The Best Aruba Independent Shore Excursions

 

Aruba is a small Caribbean island just north of Venezuela and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and it’s one of those destinations that feels designed for easy travel. Most visitors end up staying in or near Oranjestad, which is the island’s capital and main hub for shopping, dining, and cruise arrivals. It’s compact and colorful, with a mix of Dutch colonial architecture and modern tourist facilities, and it also makes a convenient base for reaching beaches and attractions.

The island is best known for its coastline, especially places like Eagle Beach, which has wide stretches of soft white sand and calm, clear water that stays swimmable most of the year. Nearby Palm Beach is more energetic, lined with high-rise resorts, beach bars, and water sports operators, so it tends to attract travelers looking for nightlife and activity. If you prefer something quieter and more natural, Baby Beach on the southern end of the island offers shallow, lagoon-like water that’s especially popular for relaxed swimming and snorkeling.

Beyond the beaches, Aruba has a surprisingly rugged interior that feels very different from the resort areas. A major highlight is Arikok National Park, where desert-like landscapes, limestone caves, and coastal cliffs give you a sense of the island’s volcanic origins. Many visitors take guided tours or rent a 4x4 to reach spots like natural pools and remote viewpoints that aren’t accessible by regular car.

The food scene blends Caribbean, Latin American, and Dutch influences, and the general atmosphere is relaxed, with the island built around convenience and outdoor enjoyment rather than intense sightseeing schedules.

Click here for a full list of all of these excursions. Or click the title of the excursion below. This will give you more information about the excursion. If you book through this link, Trips with Angie will get a small commission and a copy of your booking. If you’ve booked your cruise through Trips with Angie, we can double check the timing and add it to your itinerary.

Want to check out the underwater scene?   Lacking certification doesn't mean that you have to miss out on exploring the world beneath the Caribbean Sea. This small-group scuba diving experience for non-certified divers sets you up with all the theory, skills and equipment necessary to make a memorable dive beneath the waves.

Are you an experienced diver? Explore Aruba's underwater world during a 2-tank dive with a PADI-certified dive master. On this 4-hour excursion, get to know the calm, azure waters filled with vibrant sea life that thrives off of Aruba's coast. Visit famous dive sites like Antilla, Pedernales and Star Gerren as well as lesser-known spots like Skalahein, Fingers and Kantel reef. Round-trip transportation from the cruise port is included and dive gear is available for rental.

Want to get the best pictures of your dive? The  Private Dive + videographer/Photographer (Certified divers only) experience is a great choice. Your dive is accompanied by a photographer.  Pick-up is available from the cruise port.

Want to enjoy the ocean from the top? Embark on a  Banana Adventure Catamaran Shipwreck Snorkel and Turtle Swim Experience the stunning beauty of the coastline on a luxury catamaran. Perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Includes lunch, alcoholic beverages and use of snorkeling equipment. Transportation from the cruise port is available.

Want to move a little faster on your snorkel? Explore the underwater world off Aruba's North Coast with the aid of an underwater scooter on this Aruba Seabob Scooter Reef Tour. The Seabob F5 S jet allows you to dive deeper and faster underwater without putting forth extra effort. As the scooter jets propel you along, take in the views of the coral reefs and the marine inhabitants. All instruction and equipment provided, as well as beverages and round-trip transportation from the port.

Do you have a group of 8 – 10 people? Celebrate a birthday or other special occasion in style on this private boat tour for up to ten people. The itinerary is customizable to suit your needs and preferences.  Most travelers enjoy cruising the coastline, stopping to swim and snorkel, and getting down at a beach or two. You can even fish for your dinner if you like. Transportation is available.

Kayak to a special  island Join Ericko, a fun and knowledgeable local, on an unforgettable tour to Sea Glass Island! Take a short 5-8 minute kayak ride along Aruba’s stunning coast. Spend two hours exploring the island’s treasures, collecting colorful sea glass and soaking in the beauty with this  Sea Glass Island Aruba Tour. Start with a safety briefing before kayaking for a smooth adventure, and stay refreshed with complimentary Powerade and water. Water shoes are required. Transportation is not included. It is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the port to the meeting point.

How about an adventure on land and an opportunity to cool off? Swap sunbathing on the beach for a more exciting experience of Aruba with this Aruba UTV Tour with Natural Cave Pool and Cliff Jumping. This UTV adventure promises an adventurous and exhilarating ride through the island's rugged desert and coastline. Along the way you'll stop at landmarks including Philip's Animal Garden (the island's largest exotic animal sanctuary), the Alto Vista Chapel and Bushiribana Ruins. Includes roundtrip transportation from the port. Pick-up is available from the cruise port.

Ride horses through Aruba's unspoiled and rugged landscapes during this small-group tour: Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park. Get matched with a horse according to your skills and experience.  Follow your horseback riding guide through the desert scenery of Arikok National Park to the natural pool to cool off. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off is included. No horseback riding experience is required.

Would you rather explore the island at your pace?  Customize an itinerary in Aruba for you and your family on this private tour of the island. Travel in a comfortable, family-friendly minivan to destinations of interest. You can choose your own schedule or the guide can create one based on your preferences. Highlights can include Alto Vista Chapel, the Natural Bridge, Casibari Rock Formation, and others. Cruise port pickup and drop-off included.

Do you have an animal lover in your group? Interact with ostriches, donkeys, and other animals on this half-day animal sanctuary tour. Depart from the cruise port in an air-conditioned coach and travel to the Aruba Ostrich Farm. Accompanied by a guide, learn about the local ostriches and emus. Continue to the Donkey Sanctuary and Philip’s Animal Garden for exotic animals.

Know a Harley-Davidson lover?  Imagine riding around the island in a Harley-Davidson.  Revving the engine. Feeling the wind and the hot sun on your face and enjoying a fun ride around the streets of Aruba. If that sounds like an ideal way to see Aruba, rent yourself a Harley-Davidson for half a day and make it a reality. A valid motor cycle license is required. Pick-up is available from the port.

We’ve done our best to select excursions that could be fun for your family. As with all excursions, please do your own due diligence with the excursion provider, review physical requirements for the tour, and read the liability waiver carefully before signing.