Aruba Private Island Tour: Lighthouse & Gold Mill Ruins

Five landmarks and a full day moving at your own speed, no group waiting around.

A private sightseeing tour of Aruba in an air-conditioned van with a live English, Spanish or Dutch-speaking guide, starting at 9am and covering the California Lighthouse, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Alto Vista Chapel, Casibari Rock Formation, and Aruba Aloe Factory. You customize the stops and pace. The guide handles the route and shares local stories about the island's maritime history, mining past, and culture.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum45m
2. Alto Vista Chapel10m
3. Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins20m

Explore Aruba's landmarks and culture

• Visit Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum
• See California Lighthouse views
• Explore Alto Vista Chapel
• Discover Casibari Rock Formation
• Tour Bushiribana Gold Mine ruins

The experience

The California Lighthouse sits at the northern tip of the island, named after a shipwreck and offering panoramic views of the coastline. It's the kind of landmark that anchors the day. From there, the tour moves through Aruba's rugged interior to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, where 19th-century stone walls stand against the ocean, and then to the Alto Vista Chapel, a small historic structure with sweeping desert and coastal views. Casibari Rock Formation breaks up the route with towering boulders and scenic trails through the landscape. The Aruba Aloe Factory rounds out the stops. You'll see how aloe vera is cultivated and processed into skincare products, plus explore the on-site museum about the plant's healing history and the island's long aloe legacy.

Travel happens in an air-conditioned van, which matters on an island where the north coast wind is strong enough to test your hair. Bottled water is included. Because the tour is private, just your group, you set the rhythm: linger at a ruin for photos, skip a stop if something else calls, or ask the guide to slow down at a particular view. The remaining time built into the 3.5-hour window covers transportation between attractions. Pickup is included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, or Dutch depending on your preference.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• air-conditioned van.
• live guide in English, Spanish, or Dutch.
• hotel or meeting-point pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except TuesdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 44 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by MyToursInAruba

Is this one for you?Book this tour if your group wants to move through Aruba's landmarks at your own pace without coordinating with other travelers or managing the route yourself. The private van and customizable itinerary work best for families or small groups who'd rather linger at one ruin than rush through five.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

What is the California Lighthouse and why is it on this tour?

The California Lighthouse is a historic landmark on Aruba's northern coast, named after the SS California shipwreck. It's included because it offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a popular spot for photography and sunsets, making it a natural anchor for a full-day island tour.

Can I skip stops or change the order on this tour?

Yes. Because this is a private tour, you customize it however you like: linger at one attraction, skip another, or ask the guide to adjust the route. The only fixed element is the 9am start time.

What happens at the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins?

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are the remains of Aruba's 19th-century gold mining industry, with crumbling stone walls set against dramatic coastal views. The site offers a glimpse into the island's mining history and is a popular spot for photos with the rugged ocean backdrop.

What will I see and do at the Aruba Aloe Factory?

At the Aruba Aloe Factory, you'll see how aloe vera is carefully cultivated, harvested, and transformed into high-quality skincare products, then explore the on-site museum to learn about the plant's healing history and Aruba's long-standing aloe legacy.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Folded strollers are accepted, and the air-conditioned van provides comfort during travel between stops.