Aruba: UTV Off-Road Tour with Cave Pool & Gold Ruins

Summary

Rugged Aruba landscapes, cave pools and gold mill ruins in a half-day

You’ll feel Aruba’s wild side on this UTV adventure: bounce over rocky trails with your guide, watch waves crash at Andicuri Beach, explore Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and dip into the cliffside cave pool if you’re feeling brave. Includes pickup so you can just show up ready for dust and sunshine.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the dust — it gets everywhere, but you kind of stop caring once the UTV starts bouncing over those rocky trails. Our guide, Miguel, grinned like he’d seen this a thousand times before. He handed us goggles and gave a quick safety talk that somehow made me more excited than nervous. We set off from Oranjestad and within minutes, the city faded behind us and all you could hear was the engine and wind. The sun felt sharp on my arms but the breeze kept it bearable. I remember thinking: so this is what Aruba smells like — salty air mixed with something dry and mineral, almost metallic.

We stopped at Andicuri Beach first. The waves were wild, crashing against these coral cliffs where a few locals were bodyboarding (one guy waved at us and then wiped out — his friends laughed). It’s not a swimming beach, really, but just watching the water slam against black stones was hypnotic. Next up was Black Stone Beach — honestly, I’d never seen pebbles that dark before. There’s this formation called “the three bridges” nearby; I tried to get a photo but my lens fogged up from the sea spray. Not my best work.

Ayo rock formations came after that — massive boulders stacked like someone playing Jenga with volcanoes. Miguel said some travelers climb up for views but I chickened out halfway (knees aren’t what they used to be). Then we rolled into Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. Standing there in what’s left of those stone walls, you can almost picture people sweating over gold ore in 1825. Right across from it is the cave pool where some brave souls jumped off rocks into clear blue water. I hesitated (it looks higher when you’re standing there), but ended up just dipping my feet while some kids cheered each other on.

Last stop was Wariruri Beach — that “Baby Natural Bridge” is smaller than photos make it look but still sort of magical in person. By then we were all dusty and sunburned and tired in that good way you only get after being outside all day. The ride back was quieter; everyone just watched Aruba roll by through scratched-up goggles. I still think about that cave pool sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Off-road UTV tour highlights

• Check in and safety briefing
• Visit Andicuri Beach
• Explore Black Stone Beach
• Pass by Ayo rock formation
• See Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Cliff jump at Cave Pool
• Visit Wariruri Beach and Baby Natural Bridge

Top questions

How long does the Aruba UTV tour last?

The UTV tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this Aruba UTV adventure?

Yes, transportation from hotels, apartments, and Airbnb is included.

Can kids join the UTV tour in Aruba?

The minimum age for passengers is 9 years old; drivers must be at least 18 with a valid license.

What are the main stops on this Aruba UTV tour?

You’ll visit Andicuri Beach, Black Stone Beach, Ayo rock formations, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Cave Pool (with cliff jumping), and Wariruri Beach with Baby Natural Bridge.

Are taxes or extra fees added to the price?

No hidden fees—local taxes are already included in your booking price.

Is lunch or food provided during the tour?

No meals are included; bring snacks or eat before/after your tour.

Can pregnant travelers join this off-road tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Do I need driving experience for the UTV?

You need a valid driver’s license and must be at least 18 years old to drive; passengers can be younger.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from your hotel or Airbnb in Aruba so you don’t have to worry about getting there or back. All local taxes are covered too—no surprise fees along the way—so you can just focus on enjoying each stop with your guide and group before heading home dusty but happy.