Aruba North Coast UTV Tour: Cave Pool Cliff Jump & Animal Garden

Summary

UTV adventure to Aruba’s cave pool with cliff jumps and rescued animals

You’ll ride UTVs along Aruba’s wild north coast with a local guide—feed rescued animals at Philip’s Animal Garden, pause for quiet at Alto Vista Chapel, and leap into crystal-clear water at the Cave Pool (if you dare). Expect dust in your hair and stories to tell long after you’ve rinsed off all that salt.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the grit in my teeth from the Aruba wind—somehow even with the bandana tied tight, dust sneaks in. We’d just bounced out of Oranjestad, engines humming, and our guide—Miguel, I think?—shouted something about “real Aruban massage” over the roar of the UTVs. The north coast felt raw and empty, just us and that endless blue horizon. At Philip’s Animal Garden, I nearly dropped my feeding bag when a goat nudged my leg for more snacks. Kids were laughing nearby; one little girl tried to teach me how to say “bon bini” but I probably butchered it. The place smelled like hay and sun-warmed fur, not unpleasant at all.

Alto Vista Chapel surprised me. It’s so small, almost shy on its hilltop, with yellow paint that looks like it’s been faded by decades of salt air. Our guide told us stories about old pilgrimages—he lit a candle for his grandmother and we all stood quietly for a minute. There was this hush except for the wind rattling through cactus spines. Then back in the UTVs, bouncing past limestone cliffs where waves smashed so hard you could feel it in your chest. When we stopped at Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, I ran my hand along the black stones—they’re rough and cool even under the sun.

I’ll admit: standing above the Cave Pool made my stomach flip a bit. It’s not that high but still…water below looked impossibly clear and blue-green. Miguel grinned and jumped first—no hesitation—so I followed (with less grace). The shock of cool water after all that heat was wild; you come up sputtering but grinning like an idiot. Someone else lost a flip-flop to the current (RIP). Afterward we sprawled on rocks drying off while others tried snorkeling around the edges—tiny fish darting everywhere if you looked close enough.

The rest is kind of a blur: Shark Bay’s waves pounding like drums, black pebbles crunching underfoot at Black Stone Beach, watching local surfers ride Wariruri Beach while we caught our breath in the shade of some battered limestone ledge. Honestly, by then my hair was full of salt and sand but I didn’t care much—I still think about that jump into the cave pool whenever I hear wind howling outside back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Aruba's Northcoast by UTV

• Visit Philip's Animal Garden
• Stop at Alto Vista Chapel
• See Natural Baby Bridge
• Explore Wariruri Beach
• Visit Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Swim and cliff jump at Cave Pool
• Pass Shark Bay Beach
• Relax at Andicuri Beach
• Visit Three Bridges Tripod Bridge
• Stop at Black Stone Beach

Top questions

How long does the Aruba UTV tour last?

The tour typically lasts half a day, covering several stops along Aruba’s north coast including animal gardens and beaches.

Is hotel pickup included for this UTV adventure?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in your booking for convenience.

Can kids join this Aruba cave pool UTV tour?

Children can join as passengers from age 4; drivers must be 18+ with a valid license.

What should I bring for cliff jumping at Cave Pool?

Bring swimwear, sturdy shoes or sandals that can get wet (you might lose a flip-flop!), sunscreen, and maybe a towel.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No lunch is included; bottled water is provided but plan snacks accordingly.

Are there any fitness requirements?

You should have moderate physical fitness due to off-road driving and swimming activities.

Do guides speak English on this Aruba UTV tour?

Yes, guides speak English and often share local stories during each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Aruba, entrance fees plus animal feed bag at Philip’s Animal Garden, bottled water to fight off all that dust, use of a bandana for comfort on those windy trails—and plenty of time with your local guide who keeps things lively from start to finish.