Aruba North Coast: ATV Tour, Gold Mill Ruins & Cave Pool

Summary

Ride ATVs past Aruba’s gold mill ruins and natural bridges to hidden cave pools

You’ll ride ATVs along Aruba’s wild north coast with a local guide, stopping at Alto Vista Chapel for a quiet moment before bouncing over rocky trails to Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and Baby Natural Bridge. End your day with a swim in a hidden cave pool—the kind of cool surprise you’ll remember long after you’ve shaken out your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d be grinning under a full-face helmet, but that’s how our morning started—dust in my teeth, wind in my ears, somewhere on Aruba’s north coast. The ATVs rattled over rocks and hard-packed sand, kicking up little clouds behind us. Our guide, Jairo, waved us down near Alto Vista Chapel—a yellow building that looks almost too bright against the dry brush. He told us it was the first chapel on the island, built way back in 1750. I liked how quiet it felt inside, even with all of us traipsing through with sandy shoes. Someone left a candle flickering by the altar.

The next stretch was bumpier (I’m not sure my arms have forgiven me yet), but then we stopped at the Baby Natural Bridge. It’s smaller than I pictured but you can hear the sea slapping underneath—sharp salt smell everywhere. Jairo pointed out where the old bridge collapsed years ago and said locals still come here for picnics when it’s not too windy. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just squinted at the sun reflecting off the water.

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins looked like something out of a pirate story—big stone walls and empty windows facing the sea. Jairo explained they built it like a fort to scare off pirates (which made me laugh, picturing pirates just getting spooked by some rocks). We climbed around a bit; my hands came away gritty from the stones. There were lizards darting everywhere if you looked close enough.

We ended up at this cave pool tucked into black rock—water cool enough to shock your feet awake after all that heat. Some people jumped right in; I hesitated but eventually gave in (peer pressure works). It felt good to just float for a minute and watch light bounce off the ceiling. Honestly, I still think about that dip whenever I see red dust on my shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour along Aruba's north coast

• Check in for safety briefing
• Visit Alto Vista Chapel
• See Baby Natural Bridge
• Explore Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Discover Indian cave paintings

Top questions

How long does the Aruba North Coast ATV tour last?

This is a half-day tour; expect several hours including stops at main sights.

Is hotel pickup included for this ATV adventure?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from most Aruba hotels or cruise port are included.

What do you see on this Aruba ATV tour?

You’ll visit Alto Vista Chapel, Baby Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and finish with the Cave Pool.

Can beginners drive their own ATV on this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for inexperienced drivers; drivers must be 18+ with a valid license.

Are safety equipment and helmets provided?

Yes, safety gear including full face helmets is provided as part of your tour.

Is there swimming during this ATV trip?

Yes, you can swim or take a dip at the Cave Pool near the end of your route.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from most locations in Aruba or cruise port, bottled water for dusty mouths along the way, use of full safety equipment including helmets, plus guidance from someone who actually knows these backroads—and yes, time to swim at that hidden cave pool before heading back covered in red dust but kind of happy about it.