Aruba Island Tour: Ostrich Farm, Gold Ruins & Aloe Factory

Summary

Feed ostriches see Aruba’s gold ruins and touch aloe leaves on this lively island tour

You’ll feed curious ostriches at Aruba’s farm, touch fresh aloe at the world’s oldest factory, stand among crumbling gold mill ruins by the sea, and climb up to California Lighthouse—all with a local guide handling transport and stories along the way. Expect laughter, unexpected textures under your fingers, and plenty of wind in your hair.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the wind—warm and salty, pushing at my shirt as we stepped out at the Ostrich Farm. The birds were bigger than I expected, all blinking eyes and twitchy necks. Our guide, Maritza, handed me a bowl of feed and laughed when I hesitated (they peck fast but it doesn’t hurt). There was this earthy smell from the pens mixed with something sweet from the little shop nearby. Kids giggled every time an ostrich snapped up a pellet. I still think about their weird dinosaur feet.

We piled back into the minivan (blessed air-conditioning), bouncing along to Alto Vista Chapel. It’s small, yellow against blue sky, with locals lighting candles inside—quiet except for a couple of birds outside. Maritza told us how it was Aruba’s first Catholic church, built in 1750. After that we stopped at the Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum. The guide there sliced open a leaf so we could touch the gel—cool and sticky on my fingers—and explained how they’ve been making skin stuff here for over a century. Someone tried to pronounce “aloe” in Papiamento and everyone cracked up.

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins looked like something out of an old adventure movie—just stone walls and sea spray crashing nearby. You can still see where people once melted gold here during Aruba’s gold rush. We wandered around, picking our way over rough stones, while Maritza pointed out carvings left by workers ages ago. The last stop was California Lighthouse, standing tall above scrubby land and cactus. There’s always wind up there; you can see forever if you squint past the haze.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to such different places in one day trip around Aruba—ostriches one minute, silent chapel the next, then sticky aloe hands and sun-bleached ruins. It’s a lot to take in but somehow it fits together. If you go, don’t rush through it—let yourself get distracted by whatever catches your eye.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Aruba's key historical sites

• Feed ostriches at Ostrich Farm
• Visit Alto Vista Chapel
• Explore Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Tour Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum
• See California Lighthouse
• View Natural Bridge site

Top questions

How long does this Aruba island tour take?

The tour covers several highlights in half a day with transport between stops included.

Is hotel pickup included for this Aruba highlights tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can children join the Ostrich Farm visit?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can use prams or strollers.

What attractions are visited on this Aruba island day trip?

You’ll visit Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum, Alto Vista Chapel, California Lighthouse, Natural Bridge site, and the Ostrich Farm.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided; food may be available for purchase at some stops.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, transport is provided by air-conditioned minivan for comfort between stops.

Do cruise ship passengers need to provide information when booking?

Yes; ship name plus docking/disembarkation times are required if arriving by cruise ship.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel or port pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan with a professional local guide leading each stop; entry fees for the Ostrich Farm are covered along with all local taxes so you can just focus on exploring without worrying about logistics.