Things to Do in Oranjestad, Aruba

There are many things to do in Oranjestad, Aruba. This capital is infamous for its candy-colored buildings and palm-lined trees. At 9 square miles, it is the largest city in the country. Moreover, it is a bustling harbor city with numerous shopping centers, boutiques, luxury retailers, and upscale chain stores. This town also has many hotels, restaurants, and cafes. If you are a foodie, you will have a field trip exploring this place’s culinary scene.

Visitors can explore its gorgeous beaches and indulge in watersports to their heart’s content. They can also stroll on foot or cruise around the city on ATVs. Furthermore, Oranjestad’s casinos are open to those who want to try their luck on card games or slot machines. It also offers rich nightlife options, from quiet bars to wild nightclubs and discos.

Visit The Magnificent Alto Vista Chapel

Address: HXGQ+9JC, Noord, Aruba; Google Map
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry

We start our list with the gorgeous Alto Vista Chapel. Unlike other chapels, this catholic church has a minimal exterior design with a white cross. Its bright yellow color and wooden shutters are its distinctive features. Likewise, the interior is equally minimalist, with a large altar statue of the Virgin Mary at the center. Visitors can sit in the wooden pews and listen to priest’s preachings. They can also attend mass or other religious ceremonies.

You can also attend the annual pilgrimage, the Feast of Santa Filomena. Another thing that sets this chapel apart is its picturesque location. Surrounded by cacti, it is perched on a hilltop overlooking the island. It is a perfect place to reflect, meditate, and escape from the hectic city life. You can easily reach the chapel via car or taxi. It is only a 13-minute drive from Oranjestad.

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Interact With Ostrichs At Aruba Ostrich Farm

Address: Matividiri 57, Paradera, Aruba; Google Map
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Would you like to meet ostriches at Aruba Ostrich Farm? Don’t let their gigantic size intimidate you; these largest birds are friendly and won’t shy away from human interactions. They are always hungry and will immediately swamp any human with food. Visitors can pet and hand-feed these lovely creatures. They will also learn about their mating, rearing, and feeding habits.

An experienced guide will be with visitors throughout the tour and tell them about ostriches’ amazing speed and defense mechanisms against predators. He will also lead the team through the tour of the hatchery, incubator, and special pens for baby ostriches and emus. You will see ostrich eggs and learn interesting facts about them. In addition, you can grab a bite from the on-site restaurant. You should definitely try their Ostrich egg platter and Farmers burger.

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Donate To Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

Address: Bringamosa 2-Z, Santa Cruz, Aruba; Google Map
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

If you don’t like birds, how about visiting animals? Donkey Sanctuary Aruba allows visitors to interact with over a hundred donkeys. They are rescued animals who have found a safe home in this wildlife rescue service. Some of them were injured or abused before coming to the shelter. Thankfully, they now receive good care, shelter, quality medical service, water, and love.

This sanctuary offers free entry to visitors. They can cuddle, pet, feed donkeys, and help staff care for them. In addition, they can donate money to help run Donkey Sanctuary Aruba. This is not mandatory, but everyone can help within their ability. A concession stand on the premises also offers coffee and cold beverages. You can buy a drink and relax on the porch after feeding donkeys.

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Explore Oranjestad In UTVs

Oranjestad UTV — Ride a UTV to explore Oranjestad.

Duration: 2 hours
Price Range: $165 onwards

Are you ready for an epic adventure in Oranjestad? You will ride the coolest UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) and cruise around the city for several hours. These vehicles are great for off-road tours and are easy to operate. Visitors will find many UTV tours, ranging from two hours to a half day. Some of them are customizable, while some offer fixed time slots.

You can book a UTV tour that fits your travel preference and budget. Your guide will give you a safety briefing before the journey. Helmets and UTVs are provided for passengers, and you will be led through the top attractions in the city. These tours offer enough thrills, speed, and excitement for everyone. Some also offer snorkeling or other water activity options.

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Go For A Hike To Arikok National Park

Address: San Fuego 70, Santa Cruz, Aruba; Google Map
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
Things To Do: Hiking, Cave visits, Sightseeing

Take a short drive to Arikok National Park from Oranjestad. This must-visit place in Aruba is accessible via car, taxi, jeep, or private vehicle. This park is home to many natural wonders, diverse animal species, and plant life. It also houses spectacular caves (Quadiriki Cave and Fontein Cave), beaches (Dos Playas, Moro Beach, and Daimari Beach), The Dunes of Boca Prins, Miralamar, Hofi Shon Shoco, The Natural Bridge, and a natural pool (Conchi).

Arikok National Park is best for hiking. It offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Hikers must bring water and wear sturdy shoes to explore this rough terrain. They pay a small entrance fee and can follow any route. Some recommendations are the Donkey Trail Hike, the Lagoon Hike, and the Salt Pans Hike. If hiking is not your forte, book guided jeep tours and travel conveniently.

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Snorkel In Oranjestad’s Azure Waters

Oranjestad Snorkeling — Indulge in watersports on Oranjestad’s beaches.

Top Destinations: Surfside Beach, Druif Beach, Eagle Beach
Things To Do: Watersports, Sunbathing, Have Picnics

Oranjestad is famous for its beautiful beaches and natural attractions. In addition to sunbathing on the beach, visitors can explore the magical underwater world of this city. Get ready to dive into the clear, azure waters and marvel at vibrant marine life. You will find everything from colorful fish to spectacular coral reefs and sea turtles.

Oranjestad’s Surfside Beach is a kid-friendly destination. Its calm waters allow visitors to indulge in multiple watersports, including snorkeling, paddle boarding, canoeing, scuba diving, and surfing. Another go-to beach for snorkeling is Druif Beach, a mile-long, narrow stretch of the beach between Manchebo Beach and Oranjestad. Visitors can lounge on the beach or partake in motorized and non-motorized watersports.

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Climb The California Lighthouse Aruba

Address: Noord, Aruba; Google Map
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Social Media: Official Facebook

Next, we have California Lighthouse Aruba, only 21 minutes from Oranjestad. It received its name from the steamship California, which was wrecked nearby in 1891. This historic landmark is perched on a high seaside elevation near the island’s northwestern tip. It offers spectacular views of the island’s north coast, the high-rise hotel area, and the dunes area.

Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of this gigantic tower and enjoy breathtaking views. It offers the best sunset views that you won’t find anywhere else. Furthermore, visitors can even enjoy a 3-course dinner atop the lighthouse. This private dining experience allows them to enjoy a romantic meal with their partner while watching beautiful views.

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Learn About Ayo Rock Formations

Address: 6, Aruba; Google Map
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free

We are nearing the end of our list of things to do in Oranjestad, Aruba, and it’s time for Ayo Rock Formations. They are natural rock formations near Ayo village. It is located 3.2 miles to the northeast. You must take Route 6 from Oranjestad and head northeast towards the Ayo area. It is easily accessible, and you can ask for directions from any passerby if you need them.

These gigantic monolithic rock boulders look unique and are famous for climbing. There is no entrance fee, and you can climb them year-round. Furthermore, these formations were once sacred to the island’s original inhabitants, The Arawak People. They drew on rocks to scout out incoming weather patterns. You will still find these old rock drawings on the rock. You can also explore the Casibari Rock Formations, situated north of Hooiberg.

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Place Your Bet At Seaport Casino

Address: Lloyd G. Smith Blvd 9, Oranjestad, Aruba; Google Map
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 AM
Social Media: Official Website

Would you like to try your luck at Seaport Casino? It is the only waterfront casino in Aruba and is among the top casinos. It is located in the Renaissance Marina and overlooks luxury yachts and charter boats. This 11,000-square-foot casino has everything you can expect, from slot machines to table games. You can bet and join high-rollers at the cards table even if you are a novice. You can choose from Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, and Three Card Poker.

This casino houses 4 Blackjack tables, 1 Caribbean Stud Poker table, 325 slot machines, and 1 Three Card Poker table. It even offers racing and sports betting. You can watch major sports events on 16 mega screens and place your bets. Don’t worry about getting scammed; the chances of winning are huge here. You can gamble and win cash.

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Visit The Butterfly Farm

Address: HW7X+FW4, J.E. Irausquin Blvd, Noord, Aruba; Google Map
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Have you ever been to the Butterfly Farm in Aruba? If not, you are missing out a lot. This tropical garden houses hundreds of exotic butterflies from South America, Southeast Asia, China, the Philippines, Africa, etc. Many rare species are displayed, from iridescent beautiful Blue Morpho butterflies to friendly Tree Nymphs. If you are lucky, you might even spot a White Morpho butterfly.

This farm also displays caterpillars, eggs, and chrysalis. Visitors can photograph these beautiful creatures and learn about their fascinating life cycles. Experienced guides will share their knowledge of butterfly habits. Moreover, the Butterfly Farm offers visitors a return voucher after their first visit. Hence, they can visit as often as they want throughout their stay in Aruba.

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Conclusion

Visitors will find more activities as they continue exploring the city in addition to our listed things to do in Oranjestad, Aruba. If they enjoy shopping, Renaissance Mall is their destination. It is a renowned shopping complex in the Caribbean, boasting over 30 fine retail shops and restaurants. If you want to visit museums, head to the National Archaeological Museum Aruba or Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store. Afterward, call your day off with a delicious dinner at Gostoso Restaurant Aruba.

Oranjestad is a year-round destination. If you are budget-conscious, the best time to visit this city is between April and August. It is the off-season when you can score cheap hotel deals. However, you should visit between December and March if you prefer outdoor activities. The weather is most settled during those months, and beaches and swimming are accessible. Finally, September-December celebrates festivals, including Christmas and the annual Dande Festival.

Visit The Magnificent Alto Vista Chapel

Interact With Ostrichs At Aruba Ostrich Farm

Donate To Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

Explore Oranjestad In UTVs

Go For A Hike To Arikok National Park

Snorkel In Oranjestad’s Azure Waters

Climb The California Lighthouse Aruba

Learn About Ayo Rock Formations

Place Your Bet At Seaport Casino

Visit The Butterfly Farm

Conclusion

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