Aruba UTV Off-Road Driving & Snorkeling: North Coast

Get behind the wheel and steer your own path across Aruba's rocky coastline.

This 4-hour activity puts you in the driver's seat of a colorful Honda UTV to explore Aruba's North Coast with a local guide. You navigate off-road trails to Blackstone Beach, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, California Lighthouse and Tres Trapi Beach, where you swim and snorkel if conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment, lunch and hotel pickup are included; you choose between a 5-seater or 2-seater UTV and a morning or afternoon departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Aruba North Coast UTV Adventure

• Check-in and receive safety instructions
• Visit Blackstone Beach for photos
• Pass by Andicuri Beach
• Explore Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Pass by Wariruri Bridge
• Visit California Lighthouse and learn history
• Swim and snorkel at Tres Trapi Beach
• Enjoy freshly prepared local meal

The Experience

You arrive at the meeting point by 7:50 AM (or your afternoon slot) and get a safety briefing before heading out. The UTV handles the rough terrain—your job is to steer through the trails and take in the landscape as it changes from one stop to the next. Blackstone Beach comes first, a photo stop where black boulders and twin bridges frame the coastline. From there you drive to Andicuri Beach on the east side, where limestone ledges offer shade and the constant waves attract people who come to bodyboard and kitesurf.

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins sit inland, a historical landmark where gold was processed in the 1800s; your guide walks you through the story and you have time to explore and photograph. The route then takes you past Wariruri Bridge, a rocky stretch known for surfing and fishing, before climbing to California Lighthouse at the island's west point. The lighthouse sits on a hill with views of both the north and south coasts—the guide explains its history while you stand there. After the drive, you cool off at Tres Trapi Beach, the most popular snorkel spot on the tour. Sea turtles are sighted here regularly. You get snorkeling equipment and instruction, then swim and snorkel if the weather and ocean conditions hold. Lunch—grilled grouper, BBQ, or veggie pasta made with local ingredients—comes after, included in the morning departure time.

The tour runs 4 hours and operates with a live guide who speaks English and Spanish. You can book a 5-seater UTV if you're sharing the experience, or a 2-seater if you want more control of your own vehicle. Hotel pickup is included. Wear casual clothes, bring water shoes and a towel, and wear comfortable walking shoes for the hiking sections. Safety goggles are available to purchase on-site if you want them.

What’s included

• Off-road UTV driving with safety instruction.
• snorkeling equipment and instruction.
• lunch featuring grilled grouper, BBQ or veggie pasta.
• ice water with a refillable bottle.
• hotel pickup.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by ABC Tours Aruba

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want the full day to recover and explore after the tour; the afternoon slot works if you have a free afternoon and prefer to start later. Choose the 2-seater if you want complete control of your own vehicle; the 5-seater keeps costs lower and adds company on the drive.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel at Tres Trapi if I've never done it before?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included and you receive safety instruction before entering the water. The snorkel happens only if weather and ocean conditions permit, and sea turtles are frequently spotted there, so the visibility and conditions are usually good when the tour runs.

Do I have to drive the UTV myself, or can someone else operate it?

You drive the UTV yourself. The activity is off-road driving, so you're behind the wheel navigating the trails with the guide leading the group. A local guide with 30+ years of experience handles the route and the stops.

What is Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins?

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins is one of Aruba's most significant historical landmarks, where gold was processed during the 1800s. Your guide explains the history and you have time to explore and photograph the site.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I need to get to the meeting point myself?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour. You'll be picked up from your accommodation and brought to the meeting point for the 7:50 AM check-in (or your afternoon departure time).

What's the difference between the 5-seater and 2-seater UTV options?

The 5-seater is a shared vehicle where you drive with other guests; the 2-seater is your own UTV to operate solo. Both follow the same route and stops. Choose based on whether you prefer company or your own vehicle.

Will I get wet on this tour, or is the snorkeling optional?

Snorkeling at Tres Trapi happens only if weather and ocean conditions permit, so it's not guaranteed. You'll definitely get wet if conditions allow. Bring a towel and water shoes; the tour includes snorkeling gear and instruction.