Finding activities that are not exclusively catered to tourist may sound like a challenge, since Aruba is tourism oriented.
The island has plenty of activities for visitors, but if you know where to look, you’ll find non touristy things to do in Aruba.
If you’re looking for suggestions on local things to do in Aruba, you’re in the right place!
5 Non Touristy Things To Do in Aruba
Here’s a list of activities you can do that most visitors miss out on.
This list has suggestions that are season sensitive, depending when you visit Aruba, you can join the fun.
- Camp Like a Local
Camping is one of the most popular activities for locals during Easter holiday.
Similar to spring break in the US, camping season in Aruba is the time when locals enjoy a break from work, school, daily stress and just relax on the beach.
Tents and gazebos on the beach, families and friends get together and spend quality time together.
Domino is the game to play during camping.
Camping is an old tradition. A part of the Catholic religion in Aruba celebrated during Lent.
It started before tourism in Aruba became a trend.
The season starts one week before Easter, and continues one week after the holiday.
Camping is regulated by the Aruba government and monitored by the police. If you want to camp outside of Easter holiday, you have to ask for a permit at the local police station.
During camping season, you can pass by the camp sites, get to know and chat with the locals.
Camping is not for everyone, but if you enjoy the outdoors and sleeping under the stars, this might be for you.
Related Article – 15 Beach Item You Should Have on The Beach in Aruba
- Befriend a Local in Aruba
Want to get away from the tourist zone in Aruba and get a touch of the local feel?
One of the best things to do in this situation is to befriend a local.
The locals make this island so special.
Our Aruban hospitality is warm, friendly and happy.
When you get to know a local, chances are big that they will show you how they live, meet their families, eat a home cooked meal and show you around the island.
Many visitors have the best vacation experience in Aruba when they spend time with locals.
If you spend time in Aruba without befriending locals, you’re missing out on long lasting relationships every time you come back to the island.
Related Article – 21 Unique Activities in Aruba Most Visitors Usually Miss Out On
- Join a Carnival Parade
Carnival is celebrated all over the world, but in Aruba it’s one of a kind!
As the first week of January kicks in, the carnival season starts with a torch parade with several other day & night parades until March.
The tradition started way back in the 1950’s, and has carried on until this day.
2019 was the 65th edition of the Aruba’s carnival.
During carnival season, you see thousands of participants in beautiful decorated costumes and gigantic floats. They move to the rhythm and beats of calypsos and road marches composed by local bands.
I was part of Carnival 65 with TOB Group.
Besides parades during carnival, there’s also music competitions, queen elections and festivals.
Carnival in Aruba attracts thousands of visitors.
Tourist are known to watch the carnival parades, but how about switching it up and actually participating in the parades, between the locals?
It’s more fun if you’re in the parade compared to watching it from the sidelines….
- Hike Trails in Arikok
You might not have hiking on your to do list when in Aruba, but that is exactly the point – non tourist activities!
Why not hike to only national park (Arikok) in Aruba?
Arikok is a natural reserve that covers nearly 20% of Aruba. With such a large undiscovered terrain, you’ll probably have the entire park to yourself.
Hiking the trails of Arikok is an activity that will separate you from all the other visitors on the island.
It’s the place to go to if you want to find out what’s hidden at the countryside and connect with nature.
There’s over 29 rugged miles of rocky trails available for hiking at Arikok.
Hiking tours under guidance of a park ranger are highly recommended. But if you’re brave enough to take on the jagged and rocky terrain, you’re in for a surprise.
There’s several beautiful sites, natural wonders, and beaches to explore inside Arikok.
Beautiful landscape in Arikok.
As a local, I enjoy hiking at Arikok and connecting with nature every time I get the chance.
Related Article – Follow my recent hiking journey inside Arikok and I Discover Aruba’s Country Side.
Take your mind of the commercial attractions on the island and hike the sands. You’ll be rewarded by amazing views and will discover new things along your hiking trail.
- Cheer for Local Sport Clubs
If you’re looking for out of the ordinary activities in Aruba consider cheering for a local sporting club and watch a game!
The most popular sports in Aruba are soccer and baseball.
Drive around the island and you’ll find several fields where you can watch a game.
One of the most popular fields to watch baseball is “Veld di Winston”, which is located on the main road through the district of Santa Cruz.
Don’t worry about getting weird looks when showing up at the field, because locals appreciate visitors who are interested and support sport in Aruba.
Want to know when baseball games are on in Aruba?
Search on Facebook for a page called “Baseball Aruba” and get to know where and when.
Don’t be surprised if you see an agent scouting local talents to sign to international teams. Because the island has talented players who can make it in the big leagues.
Here’s a list of recent Aruban players who made it to the major league baseball in the US :
- Eugene Kingsale
- Calvin Maduro
- Sidney Ponson
- Radhames Dykhoff
- Xander Bogaerts
Watch a local game, maybe you will witness a young aspiring player that will be playing in the future for the mayor leagues.
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