Vacation costs add up fast in the Caribbean. Airfare, accommodations, meals and activities all pile on, making budgeting one of the most stressful parts of planning a trip. The good news is that saving money can be simple, and one of the easiest ways is filling your itinerary with free activities. There are plenty of free things to do in Aruba, from beautiful beaches and local history to incredible sightseeing and animal encounters. Stretch your budget even further by staying with BlueAruba Vacation Rentals. Cook meals in your rental instead of dining out, unlock special offers online, and split the cost between everyone in your group. Ready to explore the island without spending a dime? Here are 10 free things to do in Aruba.
- Hang out at the beaches. All of Aruba’s beaches are free and open to the public. Head to spots like Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach and relax in the soft white sand.
- Climb Hooiberg Mountain. Hooiberg Mountain is the highest point of the island. Ascend the roughly 600 steps to the top and soak in panoramic views while keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
- Visit Alto Vista Chapel. Alto Vista Chapel is a great stop for history buffs. Tour this historic landmark and learn about the island's heritage while enjoying views of the coastline.
- See the Gold Mill Ruins. People have been looking for gold on the island for hundreds of years. Explore the remnants of the island's gold rush at ruins like the Bushiribana Gold Mill and the Balashi Gold Mill.
- Learn About the Aloe Industry. Aruba's history is deeply tied to aloe. Take the free tour at the Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory and see the process from harvesting the plants in the fields to creating finished products.
- Explore Downtown Oranjestad. Simply wandering Oranjestad is an activity in itself. Hop on the free downtown trolley to get around with ease, admiring the pastel architecture along the way.
- Visit the Donkeys. Admission to the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary is completely free! Visit the sanctuary and pet and hang out with over 100 donkeys. Keep in mind that food cups do cost money and donations are highly appreciated.
- Learn Local History. Explore the National Archaeological Museum in Oranjestad and discover Aruba's storied past through interactive exhibits. Entry is free, though donations help keep the exhibits running.
- See the Murals in San Nicolas. Spend a day in San Nicolas, the cultural capital of Aruba, and take in dozens of colorful murals scattered around town. They make a great backdrop for your vacation photos.
- Watch the sunset. Kick back and watch a breathtaking sunset sink into the Caribbean Sea. Find a spot on the beach or enjoy the view from the comfort of your Aruba vacation rental.
Book Your Aruba Vacation Rental and Save
With so many free things to do in Aruba, from sun-soaked beaches and historic landmarks to friendly donkeys, some of the island's best experiences cost nothing at all. Pair those savings with a comfortable Aruba vacation rental, and you have the recipe for a perfect getaway. Book your stay with BlueAruba Vacation Rentals, and settle into a space that fits your whole group!
