We spent four memorable days in Aruba over the Memorial Day weekend in May 2025, enjoying a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1:
  • Flight from Washington, D.C. to Aruba
  • Car rental through Hertz
  • Check-in at Courtyard by Marriott
• Day 2:
  • Arikok National Park Jeep Adventure (booked via Viator)
    • Dos Playa Beach
    • Quadirikiri Cave
    • Fontein Cave
    • Conchi Natural Pool
  • Beach Visits:
    • Boca Catalina (snorkeling)
    • Arashi Beach
• Day 3:
  • Eagle Beach (morning walk)
  • Baby Beach (snorkeling)
  • Palm Beach (afternoon relaxation)
• Day 4:
  • California Lighthouse
  • Return flight to Washington, D.C.

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Arikok National Park Jeep Tour

Since regular vehicles aren’t suitable for the rugged terrain of Arikok National Park, we opted for a guided Jeep tour through Viator. The entire experience, including hotel pick-up and drop-off, took about five hours.

Our first stop was Dos Playa, a striking pair of white-sand beaches with stunning views.

From there, we continued to two well-known caves in the park – Quadirikiri and Fontein.

Exploring the caves was a unique experience, some sections required climbing steps and using a flashlight, but walking through their cool, dim interiors was a highlight.

Near Fontein Cave, we enjoyed an unexpected delight, a natural fish pedicure in the nearby creek.

The tour concluded at the park’s main attraction, the Conchi Natural Pool.

Reaching it involved a very bumpy ride, but it was worth it. The pool, formed by volcanic rock, creates a sheltered swimming area in the ocean. Although the rocks around the pool were slippery and required caution, the location offered a fun and refreshing swim. Cliff jumping by more experienced swimmers added to the lively atmosphere.

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Snorkeling & Beach Highlights

Outside the national park, we visited several of Aruba’s beautiful beaches. Baby Beach, though a bit of a drive, proved to be the best for snorkeling with calm, shallow waters. Boca Catalina also offered decent snorkeling opportunities.

We enjoyed a peaceful morning walk at Eagle Beach, known for its wide stretch of white sand and iconic Divi Divi trees. In the afternoon, we relaxed at Palm Beach, a more bustling area with ample amenities.

Arashi Beach, located at the island’s northern tip, was lively and convenient with plenty of parking. We caught a sunset near Eagle Beach; however, the final moments were partially obscured by haze.

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California Lighthouse

On our final day, we visited the California Lighthouse, one of Aruba’s landmarks. Climbing the roughly 100 steps to the top was manageable, thanks to the supportive rope railing.

The panoramic views from the summit were truly breathtaking and made for a memorable end to our trip.

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Note:
We couldn’t fit Aruba Bob Snorkel & Scuba Tours, especially their popular sea scooter experience, into our itinerary. However, based on reviews, it appears to be an enjoyable activity for those with a more flexible schedule.