Visit Aruba: The Happy Island


Expert recommendations on travel, destinations, food, tech and more.

Each week our experts put together one list of the best of the best of some of the top travel ideas and products out there.

Aruba is called “The Happy Island”, and the name fits it well. Between the smiling faces everywhere you go, crystal clear beaches, adventures galore, and an abundance of fresh food and chilling cocktails – Aruba really does have it all

Whether you’re off to your honeymoon or going on a family vacation with all ages, Aruba will have something for everyone. An amazing thing about Aruba is how small the island is compared to how much it offers. You won’t be limited to a resort in Aruba, instead the open road is in front of you and many Aruban adventures lie ahead. Here are must-see places and things to do while on the happy island.

Mi Dushi

You’ll see the word “Mi Dushi” a lot on the island, which means “my sweetheart”. This sweetheart is found in boat form and offers snorkeling tours, sunset cruises and even private party boat rides. It’s a wonderful time for all ages. A popular tour is “Taste of Aruba”, where you will snorkel in three different areas around the island and spot starfish, schools of fish, and even the famous Antilla shipwreck.

After the snorkeling quest is complete, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch and the pirate rope swing! Drinks (alcoholic and not) are also unlimited during the tour, which lasts a little over four hours.

Book Your Tour

Simply Fish

If a romantic dinner on the beach is on your list, then you must make a reservation for an evening spent with your toes in the sand enjoying delectable seafood. While the price tag doesn’t come cheap, it’s a great place for a special occasion, even if the occasion is just being in Aruba!

However, don’t expect to show up at Simpy Fish and get a table, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. It’s a very popular place among the Palm Beach area.

Make a Reservation

Philip’s Animal Garden

Monkeys, parrots, and snakes, oh my! Philip’s Animal Garden is a nonprofit organization to help Aruban animals and species. This zoo is unlike any other, you will have the opportunity to pet, play, and feed many of the animals as if it were like a petting zoo. No matter what age, everyone will find enjoyment in the animal garden and it’s furry tenants. Many visitors even claim this is their favorite attraction on the island!

Visit Philip’s Animal Garden

Kukoo Kunuku

Calling all party animals! If you’re looking for a night on the town and a chance to visit the Aruban bars, come aboard the Kukoo Kunuku! This wild and open-air bus will pick you up and drop you off right at your hotel. Once everyone is on, you will start the night off with a sunset filled champagne toast on the beach. The Kukoo Kunuku offers different tours as well, one with a dinner included, a pub crawl only, as well as a rock and beaches, and animals tour for all ages.

Book Your Tour

Arikok National Park

Behold, the natural wonders of the earth. Arikok National Park offers many top attractions including caves, beaches, a natural bridge and more. You won’t believe your eyes as you see the beauty that the island holds. It’s a great place to spend the day to get away from the hustle and bustle of the hotels.

A tradition along the rocky northern shore is to make wishes on stacks of rocks. Find at least three rocks, make a separate wish for each rock, and stack them on top of each other. To visit a lot of the attractions in this national park, you will need a 4×4 vehicle or take one of the many jeep tours that the island offers.

Visit Arikok National Park

The Butterfly Farm

Step inside a butterfly oasis at The Butterfly Farm in Oranjestad. For a $15 entrance fee, you will get an informative and interactive tour around the farm learning about the butterflies and can even get the chance to watch a live butterfly release!

Visit The Aruba Butterfly Farm

Don’t miss the perfect photo opportunities with the “I Love Aruba” signs planted all over the island!

Have we missed something that you love about Aruba? Leave it in the comments below!