Aruba: Private Jeep Tour to Beaches, Ruins & Natural Pools

Summary

Off-road adventure to secret beaches gold ruins & natural pools

You’ll ride in an air-conditioned Jeep with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Feed rescued animals at Philip’s Animal Garden, walk windswept gold mill ruins, swim in a hidden cave pool, and stand alone on wild beaches where only pelicans argue. It’s Aruba with grit under your nails—and memories that’ll stick long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I started the day thinking Aruba was just white sand and turquoise water, but the Jeep changed my mind fast. Our guide, Miguel, pulled up right on time—big grin, cold water bottles already sweating in the heat. The Wrangler’s AC was a blessing (I’d read about open-air tours but honestly, I melt). We rattled out of Oranjestad and suddenly we were bouncing along red dirt tracks past cacti taller than me. Miguel pointed out wild goats nibbling at dry brush; he knew every twist in the road and every story about the island. At Philip’s Animal Garden, I fed a carrot to a donkey who stared at me like he’d seen it all before. The smell there—hay and something sweetish—still lingers when I think back.

We stopped at Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins next. Wind whipping through broken stone walls, ocean spray in the distance—I tried to imagine miners here two centuries ago. Miguel told us “Aruba” might mean “there was gold”—he shrugged like maybe it was true, maybe not. The sea view from those ruins is wild and rough, nothing like the calm postcards. Then came Alto Vista Chapel: tiny yellow building on a lonely hilltop, sun beating down hard. Locals still come here to pray or just sit quietly; I didn’t expect to feel so peaceful inside, but something about it… you know?

The real surprise was Andicuri Beach—hardly anyone there except two surfers and some pelicans arguing over fish scraps. Getting down that rocky road made sense once we saw the place: cliffs rising up around blue-green waves crashing hard enough to shake your chest. Miguel laughed when I tried to say “Andicuri” with his accent (I definitely butchered it). Later we cooled off at this natural pool tucked into a cave—water shockingly clear and cold after all that dust. There’s something about rinsing off sweat in water that feels ancient.

I keep thinking about how different Aruba looked from that Jeep window—the black stones at Black Stone Beach sharp underfoot, random bursts of green where nothing should grow, fishermen waving as we passed by Wariruri Bay. By the time we climbed up California Lighthouse for those 360 views (wind nearly knocked my hat off), I realized I’d seen more sides of this island than I expected—and probably more than most people ever do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Aruba's natural and historic sites

• Visit Arikok National Park trails
• See Ayo stone boulders
• Tour Alto Vista Chapel
• Relax at Andicuri Beach
• View Baby Natural Bridge
• Explore Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Walk Black Stone Beach
• Climb California Lighthouse
• Swim at Cave Natural Pool
• Visit Philip's Animal Garden
• Enjoy Shark Bay beach
• See Tripod Bridge natural formation
• Visit Wariruri Beach

Top questions

How long does the private Aruba Jeep tour take?

The tour typically lasts around half a day depending on stops and your pace—it can be tailored to your schedule.

Is pickup included for this Aruba Jeep tour?

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

What attractions are visited during the Jeep tour?

You visit Philip's Animal Garden, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Alto Vista Chapel, Andicuri Beach, Arikok Park areas, natural pools, Black Stone Beach, California Lighthouse and more.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included if you want to swim during stops like the cave natural pool.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older adults?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to bumpy roads.

Are drinks or food provided on the tour?

Bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages are provided; meals are not specifically mentioned as included.

Can you customize which sights you visit?

Yes—you can tailor your travel plans with your guide based on interests or timing.

How rough are the roads during this Aruba Jeep tour?

The roads can be quite rugged especially near Andicuri Beach or Arikok Park—that’s why they use Jeeps with AC for comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with bottled water and non-alcoholic drinks along the way; entry to Philip’s Animal Garden (with animal feed), use of snorkeling gear if you want it at natural pools or beaches; plus your friendly local guide sharing stories as you explore each stop together before heading back to town.