Aruba Private Full Island Tour — California Lighthouse, Bushiribana & Baby Beach (4-Hour Shore Excursion)
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Light fitness—mostly vehicle-based with short walks (10–20 minutes) over uneven ground.
Overview
See Aruba’s top highlights in a single private 4-hour loop: lighthouse views, ancient petroglyphs, the relics of Bushiribana Gold Mill, and the shallow, swimmable lagoon of Baby Beach. Ideal for cruise passengers and short-stay travelers who want a compact, culture-rich introduction to the island.
Aruba Private Full Island Tour — California Lighthouse, Bushiribana & Baby Beach (4-Hour Shore Excursion)
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You step into a warm trade wind that seems to steer the van as it hugs Aruba’s coastline, and the island unfolds like a series of postcards: low limestone cliffs, scrubby divi-divi trees folded by the wind, and bright waves breaking against a coral rim. In four hours this private shore excursion threads together the island’s most striking contrasts — the manicured resort shores of Palm and Eagle Beach, the scarred, rusted outline of the old Bushiribana gold mill, and the glass-smooth lagoon of Baby Beach where the water holds you up like a shallow blue bed.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate and pace yourself
Aruba is hot and windy; carry a reusable water bottle and sip frequently between stops even on a short 4-hour tour.
Sun protection matters
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat — shade is limited at most viewpoints and beaches.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Wear closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals for rocky sections at Bushiribana and uneven trails at Ayo Rocks.
Cash for small purchases
Carry a small amount of cash for local snacks, parking tips, or quick artisan purchases in San Nicolás.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelicans and frigatebirds hunting the shore
- Aruban whiptail lizards and iguanas on rocky outcrops
History
Bushiribana Gold Mill is a remnant of Aruba’s 19th-century gold rush; Ayo Rocks contain petroglyphs from the island’s indigenous Caquetío people.
Conservation
Aruba’s reefs and mangroves are fragile; use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on corals, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Oranjestad
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the coral ecosystems during beach and snorkeling-adjacent stops.
summer specific
Sturdy sandals or trail shoes
Useful for sandy beaches and jagged rock at viewpoints and ruins.
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Keeps you comfortable during exposed drives and short walks in the sun.
summer specific
Compact camera or smartphone with waterproof case
For capturing murals at San Nicolás and seascapes at Baby Beach without risking your gear.