Aruba ATV Tour: Cave Pool Swim & Bushiribana Ruins Ride

Summary

Rugged Aruba by ATV with cave swim and gold mill ruins

You’ll ride an ATV along Aruba’s wild north coast, stopping at Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Andicuri Beach for swimming or sun, and finally diving into a cave pool beneath ancient rocks. With a local guide sharing stories (and jokes), hotel pickup included, you’ll feel Aruba’s untamed side — dust in your hair and salt on your skin linger long after.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you first hop onto an ATV and your helmet’s a bit crooked, but you’re too excited to care? That was me, right outside our hotel in Aruba. Our guide, Miguel, grinned as he handed out bottled water and checked everyone’s helmets — he had this way of making us feel like we were about to do something only locals usually get to do. The engines started up with that deep rumble, and suddenly we were off, bouncing along these dusty back roads with the sea flashing blue on one side and cactus shadows stretching across the sand.

The first stop was the Natural Bridge — or what’s left of it. Miguel told us stories about how it collapsed years ago (he called it “Aruba’s old selfie spot”) and pointed out where the rock still arches over the waves. I tried to take a photo but mostly ended up squinting into the sun — so yeah, sunglasses are a must here. There was this salty breeze coming off the water that somehow made everything smell clean and wild at the same time. We didn’t linger long; just enough for Miguel to crack a joke about how Aruban goats are better climbers than tourists.

Andicuri Beach came next — all rough surf and pale sand, not crowded at all. Some people went straight for the water, but I just stood there for a minute listening to the waves crash. It’s weird how loud silence can be when you’re used to city noise. After that, we rode on toward Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. The stones felt warm under my hands (I probably wasn’t supposed to climb up that far), and Miguel explained how people used to come here chasing dreams of gold. I didn’t expect to feel anything at an old ruin, but standing there with dust on my shoes and wind in my face… I don’t know, it sticks with you.

The best part? The cave pool swim at the end. It was cool inside — almost cold after all that sun — and slipping into the water felt like hitting reset on your whole body. Someone tried snorkeling (not me; I’m still working on not swallowing half the ocean) while others just floated quietly under these jagged rocks overhead. We laughed about our helmet hair back at the ATVs before heading back toward town, sand stuck everywhere but nobody really caring.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour with beach and ruins visit

• Receive tour guide introduction
• Learn history of Natural Bridge
• Take pictures at Natural Bridge
• Ride to Andicuri Beach
• Swim or relax on Andicuri Beach
• Visit Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Hear history of the Ruins
• Take pictures at the Ruins

Top questions

How long is the Aruba ATV tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included in this ATV tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for guests staying in Aruba hotels.

Do I need a driver’s license for the ATV ride?

Yes, drivers must have a valid driver’s license to operate an ATV.

Can children join this Aruba off-road adventure?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

What should I bring for swimming at Andicuri Beach or cave pool?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a towel for drying off after swimming or snorkeling.

Are helmets provided during the ATV tour?

Yes, helmets are provided and required for all participants during the ride.

What attractions will we visit during this day trip?

You’ll visit Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Andicuri Beach, Natural Bridge site, plus swim in a natural cave pool.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back problems?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries due to bumpy terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Aruba, use of a Polaris 570CC single or double ATV with helmet provided (and fuel covered), guidance from a local expert throughout each stop from Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins to Andicuri Beach and Natural Bridge, plus bottled water along the way before returning sandy but happy in time for dinner.