Aruba Sightseeing: Sites, Ticket Prices, Hours
Seeing Aruba’s Landmarks
The island’s best-known sights are scattered across a small area, so one rental car or a few taxi rides cover most of them. Entry fees are in US dollars. Because there is little shade, schedule the open-air stops for early morning or late afternoon.
California Lighthouse (Noord)
Built in 1914 to 1916 at Hudishibana and named after the S.S. California, the lighthouse can be climbed for $5. It is open every day from 9:00 to 19:00, and tickets are bought at the door with no booking.
Alto Vista Chapel (Noord)
The story begins in 1750 with Domingo Antonio Silvestre, a Venezuelan missionary who built the first chapel on the site. That building was left empty after a plague. Today’s chapel opened in 1952 where the original stood. Visitors follow a Stations of the Cross route and pay nothing to enter.
Bushiribana and Balashi Gold Mills
These ruins date from the 1800s and are free to visit. They are open-air and have no staff or posted times. The Balashi mill was built in 1899 by a gold-mining company.
Casibari and Ayo
Casibari and Ayo are clusters of large diorite boulders in the middle of the island, close to Paradera and a long way from San Nicolas. Ayo is known for rock paintings from the Caquetio people.
Inside Arikok National Park
Adults pay $22 and under-17s are free. The park gates open 8:00 and close 16:00, while the San Fuego visitor center keeps hours of 8:00 to 15:30.
- Fontein Cave. Reddish-brown Caquetio drawings can be seen here. The cave is shallow, and a guide often stands at the entrance.
- Quadirikiri Cave. Two chambers with openings in the roof let daylight in, and bats live inside. A flashlight is useful. There are no drawings in this cave.
- Huliba cave (Tunnel of Love). Ask the rangers if it is open on the day of your visit.
The Natural Bridge Site, Andicuri
A large natural arch once stood on this stretch of the east coast. It came down on 2 September 2005. The smaller Baby Bridge remains next to it. Stay out of the water along this coast, as currents are strong.
San Nicolas Street Art
Over 60 murals decorate the streets of San Nicolas, and the Aruba Art Fair brings new work each September. Walking the town is free.
Getting There
Arubus runs buses at $2.60 per ride and $15 for an all-day pass. Taxis are unmetered with a $10 starting fare.
Safety and Season
Lock valuables away rather than leaving them in a parked car. Hurricane season is June to November.
Read more: Aruba walking tours and Aruba attraction tours .
Guided island circuits are listed on GetYourGuide . Check the lighthouse on aruba.com and park hours on the conservation foundation page .