Discover the exhilarating Jeep Safari Adventure along Aruba’s North Coast.

On our recent cruise aboard Dinogo Vista, I was thrilled to explore a new destination: Aruba! Located just off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a Dutch island featuring rugged, desert-like terrain on its northern shores, contrasted by sandy beaches and palm trees on the south. With such diverse and stunning scenery, we decided to book the North Coast Jeep Safari tour to make the most of our day on the island.

Safari-style vehicles ready to go in Aruba

Upon arriving at the port, we gathered with our group at the dockside shops and walked a short distance to a spacious parking area filled with 4×4 safari-style vehicles. After a brief drive out of the city, we ventured onto bumpy dirt roads, enjoying a thrilling theme-park-like ride into the rocky wilderness of Aruba. It was exciting to see what our vehicles could handle off-road, especially in reaching areas that are typically out of reach.

Cruising down a dirt path in Aruba during the North Coast Jeep Safari

Here are some highlights from our adventure, along with tips on what to wear and pack for your day trip.

— Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

We encountered two intriguing tales about the origin of Aruba's name: one suggests it comes from the Spanish and native slang “oro ruba,” meaning “red gold,” while another claims it means “oro huba,” or “there was gold.” Regardless, explorers have been drawn to Aruba for ages, initially lured not by its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, but by a gold rush!

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are a testament to this chapter of the island’s history. Situated right on the shoreline, it resembles a stone fortress amidst a Rock Wish Garden where visitors create towers of balanced stones.

Piles of stones balanced atop one another in Aruba

— Donkey Sanctuary

One of our stops was at the Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba, a rescue organization dedicated to caring for the island's wild donkey population. These donkeys were introduced over 500 years ago by Spanish explorers for transportation across the rugged terrain. Today, their descendants are lovingly cared for and pampered at the sanctuary. They were absolutely adorable to see!

— Ocean-Made Natural Bridges

Aruba is famous for its stunning natural limestone bridges, sculpted by the ocean along the northern coast. Although the largest bridge collapsed in 2005, many remarkable formations remain to be admired. I found these bridges to be a picturesque backdrop for photographs, and we enjoyed watching the ocean waves gently roll in and out around these limestone caves.

Limestone bridges carved by the ocean in Aruba

Rachelle standing with the ocean as her backdrop in Aruba

— Alto Vista Chapel

Perched high above the sea, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, stands Aruba’s first Roman Catholic Church, the Alto Vista Chapel. Originally constructed in 1750, it was rebuilt in the 1950s. Just outside the chapel, you can find street vendors selling refreshing coconut water directly from the palm trees. It’s a wonderful place for relaxation and contemplation.

A hand holding a coconut filled with fresh coconut water in Aruba

— California Lighthouse

Upon reaching the northernmost point of the island, we were greeted by one of Aruba’s most famous landmarks, the California Lighthouse. This lighthouse was named after the S.S. California, a ship that sank prior to its completion in 1910. Today, it’s a favorite spot for visitors, not just for capturing pictures of the lighthouse but also for enjoying the stunning views of the sandy beaches along the southern coast below.

— Arashi Beach

After an adventurous morning, it was delightful to conclude our tour at Arashi Beach for some relaxation and refreshment. Always eager to try new flavors, I enjoyed a non-alcoholic carbonated drink made with barley and hops. Its taste was reminiscent of a blend between fizzy iced tea and a subtle hint of cocoa. What a delightful surprise!