natural Monument or the American Legion War Memorial.

Learn about Aruba’s wildlife

Aruba is home to some incredible wildlife, and you can learn all about it at the Aruba Ostrich Farm or the Aruba Butterfly Farm both of which offer free tours.

You can also see some of the island’s wildlife in its natural habitat by taking a hike through one of Aruba’s many nature reserves.

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Explore Aruba’s museums

There are plenty of great museums to explore in Aruba, and many of them offer free admission. The National Archaeological Museum Aruba, for instance, is a great place to learn about the island’s history and culture.

Other free museums include the Bon Bini Festival Museum and the Oranjestad Windmill Museum.

See all Aruba Stays in Palm-Eagle Beach

Visit the Bubali Bird Sanctuary

The Bubali Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places to see Aruba’s native bird species. The sanctuary is home to over 60 different species of birds, and it’s a great place to go for a peaceful walk or bird watching.

Admission to the sanctuary is free, and there are also free guided tours available.

Snorkel at Baby Beach

One of Aruba’s best-kept secrets, Baby Beach is located on the southeastern tip of the island and is a great spot for snorkeling. The beach gets its name from the shallow and calm waters which make it ideal for swimming with small children.

Snorkelers of all levels will enjoy exploring the colorful reef just offshore. Don’t forget to bring your own snorkeling gear!

Visit Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory

Founded in 1890, Aruba Aloe is the island’s oldest aloe vera plantation and one of the only places in the world where you can see how this medicinal plant is processed into skincare products.

The free tour includes a short film about the history of aloe in Aruba followed by a walk through the factory to see how aloe vera is transformed into lotions, gels, and soaps. Be sure to stop by the store afterward to pick up some souvenirs!

See all Aruba Stays in Oranjestad

Hike through Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park covers about 20% of Aruba’s land area and is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. The park has several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult with plenty of opportunities to see Aruba’s natural beauty.

One popular trail leads to the Natural Bridge, a limestone formation created by years of erosion. Admission to the park is free but there is a small fee for parking.

Watch the Sunset at California Lighthouse

Named after the steamship SS California which wrecked nearby in 1891, the California Lighthouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

The lighthouse offers stunning views of the coastline and is especially beautiful at sunset. It’s free to walk to the lighthouse but there is a small fee to enter the museum.

Explore the Ayo Rock Formations

The Ayo Rock Formations are a group of large limestone boulders that have been naturally sculpted over the years by wind and rain. The formations are located in the Arikok National Park and can be reached by hiking one of the trails. They’re an impressive sight and make for a great photo op! Definitely be sure to put this on your list of free things to do in Aruba.

The National Bridge

The National Bridge is a limestone formation that was created by years of erosion. It’s located in the Arikok National Park and can be reached by hiking one of the trails. The bridge offers stunning views of the coastline and is especially beautiful at sunset. This is on our list of the top free things to do in Aruba!

See all Aruba Stays in Noord

Visit the Arawak House

One of the best free things to do in Aruba is to visit The Arawak House. This is a replica of a traditional Aruban house from the early 19th century. It’s located in the historic district of Oranjestad and is free to enter. The house has a thatched roof and is furnished with Aruban artifacts.

Explore the Aruba Ostrich Farm

The Aruba Ostrich Farm is located in the north part of the island and is home to over 200 ostriches. The farm offers free tours which include a feeding show and an ostrich race. Be sure to stop by the gift shop afterward to pick up some souvenirs!

Explore Downtown Aruba on Streetcar

Downtown Aruba is the perfect place to explore on foot or by streetcar. The free streetcar runs every half hour and makes stops at all of the major tourist attractions.

Be sure to hop off at Fort Zoutman for a look at the historic Dutch fort. Or, visit Queen Wilhelmina Park for some stunning views of the waterfront.

The free Aruba Streetcar runs through the downtown area of Oranjestad and offers a convenient way to explore the shops, restaurants, and sights. The streetcar runs every 15 minutes from Monday to Saturday.

Relax at Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Aruba and it’s easy to see why. It has been named one of the 10 best beaches in the world. The white sand and turquoise water make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

It’s also a great place to relax and watch the sunset.

Explore the Quadirikiri and Fontein Caves

The Quadirikiri and Fontein Caves are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Aruba. The caves are located in the Arikok National Park and can be reached by hiking one of the trails. They’re an impressive sight and make for a great photo op!

Quadirikiri Cave, Arikok National Park, Aruba

These are just a few of the many free things to do in Aruba! So whether you’re looking to explore nature, learn about Aruban culture, or just relax on the beach, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy. And with its year-round sunny weather, Aruba is the perfect place for a vacation any time of year!

So, there you have it – the best free things to do in Aruba! Whether you’re looking to explore the island’s natural beauty or its vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone. We hope you enjoyed our 17 best free things to do in Aruba!

Looking for more things to do in Aruba? Check out our other blog post: Aruba Travel Guide which includes all-inclusive resorts in Aruba!

Remember, Wherever You Go, Don’t Forget to Wander!