How to Plan an Unforgettable 3 Days in Aruba
If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy 3 days in Aruba, then you’ve come to the right place. I like to think of myself as a Caribbean connoisseur and am here to help you plan the perfect trip to Aruba!
Whether you’re looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, outdoor adventure, or a cultural experience – I’ve got it all for you!
In just three days, get ready to dive into the expansive culture, breathtaking beauty, and remarkable sights that Aruba offers. From the pristine beaches to azure blue waters lined with palm trees – explore the natural paradise that awaits in your next getaway destination!
Booking travel soon? Here are my favorite reputable Aruba resources
– Book your villas a vrbo.com
– Find tours at viator.com
– Find hotels at expedia.com
– Find the best deals for rental cars at Discover Cars
Day 1 in Aruba: Hotel Checkin, Tours, and Sunset Sail
Kick off your 3 days in Aruba! Check in to one of the many incredible resorts Aruba has to offer.
- Morning: Check into the hotel and pick up your rental car
- Afternoon: Tour the Aruba Aloe Factory and visit the Donkey Sanctuary
- Evening: Sunset sail
ARUBA ALOE FACTORY & DONKEY SANCTUARY
To kick off your 3-day itinerary, explore two incredible sights in Aruba – the Aruba Aloe Factory and Donkey Sanctuary in Santa Cruz.
At the Aruba Aloe Factory, visitors can learn all about the island’s native Aloe Vera plant and its many uses, including topical treatments and even beverages.
The factory offers complimentary tours and samples to help visitors learn more about aloe usage. Tours are offered in English, Spanish, and Dutch. After experiencing the factory, make a stop at the Donkey Sanctuary in Santa Cruz.
Here visitors are invited to get up close and personal with rescued donkeys that have been taken in after being injured or abused.
Both the Aloe Factory and Donkey Sanctuary are unique opportunities for a great experience – both educational and fun!
You can find tours that will stop at this historic Aloe factory where you’ll see the cutting room, testing lab, and packaging of Aruba’s native aloe.
EVENING SUNSET SAIL
Once you have settled in, grab your favorite outfit and get ready for a memorable sunset sail. A sunset sail is a perfect way to start your vacation. Cruise through the translucent Caribbean waters while watching the sunset from your boat with the people you love most!
This Aruba Sunset Cruise and Seaside Dinner takes you on a Catamaran with drinks and appetizers. After, you’ll be dropped off for seafood dinner at the waterfront restaurant, Pelican Nest Seafood Grill right on Palm Beach.
As the sun slowly sets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a stunningly beautiful Caribbean landscape, perfect for taking some amazing photos of your vacation! This is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Writer’s resort pick: Book the Tierra Del Sol Resort & Golf
Sunset Sail pick: Book a Sunset Cruise and Seaside Dinner
Rental car pick: Discover Cars
Day 2 in Aruba: Jeep Tour and Explore Oranjestad
Day 2 is the perfect day to squeeze in everything Aruba has to offer with an island tour!
- Morning: Sightsee in downtown Oranjestad – Downtown Trolley
- Afternoon: Off-Road Jeep Tour to Conchi Natural Pool in Arikok National Park and other natural wonders in Aruba
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and hit the downtown clubs and bars in Oranjestad after dark
SIGHTSEE IN ORANJESTAD
Day 2 of 3 days in Aruba promises sun, sand, and sightseeing in Oranjestad. Start at the cruise port and step right into the Royal Plaza Mall to take in some shopping experiences. You’ll find local stores around the area specializing in Aruban art, crafts, and jewelry.
Oranjestad offers a free hop-on-hop-off trolley that takes visitors on the perfect sightseeing tour around town. Starting at the cruise port, the trolly makes its stops through Main Street.
For a taste of history, check out The National Archaeological Museum downtown. The trolley will stop at plenty of historic sites and shopping areas to complete your day of sightseeing.
JEEP TOUR: OFF-ROAD THROUGH ARUBA
UTV tours and Jeep tours are popular and exciting ways to experience the diverse terrain in Aruba. Venture off-road and explore the places in Aruba that can only be accessed with a 4-wheel drive.
You’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides who will provide information on the history and ecology of the island while ensuring your safety.
With this full Off-Road Jeep Tour you’ll hit iconic landmarks such as Arikok National Park, Ayo Rock Formations, Alto Vista Chapel, Andicuri Beach, Natural Bridge and Cave pool, Blackstone Beach, Shark Bay and Wariruri Bay, Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins, and more! Experience the beauty of Aruba like never before with a jeep tour.
On top of hitting all the can’t-miss spots, you’ll also be able to cliff jump and snorkel through the Conchi Natural Pool in Arikok National Park. This is a favorite destination among tourists when visiting Aruba.
HIT THE TOWN IN ORANJESTAD AFTER DARK
After dark, there’s no shortage of options in Oranjestad. From lively clubs and bars to deliciously diverse cuisine, the capital has something for everyone looking for some nighttime entertainment.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening sipping island cocktails or an energizing night of music and dancing, Oranjestad offers a variety of unique experiences. Oranjestad is the perfect place to let loose and enjoy the natural beauty of the island day and night!
Writer’s Jeep tour pick: Book the Off-Road Jeep Tour
Dinner pick: Fred Restaurant
Night pick: The Sopranos Piano Bar (perfect for couples and singles!)
Day 3 in Aruba: Beach day
- Morning and Afternoon: Explore the beaches in Aruba
- Evening: California Lighthouse for spectacular sunset views (and maybe dinner!)
EXPLORE THE BEACHES IN ARUBA
You’ve packed a lot of adventure into the last two days! To enjoy your last 3 days in Aruba, kick back with your feet in the sand!
Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are two of the most popular beaches on the island. The beaches offer long stretches of white sand and a variety of watersports and activities. Many visitors argue these are two of the best spots on the island!
But there’s so much more! Baby Beach, Malmok Beach, and Boca Catalina Beach are all well known for their clear waters and snorkeling opportunities. Just a short drive around the island, you’ll find Manchebo Beach, Arashi Beach Divi Beach, the rocky Westpunt Beach, and more.
SUNSET DINNER AT CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSE
If you’re searching for the perfect way to end your island getaway, capturing the golden sun settling on the horizon from the California Lighthouse just might be it.
Located in the north of Aruba and standing tall at 175 feet, this iconic structure has been providing spectacular views for 100 years.
As you ascend up its steep stairs, you’ll find many 360, unparalleled views of Aruba. Watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon from any one of these points will be a sight that you won’t soon forget – allowing your stay here to live on in memory forever.
To make this historic site even more memorable, you now enjoy a three-course dinner at the top of this lighthouse. Reservations are hard to come by, with only 2 seatings each day, so plan far ahead if you want to take part in this unique dining experience.
Writer’s beach pick: Boca Catalina Beach
Dinner pick: Dinner at the top of the California Lighthouse
book your exclusive dining experience here ►
Is 3 days enough in Aruba?
Spending just three days in Aruba is truly a great way to sample all the treasures of this beautiful island. It’s perfect for a quick getaway as there are plenty of attractions and activities to keep you occupied.
You can relax on the beach and make time to explore the many natural wonders on the island.
If you’re looking for an even more rewarding experience, visit local landmarks such as the famous California Lighthouse or Aloe Museum.
At night, enjoy the vibrant restaurants and nightlife in Oranjestad, Crystal Casino or Renaissance Mall. Despite its size, Aruba offers visitors so much within a short period of time that three days can provide incredible memories that will last a lifetime!
On the other day…you can always use a few extra days on the beach, right?
Related reading: 3 – 7 day Aruba itinerary
How many days is enough in Aruba?
It all comes down to what type of holiday experience you are looking for. If you are looking to relax and enjoy the scenery on your vacation, 3-5 days will be enough time to get the best out of Aruba.
However, if you want to explore every inch of this island at a leisurely pace and fully experience everything that it has to offer, 7-10 days would give you plenty of time to do so.
You can partake in outdoor sports activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or kitesurfing. Or, put your feet up on one of the cozy beach bars or restaurants along Eagle Beach.
There is something for everyone in Aruba. No matter how long you stay, you won’t run out of things to do!
Is Aruba safe?
Aruba is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The island has a low crime rate, with the overall feeling of the island being very relaxed and safe.
Tourists are advised to take the usual precautions when traveling. Keep your valuables secure and avoid walking alone at night. Additionally, never take a taxi that you can’t confirm is registered.
Most crime in Aruba is related to drugs within the island.
What is Aruba known for?
Aruba is a stunning Caribbean paradise, where the temperature rarely goes below 84°F. With its beautiful turquoise waters, pristine white beaches, and lush green vegetation.
Aruba is frequently known as the Caribbean island located off the hurricane belt, making severe tropical storms and hurricanes rare. There are only a few, including nearby ABC islands Bonaire and Curacao.
Aruba is also known for its many natural wonders and diverse landscapes.
Things to do in Aruba
1. Casibari Rock Formations
If you have ever been to Aruba, you will know it’s an incredible sunny paradise, with beautiful ocean and skies. Yet, what may surprise you is there are actually some incredibly unique wonders of nature hidden all around the island.
One such natural wonder of Aruba is the Casibari Rock Formations. They are spectacular when seen in person – huge boulders, many stories tall, scattered off the main road, and connected by walking trails within the boulder rocks!
With just a bit of effort, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the top. If you are ever in Aruba, don’t miss out on visiting this marvelous beauty resting in plain sight!
2. Scuba Diving in Aruba
2-tank dive through the most beautiful diving spots off Aruba’s coast.
⭐5 stars | 112 reviews | 💰$92.30
With this scuba diving adventure, you can truly get off the beaten “path” and experience Aruba’s most breathtaking underwater sites that are not accessible by land or snorkel.
In addition, experienced advisors will provide guidance and safety advice to ensure you have an unforgettable diving experience.
BOOK IT! Plan your 2-tank scuba dive in Aruba ➡️
3. Visit the Divi Tree
Aruba is home to so many exciting things to do and places to explore – one of the most famous of these is the Divi Tree. The Divi Tree is a popular and well-known sight in Aruba, located right off the beach.
Don’t forget to take a walk down the beach to see this protected landmark.
4. Butterfly Farm
Exploring Aruba’s Butterfly Farm is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy breathtaking views of colorful butterflies up close and personal as you learn about their fascinating metamorphosis process.
Visit the garden with dozens of exotic butterfly species from around the world. Explore expertly designed landscaping that creates perfect conditions for the butterflies to thrive.
Throughout your visit, gain knowledge of butterfly-conservation efforts dedicated to preserving these incredible creatures in the wild.
With careful guidance, you can take part in a hands-on experience of handling some of these beautiful butterflies – helping make this a place where nature is enjoyed and appreciated.
5. Aruhiba Cigar Factory
Watch expert artisans craft the perfect Aruba Cigar with nothing but their hands and some specialized tools.
The entire process of selecting the right leaves, inspecting them, sorting them, blending them into different batches, rolling the cigars, and packing them into boxes is truly a mesmerizing experience that you can witness here.
The Aruhiba Cigar Factory is a must-visit destination for cigar connoisseurs who take pride in savoring a well-crafted stick of smoke!
6. Snorkel Tour
There are many reefs you can’t get to from shore (Bahamas is a better choice for off-shore snorkeling). Taking one of these popular snorkeling tours in Aruba is the perfect way to explore the waters.
Enjoy an open bar, light lunch, and a shirt! Sail and lounge on Delphi’s snorkeling catamaran as you snorkel through hidden coral reefs. You’ll even stop at the famous Antilla shipwreck!
⭐5 stars Book your Aruba snorkeling cruise➡️
With this scuba diving adventure, you can truly get off the beaten “path” and experience Aruba’s most breathtaking underwater sites that are not accessible by land or snorkel.
In addition, experienced advisors will provide guidance and safety advice to ensure you have an unforgettable diving experience.
Where to stay for 3 days in Aruba
- Tierra Del Sol Resort & Golf ⭐9.0 Stars | Wonderful
- Bucuti & Tara Boutique Beach Resort (Adult Only) ⭐ 9.5 Stars | Exceptional
- Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino⭐8.9 Stars | Excellent
Related reading: Best resorts for your Aruba honeymoon
Where to Eat in Aruba
- The Fred
- The Secret Garden Aruba ⭐
- Passions on the Beach
- Bistro de Suikertuin
How to get around Aruba
Renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Aruba. Especially if you want to explore the whole island!
For getting around Oranjestad, take advantage of the free trolly! If you don’t want to rent a car, taxis are available throughout the island.
There is no Uber in Aruba.
Tips for renting a car in Aruba
- Many streets are one-way, so drive slowly and cautiously
- A 4-wheel vehicle will come in handy if you want to explore some off-road areas like Arikok National Park
- Right-hand turns on red are illegal
- Gas stations are not self-serve
- Gas prices are in liters not gallons
- Speed signs and distances are in km
Tips for taking Taxis in Aruba
- Taxi rates are set by the government. Aruba Taxi Sheet
- Most taxis will only accept cash. USD are fine. Prepare accordingly!
- You can rent taxis by the hour if you want to get a lot of sightseeing in on your own.
- Schedule pickup and dropoff so you don’t get stuck in any secluded areas.
- There is a taxi surcharge in Aruba after 11 pm, Sundays, and for luggage.
What is the best time of year to go to Aruba?
If you love warmth and sunshine, the best time to visit Aruba would be in the winter months of February to April. During the holidays, visiting Aruba in December is also popular.
Throughout the winter months, the temperatures are mild. This allows for comfortable days out at tourist attractions as well as amazing, breezy beach days.
Although hurricane season runs from May to November, Aruba’s position farther away from the hurricane belt compared to other Caribbean islands makes it a safe destination year-round.
Surprisingly, it’s one of the few Caribbean islands you can visit in August and October – when most islands see the highest amounts of rainfall.
If you do choose to go over the summer, however, be sure to pack light and bring plenty of fluids; temperatures often reach the 90s thanks to the humidity!
If you only plan to spend 3 days in Aruba, you might be able to brave the heat. But any more than that, you’ll likely want to visit in the cooler months.
What is the rainy season in Aruba?
Aruba is known for its pleasurable and consistent temperatures throughout the year. Despite this, Aruba does receive enough rain to create a wet season. What is rainy season in Aruba? It typically occurs annually between October and January, though average rainfall is still some of the lowest in the Caribbean.
This season marks some of the highest amounts of precipitation, although even during these months, rainfalls can be short and quick.
The humidity experienced during Aruba’s rainy season also varies greatly as it is typically quite lower than in the hot summer months due to the trade winds. Because of the humidity, the end of summer can be one of the worst times to visit.
Ultimately, Aruba’s rainy season is much different from other parts of the world due to its uniquely temperate climate and almost always mild rains; making the tropical island all the more attractive to visitors!
What is hurricane season in Aruba?
Aruba’s hurricane season is a unique one. While the hurricane season lasts from June – November in the Caribbean, Aruba sits on the outer edge of the hurricane belt, meaning that its hurricane season sees much milder weather and less rainfall.
In comparison with other islands such as Turks and Caicos or US Virgin Islands, which experience more frequent rainfall during hurricane season, Aruba visitors can generally enjoy mild storm weather throughout the summer months.
On the downside, the heat in Aruba in the summer can be unbearable for some, going up to the 90s regularly with little rainfall. Travelers to this Caribbean island can worry a bit less about severe storms during hurricane season.
What is the cheapest month to go to Aruba?
Peak prices seem to take a break in Aruba around May. This makes May a cheap month to visit Aruba.
Kayak and Skyscanner also note that prices in January drop in terms of flights. January generally sees a higher amount of rainfall than the later months.
What part of Aruba is best to stay?
Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are the most popular parts of Aruba to stay in. These are both long stretches of coastline lined with resorts, restaurants, hotels, and activities. Palm Beach offers a lively nightlife. Additionally, Orjansted is closer to sightseeing and museums.
Is Aruba expensive to vacation?
Aruba can be an expensive destination. Particularly if you’re planning to stay on the resort strips. As with any island, Aruba has a higher cost of living due to importing goods. However, you can certainly find budget times of the year to visit this Caribbean destination.
Aruba Itinerary: Summary
We’ve come to the end of your travel guide for 3 days in Aruba! Hopefully, this Aruba 3 day itinerary sums up everything you hope to get out of your quick trip to the Caribbean.
DAY 1:
- Aruba Aloe Factory, Donkey Sanctuary, and evening sunset sail
DAY 2:
- Sightseeing in Oranjestad, Off-road Jeep tour through Aruba, visit the bars in Palm Beach and Oranjestad for dinner and drinks
DAY 3:
- Rest and recover at the beaches in Aruba, sunset dinner at the California Lighthouse
