Island guide
Things to do in Aruba
One happy island, endless options. From white-sand beaches and a desert national park to snorkelling, shopping and sport — here's how to fill your days in Aruba, including the activity most visitors haven't tried yet: padel.
Beaches & nature
Eagle Beach & Palm Beach
Aruba's famous white-sand beaches. Eagle Beach is wide and calm; Palm Beach is livelier, lined with resorts, bars and watersports.
Arikok National Park
Almost a fifth of the island is protected park: desert landscapes, cacti, caves with ancient drawings and the natural pool known as Conchi.
Snorkelling & diving
Clear Caribbean water, coral reefs and the Antilla shipwreck — one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean — make Aruba a snorkelling and diving favourite.
California Lighthouse
On the island's northwestern tip, with sunset views over the dunes and coastline.
Play padel at Padeluxe
Looking for something active between beach days? Padel is the world's fastest-growing racket sport — easy to learn, social, and seriously fun. At Padeluxe in Oranjestad you can book one of eight glass courts online in under a minute, no account needed. Courts are open daily from 07:00 until 23:00, and the floodlit evenings are the locals' favourite time to play.
Never played before? That's most of our guests. Book a 90-minute slot, grab a racket from the pro shop, and you'll be rallying within ten minutes — or book a lesson with a certified coach. New to padel? Start here.
Oranjestad & evenings
Aruba's colourful capital is worth a full afternoon: Dutch-Caribbean architecture, the marina, local markets and duty-free shopping along Main Street. In the evenings the island shifts to beachfront dinners, live music and the bars around Palm Beach — and a late padel match under the floodlights is the perfect way to start the night.
Staying near the city? See our Oranjestad guide — Padeluxe is right in town at Luxemburgstraat 12.