Carlos welcomed our small group aboard Kukoo Kunuku’s Day Tripping island tour. With wonderful music, a cooler of ice-cold drinks and Balashi beer for the adults, and time to talk between stops, the morning felt personal from the start. Through the open sides of the bus, Aruba shifted from beach road to cactus-covered hills to the rugged northern coast.
Yes. The tour stops at the California Lighthouse; climbing to the top is an optional extra. We passed Boca Catalina and Arashi Beach on the way there. Some guests stayed below to enjoy the lighthouse grounds, while others chose the climb.
The staircase is narrow, so take it at your own pace. If you’re with small children or aren’t comfortable in enclosed spaces, you can enjoy the stop without going up. For those who do climb, the view is extraordinary. The wind took my breath away, and I’d never seen the water quite that blue. Far below were two Jolly Pirates boats, so clear in the distance that we could see people swinging from the ropes.
Outside, Juaquim was filming visitors with a drone. He recognized me from salsa classes years ago, gave me the footage as a gift, and introduced me to Giby, who sells fresh coconuts there. A coconut was $5 during our visit. Other visitors were choosing drone packages priced around $100, depending on what they wanted; ask about current prices when you arrive.
The road winds through low hills and cactus, past white crosses marking the Stations of the Cross. Green cactus stands against the sky and glimpses of distant sea. By the time the small yellow chapel comes into view, the drive has already prepared you for its quiet.
Inside, dark wooden pews line the black-and-white tile floor, drawing your eye to Mary in a pale blue alcove above the altar. The chapel is modest, beautifully cared for, and quiet enough to make everyone lower their voice. Our group treated it with respect; being there on a tour didn’t diminish the stillness I’ve always felt there. It’s a place I return to when I need a reset: to buy a candle outside, leave a small donation, and sit for a while.
At Casibari Rock Formations, paths wind between enormous boulders, and a short climb opens up views across the island. It’s a lovely place for photographs. It’s also where we were given fresh, hot pastechis.
A pastechi is Aruba’s crescent-shaped fried pastry, eaten for breakfast or as a snack and filled with anything from cheese to chicken or fish. I’ve tried plenty over the years, but I can’t remember enjoying one more than the enormous pastechi we had at Casibari. Perhaps it was because it was so fresh.
Gold was discovered in Aruba in 1824, and a mill was later built at Bushiribana to process ore. Its surviving stone walls recall a working island long before tourism. As Carlos drove on from the ruins, the northern coast offered another sight to remember: beyond the rock and scrub, the water was an almost unbelievable blue.
The original Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005. I remember seeing it standing, and it was remarkable. The smaller bridge remains nearby, while the waves continue to reshape the coast. Knowing what once stood there adds another dimension to the visit.
The neatly planted rows at Aruba Aloe make a beautiful photograph, but they also tell a story. Aloe was once Aruba’s leading export, and the island became one of the world’s largest aloe exporters. On an island where so much arrives from elsewhere, it’s satisfying to see something grown here find its way out into the world. The factory tour follows the aloe from plant to product; in the shop, Burn Aid Gel is a bestseller made with Aruban aloe for cooling and moisturizing skin after sun exposure.
How long is Day Tripping? Kukoo lists the tour as four hours, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with hotel pickup and drop-off. Your pickup may begin earlier.
Is climbing the lighthouse included? No. It’s an optional activity at the lighthouse stop, with a separate admission charge.
Does the tour stop at Eagle Beach or Baby Beach? No. Boca Catalina and Arashi Beach were sights along our drive to the lighthouse, rather than scheduled beach stops.
What should you bring? Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, and a little money for optional activities or purchases.
For current tour details and availability, see Kukoo Kunuku’s Day Tripping island tour and save your seat.
Carla Cavallaro has called Aruba home since 1989 and helped launch Jolly Pirates in 1997. She writes about Aruba’s history, people, sea life and the stories behind the places visitors experience today. Read more of her stories at Kukoo Kunuku and Jolly Pirates.
