Aruba: UTV Rental for Self-Guided Day to Baby Beach & Landmarks

Summary

Drive Aruba’s wild coast, rocky trails, and quiet beaches your way

You’ll take control behind the wheel of your own UTV rental in Aruba, plotting your own route from rocky boulders at Ayo and Casibari to soft sands at Baby Beach. Expect salty breezes, local snacks along the way, and time to linger where you want—whether that’s quiet chapels or wild coastlines.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of gravel under our tires as we rolled out of Oranjestad in this Can Am Defender — honestly, it felt a bit like playing in a giant sandbox for grown-ups. The air smelled salty but dry, with that dusty sunbaked thing you only get on islands like Aruba. Our local contact, Carlos, handed over the keys with a grin and said something about “just watch for goats on the road.” I laughed, but he wasn’t joking — we saw three before lunchtime.

We made our own route (that’s the best part about this UTV rental), so we zigzagged from Ayo Rock Formations up to Casibari. There’s something weirdly satisfying about climbing those boulders — my hands got gritty from the rock dust, and at the top, you can see nearly all the way across Aruba. The wind up there is no joke; I had to hold onto my hat. We stopped at Alto Vista Chapel too — yellow against blue sky, tiny inside, but people still leave flowers and light candles. Felt peaceful in a way I didn’t expect.

Lunch was just snacks from a roadside shack near Savaneta (the fried plantains were perfect), then we aimed for Baby Beach. That water really is as clear as everyone says — almost glassy over white sand. We floated around until my fingers pruned up. The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins were next; kind of eerie with all that old stone and sea wind whistling through broken windows. A couple of kids were climbing around pretending to be pirates — their mom waved at us like she knew us already.

By late afternoon we chased the sun north to California Lighthouse. The view from there is wild: dunes fading into rocky cliffs and then just endless blue sea. I tried to spot Venezuela across the water (Carlos said you can sometimes), but maybe my eyes aren’t that good. Anyway, driving back with sand in my shoes and hair full of salt spray… it was one of those days that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Aruba's scenic landmarks and beaches

• Visit Mangel Halto beach
• Snorkel at Baby Beach
• See Colorado lighthouse view
• Explore Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
• Visit Alto Vista Chapel
• View California Lighthouse
• Discover Casibari settlement
• See Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
• Relax at Tres Trapi Beach

Top questions

How long does the Aruba UTV rental last?

The UTV rental lasts for 8 hours.

What are some recommended stops on this self-drive tour?

Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations, California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and Baby Beach are all recommended stops.

Is there a minimum age or license requirement to rent?

You must be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver’s license to operate the vehicle.

Are guides included or is it fully self-guided?

A guide is available for support, but you drive yourself and choose your own route.

Is Arikok Park included in this UTV rental?

No, access to Arikok Park is not included or permitted with this rental.

Can I bring passengers on the Can Am Defender?

The Can Am Defender 570 cc accommodates multiple passengers; check with operator for exact capacity.

Is lunch included in the price?

No lunch is included; you can stop wherever you like for food along your route.

Are taxes or fees extra?

The price includes a TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee and 6% local taxes.

What’s included

Your day includes an 8-hour Can Am Defender UTV rental with support from a local guide if needed (in English, Dutch, or Spanish), all necessary taxes and fees covered upfront—just bring your valid driver’s license if you’re over 25 and set out for Aruba’s landmarks at your own pace.