Aruba Jeep Safari: Natural Pool, Baby Beach & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Ride rugged trails to Aruba’s Natural Pool & Baby Beach with local stories, snorkel stops and a real BBQ lunch

You’ll feel Aruba’s wild side as you bounce along rugged trails in a jeep safari from Oranjestad to Baby Beach and the Natural Pool. Swim in turquoise water with snorkel gear provided, explore gold mill ruins with your local guide’s stories, then share smoky BBQ lunch under shade trees before heading back salty and happy.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect my hair to look like a tumbleweed by noon. The wind on the back of that Land Cruiser was relentless (in a good way), and our guide Luis just grinned when I tried to tame it. We started early from the office in Oranjestad, all bleary-eyed but buzzing. Luis handed out snorkel gear and cracked a joke about “Aruban hairdos” — apparently mine fit right in. First stop was Baby Beach, which felt almost too turquoise to be real. Kids splashing everywhere, older folks floating like they had nowhere else to be. I waded in and got salt on my lips; you can’t fake that color or the way the sand squeaks under your feet.

The drive across the island was bumpier than I thought — not kidding when they call this an off-road tour. We bounced past cacti taller than me and stopped at these old gold mill ruins where you could still smell sun-baked stone. Luis pointed out how locals used to sneak in for photos before Instagram was even a thing (he winked at me). At the Natural Bridge, there were these wild waves smashing against volcanic rock, sending up spray that tasted faintly of salt and something metallic — maybe minerals? I’m still not sure. It’s strange seeing what’s left after the original bridge collapsed; you stand there thinking about time and weather just doing their thing.

The highlight for me was definitely the Natural Pool. Getting down those steps is no joke if your legs are wobbly from laughing too much during the ride (guilty). The water’s cold at first, but then you float and watch pelicans dive-bombing for fish while everyone tries to snap underwater selfies with their masks fogging up. I kept hearing laughter echo off the rocks — it felt private somehow, even with other groups around. Lunch was this smoky homemade BBQ spread under some shade trees; I probably ate more ribs than polite company would allow but nobody seemed to mind.

We hit a few more spots — Alto Vista Chapel glowing yellow against the sky, California Lighthouse standing guard over everything — but honestly, it’s those little moments that stuck: sand in my shoes, Luis humming an old tune as he drove us back, someone sharing cold watermelon from their backpack. If you’re looking for a day trip in Aruba that isn’t just pretty views but actual stories and mud on your legs… well, you’ll get both here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day island jeep safari tour

• Sign in and safety briefing
• Visit and snorkel at Baby Beach
• Hike at Natural Bridge remains
• Hike, swim, and snorkel at Natural Pool
• Hike around California Lighthouse
• Hike at Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Hike at Alto Vista Chapel
• Hike inside caves with stalactites

Top questions

How long is the Aruba Jeep Safari tour?

This is a full-day tour starting at 7:45 AM from Oranjestad; expect several hours exploring multiple sites across Aruba.

Is lunch included on this Aruba jeep tour?

Yes, an authentic homemade BBQ lunch is included during the day trip.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, snorkel gear is provided for swimming at Baby Beach and the Natural Pool.

What are some main stops on this jeep safari?

The tour visits Baby Beach, Natural Pool, Alto Vista Chapel, California Lighthouse, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and more.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; travelers meet at the tour office in Oranjestad for departure.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Is Arikok Park entry fee included?

No, Arikok National Park fee ($22 per person) is not included; pay upon check-in.

Can cruise passengers join this tour?

Cruise passengers are welcome except those from Carnival Cruise ships due to scheduling restrictions.

What’s included

Your day covers all transport by rugged Land Cruiser across Aruba with a certified local guide leading each stop. Snorkel gear is provided for both Baby Beach and Natural Pool swims. A homemade BBQ lunch plus ice water refills keep you fueled throughout before returning to Oranjestad by afternoon’s end.