Hutch’s Aruba Guide
Tour operators, spas, a printable itinerary, do’s & don’ts, local culture, and highly rated restaurants:
Here’s your comprehensive 7-day guide to enjoying Aruba to the fullest sunshine, adventure, culture, cuisine, and nightlife await!
Top Beaches & Water Activities
• Eagle Beach (northwest coast): One of the widest and whitest beaches, great for sunbathing, parasailing, snorkeling, horseback riding. (thetimes.co.uk, thecrazytourist.com)
• Palm Beach: Bustling with resorts, calm waters, piers, water sport rentals. (trekhops.com)
• Arashi & Manchebo Beaches: Quieter, excellent snorkeling off the coast near the California Lighthouse. (planetware.com)
• Baby Beach: Calm, shallow lagoon ideal for families and beginner snorkelers. (travelandleisure.com)
Water Sports: Try snorkeling, scuba diving (Antilla wreck), kite/windsurfing, parasailing, helmet diving, and catamaran cruises.
Cultural & Natural Attractions
• Arikok National Park: 20% of the island explore caves, wildlife, gold mill ruins, Natural Pool & Conchi; guided Jeep tours recommended. (en.wikipedia.org)
• California Lighthouse: Sunset views with panoramic ocean vistas. (viator.com)
• Alto Vista Chapel: Iconic yellow chapel peaceful photo spot. (viator.com)
• Bushiribana Ruins: Ruins of historic gold mill in desert surroundings. (viator.com)
• Fort Zoutman & Historical Museum: Aruba’s oldest structure and museum detailing colonial and slave-trade history, in Oranjestad. Zoutmanstraat z/n, Oranjestad. (visitaruba.com)
• Hooiberg: Climb ~600 steps for panoramic island-wide views. (en.wikipedia.org)
• De Olde Molen: Historic Dutch windmill in Bubali, now a restaurant and museum. (en.wikipedia.org)
Local Cuisine & Restaurants
Try authentic Aruban dishes like keshi yena, carni stoba, balchi pica, quesillo. (visitaruba.com)
Top local spots:
• The Old Cunucu House – Palm Beach 150, Noord; rustic Aruban setting; live music nightly at 8 pm; website: oldcunucu.com (authenticchiclifestyle.com)
• Gasparito – Address #3, Noord; reservations: +297 594-2550, bonbini@gasparito.com; open 6–8 pm, closed Sun & holidays (gasparito.com)
• Lima Bistro – Oranjestad; recommended by locals. (reddit.com)
• Zeerovers – Legendary seafood shack near Savaneta; catch fresh fish and chill by the water. (reddit.com)
Also check OpenTable top picks: Pinchos Grill & Bar, Craft, Flying Fishbone (oceanfront), Azar Open Fire Cuisine. (tripadvisor.com)
Nightlife & Culture
• San Nicolas: Colorful mural district and budding art scene. (visitaruba.com)
• Aruba nightlife: Casinos and beach bars line Palm Beach; try Moomba Beach Bar, Sea Breeze, Flying Fishbone for oceanfront evening dining. (brides.com)
• Live music: Enjoy Aruban singer sets at The Old Cunucu House. (authenticchiclifestyle.com)
Sample 7-Day Itinerary
Hike Hooiberg
California Lighthouse Seafood at Zeerovers
Beaches: Eagle + Manchebo Glass-bottom or catamaran cruise Casino nightlife 5 Cultural in Oranjestad (Fort Zoutman, museums) Lunch at Lima Bistro Explore San Nicolas murals
(grocery/shop) De Palm Island day-trip Sunset bar & final dinner
Tips to Maximize Your Experience
• Rent a car or use local tours to reach secluded spots.
• Join guided hikes in parks to access cave art and natural pools.
• Book restaurants ahead, especially beachside ones.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
• Carry local currency (Aruban florin) and small USD bills.
Tour Operators
• De Palm Tours – Jeep & UTV safaris, catamaran sails, submarine trips, and airport transfers.
+297 522-4400 · L.G. Smith Blvd 142, Oranjestad · Depalm.com (depalm.com)
• Aruba Fantasy Tours – Personalized full/half island guided tours by locals. arubafantasytours.com (arubafantasytours.com)
• ABC Tours & EL Tours – Highly rated for jeep, ATV, and bus island tours (aruba.com)
Spas & Wellness
• Mandara Spa at Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club +297 520-6750 · 8:30 am–5:30 pm · Balinese- and botanical-inspired treatments (mandaraspa.com)
• Ritz-Carlton Dushi Tera Spa +297 527-2525 · rc.auart.spa@ritzcarlton.com · 9 am–6 pm daily (ritzcarlton.com)
• Purun Spa – J.E. Irausquin Blvd 55B, Noord · +297 583-1100 ext 120 · Mon–Sat 9 am–6 pm (purunspa.com)
• Verde Renacer Spa – J.E. Irausquin Blvd 97-A, Noord · +297 568-0050 · verderenacerspa@gmail.com (verderenacerspa.com)