Aruba is one of the best islands in the Caribbean for a girl’s getaway. Even though the island is pretty small, it isn’t lacking when it comes to things to do and gorgeous beaches to visit. With its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife, your girls trip to Aruba is sure to be unforgettable!
From beaches with flamingos to spa days and nature, here’s what to do on a trip to Aruba with your besties!
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Where to Stay in Aruba
Aruba is a rather small island and no matter where you stay, you’re pretty much guaranteed a great time.
With that said, some of the best areas to stay in Aruba on a girls’ trip include Palm Beach for luxury resorts and a buzzy atmosphere, Eagle Beach for a calmer atmosphere, and Oranjestad for culture and great dining spots.
What to Do on a Girls’ Trip to Aruba
1. Spend a Day at Flamingo Beach
No girls’ trip to Aruba would be complete without visiting Flamingo Beach Aruba, one of the most Insta-worthy beaches on the islands thanks to the flamingos that roam freely all over the coast!
Flamingo Beach is set on an island just off the coast of Oranjestad. Once you arrive, you’ll immediately see the flamingos. They don’t shy away from humans, and definitely don’t mind posing for a perfect girls’ photo!
Right next to Flamingo Beach is Iguana Beach which is much quieter and more relaxed. There’s a restaurant, beach bar, chairs, and cabanas. You can easily plan an entire day on the island to relax and chat with your girls.
As a note, the island is part of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. This means only guests are allowed to visit the island. If visiting Flamingo Beach is at the top of your things to do in Aruba list, I would book a stay at this hotel.
If you don’t stay there, they do offer day passes, but they’re very limited and depend on availability.
2. Go Snorkeling
Aruba’s clear waters, shallow bays, and diverse coral reefs make snorkeling one of the top activities to do on the island.
There are plenty of beaches where you can go snorkeling on your own, including Baby Beach, Boca Catalina, and Malmok Beach. With that said, however, booking a snorkeling tour in Aruba is the ultimate way to fully enjoy the experience.
Snorkeling gives you the chance to spot animals like sea turtles, octopuses, and all sorts of tropical fish. But, Aruba is also home to plenty of unique snorkeling locations, including a shipwreck from World War II!
3. Have a Spa Day
Is it really a girls’ trip if you didn’t visit the spa?! Aruba has some amazing spas that are perfect for a relaxing few hours before or after exploring the island. These are just a few of the best spas in Aruba to consider:
ZoiA Spa
Located at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, ZoiA Spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. You can also enjoy the spa’s sauna, steam room, and outdoor relaxation area.
Okeanos Spa
Okeanos Spa, located at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, offers a unique spa experience. The spa is located on a private island which is accessible only by boat and the treatment rooms all boast beautiful views of the ocean.
After your treatment, relax on the beach or take a dip in the ocean. This spa is located on the island where the flamingos are, too!
Etnika Spa
Etnika Spa is located at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and offers a variety of treatments inspired by Aruban culture. You can enjoy therapies such as aloe vera massages, coconut oil body scrubs, and even a “Caribbean Queen” package that includes a massage, facial, and body wrap.
4. Adventure at Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park makes up 20% of the island, so it makes sense to include it on your Aruba itinerary.
This stunning natural wonderland is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It also has breathtaking landscapes that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find on a Caribbean island.
The ultimate way to explore Arikok National Park is on a hike, but if you’d rather not break a sweat, there are also plenty of ATV and Jeep tours that will allow you to see a more rugged side of the park.
Do not miss the Natural Pool, also known as Conchi. This beautiful natural swimming hole is surrounded by rugged cliffs and is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
5. Relax at Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach is the widest beach in Aruba and one of the best-ranked beaches around the entire world. It is a must-visit on any girls trip to Aruba.
Thanks to its wide coast, soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and wide arrange of amenities, Eagle Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Despite that fact, Eagle Beach is so wide that finding a quiet spot is pretty easy!
As a fun fact, Eagle Beach is renowned for its picturesque Watapana trees, also known as Divi Divis. These trees are pretty fascinating as they always bend towards the southwest and serve as a natural compass!
6. Wander Artsy San Nicolas
Known as “Sunrise City”, San Nicolas is a town in the southernmost point of Aruba. It is known for its vibrant street art, colorful buildings, and artsy vibes.
As you wander around, you’ll find plenty of interesting art galleries, quaint coffee shops, and incredible spots to take some serious Instagram shots you will find on almost every corner.
7. Take a Day Trip to De Palm Island
De Palm Island is a small island off the coast of Aruba that you can visit for stunning beaches, fun underwater activities, and lots of time spent sipping cocktails with oceanfront views!
The island is just a 5-minute boat ride from the mainland, making a visit here a super easy day trip to fit into your itinerary.
8. Visit California Lighthouse
California Lighthouse is considered one of the most significant historical landmarks in Aruba, and it happens to be the tallest one.
Climbing to the top of the lighthouse offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the island’s breathtaking scenery. The lighthouse was built after the 1891 Steamship California wreck to prevent future accidents. These days, it’s mostly visited because it boasts gorgeous views of the ocean!
Even if you’re not into historical landmarks, you’ll want to visit just to check out the restaurant next door. La Trattoria el Faro Blanco is an Italian restaurant that serves authentic cuisine and boasts an impressive wine selection of over 100 varieties with beautiful views, of course!
9. Attend the Bon Bini Festival
If you want a super fun time out, the Bon Bini Festival is a great choice! This weekly festival is a must if you want to learn about Aruban culture while having tons of fun! You and your friends can enjoy art, listen to live music, see local dances, and eat tons of delicious food.
The Bon Bini festival takes place every Tuesday in the courtyard of Fort Zoutman, so make sure to mark your calendar.
10. Relax at Boca Catalina Beach
Perfect if you want a quiet beach day with the girls, Boca Catalina is known for its white sand and turquoise clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The beach is located on a small bay in the Malmok Beach area, making it a bit more secluded compared to other nearby spots. The water here is super calm, which makes it ideal for swimming, too!
11. Explore Oranjestad
Although Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, is relatively small, it offers a wealth of amazing attractions. The city boasts stunning colonial architecture, numerous local art galleries, and vibrant wall murals that are a treat for the eyes.
Some of the can’t-miss things to do in Oranjestad include:
- Visiting the National Archaeological Museum Aruba to learn about the island’s history and culture
- Taking a stroll through Wilhelmina Park to admire the beautiful gardens and sculptures
- Visiting the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum to learn about the island’s aloe vera industry
- Shopping for souvenirs and local crafts at the outdoor market in Renaissance Marketplace
- Taking a sunset sail along the coastline
- Trying your luck at the Stellaris Casino, to name just a few!
Conclusion: What to Do on a Girls’ Trip to Aruba
Aruba is an incredible destination for a girls’ trip no matter what the group wants to do! Whether you’re the type of girlfriend group who loves lounging at the beach with cocktails in hand for days on end, hiking in nature, getting to know new cultures, or trying delicious food, you’re all guaranteed to find something to suit your travel style here.
From relaxing on the beach and indulging in spa treatments to exploring the island’s rich culture and adventure sports, Aruba has something for everyone to enjoy. There’s no excuse for this trip not to leave the group chat!
About the Author: Dani is a travel blogger who left home to travel the world for five years at age 19. These days, she continues traveling the world at a much slower pace after finding a home in Mexico City. You can find her at No Hurry to Get Home.