Few islands can offer a more pristine backdrop for a romantic Caribbean sojourn than Aruba. Whether you’re newlyweds seeking a honeymoon adrenaline kick or beach lovers that prefer lounging on powdery-white sands, the best things to do in Aruba for couples will leave you nearly as besotted with the island as each other.
Small in size but big in heart, Aruba—one of the three ABC Islands in the Leeward Antilles—has more than earned its reputation as the “One Happy Island.” Pastel-hued towns, soft and soothing sands, and a coastline that glistens year-round have made the island a favorite with couples the world over, and the array of activities on offer is as tempting as the tropical climate.
Plunge into a fascinating underwater world together, enjoy a traditional Aruba Ariba cocktail at a beachfront bar, or experience the island’s creative side. Whichever of these magical things to do in Aruba for couples you choose, lifelong memories are near guaranteed.
Escape to De Palm Island
De Palm Island
Barely a stone’s throw from Aruba’s coast, private De Palm Island is a haven for couples seeking a more exclusive hideaway.
Not only will you find some of Aruba’s clearest waters around this tiny speck of sand dotted with cabanas, but also many of the best things to do in Aruba for couples are bundled into this day-trip getaway.
De Palm Island
With resident flamingos, two restaurants and a bar, a mini waterslide park and a choice of protected bathing areas, De Palm Island is a microcosm of all that makes Aruba so alluring.
For partners who prefer a more adventurous day at sea, the menu of watersports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and banana boat rides, will impress.
If you’d prefer a slightly more intimate island visit, dreamy private cabanas can be reserved for the day and come complete with a personal staircase descending directly into the Caribbean Sea.
Shop & Photoshoot in Oranjestad
Oranjestad
Before making a beeline to the beach, be sure to spend some time exploring Oranjestad, the island’s colorful capital.
With a trove of brightly colored Dutch-style architecture, open-top trams, and personality-heavy markets, a stroll around the city is one of the best things to do in Aruba for couples keen to take home some memorable holiday snaps and souvenirs while discovering the country’s culture and heritage.
National Archaeological Museum
Start your visit at the National Archaeological Museum, where the small space shares Aruba’s history, before soaking in the island’s atmosphere, coffee in hand, at Plaza Daniel Leo.
Then dive into the island’s creativity with an art-filled visit to Cas di Cultura. Alternatively, you can sit back and take in many of Oranjestad’s sights aboard the double-decker open-topped tram.
If you plan on shopping in Aruba, romantic gifts or souvenirs can also be found in abundance here, with plenty of boutique stores and independent artist stalls complimenting the larger shopping malls, such as waterfront Palm Beach Plaza, upscale Renaissance Mall, and the iconic Barbie-pink Royal Plaza Mall.
Set Sail at Sunset
Catamaran in Aruba
Of all the things to do in Aruba for couples, getting onboard a catamaran at sunset—or even during the day—is certainly one of the most notable.
Not only will you get to see the island from a different vantage point, but the gentle trade winds Aruba is famed for and the calming Caribbean Sea are sure to leave you enchanted.
There are a variety of different sailing options, depending on whether you’d prefer a romantic meal onboard, a cocktail-focused cruise, or just simply to enjoy the views of one of the best sunsets in the world.
One thing they all have in common, though, is unforgettable memories; seeing Aruba’s paradisiacal scenery slowly pass by is a real treat.
Relax With a Beachfront Massage
Eagle Beach
Romance and pampering go hand-in-hand, and what better way to show your love for one another than indulging in an oceanfront massage?
With your feet fresh from the sand and the gentle sea breeze floating through the open-air spa, a beachside massage is truly unique when compared to a more traditional inside option at home.
Eagle Beach
At Eagle Beach, two spas (including the ever-popular Spa del Sol) offer beachfront cabana-style services, but you’ll find a handful of other masseuses across some of the island’s other famous beaches.
Read: Best Things to Do in Aruba
Dive Underwater Aboard a Submarine
Atlantis
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Aruba for couples, then a submarine ride aboard Atlantis will be tempting. Modern and surprisingly spacious, this first-class vessel will transport you deep (up to 140 feet) into the underwater world, with the chance to spot schools of fish from the portholes.
Accompanied by a professional guide, you and your loved one will be introduced to the different marine life that inhabits Aruba’s colorful reefs.
A highlight is the chance to witness some of the island’s many shipwrecks up close, giving a unique vantage point to Aruba’s best scuba diving sights without the need for a wetsuit.
Embark on an Adventure in Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park
Wild, rugged and adventure-ripe, Arikok National Park is a melange of scrub, desert-like sands, fierce waves and fascinating caves that make it one of the best places to visit in Aruba.
Covering around 20 percent of the island’s northeast, the protected area provides a stark landscape shift to the western shorelines.
Regular road traffic is banned in the park but couples seeking a little adrenaline can book a private 4WD tour of Arikok. ATV tours, which have been limited since 2020 to protect the landscape, are also available on the official pathways.
Conchi, Arikok National Park
Inside Arikok National Park, you’ll pass cacti-strewn scrubland before reaching the wild coast. Dive into Conchi, also known as Aruba’s Natural Pool, lounge on near footprint-free sands, and admire the tumbling dunes which back the beaches.
Quadiriki Cave, Arikok National Park
However, the park’s most intriguing sights are arguably the cave systems, with Fontein and Quadiriki being the most visited. Inside these ancient spaces, Arawak people left cave drawings etched into the walls around 3,000 years ago, now viewable with a torch or by the naturally formed skylight.
Share Incredible Views Atop the California Lighthouse
California Lighthouse
Aruba’s vantage points are plentiful, with seemingly another photogenic spot every minute. But to really appreciate the island’s magnificence, you’ll want to get an aerial view—and one of the island’s most iconic landmarks will happily oblige.
Towering over the north of the island for more than a century, the California Lighthouse is Aruba’s tallest structure, just shy of 100 feet.
Named after the S.S. California vessel, which sank near the headland a few years before the lighthouse’s construction, it’s been warning ships of looming danger since its inauguration in 1918.
Practicalities aside, this famous lighthouse is also one of the most panoramic viewpoints on the island. With Arashi Beach in its shadow and 360-degree views, heading to the top is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Aruba for couples eager to snap a scenic photo together.
Watersports at Palm Beach
Palm Beach
If your idea of the perfect romantic tropical getaway is getting out on the water, Aruba has an extensive array of activities to keep you entertained.
Palm Beach, the most popular of the resort-backed stretches of sand on Aruba’s western shoreline, is the island’s watersports wonderland.
Jet ski, SUP and kayak rentals abound, while there are wind and kitesurfing instructors on hand, and scuba-diving schools offering trips out to shipwrecks. Aruba’s on-the-water menu is impressive.
Palm Beach
Don’t just limit yourself to the one shoreline, though, as Aruba’s best beaches are dotted across the island. Aruba is one of the best islands for surfing in the Caribbean, and surfers will find exciting swell on the island’s east.
Meanwhile, snorkelers eager to spot turtles should head further north—this is an island with no shortage of incredible swimming spots.
Take a Self-Guided Street Art Tour in San Nicolas
San Nicolas
In the island’s south, San Nicolas—locally known as the Sunrise City—was skipped by travelers for many years, with the former red-light district having little to offer to tourists. Fast forward to today, and San Nicolas has been transformed, ready to welcome you for a hand-in-hand street art fiesta.
Over the past decade, this laid-back southern city has pioneered something of a street art revival across the Caribbean, inviting local and international artists to leave their signature marks.
Sprinkled around the kaleidoscopic city, you’ll find murals of all kinds, with more than a few nods to Aruba’s beloved carnival culture. Inside the Carnival Museum, you can delve deeper into the island’s biggest celebration.
An afternoon stroll around San Nicolas’ street art is a great way to see a more local and creative side to the island.
Hideaway at Boca Catalina Beach
Boca Catalina Beach
Aruba is distinguished for its shimmering stretches of sugar-white sands, and two of the best beaches in Aruba are Arashi and Malmok. But, it’s Boca Catalina—wedged between the pair—which makes for one of the island’s most romantic boltholes.
It’s serene, secluded and ideal for swimming. As such, slipping away for an hour or two at Boca Catalina is one of the best things to do in Aruba for couples eager for solitude.
While it can still get busy due to its pocket size, the beach is mainly frequented by locals on weekends rather than visitors, meaning shady spots under the trees are often available, even mid-morning.
Pick Up Pampering Products at Aruba Aloe
Aruba Aloe products
Aruba has been producing world-class aloe products for close to 200 years, making a visit to the factory farm one of the top things to do in Aruba for couples looking to take some products home.
Aruba Aloe
After embarking on a tour around the farming fields, where you’ll learn more about this unassuming plant, you can see the products created inside the factory. Pick up a premium aftersun or luxurious shower gel from the wide range of products in the shop.
Read: Curaçao vs. Aruba: Which Should You Visit?
Climb to the Top of the Casibari Rock Formation
Casibari Rock Formation
The island’s near-flat terrain is punctuated by two fascinating rock formations, and climbing them is a great way to understand the significance of these bizarre blots on the landscape.
Casibari Rock Formation is a marvel to behold and looks even more out of place now a village sits in its shadow. Atop the giant boulder, reachable by a purpose-built staircase, you can start to get an idea of just how uniform Aruba’s topography is.
Likewise, the nearby Ayo Rock Formation, once a sacred site for the island’s original inhabitants, the Caquetío people, is equally mystical.
Enjoy a Tasting in Aruba’s Winery
Perhaps a local wine tasting isn’t your first idea when thinking about the food and drink scene in the Caribbean, which is why a visit to the Alto Vista Winery and Rum Distillery is a must for couples seeking a special sip of the local wines.
In operation since 2019, this family-run vineyard has only recently started hosting tours and tastings, and the unique landscape is more than reason enough to visit.
Alto Vista Trail
With fantastic views, both of the vines mixed with cacti, and the sugar cane plantations looking out to sea, a stroll through the grounds is nearly as delicious as the tasting.
A selection of different wines is in production, including Syrah, Chenin Blan and Tempranillo. What could be more romantic than sampling a glass of each together?
Read: The Best Food in Aruba
Reflect at Alto Vista Chapel
Alto Vista Chapel
After enjoying your tour and tasting, the small hillside chapel, which shares its name with the neighboring winery, is well worth a pause for reflection.
Small and intimate, this location has been home to a religious structure since at least 1750, with the current Catholic chapel opening in the 1950s.
With the cerulean sea serving as a contrasting backdrop to the pastel-yellow chapel, it’s a perfect location for some silent mediation—or perhaps even a surprise wedding proposal.
Aruba
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