Aruba UTV Adventure: Cave Pool Swim & Gold Ruins Drive

Summary

Drive Aruba’s wild coast by UTV with cave pool swim stops

You’ll drive your own 4-seater UTV across Aruba’s rugged north coast with a local guide, stopping at Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and hidden spots like a crystal-clear cave pool for swimming. Expect laughter, salty air, and stories you’ll remember long after you shake off the dust.

What’s the experience like?

We jolted off the paved road just after sunrise, dust swirling behind our UTV as we followed our guide, Luis. He waved us on with a grin that said he’d done this a hundred times, but still got a kick out of it. The air smelled like salt and cactus — sharp, dry. I kept thinking, “Is this really Aruba?” because it felt more like Mars with all those rocks and red dirt. Our first stop was the California Lighthouse — you could see the whole north coast from up there, wind tugging at your shirt.

After that, we bounced along the coastline to Alto Vista Chapel. It’s this tiny yellow church perched on a hilltop, and honestly, it felt peaceful even with engines cooling outside. Luis told us about how locals come here to pray for rain or just to sit quietly. I tried to say “Alto Vista” in Papiamento; he laughed and corrected me (I definitely butchered it). Then we hit the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins — you can still smell the sea mixing with old stone and rusted metal. There’s something about standing where people once hunted for gold that makes you think about luck and hard work.

The best part? We stopped at this cave pool nobody in my group had heard of before. Water so clear it looked fake — cold enough to make you gasp when you jumped in. I still remember the echo of everyone’s laughter bouncing off the rocks. My hands stung from gripping the UTV wheel over all those bumpy trails, but I didn’t care. The last stretch took us past Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations — huge boulders stacked like giants left them behind on purpose. Luis pointed out shapes in the rocks (“That one looks like a frog!”), which made us laugh harder than expected.

I keep thinking about that swim in the cave pool whenever I hear water splash now. If you’re looking for a day trip from Oranjestad that actually feels wild — not just another beach day — this UTV tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — UTV tour exploring Aruba's north coast

• Check in and start tour
• Drive to California Lighthouse
• Visit Alto Vista Chapel
• Stop at Baby National Bridge
• Explore Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Swim in Cave Pool
• See Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations

Top questions

How long is the Aruba UTV tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Does the UTV tour include hotel pickup?

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

What attractions are visited on this Aruba UTV adventure?

You’ll visit California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Baby National Bridge, a cave pool for swimming, and Ayo & Casibari Rock Formations.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided; however, snacks and bottled water are included.

Can families join the 4-seater UTV tour?

Yes, families can join as each vehicle seats four people.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

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

Is swimming part of the Aruba UTV experience?

Yes, there is time to swim in a natural cave pool during the tour.

Do I need previous driving experience for the UTV?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions before departure.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere nearby Oranjestad or Palm Beach hotels, bottled water to keep cool under that desert sun, light snacks along the way when hunger sneaks up on you mid-drive, plus a local guide who knows every shortcut and story worth telling as you explore Aruba’s wild side together.